Waterford Museum of Treasures Collection

Waterford is Ireland's oldest city, founded by Viking raiders in 914 A.D. It has played a pivotal role in the economic, political and cultural life of the country and its motto Urbs Intacta (the untaken city) bears witness to the many power struggles and conflicts in which it has been involved through the centuries. The city centre was extensively excavated between 1986 and 1992 and the range, quantity and quality of what was found from Waterford's Viking and Medieval past, surpassed all expectations.

Waterford Museum of Treasures, housed in a 6-storey 19th century Granary, brings together for the first time the excavated objects and the historic municipal collection and displays them in optimum conditions. The exhibition celebrates the ethnic, cultural and religious diversity of all who contributed to the making of Waterford. The objects, strung along the narrative chain like the beads of the medieval paternoster (prayer beads), tell the 1,000 year history of the city.

  • High-tech with 7 audiovisual presentations and 3 interactive pods
  • Soundguide in 6 languages, separate soundguide for children
  •  Restaurant, Tourist Office, exhibition gallery, Design at the Granary giftshop, heatre, craftworkers all on site
  • Starting point to explore Waterford
  • Open 7 days a week, 362 days a year, extended summer opening hours
  • Personalised tours, children's activities, Friends of Waterford Treasures scheme.

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