Reginald's Tower
Túr Raghnaill
A round stone tower at the eastern tip of the Viking Triangle, the oldest intact city building in Ireland. It houses an exhibition on Viking-era Waterford.
Reginald's Tower is named after the Viking leader Ragnall. Legend says the Vikings fortified the site when they founded the city in 914. The surviving stone tower was built around the 12th and 13th centuries in the Norman period. Its walls are about 3 to 4 m thick, making it the best-preserved old city building in Ireland. Over the centuries it has served as a fortress, a mint, a prison, and an arsenal. In 1170, the Norman lord Strongbow and the Irish princess Eva are said to have held their wedding nearby, which opened the way to English rule over Ireland. The tower displays Viking-era artifacts, including exquisite gold and silver brooches. It is managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW). Admission costs a few euros, and the OPW Heritage Card is accepted. A visit takes about 40 minutes.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:30–17:30 (shorter in winter)
Nearby sights
- Medieval Museum
- House of Waterford Crystal
- Christ Church Cathedral
- Bishop's Palace
- Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity
- Tramore Beach
- Mount Congreve Gardens
- Dunmore East