Reginald's Tower

About this place

Reginald's Tower is a round stone tower at the eastern end of the Waterford city quay, the oldest civic building in Ireland and the only urban monument in the country to keep a Norse name. It is one of the most important remnants of the medieval city defences and still a landmark on the river. The Anglo-Normans built it after their conquest of Waterford, replacing an earlier Viking fort. Its name comes from a Norse one, perhaps referring to one of the Viking rulers of the town. Prince John organised the rebuilding of the city's defences in 1185, and the present tower probably dates from the thirteenth or fourteenth century, perhaps between 1253 and 1280. It has served many purposes over the centuries. The tower is about 16.5 metres high and about 13 metres across, under a conical roof. Its walls are about 3 metres thick at the base, with a spiral stair rising inside them between the floors. The heritage authority lets you step inside to see the city's history. A replica wooden Viking ship stands beside it, a favourite photograph. The tower is lit in the evening on the quay. The tower is 0.3 km in a straight line from central Waterford, an easy walk from the old quarter, and it opens all year. The inner stair is narrow, so take your time, and it will not suit anyone who finds climbing hard. Riverside paths and the rest of the old city lie around it, so it pairs well with a walk. Check seasonal times.