Museum Quarter
Waterford is the only city in Ireland to have a quarter dedicated to museums and culture in the heart of the city. Consisting of House of Waterford Crystal, Bishops Palace, Waterford Medieval Museum, Reginald’s Tower, The Museum of Time, and the Wake Museum there is no shortage of opportunities to delve deeper into the historical past of Waterford City and County.
A visit to Reginald’s Tower, The Medieval Museum and Bishops Palace transports people from the Viking settlers to the Georgian era and visitors can take full advantage of experiences such as that of the Virtual Reality Viking experience that takes place in a reconstructed Viking settlement accompanied by Virtual Reality allowing everyone to step back in time and immerse themselves in Waterford’s age of the Vikings.
Another great way to piece together the city’s rich history is the Digital Story Trail, with 15 different stops available and an interactive audio and visual accompaniment, learn from different characters as they take you from Viking invasions to the raising of the first tricolour flag in Ireland. Watch out for upcoming events hosted by Waterford Treasures and keep up to date by visiting the Visit Waterford page.
Theatre Royal & Garter Lane Theatre
The oldest continually operating Theatre in Ireland and located within an impressive Georgian style building offers visitors an opportunity to take a tour to discover the stage, orchestra pit, and the lesser-known details of the inner workings of the Theatre. Tour bookings can be made on their website and be sure to take a look at their great range of future comedy, music and theatre events.
Garter Lane Theatre has been located in the heart of Waterford city for 40 years, and its venue has hosted a vast range of events from visual arts and theatre to dance, music and film. The theatre also focuses on arts programmes for children and professional development making it a space that encourages creativity and performance. It also regularly hosts nationally acclaimed theatre as well as locally produced work and can seat up to 164 people. Be sure to check out the events listed on their website.
Waterford Gallery of Art
Waterford Gallery of Art, located in Waterford’s Cultural Quarter on O’Connell’s Street has what is considered to be one of the best municipal art collections nationally. Having been located at several different locations across the city, in 2019 Waterford Gallery of Art took up permanent residency in 31-32 O’Connell’s Street, just opposite Garter Lane Theatre. Highlights of the collection include works by Jack B. Yeats, Seán Keating, Letitia Hamilton and Mary Swanzy.
Blackwater Valley Opera Festival
For those looking for a unique musical experience in a beautiful setting, Blackwater Valley Opera Festival runs from the end of May to the beginning of June over the course of 8 days in the beautiful Lismore Castle, featuring four evening opera performances in Dromore Yard, be sure to check their website for more information.
