Things to do in Waterford

Top Things to Do in Waterford

Things to Do in Waterford


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Top Attractions in Waterford

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
History Museums
The Irish Museum of Time Ireland’s National Horological Museum. The Irish Museum of Time is located on Greyfriars Street in the heart of Waterford’s Viking Triangle. This refurbished gothic-style church is a fitting home for what is beyond doubt the finest collection of Irish timepieces in the world. Ireland’s National Horological Museum features the oldest Irish-made grandfather clocks, table clocks and watches in the world and celebrates the incredible skills of the virtuoso craftsmen who, since the seventeenth century, created timepieces of remarkable beauty and technological genius. The collection is not limited to Ireland, also on display are early European timepieces, some dating back to the mid-sixteenth century along with a display of clocks and watches from Switzerland, England, Germany, France, Italy, Austria, the Netherlands, Russia and as far away as Japan and Australia. A highlight of the collection is the London made William Clement clock from 1663, the earliest example in the world of his innovative mechanism which transformed accurate timepiece-making for subsequent generations. Working turret clocks from the 1590s and 1760s help both children and adults to explore the complex mechanisms, and a special section of the exhibition called ‘How it works’ is bound to engage young minds and foster a burgeoning interest in science. Time is the most commonly used noun in the English language and for thousands of years, humans have been obsessed with the passage and recording of time. Time is one of the most elusive of all phenomena, it regulates our everyday lives, it makes revered heroes out of Olympic athletes and yet, for those serving time, it is a heavy burden. The accurate measurement of time made was possible by the industrial and technological revolutions and while it was vital for regulating daily life, in the case of sailors out at sea, accurate time was the difference between life and death. The story of how Ireland made the leap from sundials to enormous turret clocks and finally achieved the most accurate clocks and watches is told in this spectacular new museum. Visit the museum today (https://www.waterfordtreasures.com/shop/the-irish-museum-of-time) and learn about not just the story, but also the science of time. The museum was made possible thanks to the remarkable generosity of David Boles, Colman Curran and Elizabeth Clooney whose lifelong collections were gifted to the museum.
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What travellers are saying

  • Noghnosh100
    Dublin, Ireland485 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Its a three floors museum, well organized specifically the mayor’s room.Interesting that all names from decades.
    Land of underground floor still on original status.
    Written 29 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Bernard2010
    Newry, UK17 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    You can hire a bicycle right in the city centre 200 metres from Granville hotel where we stayed €25 for the day. Then it's just another 300 metres along the quayside to the start of the greenway which extends all the way to Dungarven approx 60 kilometres.
    The greenway was constricted along the old railway line from Dungarven to Waterford
    We rode from Waterford towards Dungarven for approx 15 kilometres and back, there is a cafe and facilities at around 10 kilometres. This is an excellent amenity for both walking and cycling
    Written 10 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Póg mo thóin
    Dromahair, Ireland211 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very interesting and great value at only 5 Euro - definitely worth a visit whilst in Waterford and an hour is all that you will need. Mind your head going up those stairs!
    Written 13 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tammy O
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The visual presentation was worth the visit. We bought the freedom pass which allows you to visit 5 museums. Unfortunately the vikings one was closed so we went to the four only. But the medieval and the Bishops Palace were our favourites! There's a lot of knowledge in both museums. All four were great but those two were definitely worth the visit. You'll may have to wait for the visual presentation in Bishops Palace but I hightly recommend seeing it.
    Written 18 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • juzferme
    Southern Queensland, Australia56 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What a fantastic experience! Not only was our guide personable, witty and genuine, but the whole experience was brilliant. Highly recommend
    Written 18 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Catherine F
    Abbeyleix, Ireland6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fabulous views and great family day out.
    Looking forward to going back in a few weeks time. Very special place.
    Written 5 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Noghnosh100
    Dublin, Ireland485 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice area was close to our hotel, its a walking distance visit (45 minutes). Nice to walking around during a visit to the city
    Written 29 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Redsionnach
    Cork, Ireland881 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a most beautiful and serene church and is a welcome space in the middle of the noise and bustle of the city. There are many shrines around the inside of the church and it is wonderfully maintained.
    Written 29 May 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • m4ttieh
    London, United Kingdom341 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Its not a walk for the novice but most people with a reasonable level of fitness and decent shoes should take the time to plan this great little hike.
    Check the weather and do not attempt if the cloud is coming in and pack wind gear as it will blow a hoolie at the top
    Written 9 June 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Maire G
    Dublin, Ireland5 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very interesting and very well displayed . Unbelievable collection of clocks and watches and their histories. Well worth a visit
    Written 6 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LauraDaveJames
    Solihull, UK4,246 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This cathedral is relatively modern, it was built in the 18th century. It has a light open feeling. The oldest thing in the cathedral is a 15th century sarcophagus tomb of James Rice.
    Written 19 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Setlh
    Waterford, Ireland163 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Attended few classes in this theatre. I was impressed. It’s a must visit when one is in Waterford. The staff is very helpful
    Written 28 August 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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