Medieval Museum Experience: Explore Waterford's Historical Treasures without Waiting in Line
4.7
71 Ratings
Waterford
Step back in time and explore Waterford's historical treasures at the award-winning Medieval Museum. Discover lost artifacts, royal relics, and hidden secrets without waiting in line.
Duration:
45 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum - The Medieval Museum houses the 13th century Choristers Hall and the 15th century Mayor’s Wine Vault, in the heart of Waterford’s Viking Triangle and is the only museum of its kind in Ireland and Europe that is built over two national monuments. This striking new building reveals the story of Waterford through the middle Ages and visitors are wowed as they go underneath the new building into centuries old vaults.
On display are the magnificent Cloth of Gold vestments the only complete pre-reformation set to survive in Europe. It’s the only complete set of medieval High Mass Vestments to survive in Northern Europe, which were lost for hundreds of years after they were hidden from Cromwell’s army in the floor of the then Christ Church Cathedral, the only piece of clothing to survive from King Henry VIII’s reign, the ‘Cap of Maintenance’, as well as the Great Charter Roll which was viewed by Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to Ireland.
Take the tour with our costumed re-enactor, or use our multimedia handheld guide in English, French or German or just wander at your lesiure throughout the museum.
What's Included
- Professional guide
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
Additional Information
The acclaimed Medieval Museum, the sole museum in Europe erected above two national landmarks - the Choristers’ Hall from the 13th century and the 15th century Mayor’s Wine Vault. Tours are available, led by re-enactors or through audio guides, free of extra charges. Make sure not to overlook the exquisite Cloth of Gold vestments, concealed from Cromwell’s army and lost for over 12 decades, the Great Charter Roll, seen by Queen Elizabeth II during her Irish visit, and the ‘Cap of Maintenance’, the only clothing item surviving King Henry VIII’s reign.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- A maximum of 35 people per booking
Location
Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum
Cathedral Square, Viking Triangle
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(71 Ratings)
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Mickkearns
Feb 23, 2024
Great visit to the museum and walk around the city. - We got a guided tour around the museum the guide was very knowledgeable and friendly got the tour involved I really enjoyed it we also went on the walking tour with the same guide it was a great stroll around the city it took about 45mins. The man in the reception was also great very nice and helpful and went out of his way to help us. I would definitely recommend thanks.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Susannahenley85
Jan 29, 2024
A Visit to the Medieval Museum is a must when staying in Waterford - We visited the medieval museum while we were in Waterford for the weekend. The museum was fantastic, there was so much to see and so much we didn’t know about Waterford. From the underground cellars, to the City walls to Vikings and Kings, From Wine importation to flint formation and ancient tapestry, cloaks and clothing. It was a fantastic day, that we will remember. Thanks
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Cannyange1
Dec 11, 2023
So much to see, we need to go back! - We were given a tour of the Medieval Museum by the curator Donnchadh, whose knowledge knew no bounds. The highlight for me was the 15th Century wine vault which can be hired for private events but equally impressive was the very end of the tour where we got to see the Heavens' Embroidered Cloths, Waterford's cloth-of-gold 15th-century vestments - hard to believe the level of detail. I loved all the old paintings of Waterford and trying to imagine what life was like in those early settlement days. We also did the Wake Museum which my parents adored reminiscing on times gone by, the Bishop's Palace (where we had gorgeous scones) and the King of the Vikings tour entering a replica 13th century Viking house which was fascinating. Finally we did a walking tour of the Viking Triangle with the excellent Liam on possibly the coldest day of 2023 but his enthusiasm and insight into the history of Waterford kept us all engaged. There is so much to see in this visitor experience that once is simply not enough to visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rogerlt495ul
Aug 15, 2023
A Medieval Must - The museum has a fascinating collection of medieval relics and artifacts. Everyone there was extremely friendly and welcoming. The tour Jack took us on was extremely educational and was worth more than the price of admission!
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K9351uckarenp
Jun 29, 2023
Fantastic Museum - This is such a wonderful museum! We were quite impressed with the information and presentation. We are so glad we went and would definitely bring our children back to visit.
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872remat
Jun 26, 2023
Very interesting worth the visit - I bought a skip the line ticket from Trip Advisor. I’m so glad I did. I was late getting to the Museum and they were closing in 45 minutes but the staff were so kind to let me go through the Medieval Museum (this was the only one I wanted to see). It was so worth it! So much information and ancient artifacts perfectly displayed. Thoroughly enjoyed the visit and managed to get through it all in an hour! Highly recommend this museum whether you have an hour or 3 hours to spare!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fobl11
Aug 17, 2023
An interesting museum but not suitable for young kids - Me, my wife and our two kids (6 and 4) visited the museum whilst in Waterford.
We knew it would be a bit difficult with the kids, but the fella behind the counter said that there were animations for the kids to watch and that they would enjoy it.
Unfortunately the animations weren't really what kids would enjoy, as great as they were. Plus the heads on spikes probably isn't ideal for young kids to see, but thankfully ours didn't really register what it was.
The museum is really interesting and I would love to do it without the kids one time. The only thing I would say is that it doesn't flow very well.
You go down some fantastic spiral stairs that are hundreds of years old and end up in an underground area that looks amazing but has no information. We were advised to then get the lift to the top floor and basically work our way back down, but it's not really clear which direction we should walk to follow the timeline. Not the end of the world really but could be better.
I'll definitely return in the future to do it properly.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
X2792gjjf
May 26, 2023
Worth a visit - Absolutely worth a visit. Many things to see and learn, alltough a bit to text-heavy at some points. Still a clear recommandation
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Aseenath
May 22, 2023
History well-preserved - This was a lovely medieval museum with some very well-preserved artefacts, paintings, and garments. We were lucky to have a free guided tour, which was quite informative. However, our tour guide was a bit excessive, going off on a tangent in far too many instances. The 15th-century wine vault was impressive to see!
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Junecu33pc
Jun 18, 2023
Waterford could have been lovely - Again we tendered (We heard of someone in a wheelchair who couldn't get off the ship!). Did not drop us at Waterford. You could get a bus to Waterford for 35 Euros. Didnt get off as the sea was choppy and felt sea sick on the tender boats
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