Irish Wake Museum Tour Rituals of Death and Celebration of Life
Overview
Available languages
45 minutes
Mobile ticket
Ireland’s first ever Wake Museum will take you on an exploration of life and death, detailing traditions and superstitions, from early Christian times right up to the 20th century.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please be aware this tour will include mention of death, injury and illness, as well as realistic depictions of the recently deceased. We greatly appreciate that the subject matter of this museum may be upsetting for some and consideration should be taken to ensure that this is the correct experience for you and your companions.
We advise that at a minimum it is not suitable for children under the age of 8 years.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Waterford Treasures: Irish Wake Museum
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.
What‘s Included
Guided Tour
Professional Guide
Gratuities
Options
Irish Wake Museum Tour Rituals of Death and Celebration of Life
Reviews
112 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful experience
Navigator05978756162,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience. Took the train from Kilkenny just to visit and well worth it. Tobie the guide was perfect. The exhibits really helped to understand the history.
Belinda
Belinda B,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The guide called Toby was excellent, brilliant humour & very informative. It was history of Waterford too. Thoroughly enjoyable and recommend. Thank you
A Waterford Gem
97danicag,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We tried to visit The Wake Museum last year and were so glad we could this time around! We’re from Waterford but living in London and this was a lovely way to experience our home town. We’re so lucky to have so many amazing museums and tour guides. Liam was so engaging and knowledgable so we throughly enjoyed our experience! Would recommend to anyone visiting or locals like us :)
Tobie was so much craic
jameswO3168BX,,Dec 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tobie gave us such an amazing and informative tour that I'll never forget. He is a very passionate tour guide, and when we reached the last part of the tour, he offered me a tissue as I was unexpectedly overwhelmed
Great Irish history lesson
Maire264,,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a wonderful tour in wake museum. I think the title of the place is misleading as there’s way more to it than “wakes”. I learned about Irish history and life in the 1400s upwards! Clare was our guide - she was amazingly informative and great for a chat or a laugh. I recommend this tour for sure
Great out of the ordinary tour
Flyer374872,,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00It was a very unique look into the past. The tour guide was phenomenal. Highly recommend the experience. This was definitely not "touristy". Admission fee was not outrageous. 45 minutes was the perfect amount of time to learn about Waterford's history of death and funerals.
Guide was great
AlanBuck75,,Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour with Tobie Wonderful way to spend an hour. Insightful, quirky and humorous, Tobie, our guide made the visit fascinating and enjoyable. Thoroughly recommend.
Unforgettable and emotional
470eddieh,,Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely fabulous tour and had the most wonderful tour guide. Tobie made the journey into the past a very special memorial occasion for us. The Wake museum is a most of all ages and tells the history of how the Irish sends the loved ones onto their final journey
Dead on!
emacauley41,,Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Really enjoyed today’s tour. Debbie was a wonderful storyteller , Well worth a visit if you are in Waterford. Great insight into superstitions, history and traditions.
Great tour
G8626SVgeraldineb,,Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very informative and enjoyable. A great guide! Good to learn about local history and what has happened on our doorstep.
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