Waterford Things To Do – Attractions & Must See

Waterford Things To Do

If you are planning a trip to Waterford, Ireland, you want to make the most of your trip. If you know the best places to visit before you leave, you can make sure to add everything to your itinerary so that you don’t miss out on any of the best experiences. Waterford is a city in Ireland. It is located in the southeast of Ireland and it is in the province of Munster. It is Ireland’s oldest city and is the 5^th most populated city. If you are planning a trip to Ireland, you should make some time to visit Waterford since there are so many things that you can do there.

Bishop’s Palace, Waterford

There is a trinity of Museums that make up Waterford Treasures Museums and Bishop’s Palace is the third one. There are re-enactors at the museum who speak French, German, and English. They will take you through the rooms that are furnished with Irish 18th-century furniture, glassware, silverware, and paintings. As you walk through the museum, you will hear stories and details about the things that you will see. Inside the museum is a lock of Napoleon’s hair along with the only surviving cross. It was commissioned by the emperor’s mother to mark his death. The highlight of the entire exhibition is Ireland’s oldest landscape painting. It was painted by William van der Hagen in 1739 and it of a view of Waterford.

Waterford Crystal Factory

After years of dispute surrounding Waterford Crystal, the new owners opened a manufacturing facility and a visitor center. When you visit Waterford Crystal you can take a guided tour to see how these amazing pieces of cut glass are made. Each year, over 750 tons of crystal are melted to create beautiful items. The area that is of the most interest in the glass blowing section. Ever since the new owners took over, Waterford Crystal has been one of Waterford’s top tourist attractions.

Reginald’s Tower

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Reginald’s Tower is the oldest urban structure in Ireland. It is said to have been used in defense against the Vikings. The walls are an astonishing 118 inches thick. Before it was the museum that it is today, it was a prison, a military store, and a mint. Today, it is home to a variety of archaeological and historical artifacts that help to trace Waterford’s Viking heritage.

Waterford Medieval Museum

Waterford Medieval Museum is Ireland’s only medieval museum that was purpose-built. The outside of the building is amazing with a curved facade and a butter-colored stone. There are two chambers in the museum, the 13th-century Choristers’ Hall, and the 15^th century Mayor’s Vine Vault. The museum holds the only remaining piece of clothing to survive worn by King Henry VIII. It also holds the earliest contemporary portrait of the medieval English king Edward III. When you visit the museum, you are taken on a guided tour by someone who has extensive knowledge of the museum and it contents.

The Tomb of James Rice

James Rice was the Mayor of Waterford and he took pilgrimages. Before his second one, he commissioned a chapel to be dedicated to St James and St Catherine who were connected to Christ Church Cathedral in Waterford. After his second pilgrimage, he lived the rest of his days in Waterford. When he passed away, the chapel was extended into the cathedral yard, where James was laid to rest. You can visit his tomb and learn all about his history on a guided tour.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about Waterford in Ireland.