Merchants Quay

Overview

Merchants Quay is a vibrant stretch of waterfront in the heart of Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city. The quay is most famous for the Waterford Treasures Museum, which occupies a superbly renovated 19th‑century granary known locally as The Granary. The museum’s striking location on the historic quays offers visitors panoramic views of the River Suir and easy access to the city’s bustling streets, cafés and cultural venues.

History

The granary that now houses Waterford Treasures dates back to the early 1800s, when Waterford’s thriving port required large storage facilities for grain and other commodities. Over the centuries the building fell into disuse, but its robust stone walls and vaulted ceilings survived. In the late 1990s a major regeneration project transformed the derelict structure into a state‑of‑the‑art museum, opening its doors to the public in 2000. The adaptive reuse of the granary preserves an important piece of Waterford’s commercial heritage while providing a dramatic backdrop for the city’s most extensive historical collections.

What to See & Do

The museum’s permanent exhibition is divided into three thematic zones, each designed to immerse visitors in a different era of Irish history.

• Viking Age & Medieval Treasures – Highlights include a rare kite brooch, the finest piece of 12th‑century jewellery in Ireland, and the only complete medieval longbow in Britain or Ireland (c. 1170). A virtual Viking boat ride lets you experience life on the water as a Norse trader.
• Civic Charters & Manuscripts – The collection boasts the remarkable Charter Roll (1372) and the Great Parchment Book (1361‑1649), often described as a medieval counterpart to the Book of Kells. These documents illuminate Waterford’s role as a self‑governing medieval city.
• Early Modern & Revolutionary Artefacts – Visitors can view Henry VIII’s cap of maintenance, the only surviving piece of his wardrobe, and the regalia of Thomas Francis Meagher, a key figure in the 1848 Young Ireland movement.

Interactive pods and seven audio‑visual presentations bring the stories to life. One pod recreates the legendary wedding of Strongbow and Aoife, while another lets you handle a 3‑D model of a 15th‑century ship’s cannon – the oldest cannon ever found in Ireland (1495). The museum also showcases an impressive array of early Waterford glass, 18th‑century silverware, and a unique collection of illuminated civic charters.

Beyond the exhibition halls, the venue houses a restaurant, a gift shop, a craft‑workers gallery, and a small theatre that hosts occasional performances and talks. The South‑East Tourism office on‑site can help you plan further explorations of Waterford’s historic streets, the nearby Viking Triangle, and the bustling waterfront.

Practical Information

The Waterford Treasures Museum is fully wheelchair accessible, and sound guides are provided in six languages at no extra charge. Admission includes access to all interactive displays and audio guides.

While specific opening hours and admission fees can vary seasonally, the museum advises visitors to check the official website before planning their trip. The location is easily reached on foot from Waterford’s city centre, and there is ample parking in the surrounding streets for those arriving by car.

Getting There & Parking

Car – The Port of Waterford operates a barrier‑free, pay‑and‑display car park on Merchants Quay itself. It sits opposite Dooley’s Hotel and Shaws Department Store, with entry points at the roundabout opposite Shaws and a second entrance near Rice Bridge and the bus station (GPS 52.262897, ‑7.113139). Rates (effective 31 Mar 2025) are €2.50 per hour, with daily caps of €8.50 (Sun‑Thu) or €8.50 (Fri‑Sat) for a 12‑hour stay, and a 24‑hour rate of €17.50‑€20.00. Disabled badge holders park free of charge. Payments can be made via ticket machines, Google Pay/Apple Pay, or the Wayleadr app (formerly Parkpnp), which also offers long‑stay discounts.

Nearby Car Parks – A second Port of Waterford lot at Clyde Wharf (opposite the GPO) provides similar facilities for visitors who prefer a different location.

Public Transport – The main Bus Éireann station is a short walk from the quay, making the museum easily reachable by bus. Several city‑centre bus routes stop nearby, and the quay is within comfortable walking distance of most city hotels.

Walking – The promenade along Merchants Quay offers pleasant riverside strolls, with cafés and street performers adding to the atmosphere. From the quay you can easily walk to the Viking Triangle and the Bishop’s Palace Museum.

Nearby Services

Citizens Information Centre – Located at 41 Merchant’s Quay (X91 YA89), the centre provides free advice on a range of topics. It is wheelchair‑accessible and operates by appointment on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday (9:30 am‑1 pm and 2 pm‑4 pm). Phone: 0818 07 6560; email: waterford@citinfo.ie.

Accommodation – Several hotels sit within a few minutes’ walk, including Dooley’s Hotel, the Granville Hotel and Treacy’s Hotel, offering convenient lodging for museum visitors.

Nearby Attractions

If you have extra time, consider extending your visit to other highlights of Waterford’s historic waterfront:

• Bishop’s Palace Museum – A Georgian house in the heart of the Viking Triangle, showcasing Waterford’s civic history and fine art collections.
• Viking Triangle – The cluster of museums and historic sites (including the Medieval Museum and Reginald’s Tower) that together tell the story of Waterford’s Viking origins.
• River Suir Walks – Scenic riverside paths run east and west of Merchants Quay, perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride.

A visit to Merchants Quay offers more than a museum experience; it provides a tangible connection to Waterford’s maritime legacy, its Viking roots, and its evolution into a modern Irish city. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a family looking for an engaging day out, or a traveller eager to explore Ireland’s cultural treasures, Merchants Quay and the Waterford Treasures Museum promise a memorable and enriching experience.