Waterford Treasures: Bishop's Palace
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Professional guide [Hourly, subject to availability]
- Gratuities
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.
Meeting point
Start Location
The Mall, Viking Triangle, Waterford, Ireland
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Stroller Accessible
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
- Infants Required On Laps
Good to know
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- A maximum of 30 people per booking
Traveler reviews
Bishops Palace Housekeeper Tour
The tour with the housekeeper was excellent. Lovely lady and learnt so much more about the history than would have done otherwise.
No gossip girls...
Excellent tour of Bishops palace, with the housekeeper Mrs Rickards [Debbie], your secrets are safe with the Limerick girls..... very informative and enjoyable...
Highly enteraining!
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!
Fun, informative and interactive.
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.
An experience not to be missed
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.