Waterford Treasures: Bishop's Palace
Description
This magnificent Georgian residence is a must-see attraction! Come along to the Bishop’s Palace for a tour with the Housekeeper or Butler while the Bishop is away and discover the secrets the house holds. On this special tour, guests can enjoy a reenactor-led experience through the luxurious surroundings of the Bishop’s Place where they can prepare to be entranced by ornate gilt furniture and architectural features. Visitors will discover the scandalous affairs, tantalising love stories and more that hide beneath the veneer of Georgian perfection. Learn about misbehaving rakes, scurrilous rumours and murder most foul on this special tour of one of Waterford’s most famous townhouses. Don’t miss the oldest surviving piece of Waterford Crystal in the world dating back to 1789, and the Napoleon Bonaparte’s Mourning Cross; the only one to survive out of the original twelve that were made on his death.
Tour Options
Itinerary
This magnificent Georgian residence is a must-see attraction in Waterford. Experience authentic grand eighteenth century living in this beautiful Georgian building. Don’t miss the oldest surviving piece of Waterford Crystal in the world dating back to 1789, and the Napoleon Bonaparte’s Mourning Cross; the only one to survive out of the original twelve that were made on his death. Join our reenactor-led guided tour with our Housekeeper while the Bishop is away and discover the secrets the house holds, of tantalising love stories and more that hide beneath the veneer of Georgian perfection [Tours every hour, subject to availability]. Or, enjoy the the luxurious surroundings of the Bishop’s Place on a self-guided tour, where you can prepare to be entranced by ornate gilt furniture and architectural features. Not to mention the 1789 Penrose Decanter - The oldest surviving piece of Waterford glass in the world.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- A maximum of 30 people per booking
Reviews(61)
If you are in Waterford and into history then get yourselves to the bishop's palace and make sure you get the tour with the house keeper. Far better than I expected and great gossip from the housekeeper.
What a fantastic tour by the bishop's "housekeeper". She is not only the guide but also a fantastic actress. Nice story with lots of humor!
Dear visitor, Thank you for your review. Our guide will be so touched to hear that you enjoyed her re-enactor tour. It's lovely to hear you enjoyed the stories, and the bit of humour and gossip to go along with it. Many thanks, Waterford Treasures
This was the starting Point of the epic walk round the Viking Triangle in Waterford and it was included, so we visited afterwards - and it was worth the price alone. Take your time with this Museum as it has lots of interesting story to tell. My husband and I were fascinated by the exhibits and the snippets of History written everywhere on the walls. We had a nice little chat with a lady from the museum we met in the staircase and got great tipps what else to see - and the Café had the best Croissants I had so far. If you are in Waterford, you should absolutely go check the Bishop's Palace out!
Dear visitor, Thank you for your wonderful review. We're delighted to hear that you truly enjoyed everything the museum had to offer, from the place to kick start your walking tour - a great overview of our history! - to enjoying the Bishop's Palace museum and the cafe! I'm delighted that our staff were able to offer some local advice, and hat your croissants went down a treat! We really appreciate your recommendation, and hope you'll be back to visit again soon! Many thanks, Waterford Treasures
The tour with the housekeeper was excellent. Lovely lady and learnt so much more about the history than would have done otherwise.
Dear Carl, Thank you for your review of the Bishop's Palace. We're glad you learned so much about or history, all thanks to your wonderful re-enactor tour guide. Many thanks, Waterford Treasures
Excellent tour of Bishops palace, with the housekeeper Mrs Rickards [Debbie], your secrets are safe with the Limerick girls..... very informative and enjoyable...
Dear Sally-Anne, Thank you for leaving us a wonderful review on your recent tour with our tour guide, Debbi [a.k.a. Mrs Rickards!] We're delighted to hear that you found it both fun and informative, and great to hear that our secrets are safe with you! We hope to welcome you back for another museum tour very soon. Many thanks, Waterford Treasures
We had a very enjoyable guided tour with the wonderfully gossipy Mrs Rickards (Debbie). Very interesting tour which was entertaining and informative. The lady at the Reception Desk was also very welcoming and friendly. A lovely afternoon!
Dear Charlotte, Thank you for your wonderful review on your tour of the Bishop' Palace, with our wonderful Housekeeper - portrayed by Debbie, who I know will be delighted to hear your kind words! We're delighted that you enjoyed your tour, and found it not only informative, but also a bit of fun! It's great to hear that you also received a warm welcoming from our Reception Team! We hope that you'll be back again soon, perhaps to visit another of our museums! Many thanks, Waterford Treasures
The tour of the Bishop’s Palace was excellent. Our Georgian-era costumed tour guide/actress Debbie aka Mrs. Rickards (widowed wife of a clergyman taken in as Housekeeper) was hilarious and so well informed. She had the right mix of historical knowledge with gossip, scandal, murder and more. She brought every room - beautiful household objects, furniture, paintings, architecture - to life with stories of the people who lived there or wanted to. She also interacted really well with the audience and brought them into the story with relevant references of where they were from or their profession. A joyful experience that will leave you smiling and far more knowledgeable about Waterford and that era in history. Well done on a lovely tourist experience. I’ll be recommending.
Dear Margaret, Thank you for leaving such a wonderful review - Debbie will be absolutely thrilled to hear that you enjoyed her tour, as she brought you for a tour of the house as our Housekeeper "Mrs Rickards." We're delighted to hear you were able to learn the history of the Bishop's Palace, mixed with a lot of gossip and plenty of laughs. Debbie is wonderful at engaging with visitors! It's great to hear that you left smiling, and full of stories and gossip. And thank you for your recommendation - it's truly appreciated! Many thanks, Waterford Treasures
Went for the tour, and it was a fantastic start to the day. Our wonderful guide, Debbie, was just brilliant, even including my little girl. Great for the gossip. The tour is very informative, but sssshhhh, it's a secret. There are some fantastic pieces to see while you are guided through the rooms. There's a lot to explore afterwards, in many different areas. Take your time and enjoy it all. A nice little cafe downstairs with some tasty food to fill the belly. I had the eggs benidict, which was delicious. My daughter had the french toast, which was nearly bigger than herself. I highly recommend a visit here. We had a great time.
Dear Lisa, Thank you for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review of our "Splendour and Scandal" tour in the Bishop's Palace. Our guide, Debbie, will be delighted to hear your kind words - she definitely portrays our housekeeper "Mrs Rickards" fantastically, and never holds back when it comes to spreading a bit of gossip! We're so glad to hear you and your daughter took your time in exploring our top floor, filled with Waterford's history, and stopped into the cafe for a wholesome breakfast! We hope you'll be back again soon, many to visit another museum! Many thanks again, Waterford Treasures
Theresa did an amazing tour with me and my two friends! It was such an immersive experience. The gossip angle was a great way to teach us about history. The upstairs with 1916 memorabilia was also amazing. Fantastic place.
Dear Danielle, Thank you for your wonderful review. We’re delighted to hear that Theresa gave you and your friends such an immersive and enjoyable tour. The “gossip” storytelling approach is always great fun, and we’re so pleased it helped bring the history to life for you. It’s also lovely to know you enjoyed the 1916 memorabilia upstairs — it’s a very special part of the collection. Many thanks, Waterford Treasures
Thank you to all the staff of Bishop's Palace for a most wonderful and informative tour! Everyone was so lovely and welcoming, and helpful! Tour of Bishop's Palace with Claire was superb. Would highly recommend this, and the Epic Walking Tour with Jamie...absolutely fantastic. Míle buíochas libh
Dear Niall Thank you so much for your beautiful message. We’re absolutely delighted to hear you had such a wonderful and informative experience at the Bishop’s Palace. Claire will be thrilled to know her tour was superb, and Jamie will be just as pleased to hear the Epic Walking Tour was absolutely fantastic. Your kind words about our welcoming and helpful team mean a great deal to us. Many thanks, Waterford Treasures
