Ireland's only purpose-built medieval museum, built around two genuine medieval chambers and home to the sole surviving set of medieval cloth-of-gold vestments in Northern Europe. It is the headline attraction of Waterford's Viking Triangle.
Your visit begins underground in the 13th-century Choristers' Hall and the 15th-century Mayor's Wine Vault — the only place on the island of Ireland to incorporate two original medieval chambers into a museum. Note that the Wine Vault is reached by stairs only.
The Heavens' Embroidered Cloths are the only set of medieval vestments to survive in Northern Europe, made from Italian silk woven in Florence and embroidered in Bruges.
King Henry VIII's Cap of Maintenance, gifted to Waterford in 1536, is displayed with its ceremonial Bearing Sword — the only surviving piece of the king's clothing. Look for the Tudor Rose embroidered at its crown.
This 1373 roll shows the walled city of Waterford with three ships on the river, a detail still on the city's coat of arms. It was viewed by King Charles III and the Queen Consort.
Guided tours of the Medieval Museum are included with your ticket, subject to availability, and run throughout the day — ask at reception on arrival.
The Freedom of Waterford Pass covers the Medieval Museum plus the Bishop's Palace, Irish Museum of Time, Irish Silver Museum, the Epic walking tour and Christ Church Cathedral — a compact cluster all within five minutes' walk.
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