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The Irish Wake Museum

Waterford, County Waterford, Republic of Ireland

Museums in Ireland

Photograph: Patrick Browne

A new kind of museum in Waterford, dealing with the Irish relationship with death over the centuries. Dark but fascinating!

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1 Visit the Irish Wake Museum

1.1 A museum that raises the question of our relationship with death

Opening in June 2023, the Irish Wake Museum is a brand new museum in Waterford, Ireland. It belongs to the Waterford Treasures group of museums and offers a new kind of experience, entirely dedicated to the Irish relationship with life and death, detailing traditions and superstitions from the early Christian era to the 20th century here on the Emerald Isle.

Visit the Irish Wake Museum

A museum that raises the question of our relationship with death

Irish Wake Museum, Waterford – © Patrick Browne for Waterford Treasures

Housed in a former 15th-century hospice in the heart of Waterford, the Irish Wake Museum presents an unusual exhibition.

Entirely dedicated to life and death, this new museum plunges you into the heart of Irish culture and the Irish relationship with death. A guided tour is a must, to learn about Irish customs over the centuries. Tales, legends, superstitions… You’ll discover how the Irish buried their dead, watched over them and prayed for them…

Fascinating (if a little dark), fundamentally philosophical subjects that will show you all the wisdom, humility and humor the Irish are capable of. You’ll discover a surprisingly fatalistic mentality, imbued with romanticism and beliefs, carried by centuries-old legends.

The visit is interesting, punctuated by striking audiovisual experiences and explanations transmitted with passion by guides who know their stuff!

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