Irish Wake Museum

About the museum

The Irish Wake Museum opened in June 2023 in the heart of Waterford’s Viking Triangle and is presented as the first museum in Ireland devoted to wakes. It is run by Waterford Treasures and can only be visited on a guided tour of about 50 minutes.

The museum occupies a 15th-century almshouse on Cathedral Square, a building linked with life and death in the city over six centuries. Reports describe the almshouse as founded in 1478 by Dean John Collyn, a home where residents prayed for the souls of the dead in return for their keep. In keeping with that spirit, one euro from each ticket is donated to the Waterford Hospice Movement.

The tour follows death and funeral customs, beliefs and superstitions from early Christian times to the twentieth century across three floors, using objects from the collection. These include a processional cross from about 1450, a miniature coffin made to hold ashes in 1844 and an engraved silver plaque of 1704 that recalls the dangers of childbirth. The subject matter is frank and includes realistic depictions of the recently dead, so the museum advises that it is not suitable for children under eight.

Highlights

• Fully guided tour of about 50 minutes in a 15th-century almshouse
• Processional cross of about 1450 used at Catholic funerals
• Miniature coffin for ashes dated 1844
• Silver plaque of 1704 commemorating a young mother
• One euro from every ticket goes to the Waterford Hospice Movement

Permanent exhibition

• Rituals of Death, Celebration of Life – A guided tour through three floors of a medieval almshouse explores Irish wake customs, funeral practices and superstitions from early Christian times to the twentieth century.

Founded

2023

Operated by

Waterford Treasures

Admission & discounts

The ticket includes the guided tour. One euro of every ticket is donated to the Waterford Hospice Movement. The museum is not included in the Freedom of Waterford Pass.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The tour takes place over three floors that can only be reached by stairs, so it is not suitable for wheelchair users or visitors who use mobility aids. There are no toilets in this museum; visitors can use those in the Medieval Museum.

Kids & families

Only partly suitable for kidsRecommended for ages 8+

Not suitable for children under 8 because of the subject matter; children aged 8 and over pay a reduced ticket.

Getting there & parking

Coach set-down is on The Mall outside the Bishop’s Palace. The museums of the Viking Triangle are within about five minutes’ walk of each other.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available

No food or drink is allowed in the galleries. The Bishop’s Palace Café is a short walk away.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit