King of the Vikings is an immersive virtual reality experience in Waterford City’s historic Viking Triangle, bringing the story of Waterford’s Viking founders to life through technology and storytelling.
Set inside a reconstructed Viking house on Bailey’s New Street, the approximately 40-minute experience transports visitors back more than 1,100 years to discover the people who established the Viking settlement that developed into Waterford.
Children under eight are not admitted to the VR experience, and advance booking is recommended.
What is King of the Vikings?
King of the Vikings combines virtual reality, historical storytelling and a reconstructed Viking house to tell the story of Viking Waterford.
Rather than simply reading about the Vikings, visitors put on a VR headset and enter a recreated Viking world of raiders, traders, settlers and town builders.
Waterford Treasures describes it as the first Viking virtual reality experience of its kind in the world.
What Can You Experience?
The story takes visitors back to the period when Viking power was becoming established in Waterford.
Central to the experience is Reginald, grandson of Ivar, who returned to Waterford in 917 and established a fort.
But this isn’t simply a story about Viking raids.
The experience explores the Vikings as traders, settlers and town builders and shows how their arrival helped shape the development of Waterford.
Step Inside a Reconstructed Viking House
The setting is an important part of the attraction.
King of the Vikings is housed in a handcrafted reconstructed Viking house on Bailey’s New Street, among the ruins of a 13th-century Franciscan friary.
It creates an unusual combination of ancient surroundings, traditional building techniques and modern VR technology.
From January to mid-March, the experience operates from the nearby Medieval Museum instead, so check the location when booking.
Discover Waterford’s Viking Origins
King of the Vikings is a good introduction to why Waterford describes itself as Ireland’s oldest city.
The Vikings established a settlement here that eventually developed into Waterford City.
Experiencing the story in the Viking Triangle makes it particularly effective, as you’re exploring the history close to where Viking Waterford actually developed.
Is King of the Vikings Family Friendly?
Yes – for children aged eight and over.
Children under eight are not admitted to the virtual reality experience.
For older children and teenagers interested in Vikings, history, gaming or VR, it offers a much more interactive way of discovering Waterford’s past than a conventional museum visit.
The relatively short experience also makes it easy to combine with other attractions in the Viking Triangle.
Where is King of the Vikings?
King of the Vikings
10 Bailey’s New Street
Viking Triangle
Waterford City
X91 A0PF
It is within easy walking distance of Reginald’s Tower, the Medieval Museum, Bishop’s Palace and the other attractions of Waterford’s historic centre.
If you’re already exploring the Viking Triangle, walking is the easiest option.
Waterford In Your Pocket Tip
Combine King of the Vikings with Reginald’s Tower and the Medieval Museum.
King of the Vikings gives you the story and atmosphere, Reginald’s Tower gives you one of Waterford’s great Viking landmarks, and the Medieval Museum introduces you to the artefacts and surviving medieval spaces.
Together, they provide a much better understanding of Viking and medieval Waterford than visiting any one attraction in isolation.
And remember to book ahead, particularly during busy periods.
What Can I Do Nearby?
You’re right in the heart of Waterford’s Viking Triangle, so there is plenty to explore within a short walk.
Nearby attractions include the Medieval Museum, Reginald’s Tower, Bishop’s Palace, Irish Silver Museum and Irish Museum of Time.
Cathedral Square, The Mall and the historic streets surrounding the Viking Triangle are also worth exploring on foot.
For a Viking and medieval themed visit, we’d suggest:
King of the Vikings → Reginald’s Tower → Medieval Museum
That’s an excellent half-day introduction to Waterford’s early history.
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: Viking history, immersive experiences, VR and families with older children
Location: Bailey’s New Street, Waterford City
Area: Viking Triangle
Type: Indoor virtual reality historical experience
Experience duration: Approximately 40 minutes
Booking: Advance booking highly recommended
Age restriction: Children under 8 are not admitted
Family friendly: Yes – ages 8+
Rainy-day suitability: Excellent
Accessibility: Visitors with specific requirements should check directly before booking
Seasonal location: January to mid-March at the Medieval Museum
Don’t miss: The reconstructed Viking house and VR experience
Combine with: Reginald’s Tower and the Medieval Museum
Plan Your Visit
King of the Vikings normally operates from Bailey’s New Street in Waterford City’s Viking Triangle.
Waterford Treasures currently lists opening hours of 10:30am–5:30pm, Monday to Sunday including Bank Holidays. Opening hours and experience times can change, so check before travelling.
Official King of the Vikings information and booking
Features
- Indoor Attraction
- Online Booking
- Virtual Reality
