Irish Wake Museum Tour Rituals of Death and Celebration of Life
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided Tour
- Professional Guide
- Gratuities
Itinerary
Situated in what was once a 15th-century Almshouse, the Irish Wake Museum offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore one of the most iconic parts of Irish culture, through the eyes of an expert, on this fully guided tour. In this atmospheric building associated with life and death in Waterford across six centuries visitors are taken on a fascinating journey across our history. In this intimate space the themes of death and funeral practices are explored in order to gain a true understanding of the origins of a wake’s unique customs.
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
Traveler reviews
Death wakes & living wakes in Waterford
Lots of info about the Irish custom of wakes delivered in a chatty informal style. Waterford historical links emphasised. V enjoyable historical experience
One of the best.
Brilliant ! Very interesting, even funny at times. Alex was an excellent guide, one of the best ever. Well organised, well presented. Book beforehand as only a small group. Highly recommended.
A great insight
01/07/26 we really enjoyed our tour, it was interesting, informative and humorous - would highly recommend
Really interesting tour for anyone interested in Irish/Waterford history as well as funeral rituals.
Just did this tour this morning and it was absolutely brilliant: the guide (Alex) was engaging and enthusoastic throughout the tour and it covered a lot of Waterford / local history as well as the funeral rituals. The house has been renovated really sympathetically and you can see parts of the original structure as far back as the 1400’s. Tour takes about 45 minutes, then you’re free to go back through and view the many artefacts in your own time. Accessibility: There are 2 sets of stairs to climb, but with a stop at the floor after one set, and there are folding chairs available in each room if needed. Brilliant way to pass an hour, whether you think you know about wakes or not!
Something different but very interesting.
While there were only 2 of us on that particular tour, our guide Debbie delivered a highly informative & enthusiastic explanation of death & the traditional wake process of that era. The tour lasted approx 45-50 minutes & I certainly would have no hesitation in recommending it to others