Bishop’s Palace Museum
Waterford city boasts the finest collection of 18th Century architecture of any city in Ireland outside of Dublin. Its great legacy from this era includes elegant architecture, silverware and of course, fine glassmaking. This period of elegance began in Waterford in 1741 when the Anglo-German architect Richard Castles designed the wonderful Bishop’s Palace.
Castles built the Palace with its front overlooking the town wall which he had reduced in height so that it formed part of the palace’s terraced garden.
Today Richard Castles is celebrated as one of Ireland’s greatest architects having designed most of the great houses of Ireland including the seat of the Irish parliament, Leinster House in Dublin.
The Bishop’s Palace Museum reveals the story of Waterford from 1700 to the 1970s. Amongst the many items of national and international significance displayed at the museum is the only surviving Bonaparte 'mourning cross', which was one of 12 produced upon Napoleon Bonaparte’s death in 1821.
The museum also holds the Penrose decanter, the oldest surviving piece of Waterford Crystal, which dates back to 1789.
The Bishop’s Palace offers a unique experience for visitors. The building contains a wealth of fascinating artefacts, period furniture, beautiful fireplaces and a collection of rare and important paintings. An entire floor of the building is dedicated to historic stories specific to Waterford such as Ballybricken’s pig markets, Waterford’s Home Rule story, the First World War in Waterford, the War of Independence in Waterford, childhood and household living in Waterford.
Adult €5 Seniors, Children 15yrs or over €4 Children Under 14 Free (Accompanied with Adult) Group Rate available.
Opening Months
All year round.(Closed Christmas Day, St Stephens Day and New Year's Day
Opening Times
June, July, August: Monday to Saturday 9 am to 6 pm Sundays and Bank holidays 11 am to 5 pm. September to May: Monday to Saturday 10 am to 5 pm Sundays and Bank Holidays 11 am to 5 pm Last admission one hour prior to closing time.
Enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee located in the Map Room of the Bishop’s Palace. Light lunches and a wide array of delicious cakes are also available. The café’s menu will be listed here as it becomes available.
The Mall
Waterford
Republic of Ireland
T: +353 51 304500
W: www.waterfordtreasures.ie
Information and photos courtesy of Failte Ireland, National Tourism Development Authority.
