Overview
The oldest thing in the Irish Silver Museum is a coin minted in what is now Iraq in 742 AD, carried to Waterford along Viking trade routes and here by around 850 AD – a small object that tells you how far this port city reached. The museum fills the medieval wine vault of The Deanery in Waterford’s Viking Triangle, next to the Medieval Museum, its stone arches and vaulted ceilings dating to the 1440s. It opened on 24 June 2021, formally launched by the then Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe, and holds one of the largest collections of Irish silver anywhere, running from the Viking age through the Georgian era.
It’s a compact museum – reckon on 30 to 60 minutes – and it’s part of the Waterford Treasures group. The €5 ticket covers the Silver Museum alone; if you plan to see two or more of the city’s museums, the Freedom of Waterford pass (€23 adult, under-16s free) is the better buy, covering this, the Medieval Museum, the Bishop’s Palace, the Irish Museum of Time, the Epic Walking Tour, and Christ Church Cathedral.
A Journey Through Silver History
Silver has long been a symbol of wealth and trade in Ireland, and the collection begins with the Viking age, when Waterford’s role as a trading port brought objects like the 742 AD coin across Europe. From there it moves into the Georgian era, when silver became bound up with social ritual: the galleries trace the rise of tea and coffee culture and how a silver tea service became a marker of status in Irish households. The museum also gives room to the often-overlooked work of 18th-century female silversmiths.
Civic pride and royal connections are evident in pieces like the sword presented to Waterford by Edward IV and a silver cup once owned by Dean Jonathan Swift. These artifacts link local history to broader national narratives, offering context for how silver was used to commemorate events and honour figures of influence.
What to See & Do
The museum is organised into thematic galleries that guide visitors through different periods and uses of silver.
- Viking & Early Medieval: Features the iconic Waterford kite brooch, early silver arm-rings, and replicas of trade goods that explain how silver circulated through early Ireland.
- Georgian Silver: Showcases pieces by silversmiths from Dublin, Cork, Limerick, and Waterford, including rare items crafted by women.
- Royal & Civic Gifts: Displays the Edward IV sword, ceremonial cups, and medals linked to historic events and civic achievements.
- Sporting Trophies: A unique section dedicated to sporting success, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Randox Grand National trophy, reflecting Waterford’s strong connection to horse racing.
Beyond the static displays, the museum offers a live goldsmith workshop where contemporary craftsman Paul Sullivan demonstrates traditional techniques. Visitors can step into the workshop area to hear the forge and watch modern jewellery being forged by hand. This living history element provides insight into the skills that have preserved Irish silver craftsmanship for centuries. Museum visitors receive a 10% discount in Sullivan’s on-site shop, which stocks contemporary pieces inspired by the historic collection.
Practical Information
- Opening hours: Mon-Fri 09:30-17:00, Sat 10:00-17:00, Sun/Bank Holiday 11:00-17:00. Closed Christmas Day, St Stephen’s Day, and New Year’s Day; early close (4pm, last admission 3pm) on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
- Admission: €5 per adult, under-16s free. The Freedom of Waterford pass (€23 adult) covers this museum plus the Medieval Museum, Bishop’s Palace, Irish Museum of Time, Epic Walking Tour, and Christ Church Cathedral.
- Accessibility: The ground-floor galleries and workshop are wheelchair-friendly. A lift provides access to the upper exhibition space, and tactile floor indicators assist visually-impaired visitors.
- Facilities: Toilets are located on each floor. A baby-changing facility is available near the café. The museum café serves tea, coffee, and light bites, while the gift shop offers reproductions and contemporary jewellery.
- Guided tours: Free audio guides are available at reception. Scheduled guided tours run twice daily during peak season; check the website for exact times.
For those planning a broader cultural itinerary, the museum is a short walk from the Bishop’s Palace Museum, the Cathedral of St. Carthage, and the French Church, all of which are part of the Viking Triangle’s rich historic core.
Getting There
- Address: The Deanery, Cathedral Square, Waterford City, Co. Waterford.
- Public transport: Waterford Railway Station is a 10-minute walk away. Bus Éireann routes 601, 603, and 605 stop at The Mall, a short walk from Cathedral Square.
- Car: On-street parking is limited nearby; the nearest public car park is Bolton Street, less than three minutes’ walk, with pay-by-meter parking on the Quays, the Mall, and Parnell Street.
If you can, catch the goldsmith Paul Sullivan actually working the forge rather than an empty bench – it’s the difference between reading about the craft and watching it, and museum visitors get 10% off in his on-site shop.