Waterford Treasures: Medieval Museum — Attraction in Waterford

I came away from my visit feeling very upset. The museum presents a very sanitised version of the history of Waterford (subsequently Ireland). It presents the conflict of the Medieval period as a religious war between Catholics and Protestants and no where did it once mention the colonisation of Ireland and of Irish people. It is like it's presenting the 'official' British version of events, as some tribal conflict which leaves the British and English state off the hook. It does talk about Cromwell but no details of the horrific abuses he inflicted on Irish people. The mention the pogroms against Protestants (settlers) in the north but not one mention of the Penal Laws or the horrendous persecution Irish people lived under in their own homeland. I know the museum focus is on the Medieval period but you would be forgiven for mistakenly thinking that Ireland didn't exist pre the Anglo-Normans arriving. No mention of the fact that Ireland was a complex, organised society already. At one point one of the video displays even used the term 'British Isles' to include Ireland. This is a gross, offensive, colonial term that has no place in the 21st century let alone inside an Irish museum! The Irish government does not recognise the term and even the British government does not officially use it to include Ireland. There seems to be some desire to appear neutral when talking about the history but in doing so it actually does an injustice to Ireland and Irish people. An upsetting experience and one not for locals but for British tourists or for people who don't feel any attachment to the history...

Waterford Treasures: Medieval Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in Ireland’s rich medieval past. Located in the heart of Waterford, this museum offers an immersive experience with well-preserved artifacts, engaging exhibits, and knowledgeable staff who bring history to life.

One of the highlights is the stunning 15th-century Cloth of Gold vestments, the only complete set of medieval high-mass vestments to survive in Northern Europe. The museum also houses the impressive Great Charter Roll of Waterford, an invaluable historical document showcasing the city's medieval connections with English royalty.

The guided tours are highly recommended, as the passionate guides provide deep insights and fascinating stories that enhance the experience. The architecture itself is remarkable, with parts of the museum built over original medieval structures, including a 13th-century wine vault.

Overall, the Medieval Museum is a treasure trove of history, offering an educational and engaging visit for history enthusiasts, families, and tourists alike. A visit here provides a true sense of Waterford’s medieval heritage and its significance in Ireland’s past. Highly...

The Medieval Museum, as the name suggests, is focused on the medieval period in Waterford. It incorporates two very old Medieval rooms - a 13th century Choristers' Hall, where presumably the choir practiced and preformed, and the Mayor’s Wine Vault from the 15th century. The tour starts in the Medieval chambers in the basement level with Choristers’ Hall dating from 1270.

On the second floor, the Tour of Devotion hosts a collection of religious artifacts and statues. There's a model of what Waterford looked like in 1480, which makes it very easy to see the Viking Triangle laid out.

I found the Vestments Room the least interesting. Depends on what you like.

A guided tour is available which takes about 45 minutes, or you can roam the museum on your own. If you don't have enough time to view everything, they allow you to come back another day at no...