Reginald's Tower has stood in continuous use for over 800 years at the apex of Waterford's Viking Triangle, and now holds the city's Viking Treasures collection. It is Ireland's oldest civic building and the only fully intact tower of the 23 that once defended the medieval city.
Follow the original 13th-century 'stumble stairs' up through the tower. The right-hand spiral and uneven step heights were designed to stop a right-handed attacker swinging a sword on the way up — a defence that worked until the 17th century. Hold the handrail and wear sturdy footwear.
Two floors house the Viking branch of the Waterford Museum of Treasures: a kite brooch, gaming pieces, a dog collar and silver coins actually minted inside the tower when it served as a royal mint under King John.
A cannonball from Cromwell's 1649 siege is embedded in the outer wall, and the climb passes the remains of a 19th-century prison cell and the sword of the Chief Constable whose family were the tower's last residents.
The tower sits at the heart of Waterford's historic quarter: the Greyfriars/French Church ruins are 100 m away, with the Medieval Museum, Bishop's Palace and House of Waterford Crystal all a few minutes' walk.
A short AV presentation tells the tower's story, and guided tours run from reception. Ask at the desk for a map of the medieval gates and towers of the old city.
The upper windows give sweeping views over the Quay and the River Suir waterfront.
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