Norwegian Ambassador to Ireland, Else Berit Eikeland, was the Grand Marshall of today's parade in Waterford City, the theme of which was 'Our Viking Heritage.'
Ms. Eikeland said it was a "fantastic experience" as well as a great personal honour, and that seeing the Norwegian Flag's flying on Merchant's Quay was "magic."
Speaking on the connection between Norway and Ireland, the ambassador said there were lessons to be learned from the historic integration of the vikings into Irish Society.
"The viking heritage should be shared with everybody," she said, "my big slogan about the vikings is really 'peace and love.' The vikings integrated with the Irish. Waterford, Dublin, Cork and Limerick became important trading cities in the Norse economy."
"I think our history unites us."
