What to see in Waterford City? Museums

Museums: There are three museums in the city that are located on the Viking site and form a well known Waterford Viking Triangle.

1.                Reginald’s Tower. It is the oldest civic building in Ireland. The tower was originally built by the Viking out of wood; however Anglo-Normans rebuild the tower out of the stone. The Reginald’s Tower gets its name form Irish-Viking ruler of the city, Ragnall MacGillemaire. The tower was used as a mint, prison and military store. It hosts collection of Viking and Historic artefacts such as Kite Brooch 1090 c finest example of 12^th century metal work in Ireland, made of gold, silver and glass. The Reginald’s Tower is open 7 days per week between 9:30 am and 5:30 pm.

2.                Waterford Medieval Museum. It is new, purpose built museum which was opened in 2012 and hosts Waterford’s remarkable collection of medieval artefacts, such as the medieval Gold Waterford Vestments which were found during the demolition of the old Cathedral in 1773. The Medieval Museum is open 9 am to 6pm Monday-Saturday and 11am-5pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

3.                Bishop’s Palace. The fine example of Georgian building records Waterford’s history from 1700 to 1970. The building was desined in 1741 by the Anglo-German architect Richard Cassels and John Roberts who completed the work. The Palace hosts the only remaining of 12 gold mouring crosses commissioned by Napoleon’s mother on his death in 1821 and Penrose Decanter (1780’s) the oldest surviving piece of Waterford Crystal in the world. The Bishop’s Place worth a visit especially when real life characters bring to life Waterford’s history in the imaginative tours. The Bishop’s Palace is open 7 days per week 9am-6pm Monday to Saturday and 11am-5pm Sundays and Bank Holidays.