Day 7 Cycling the 32 counties of Ireland - WATERFORD
🚴🏾♂️ The Black Paddy Hits Waterford: Vikings, Blaas & Crystal Swagger
Waterford, wha’?!
It’s your boy Fabu D, rolling into Ireland’s oldest city with legs like jelly and vibes like gold. I’m cycling the country to raise awareness for Jigsaw, the legends helping young people mind their mental health—and Waterford? You’ve got history, hospitality, and the softest bread roll known to mankind.
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🧠 Why We Ride: Jigsaw’s Mission
Before we dive into the craic, let’s talk purpose. Jigsaw is all about giving young people a space to talk, to be heard, and to get support when life gets heavy. Mental health matters—and this ride is my way of saying: you’re not alone, and help is always within reach.
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🛡️ Welcome to Waterford: Where Vikings Settled and Bread Got Famous
I cruised into Waterford with the River Suir glinting beside me and the scent of flour in the air. First thing I noticed? The city’s got serious swagger. From Reginald’s Tower to the cobbled streets of the Viking Triangle, it’s like stepping into a Netflix medieval drama—minus the dragons.
Founded in 914 AD by Vikings who clearly knew a good location when they saw it, Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city. And it wears that title like a crown.
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😂 Waterford Banter & Bizarre Facts
You know I love a good fact that makes you go “Whaaaat?” So here’s a few Waterford gems:
- The Irish name Port Láirge means “leg-shaped port.” I checked the map—it’s got a bit of a calf muscle going on.
- Waterford once traded wine with France like it was no big deal. Bordeaux to Ballybricken, baby.
- The River Suir is one of the fastest-flowing rivers in Europe. I dropped a crisp in it and it was halfway to New Ross before I blinked.
- The Irish flag? Designed by Waterford’s own Thomas Francis Meagher. Respect.
- The city has two cathedrals built by the same guy—John Roberts. One Catholic, one Protestant. That’s some serious architectural multitasking.
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🥖 The Waterford Blaa: A Floury Hug in Bread Form
Let’s talk about the Waterford Blaa. This isn’t just a bread roll—it’s a local legend. Soft, white, dusted with flour, and filled with whatever your belly desires. I had one stuffed with bacon and egg and nearly cried. It’s that good.
The Blaa is so iconic it got Protected Geographical Indication status. That means if it’s not made in Waterford, it’s just a roll pretending to be something it’s not.
Locals say if you don’t end up with flour on your chin, your jumper, and possibly your soul—it wasn’t a proper Blaa.
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🎨 Viking Triangle: Museums, Murals & Medieval Vibes
I wandered through the Viking Triangle, where every stone has a story. Popped into the Waterford Treasures Museums, admired the sparkle at the House of Waterford Crystal, and got lost in the maze of history.
I didn’t buy any crystal (I’m on a cyclist’s budget), but I did stare at a goblet like it owed me money.
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🗣️ Local Legends & Unexpected Wisdom
I didn’t ask for directions this time—I just stood at a crossroads looking confused until someone shouted, “You’re not from around here, are ya?” That kicked off a 20-minute chat about the best Blaa fillings, the worst weather Waterford’s ever seen, and a conspiracy theory involving a seagull and a stolen chip.
One lad told me, “If you’re lost in Waterford, just follow the smell of flour and the sound of someone giving out about the traffic.” Sound advice.
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🚴🏾♂️ Cycling the Southeast Soul
The roads here are pure magic. I hit the Waterford Greenway, a 46km trail that’s smoother than my dance moves. Passed through Tramore, where the sea air slaps you awake, and Dungarvan, where the views are so good they should be taxed.
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🧘🏾♂️ Mental Health Moments: Quiet Strength in Waterford
Waterford doesn’t shout—it hums. I sat by the quay, sipping a Guinness Zero, watching the river rush past like it had somewhere to be. That’s the kind of peace Jigsaw wants every young person to find.
If you’re struggling, know this: you’re not broken. You’re human. And there’s help.
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🛏️ Rest & Recharge: A Random B&B with Big Heart
I stayed in a lovely little B&B tucked away on a quiet street. No frills, just warmth. The kind of place where the kettle’s always on and the host knows your name before you say it. I asked for a towel and got a full weather forecast, a Blaa recipe, and a story about their cousin who once met Daniel O’Donnell in a petrol station.
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💚 Final Thoughts & Shout-Outs
Waterford, you’ve been unreal. From Viking towers to floury rolls, you’ve given me laughs, lessons, and a deeper appreciation for Ireland’s southeast soul.
To the folks who waved, honked, or shouted “Go on ya good thing!”—thank you. To the Blaa bakers—never change. And to Jigsaw—you’re the reason I keep pedaling.
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💚 Support the Cause
If you’d like to help Jigsaw continue their amazing work, here’s the link:
👉 https://www.idonate.ie/blackpaddytour
Until next time,
Stay strong, stay smiling, and mind your mental health.
— Fabu D, The Black Paddy
