Waterford Museum of Treasures, Waterford (must see)

The Waterford Museum of Treasures offers a rich, interactive experience for visitors, with a series of audio-visual presentations that enhance the exploration of its collections. The exhibits include rare and unique artifacts, such as the cap of maintenance awarded to the Mayor of Waterford by Henry VIII in 1536, a testament to the city's historical significance.

This museum complex comprises five distinct museums, each offering a unique glimpse into the city's rich history. Among these, the Viking Museum is housed in Reginald's Tower, the oldest civic building in Ireland, and showcases artifacts from Waterford's Viking heritage. Another highlight is the Bishop's Palace Museum, a 250-year-old Georgian building that presents artifacts from 17th-century Waterford to the present day.

The Medieval Museum stands out as the island's only purpose-built museum dedicated to the medieval era. Uniquely, it incorporates two historic chambers: the 13th-century Choristers’ Hall and the 15th-century Mayor’s Wine Vault.

As you begin your tour in the 13th-century Choristers' Hall, you are immediately transported back to a time of grandeur and historical significance. The hall, once an integral part of the medieval city's ecclesiastical and civic life, now serves as a showcase for some of Ireland's greatest medieval treasures. Among these are the Great Charter Roll, an artifact so significant that it was recently viewed by HM King Charles III and the Queen Consort.

Continuing the journey, the 15th-century Mayor's Wine Vault offers a glimpse into the storage practices of medieval times, where valuable wines and other goods were safeguarded. This vault is not only a fascinating architectural feature but also a treasure trove of medieval history. Here, visitors can marvel at the magnificent 15th-century cloth-of-gold church vestments, a testament to the artistic and cultural richness of the period.