Reginald’s Tower

“History doesn't repeat itself, but it does rhyme.” 
 Mark Twain

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For this week’s exploration of the ‘101 things to do...’ we are going to take a look at one of Waterford City’s most fascinating and architecturally distinctive landmarks; Reginald’s Tower. The tower derives its name from a Irish Viking  ruler of the  Waterford City, Ragnall MacGillemaire, who was held prisoner by the Anglo-Normans in the tower.

Located at the apex of the Viking Triangle in Waterford City centre, Reginald's Tower is home to an exciting exhibition which displays a unique and fascinating collection of historic and archaeological artefacts. These artefacts, combined with the history exuded by the building itself, trace and reveal the story of Waterford's Viking heritage.  Built at the beginning of the 13^th century, Reginald’s  Tower is a circular defensive tower. When the Anglo-Normans attacked Waterford in 1170, the tower severed a strategic importance, so  its capture heralded the fall of the city. Additionally, Reginald’s Tower was where the infamous Strongbow, leader of the Anglo-Norman invasion force, met Aoife, the daughter of Dermot McMurrough, King of Leinster. It can be argued that their marriage the course of Irish history forever. 

While the tower was originally built as a defensive mechanism, the seemingly multipurpose tower has assumed a number of different personas down through the ages.  For instance, in later centuries the tower assumed the functions of a royal castle. Richard II visited the tower in 1394 and again in 1399. In 1399 Richard left Reginald's Tower as King of England and Wales; on his arrival in England he was captured by the future Henry VI and forced to abdicate. 

Additionally, the tower became a very important coin mint. In 1210 after King John visited the tower and order and ordered new coins to be struck here.  In 1463 the Irish Parliament established a mint in the tower. In 1495, the tower’s cannons successfully deterred the forces of Perkin Warbeck, the pretender to the throne of Henry VII. This act of loyalty earned the city its motto "Urbs Intacta Manet" - "Waterford remains the unconquered city". In recent centuries, the tower served a number of different purposes such as being used as a prison and even a military store.

Amongst the Muesum’s most fascinating Viking treasures is "The Kite Brooch" which dates to 1090 and is often regarded as the finest example of 12th century metalwork in Ireland, worn by some wealthy Waterford aristocrats. The brooch is made from Gold, silver & glass.  Another fascinating piece is the Kufic Coin, which was minted in 742 in Wasit, Iraq, was found over a thousand years later in Woodstown. Also seen at Reginald's Tower, amongst other exhibits are the Viking Age 9th century beads from the Baltic. The museum also hosts a Viking Lead Weight from the 9th century found in Woodstown!

Reginald’s Tower forms a part of the Waterford Museum of Treasures collective; along with the Medieval Museum and Bishop’s Palace. One of the key features which attract tourists to the Waterford Museum of Treasures is the historical re-enacting experience provided. A team of actors portraying different characters will bring to life Waterford’s fascinating history in these engaging and imaginative tours.  So why not come and experience the history and wonder of the medieval city which are encapsulated in these museums.

If you a planning a trip to Waterford Castle Hotel, why not view our ‘101 things to do’, which contains a variety of activities which can be enjoyed during your trip. To view the list, please visit www.waterfordcastle.com .For further information in relation Reginald’s Tower, please visit http://www.waterfordtreasures.com/ or call +353 51 849501. Additionally, if you are planning to visit Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort or if you have recently stayed with us, why not visit our Tripadvisor page http://www.tripadvisor.ie/Hotel_Review-g186638-d212907-Reviews-Waterford_Castle_Hotel-Waterford_County_Waterford.html .

Reginald Tower’s opening hours are as follows:

Easter - May : Daily from 10am – 5pm
June - Mid September : Daily from 10am – 6pm
Mid September - Easter : Wednesday - Sunday from10am – 5pm

Waterford Castle Hotel's 25th Birthday Celebrations

For this week's blog we will be commemorating Waterford Castle Hotel’s 25^th anniversary through a brief exploration of the hotel’s history. Additionally, we will be taking a look at the upcoming festivities which will take place on the Island on the 11^th August to celebrate this milestone birthday.

This year marks a momentous landmark in Waterford Castle’s extensive and fascinating history. Waterford Castle was first opened as a hotel in 1988, with the official launch taking place on Saturday 14^TH May of that year. The hotel was officially launched by the Taoiseach of the day, Charles J. Haughey. Launching the 16^th century Castle as a hotel was the culmination of a long crusade in the 20^th century to ensure the preservation and the viability of the Island and Castle. In 1958, the property was bought by the Igo family, who installed a five-acre complex of glasshouses from which they produced fruits and flowers. The chain link ferry was also commissioned at this time to improve access and trade links. Their interest in the venture and the island passed to the Farren Brothers who concentrated on tomato growing and updating the roads and fencing throughout the island. In 1978 the Island was rented to Roger Shipsey, a Waterford Pedigree Dairy Farmer, who later bought the island outright. The Island and Castle’s full potential was identified by Eddie Kearn’s, who purchased the island in 1987, subsequently launch the hotel in 1988. Since then, our island based hotel and golf resort has attained a renowned international reputation as we a unique, luxurious and truly intimate Irish experience.

Waterford Castle’s 25^th birthday celebrations coincide with the 5^th annual Island Run, in association with Balance Fitness. It you wish to register for the Island Run or would like more information, please see http://www.balance.ie/. Additionally, proceeds from the day are being raised for the Waterford branch of the Irish Red Cross. This fantastic organisation works with Irish communities to help the most vulnerable and they work internationally, providing aid to countries which have been subjected to war, famine or natural disasters.

There will be lots of fun and games on the day for all the family. There will be a great BBQ, food and drink stalls and music on the day will be provided by the Waterford Music Academy. The Waterford Living History Vikings will be giving a medieval cookery demonstration and will be painting shields.  Bible School of Irish dance will be there on the day and celebrity chef, Edward Hayden will be giving a cookery demo. Additionally,  there will be many activities on the day such as archery, trampolining, an inflatable dragon maze, bouncy castle and children’s games. Furthermore, there will be lots of surprises on the day, and you will have the chance to win a break away to the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire for Two with Dinner.

So if you a looking for the perfect family day out this Sunday, do not miss out on our birthday celebrations. 

Please note that the ferry to and from the Island will be closed from 12.30pm to facilitate the Island Run, so make sure your here in good time to avoid missing out on a fun filled day.

If you a planning a trip to Waterford Castle Hotel, why not view our ‘101 things to do’, which contains a variety of activities which can be enjoyed during your trip. To view the list, please visit www.waterfordcastle.com . Additionally, if you are planning to visit Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort or if you have recently stayed with us, why not visit our Tripadvisor page http://www.tripadvisor.ie/Hotel_Review-g186638-d212907-Reviews-Waterford_Castle_Hotel-Waterford_County_Waterford.html .