It is probably true that there is more history of North American interest in the four counties of Waterford,

Wexford, Tipperary and Kilkenny that make up what is known as Ireland's "Sunny South East" than any other part of Ireland.

Among collectors of precious things Waterford is one of those names that has a special ring about it. This town of 40,000 souls is rightly renowned for its classic Waterford Crystal glass, each piece an individual masterwork. Visitors can witness and observe every stage of its production from being blown in its molten form, glowing red and gold, to the cutting, polishing and engraving. The factory is on the edge of the town and an additional attraction there is the magnificent gallery in the visitor centre where hundreds of pieces of the celebrated crystal are on permanent display.

It is not a long way to Tipperary from here and even shorter from there to Cashel of the Kings, the major national monument, and one of the most compelling visual experiences of Ireland, built in the 13th century. Kilkenny to the north was the medieval capital of Ireland and is one of its most inviting cities with magnificently restored castle and craft shops, hospitable pubs and restaurants. Jerpoint Abbey (1158) is one of the finest monastic ruins in Ireland. Returning to Waterford, take the ferry from Passage East across the River Barrow to Ballyhack.

From there it is but a few miles road to the hamlet of Dunganstown and the humble cottage from where the Kennedy clan set out on there momentous climb to Camelot and tragedy. The nearby John F. Kennedy Memorial Park is a splendid living tribute to one of Ireland's most famous sons. The ship carrying the future President's great grandfather away from Ireland would have passed close to Hook Head from which comes the saying "By Hook or by Crook". Lismore Castle, 35 miles west of Waterford, is the Irish seat of the Duke of Devonshire and may be hired out, including staff.