Reginald's Tower

About the museum

Reginald's Tower stands at the end of the quays in Waterford and has been in continuous use for more than 800 years, making it Ireland's oldest civic building. It is named after the Viking who is said to have founded Waterford in 914, and the first fort on the site was built by the Vikings in wood. The stone tower that we see today was built by the Anglo-Normans in the twelfth century as the strongest point of the medieval town walls, and the top two floors were added in the fifteenth century.

Until about 1700 the tower remained the strongpoint of the defensive walls. Later it served as a mint under King John and had many other uses under English monarchs, including as a store for weapons, gunpowder and cannon. In the nineteenth century part of it was used as a prison, and the family of the Chief Constable were the last residents.

Today the tower is managed by the Office of Public Works. A spiral staircase leads past the remains of a nineteenth-century prison cell, Viking-age artefacts and the Chief Constable's sword. Two floors hold an exhibition on Waterford's Viking heritage, which forms one branch of the Waterford Museum of Treasures, and an audio-visual presentation is shown.

Highlights

• Ireland's oldest civic building, over 800 years in use
• Exhibition on Viking Waterford on two floors
• Remains of a nineteenth-century prison cell
• Spiral staircase and views over the quays
• Audio-visual presentation and guided tours

Permanent exhibition

• Viking Waterford – Two floors with an exhibition on the Viking heritage of Waterford, including artefacts, the remains of a nineteenth-century prison cell and the sword of the last Chief Constable to live in the tower.

Founded

1300

Operated by

Office of Public Works

Admission & discounts

OPW Heritage Card holders have unlimited access to OPW sites, as stated on heritageireland.ie. Tickets can be booked online through Heritage Ireland.

Accessibility

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

The exhibition floors are reached by a spiral staircase with a hand rail, and appropriate footwear is advised. Only assistance dogs are allowed. There are no toilets in the tower.

Kids & families

A family ticket is offered.

Getting there & parking

Located in the centre of Waterford, at the end of the quays.

Amenities & dining

No toilet facilities in the tower; card payments accepted.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit