Waterford’s Ancient Heart Brought to Life

New Theatrical Tours of Waterford’s historic attractions to begin during Heritage Week

Failte Ireland and the award winning Waterford Museum of Treasures have announced the introduction of new theatrical tours in three of the historic visitor attractions in Waterford’s recently revitalised cultural quarter, the Viking Triangle.

Beginning on August 25th, to coincide with National Heritage Week and running for an initial period of 8 weeks, a team of six actors playing different characters will bring Waterford’s fascinating history to life in a series of enjoyable and imaginative tours. Moving through the 18th century Bishop’s Palace and beautiful Christ Church Cathedral and into the spectacular new Medieval Museum, these characters will deliver ‘insider’ tours that are engaging and accessible to everyone whether young or old, Irish or overseas.

Welcoming the new initiative, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring TD said the State has channelled significant investment into Waterford to date to develop museums and other attractions:

“Visitors to this country genuinely want to interact with our heritage and learn about our stories while also enjoying themselves. It is important that we cater to that need if we are to continue to appeal to the 21st Century tourist. These new tours will do just that. Based on local historical fact and humorous observation, they will bring to life great stories, larger than life Waterford characters and their links with famous world events”.

Amongst the characters who will be guiding visitors are Mrs Rickards, a gossipy housekeeper who has just returned from the public execution of James Darcy, found guilty of murdering his brother Richard, head gardener at the Bishop’s Palace; Lady Este, the lady of the house; Mayor Thomas, who narrates the highs and lows of Waterford city and reflects on the 1100 years history of Ireland’s oldest city; and Mayor Wyse who will lead visitors right into the heart of the Medieval Museum - where, among the many other fascinating items on display, there is the only remaining hat belonging to King Henry VIII, given as a gift to William Wyse of Waterford in 1536.

Local Failte Ireland manager, Tara Kerry also emphasised:

"These new tours are the first to grow out of the "Sharing Our Stories” initiative - a new Failte Ireland Interpretation and Animation project. The aim of this new project is to enhance the visitor’s experience of Ireland by bringing our heritage and culture to life both inside visitor attractions and in the public spaces of key destinations like Waterford’s Viking Triangle".

The tours will take place within the Viking Triangle - the name given to the area of Waterford first settled by the Vikings in 914 AD and containing within its three sides the oldest parts of the city itself. In 2010, funding of almost ?9 million was allocated under Failte Ireland's Tourism Capital Investment Programme for the development of museums and other ticketed attractions and public works in the area to create an iconic cultural and heritage attraction for Waterford City.