Waterford Museum of Treasures

"Enjoy over 1,000 years of history in 1,000 paces" - that is the shtick for the fairly new Waterford Museum of Treasures, actually three museums which form a triangle with parts of the old city between them. Maybe one of the most exiting redevelopments that hit Waterford City in recent years, And a cultural highlight.

Reginald's Tower - Treasures of Viking Waterford

The maybe best place to start your journey into the past and through the Waterford Museum of Treasures is on Parade Quay, at Reginald's Tower.


The stout, yet not unattractive, fortification has protected the city for hundreds of years, these days it is a museum of Viking times.

After all, Waterford was actually founded by the Vikings - far from being the usual rapists and pillagers of popular imagination, they established a flourishing settlement here, with a safe harbour and busy trade connections. Just how established and rich they became is detailed by many exhibits and audiovisual displays. The contrasting elements of Viking culture are encapsulated by two prize exhibits - a sword from the 9th century and an ornate brooch from the 12th century.

Have a last look at the harbour, imagine Viking longboats bobbing an the water, then head on to the ...

Medieval Museum - Treasures of Medieval Waterford

This stunning, modern building now houses the second part of the Waterford Museum of Treasures, picking up when the Anglo-Normans replaced the Vikings - part of the structure are the Chorister's Hall and the late medieval wine cellars, so be prepared for some architectural surprises on your way through the exhibition.

The audiovisual presentations give you the necessary background to appreciate the exhibits, then take your time to have a good look around. Civic pride of place goes to the Great Charter Roll of Waterford, dated 1373. They certainly knew how to make official documents visually appealing during those days. And talking about visual impact - the cloth-of-gold vestments on display certainly exuded pride and wealth.

Next stop on the journey through the ages is the ...

Bishop's Palace - Treasures of Georgian Waterford

Now it is the burghers' time - church leaders and military commanders soon played second fiddle to the rich merchant classes, even though this grand building was originally commissioned by the bishop. Built in 1743, it is a stunning example of Georgian elegance, with its austere, almost mathematical outlines and fine details.

Here you can take a tour with a gossipy housekeeper (today's hanging really got her excited, I tell you), but you might also wander the exhibition at your own pace. You will see the first piece of Waterford Crystal (or so the claim goes at least), a mourning cross commissioned by the mother of Emperor Napoleon I and similar quite quirky artefacts.

Then it is on to modern Waterford, on the first floor, where the history of the city from the late Victorian era to the Swinging Sixties (in Ireland more the "Showband Sixties") is told. Daily life just a few decades ago ... sometimes it feels strange to see the photos and memorabilia.

Waterford Museum of Treasures - Worth the Walk?

Definitely ... the exhibitions are not too overpowering and can be taken in in an afternoon, yet they are not too parochial, everyone should find something interesting here. And as you will be basically traipsing through the city centre of Waterford, you can find all sorts of refreshments and modern distractions on the way too. Including the House of Waterford Crystal, where a factory tour awaits.

In its celebration of civic pride, the Waterford Museum of Treasures is very reminiscent of the Dublin City Hall (another Viking settlement, nonetheless, so you might like to see the Viking World at Dublinia too), though both lack the sheer impact of Belfast City Hall - but those are visits for another day.