Waterford Viking Triangle

Waterford was founded by Norse settlers in the early tenth century, which makes it the oldest city in Ireland, and the wedge of streets between the quay and the line of the old walls is still called the Viking Triangle. Reginald's Tower anchors the point where the quay turns, a squat circular stone tower that has served as mint, prison and store and now holds Viking finds from the city. Behind it the streets run past a Georgian bishop's palace, a medieval museum built over surviving vaulted rooms, and two cathedrals designed by the same local architect. It is a short walk end to end, with most of the city's history packed inside it.

What you actually see

• Reginald's Tower - the circular stone tower on the quay, holding the city's Viking finds.
• The Medieval Museum - built over the surviving Choristers' Hall and a medieval wine vault.
• The Bishop's Palace - the Georgian house on the Mall, with the city collections inside.
• The two cathedrals - both designed by the same eighteenth century Waterford architect.

When to go

Museums open most days year round with shorter winter hours and some closed days, so check if your trip is short. Summer brings walking tours and the streets stay lively into the evening. A combined ticket covers the museum group and pays off if you plan more than one. Rain is easily waited out indoors here.

Honest expectations

This is a small quarter and the walk itself takes minutes; the substance sits inside paid museums, so budget for tickets. Waterford beyond the triangle is a working port city with plain stretches and traffic along the quay. Reginald's Tower is compact, its stairs are steep, and it closes for parts of the year.

Nearby

The Copper Coast and Dunmore East are a short drive; the Suir valley runs inland.