Waterford Treasures: Irish Wake Museum — Attraction in Waterford

Cool little museum that highlights how death has been honored and recognized throughout Irish history. Lots of history, especially around funeral and burial practices during times of catholic/protestant conflict.

We had 2 major thoughts after visiting: the actual history of the modern wake (gathering, visiting, singing, loud sometimes jovial celebration) isn't discussed. We visited the Irish Whiskey Museum in Dublin earlier in the week and it was there where we actually learned about the more modern wake tradition and how it developed.

the museum itself is in a building that served as an almshouse, these almshouses played a major role in the development of modern day hospice care. This is my own personal thought/insight, but as a nurse who works in end of life care, we appreciate the Irish so much for crafting and introducing the philosophy of hospice care as we know it to the modern world. It would be cool to see this acknowledged in some way in the museum, especially since one euro from each ticket is donated to hospice care.

All in all, would recommend - however would love to see some time dedicated to explaining how the wake tradition...

A missed opportunity.

As a foreigner I wished to learn more about the history of Irish wake and customs surrounding it. While the delivery was spirited, it was sadly focused on the history of the building and people connected to it. While interesting in its own right, history of wake, this was not. And this is actually sad, because I learned more about it in a few minutes of chatting to the guide at the end of the tour, than I learned in the whole tour preceding it.

This to me was a lost opportunity to tackle so many questions about a death, about changing customs, about growing alienation from this event which is an inseparable part of our lives. A lost opportunity, because the knowledge is there, but locked in the minds of guides. A lost opportunity, because of the place being obviously restored with tact and compassion to its past occupants from its time as an almshouse.

3 stars, because the tour was good, but it did not engage with what I hoped for when I saw the name of the museum. The Irish wake and...

I recently visited the Irish Wake Museum, and it was absolutely brilliant! As a local of the South East, I loved learning more about our traditions, but it would be just as enjoyable for tourists to get a real insight into Irish culture.

Our guide Liam was amazing – so knowledgeable and full of energy. He shared the history and stories in such a captivating and dramatic way that it felt like stepping back in time.

The museum itself is in a stunning 15th-century Almshouse, and the whole experience is packed with fascinating traditions and superstitions about life, death, and wakes in Ireland. It’s so atmospheric, and every part of the tour kept us hooked.

At just €11 per ticket, it’s incredible value for money. Plus, they donate €1 from every ticket to the Waterford Hospice, which is such a thoughtful touch. If you love history or want to learn more about Irish culture, you absolutely have to visit. Honestly, it’s an...