DON’T PANIC IF you are in the southeast today and see some Viking longships heading with intent towards the shore.

Three specially-styled boats (although they won’t actually be in the water) will be part of a recreation of the invasion of Waterford this evening as part of this year’s celebration of the founding of the city 1,100 years ago.

The Viking warrior leader Ragnall arrived with a huge fleet in 914 and tonight’s performance – called Vdrarfjodr! (say it out loud… get it?) – by Spraoi will have fireworks, recreations, music, narration and church bells topping it all off.

Waterford Treasures Director, Eamonn McEneaney, said that tonight’s event was designed to “bring home to everyone the dramatic founding of our city by Vikings in 914 and Waterford’s unique identity of being the only city in Ireland to retain its Norse name – Vadrarfjodr – which eventually became Waterford”.

There is more on the plans to mark Waterford 1100 on the official city council site here.

It begins at 7pm and will last for 30 minutes. If you want to see it, you’re advised to get down to Parade Quay, between the crane and William Vincent Wallace Plaza.

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