Medieval Museum
Photo: Own work — CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Discover Ireland’s only purpose-built medieval museum, featuring the 13th-century Choristers’ Hall and 15th-century Mayor’s Wine Vault, showcasing treasures like the Great Charter Roll and 15th-century cloth-of-gold vestments.
Planning your visit
Waterford is Ireland's oldest city, founded by Vikings in 914, and the Medieval Museum is built over two surviving medieval chambers — the thirteenth-century Choristers' Hall and the fifteenth-century Mayor's Wine Vault — which are entered as part of the visit rather than viewed from outside.
Two objects justify the trip. The Great Charter Roll of 1372 is a document produced for a legal dispute with New Ross, illustrated with the earliest known depictions of Irish cities and of a medieval mayor, and it is unique. The cloth-of-gold vestments, made in Bruges around 1460 and hidden under the cathedral floor in 1650 when Cromwell's forces approached, are the only complete surviving set of medieval vestments in northern Europe.
They were rediscovered in 1773.
The Viking and Georgian museums nearby complete the Waterford Treasures group.
Allow ninety minutes. Current availability is listed below.
Before you book
Where is Medieval Museum?
Medieval Museum is in Waterford, Ireland. The map on this page marks its exact location.
How long should I allow for Medieval Museum?
Allow ninety minutes. That is the time the collection itself takes at an unhurried pace, before any queue.
Is Medieval Museum free to enter?
Yes, general admission to Medieval Museum is free. Guided tours and special exhibitions may still be charged separately.
What are the opening hours of Medieval Museum?
Monday to Friday 9:15 am — 6:00 pm Saturday 9:30 am — 6:00 pm. Hours change on public holidays, so check the official site before travelling.
Do I need to book Medieval Museum in advance?
Tickets can be bought on the door at quiet times, but booking ahead fixes the date and avoids the queue at busy ones. Live availability is shown on this page.
