Medieval Museum

About the museum

The Medieval Museum stands on Cathedral Square in the Viking Triangle, the oldest part of Waterford. It is described as Ireland’s only purpose-built medieval museum and was designed around two surviving medieval chambers: the 13th-century Choristers’ Hall, which belonged to the old Deanery, and the 15th-century Mayor’s Wine Vault. Both are national monuments and had been hidden from the public for centuries before the museum was built.

The collection tells the story of the city through its civic treasures. The Great Charter Roll of 1373 shows the walled city with its three ships, which still appear on the city’s coat of arms. The cloth-of-gold vestments, made from Italian silk woven in Florence and embroidered in Bruges, are said to be the only set of medieval vestments to survive in northern Europe. The red velvet Cap of Maintenance, a gift from King Henry VIII to the city in 1536, is the only surviving item of clothing that belonged to the king, and it is shown with the ceremonial Bearing Sword.

The museum is one of the attractions of Waterford Treasures, which also runs the nearby Bishop’s Palace, Reginald’s Tower, the Irish Museum of Time and the Irish Silver Museum. Guided tours are available, and the main Waterford Treasures gift shop is in the building.

Highlights

• Great Charter Roll of 1373 with its view of the walled city
• Cloth-of-gold vestments, the only medieval set known to survive in northern Europe
• Cap of Maintenance given by Henry VIII in 1536, with the Bearing Sword
• 13th-century Choristers’ Hall and 15th-century Mayor’s Wine Vault

Permanent exhibitions

• Treasures of medieval Waterford – The Great Charter Roll of 1373, the cloth-of-gold vestments and the Cap of Maintenance given by Henry VIII tell the story of the medieval city.
• Choristers’ Hall and Mayor’s Wine Vault – Two medieval chambers preserved inside the modern building, a 13th-century hall and a 15th-century wine cellar, are part of the tour route.

Founded

2013

Operated by

Waterford Treasures

Admission & discounts

Group rates are available on request, and teachers or assistants accompanying school groups are free. The website advertises a discount for tickets booked online.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• 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

A lift serves the gallery floors, but the 15th-century Mayor’s Wine Vault can only be reached by stairs; the 13th-century Choristers’ Hall is fully accessible. Wheelchairs and mobile stools can be borrowed at reception on request. Toilets are on the lower floor. Text labels under the objects are in English, Irish, French and German.

Kids & families

Baby changing facilities are on the ground floor of the Bishop’s Palace. Pushchairs can be left at the entrance at the museum’s discretion because space is limited.

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
• Museum shop
• Coat check

The Bishop’s Palace Café is next door (ticket holders get 10% off). The larger Waterford Treasures gift shop is in this museum. Large bags and cases must be left at reception. No food or drink is allowed in the galleries.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Waterford Treasures offers corporate event facilities; enquiries go to the booking office.

Plan your visit