Waterford Treasures: Bishop's Palace
Overview
Available languages
1 hour
Mobile ticket
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 real world of Bridgerton through 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.
Additional Info
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Waterford Treasures: Bishop's Palace
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.
What‘s Included
Professional guide [Hourly, subject to availability]
Gratuities
Meeting points
Waterford Treasures: Bishop's Palace
The Mall, Viking Triangle Waterford Ireland
End points
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Options
Bishop's Palace Gen Addmission
Duration: 1 hour
Self-Guided Tour: Enjoy the the luxurious surroundings of the Bishop’s Place on a self-guided tour
Re-enactor Led Bridgerton Tour
Duration: 1 hour
Guided tour of Bishop's Palace: Visit Bishops Palace for a tour with the Housekeeper or Butler while the Bishop is away and discover the secrets of the house
Reviews
48 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Visiting the area, DEFINITELY visit this museum!
719caraghm,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you're right thinking of doing anything in Waterford, I highly recommend doing the 'Bishop Palace' museum. We were greeted by Alex on the front desk. A warm welcome and extremely helpful. Debbie, (the maid) .... Well. WHAT AN ABSOLUTE WONDER! I didn't take my eyes off her. Never broke character and I was in awe of how well she knew her information. This was the BEST interaction I have had in a museum/tour. Exceptional. We got a freedom tour ticket which covered other museums. Worked out at €20 and can be used throughout the rest of the year. Tour itself was about an hour although you can really stay as long as you like.
A walk in time
Global710978,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Staff extremely friendly. The Bridgerton Tour was informational, nicely paced and also provided time to view the historical information and pieces. Families have donated multiple items that bring additional authenticity and history to life.
A wonderful afternoon of history brought to life.
grainnek84,,Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A wonderful afternoon of history brought to life. We did our tour with Mrs Rickard the housekeeper and she was great fun as well incredibly knowledgeable. The museum is full of beautiful pieces from the Georgian period and I loved the exhibition dedicated to Waterford in the last century. Well worth the ticket cost.
Nice but too long
EzgiG-777,,Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Place is very nice, Bridgerton tour way too long and too much talk. It makes you tired and bored. It would be better if it is shortened to 15 mins.
A most intriguing visit
Sabina I,,Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went to visit the palace with 15 French students aged 15. Debbie, the housekeeper, was our tour guide and she's told us everything we needed to know about the history, the architecture, the family tree, not to mention a bit of gossip! She's even translated some of the difficult terms to the kids because she speaks French fluently! Thank you Debbie for a great visit!
Could be renamed "The Housekeepers Palace". 😆
207declanm,,Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful experience. Claire the 'Housekeeper" was so good, engaging, informative and very witty. ☆☆☆☆☆ Interesting paintings, furniture and crystal.
Good tour . Nice items to see . Coffe shop lovely too
lbyrne99,,Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00This was a fun tour and some lovely antiques . Loved the dining room particularly . Well worth a visit . Coffee and cake lovely too
Good fun and insightful.
gregcrowley11,,Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It's a friendly, humorous, entertaining tour, well acted and paced by the "housekeeper" or "butler". It gives a great insight into what was once Ireland's second city. It's well worth spending time on the top floor exhibits (not part of the tour as the tour concentrates on the wealthier citizens) and then revisiting the floors you've already seen before dropping into the cafe for a beverage.
Interesting place to visit
U2844KOdm,,Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Interesting place to visit. We opted to take a self tour and not do the Bridgerton experience so we did not have the entertainment factor for our visit. Most interesting was the display about the gentleman who did the miniature crystal pieces. Nice to see an historical house.
Wonderful
I5025HIterib,,Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A fabulous building and the Bridgeton tour was so much fun. I’d really recommend this museum. We especially enjoyed Mrs. Rickarts the housekeeper who acted as our tour guide.
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