Waterford is the oldest city in Ireland and the birthplace of Waterford Crystal. The city was once a Viking trading post, and it still bears a few landmarks from this era including the renowned Reginald's Tower. In the time since then, beautiful feats of architecture such as the Bishop's Palace and Christ Church Cathedral have endowed Waterford with a fine cityscape; especially down towards Waterford Quay which comes alive in the evening. County Waterford is an enticing mix of rugged Irish bays and sprawling green countryside, so car hire in Waterford is recommended.