The Irish Silver Museum is a fascinating museum and visitor attraction in Waterford City, telling the story of Ireland through more than 1,000 years of Irish silver.
Located in Cathedral Square in Waterford’s historic Viking Triangle, the museum is part of Waterford Treasures and brings together an impressive collection of silverware, jewellery, coins, ceremonial objects and personal possessions.
From Viking trade and medieval power to craftsmanship, politics and everyday life, the collection offers a different way to discover the story of Ireland.
What is the Irish Silver Museum?
The Irish Silver Museum explores the history and craftsmanship of silver in Ireland from the Viking period through to modern times.
Silver was much more than a decorative material. It was used as currency, demonstrated wealth and status and became associated with political, religious and ceremonial life.
Through individual objects, the museum tells a much bigger story about Irish society, trade, politics, religion and craftsmanship across approximately 1,000 years.
What Can You See?
The museum contains an impressive collection of historic Irish silver and other important objects.
Highlights include the Waterford Kite Brooch, a sword granted to Waterford City by King Edward IV, silver associated with writer Jonathan Swift, historic medals, coins and commemorative pieces.
The displays range from Viking-era objects to beautifully crafted silverware associated with dining, drinking and domestic life.
The Waterford Kite Brooch
One of the important Waterford objects in the collection is the Waterford Kite Brooch.
The brooch provides a fascinating connection with Ireland’s Viking and medieval past and demonstrates the level of skill involved in early Irish metalwork.
It’s one of the pieces to look out for as you explore the museum.
A Silver Coin with an Extraordinary Journey
One of the smallest objects tells one of the biggest stories.
The collection includes a silver coin made in what is now Iraq in 742, which eventually made its way to Waterford around 850.
Its journey is a remarkable reminder of the enormous distances covered by early trading networks.
For anyone interested in Viking Waterford, it’s an object worth seeking out.
Discover Ireland’s Great Silversmiths
The museum celebrates the craftsmanship of generations of Irish silversmiths.
Visitors can see work associated with craftspeople from Waterford, Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Youghal, Clonmel and Carrick-on-Suir.
The collection also includes work by some of Ireland’s relatively rare female silversmiths of the 18th century.
Look closely at the individual pieces and you’ll begin to appreciate the extraordinary skill involved in transforming silver into practical objects, jewellery and elaborate symbols of wealth and status.
Tea, Coffee & Chocolate
Some of the museum’s most interesting displays involve something very familiar – tea, coffee and chocolate.
When these drinks became fashionable in Ireland during the 17th century, serving them could become an elaborate social ritual and a demonstration of wealth.
Beautiful Irish silver teapots, coffee pots and serving pieces show how something as ordinary today as having a cup of tea was once an opportunity to display status and sophistication.
An 18th-Century Dining Table
Dining in 18th-century Ireland could also be an impressive display of wealth.
One of the museum displays recreates an elaborate dining table filled with silverware designed to impress guests.
Even drinking beer could involve heavy silver tankards and elaborate toasting traditions.
It’s a useful reminder that many of the objects displayed in the museum weren’t originally created simply to be admired – they were made to be used.
Is the Irish Silver Museum Family Friendly?
Yes, particularly for families with older children interested in history.
The Viking connections, historic coins, swords and stories behind individual objects can make the collection more accessible to younger visitors than the name “Silver Museum” might initially suggest.
It’s also an excellent indoor attraction in Waterford, making it a useful option when the weather isn’t cooperating.
Where is the Irish Silver Museum?
The Irish Silver Museum is located at:
Cathedral Square
Viking Triangle
Waterford City
X91 H921
Its central location means the museum is easily reached on foot while exploring Waterford City Centre.
Several of Waterford’s major museums and historic attractions are only a short walk away.
Waterford In Your Pocket Tip
Don’t make the mistake of thinking this museum is simply about valuable silver.
The objects are really a way of telling stories about people, power, money, trade and how Irish society changed over the centuries.
We’d particularly recommend looking for the silver coin made in what is now Iraq in 742 that eventually found its way to Waterford.
It’s an extraordinary reminder that Viking Waterford was connected to trading networks stretching enormous distances.
And take time to look at the craftsmanship. Some of the details are easy to miss if you’re moving too quickly through the collection.
What Can I Do Nearby?
The Irish Silver Museum is ideally located for exploring Waterford’s historic Viking Triangle.
Nearby attractions include the Medieval Museum, Bishop’s Palace, Reginald’s Tower, Irish Museum of Time, Irish Wake Museum , ,The Irish Handmade Glass Company and House of Waterford Crystal.
Cathedral Square and the surrounding historic streets are also worth exploring on foot.
With so many attractions concentrated in this part of the city, the Irish Silver Museum is easy to include as part of a half-day or full-day exploring Waterford City.
For visitors particularly interested in Waterford’s early history, combine the Irish Silver Museum, Medieval Museum, Reginald’s Tower, Bishop’s Palace and House of Waterford Crystal.
For food or drinks during your Viking Triangle visit, The Reg on The Mall is one option. For a meal or drinks around the Apple Market, see Geoff’s Café Bar on John Street. Browse Where to Eat in Waterford for more city dining choices and check current kitchen hours before visiting.
Good to Know Before You Go
Best for: Irish history, Viking history, craftsmanship, decorative arts and culture
Location: Cathedral Square, Waterford City
Area: Viking Triangle
Type: Museum / indoor visitor attraction
Indoor attraction: Yes
Rainy-day suitability: Excellent
Family friendly: Yes, particularly for older children interested in history
Main collection: Irish silver, jewellery, coins, ceremonial and historic objects
Don’t miss: Waterford Kite Brooch, Viking-era silver, 742 silver coin and historic Irish silverware
Allow: Around 45–60 minutes for a relaxed visit
Combine with: Medieval Museum, Bishop’s Palace, Reginald’s Tower, Irish Museum of Time and Irish Wake Museum
Opening hours, admission prices and ticket arrangements can change, so check the latest information before visiting.
Irish Silver Museum – Official Visitor Information & Booking
Features
- Exhibitions
- Family Friendly
- Indoor Attraction
