Reginald’s Tower, located in Waterford City’s historic Viking Triangle, is Ireland’s oldest civic building and the only urban monument in Ireland to retain a Norse or Viking name. Built by the Anglo-Normans in the 13th century on the site of an earlier Viking fortification, it stands as a key landmark of Waterford’s Viking heritage. As part of the Waterford Treasures Museums, it houses the Viking Museum, showcasing the city’s 1,100-year history.
Reginald’s Tower is a circular, four-story defensive tower, standing 16.5 meters (54 feet) high with walls 3–4 meters thick at the base, constructed with mortar made from fur, blood, lime, and sea mud—a first in Ireland. Its spiral staircase, built within the thick walls, leads to multiple levels, including lookouts offering views of the River Suir and the Viking Triangle. The tower’s strategic location at the apex of the Viking Triangle, between the River Suir and the now-drained Saint John’s River, made it a cornerstone of Waterford’s medieval defenses.
- Historical Roles: Over its 800+ years of continuous use, the tower has served as a fortress, mint, prison, munitions store, air raid shelter during WWII, and residence for the Chief Constable until 1954. Notable historical events include the 1170 Anglo-Norman capture, the marriage of Strongbow and Aoife (shaping Irish history), coin minting in 1463, and its role in repelling Perkin Warbeck’s forces in 1495, earning Waterford the motto Urbs Intacta Manet (“Waterford remains the unconquered city”).
- Viking Connection: Named after Ragnall Mac Gilla Muire, a Hiberno-Norse ruler taken prisoner by the English in 1170, when Waterford was captured by Richard de Clare (Strongbow), the tower is a rare Irish monument retaining its Viking name. It replaced a Viking fortification from 914 AD, when Waterford was founded as a trading settlement.
Museum Experience:
- Viking Museum Exhibits: The tower houses a comprehensive exhibition on Waterford’s Viking history, spread across multiple floors. Key artifacts include:
- The Waterford Kite Brooch (c. 1100), an exquisite silver-gilt piece showcasing Viking craftsmanship.
- A Viking Warrior’s Sword, dog collar, and decorated face weight, reflecting daily life and trade.
- A cannonball from the 1650 Cromwellian siege, embedded in the north wall and visible externally, with another on display inside.
- Finds from the 2003 Woodstown archaeological dig near Waterford, offering insights into Viking settlements.
- Audio-Visual Presentation: A highly praised video on the top floor details Waterford’s early history, from Viking settlement to Anglo-Norman conquest, making it an engaging starting point for exploring the Viking Triangle.
- Self-Guided and Guided Tours: Visitors can explore independently with information panels or join a 45-minute guided tour, often led by costumed guides in period character, augmenting the immersive experience. The tour covers the tower’s history, its role in Viking and Norman times, and its architectural features, like the spiral staircase designed to favor right-handed defenders.
- Exterior Features: A replica Viking longship is displayed outside, adding to the historical ambiance. The tower’s exterior, with its cannonball and proximity to the River Suir, is a popular photo opportunity.
The practicals
- Duration and Accessibility: A visit typically lasts 30–45 minutes, ideal for a quick yet enriching stop. The narrow spiral staircase and small interior may challenge those with claustrophobia or mobility issues, though the open floors alleviate some concerns. Situated at The Quay, Waterford, X91 Y673, opposite the Visitor Information Centre and near the House of Waterford Crystal, it’s easily accessible with parking on the Quays, the Mall, or Bolton Street (3-minute walk).
- Admission: €5 for adults, €4 for seniors/groups, €3 for children/students, and €13 for families. The Freedom of Waterford ticket (€20) offers excellent value, including Reginald’s Tower, Medieval Museum, Bishop’s Palace, Irish Silver Museum, Irish Museum of Time, and the Epic Walking Tour. Tickets are purchased on-site, not in advance.
- Operating Hours: Open March–December, 9:30 AM–5:30 PM daily; December–March, Wednesday–Sunday, 9:30 AM–5:00 PM (last entry 30 minutes prior). Closed Christmas Day, Saint Stephen’s Day, and New Year’s Day.
Visitor Feedback:
- With a 2024 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award, the tower is praised for its historical significance, informative video, and compact yet engaging displays (4.5-star rating, 665 reviews).
- Visitors appreciate the Viking artifacts and views but note the small interior and steep stairs. Some find the €5 fee reasonable, especially with the Freedom Pass, though off-season closures for maintenance can disappoint.
- Viking Triangle Context: As the chronological starting point of the Waterford Treasures Museums, Reginald’s Tower complements nearby attractions like the Medieval Museum (2-minute walk) and the King of the Vikings VR experience, making it a key part of a half-day exploration of Ireland’s oldest city.
What’s New:
- Reopening After Renovations: Reginald’s Tower was closed for essential maintenance in 2024, but is expected to reopen by March 2025, aligning with its standard operating season (March–December). The exact reopening date and details of renovations (e.g., structural repairs or exhibit updates) are not specified, but visitors can expect refreshed facilities or displays. Check www.waterfordtreasures.com for confirmation closer to the date.
- International Festival of Time (May 23–24, 2025): While primarily hosted at the Irish Museum of Time, this horology festival includes a public clocks walking tour on Friday at 3:00 PM, starting at the Medieval Museum reception, which may highlight timekeeping artifacts or historical clocks linked to Reginald’s Tower’s history (e.g., its role as a mint). This event enhances the Viking Triangle’s appeal and could draw more visitors to the tower.
- Memories of the Emergency Project (April 27, 2025): Waterford Treasures is hosting Memories of the Emergency: Waterford People and the Second World War on Sunday, April 27, 2025. Given Reginald’s Tower’s use as an air raid shelter during WWII, this project may include temporary exhibits or events referencing this period, though no specific Viking-era display changes are confirmed.
- Visitors should verify with www.waterfordtreasures.com for any new displays.
Planning Your Visit:
- Purchase the Freedom of Waterford ticket for access to all five Waterford Treasures museums and the Epic Walking Tour, which covers six national www.waterfordtreasures.comor on-site at any museum. Confirm the tower’s reopening status before visiting, as past closures have disappointed travelers.
- Best Start your Viking Triangle visit at Reginald’s Tower for a chronological introduction to Waterford’s history. Pair it with the nearby Medieval Museum or King of the Vikings VR experience for a fuller narrative. Watch your head on the narrow staircase, and note the cannonball in the exterior wall for a historical photo.
- Nearby Amenities: Enjoy meals at McLeary’s Restaurant or Grady’s Yard, both a 5-minute walk, or visit the Bishop’s Palace Café for refreshments. The House of Waterford Crystal is nearby for a contrasting modern attraction.
- Accessibility Note: The tower’s steep, narrow stairs will be challenging for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia. Contact the museum for accessibility details.
Reginald’s Tower offers a compact, engaging dive into Waterford’s Viking and Norman past, with its 2025 reopening and ties to Waterford Treasures’ events augmenting its appeal. For the latest updates on reopening, new exhibits, or festival details, visit www.waterfordtreasures.com.
