Top Things to do in County Waterford
Top 5 Specialty Museums in County Waterford, Province of Munster
Discover the best top things to do in County Waterford, Ireland including King of the Vikings, Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum, Reginald's Tower, Waterford County Museum, Fairbrook House Gardens & Museum of Contemporary Figurative Art.
Restaurants in County Waterford
1. King of the Vikings
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 277 reviews
King of the Vikings - The World's First Viking Virtual Reality 3D Adventure, bringing you up close and personal with the Viking warlords who founded Waterford Ireland's oldest city! Housed in a replica Viking house within the atmospheric ruins of a medieval monastery in the heart of the Viking city. Next to Reginald's Tower where the Treasures of Viking Waterford and a fullsize Viking longship. Available in English, French and German. Cost of admission is only €5.00 for an Under 12 and only €10.00 for an adult. Currently CLOSED for annual maintenance, from 6th January till Fri.13th March 2020.
Reviewed By Seehanes
Visitors are strongly advised to book in advance for this virtual reality experience due to limited capacity - visits last thirty minutes and only ten people can be accommodated during each session. Within the Viking Triangle, so rich in history and museum experiences, this novel format brings that Viking history to life in an unforgettable manner that should be greatly enjoyed by people of all ages and interest levels - you cannot help but feel thoroughly engaged. With a son who suffers from travel sickness, this virtual reality experience posed no problem for him. Situated in a replica Viking house within the ruins of the Franciscan friary, the costumed staff skilfully aided visitors to use the apparatus effectively. In fact no skill was needed - the staff ensured that everybody's experience was optimised. Potential improvements, in my opinion, would include greater sensory engagement such as water spray (from the sea or discarded waste), blasts of heat when there are fires, or release of smells to coincide with cooking, other domestic situations, or proximity to livestock. Apart from the brief thrill (or horror?) of seeing rats at your feet, I think the fear / shock factor could have been considerably heightened. If there is concern for the welfare of younger children, then perhaps headsets could have two different settings (one milder experience, and one more dramatic one). Nevertheless this is unquestionably a worthwhile addition to Waterford's attractions.
2. Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,114 reviews
The magnificent curved facade of the warm butter-coloured stone building draws in the visitor. The eye-catching giant sculpture on the gable was inspired by a tiny 13th century belt mount found in Waterford. It is Ireland’s only purpose-built medieval museum and the only building on the island to incorporate two medieval chambers, the 13th century Choristers’ Hall and the 15th century Mayor’s Wine Vault. Don't miss the stunning Heavens' Embroidered Cloths, Waterford's cloth-of-gold 15th century vestments, the only piece of clothing from King Henry VIII's reign to survive in the world - the 'Cap of Maintenance' and the Great Charter Roll from 1373, containing the earliest contemporary portrait of a medieval English king (Edward III) shown to Queen Elizabeth on her 2011 state visit to Ireland. These and many more unique artefacts await you on your guided tour of the award wining Medieval Museum.
Reviewed By straea
When I arrived here around opening time yesterday, their early guided tours were fully booked with cruise ship passengers. Having read recent reviews here and some replies from staff, I thought coming back when they had space on a tour would be best. So I bought a combination ticket with Bishop's Palace, they called over there to confirm I'd be able to take a guided tour there in a few minutes, and I headed next door. I came back here for a guided tour about 90 minutes later. My tour guide, Liam, was fantastic — funny, interesting, and a great storyteller. The tour lasted about 40-45 minutes. I stayed on my own afterwards (as you are welcome to do) watching the introductory films (there is a 10-minute one on the second floor and a 15-minute one on the first floor) and viewing the objects we'd skipped on the highlights tour. As an historical researcher, I was personally especially fascinated by the unique Great Charter of Waterford and the medieval book of civic records of Waterford (both of which we viewed on the guided tour). While I was looking around on my own, a couple more guided tours cane through with different guides. Each guide seems to have their own style. Highly recommended for those interested in Irish history and/or medieval history.
3. Reginald's Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 637 reviews
Reviewed By WW_Traveller023 - Kirrawee, Australia
The town is a short walk away and we headed to 'Reginald's Tower', it is the last tower remaining from numerous incarnations of a fort that was here from the 10th Century. It is named after the Viking King 'Reginall or Reginald' who conquered this place and set up a Viking town in the late 900's. The tower is 3 storeys high and has sen a lot of history since then, including being used by 'Strongbow' (the leader of the Anglo-Norman invasion force) and visits by King John and King James II as well as serving time as a munitions store and prison. There are very interesting displays on all the floors.
4. Waterford County Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
A museum dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of County Waterford. Completely renovated in 2009, admission is free of charge. The museum is open Monday to Friday during the Winter and early Spring. It also opens on Saturday afternoons during the Summer and Autumn months. The museum is a non profit, registered charity, community run organisation that has won several national and international awards for it's work preserving the localities history.
Reviewed By Q7840EUdanl - Bunbury, Australia
This is a wonderful museum featuring the history of the County from early settlement to the 20th century. There is a wealth of exhibits, information panels, paintings, ships' fittings, photographs and more. Friendly staff and available to enthusiastically answer any query. The museum is located in the former Town Hall and FREE admission.
5. Fairbrook House Gardens & Museum of Contemporary Figurative Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Between ruins of the former mill(1700) situated at the river Dawn, an unusual paradise like garden has been laid out by well known Dutch artists Muller and Mastenbroek. Separately the water and woodland garden, historic millpond. In the out house a museum/gallery with unique figurative art. Guided tours only.
Reviewed By GeorgeC671 - Kilkenny, Ireland
A rather quaint garden which is divided into 'rooms' with plenty of plant and architectural interest throughout. Be sure to ring the outside bell for assistance and follow the well laid out copy of the directions through the garden in order to avail of the ultimate benefits. A stream flows nearby which was probably used by the original woollen mills of yesteryear. Each 'room' has something different to see and you will be amazed by the crumbling grandeur throughout. There are pools, a maze, what appeared a rill, wisteria arches, parterre, borders, etc. The small cafe has excellent home made preserves, scones, cakes, etc. Next I visited the museum which is really a testament to family art. Across the road you can wonder along well cut paths through a secret woodland and the same steam flows alongside (covered with dragon fly!). An annual concert is held in the garden (inside if wet). Well worth the 5 euro charge.
