Waterford’s Viking Heritage Comes Alive at Winterval — Step Back in Time in Ireland’s Oldest City

Winterval in Waterford is celebrating the city’s ancient heritage of over a thousand years and offering visitors the chance to discover the fascinating world of the Vikings. Now open every Thursday to Sunday until December 23rd, the city’s historic Blackfriars Church will transform into a lively Viking village, bringing the past vividly to life with immersive experiences, crafts, storytelling, and authentic reenactments.

At the heart of this celebration is a free event hosted by Déise Medieval, a passionate Waterford-based group of living history enthusiasts who recreate early Viking settlement life. Visitors can explore a tented village where every detail has been carefully crafted—from the period furniture and household goods to the open-fire cooking aromas filling the air. Skilled reenactors demonstrate traditional Viking crafts such as spinning, weaving, leatherworking, blacksmithing, coin striking, and woodwork. What makes this experience truly special is the chance for visitors, young and old, to get hands-on: trying their hand at crafts or learning to play Hnefatafl, a Viking board game beloved across the centuries.

The Viking village also features fascinating displays including coin striking, helmet and armour exhibitions, traditional food preparation, and the intriguing presence of the Volva—the Viking witch. These interactive demonstrations offer a unique opportunity to connect with history in a family-friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The Viking village opens on Sundays on November 23rd, December 7th, 14th, and 21st, plus Saturday, November 29th, from 12 PM to 5 PM at Baileys New Street in the Viking Triangle. 

For those enchanted by stories, the Viking Storytelling sessions provide a magical highlight for families. Set inside a replica Viking house, a fully costumed storyteller brings Norse myths, legends, and adventures to life in engaging 15-minute sessions running every 20 minutes on Saturdays and Sundays from noon until 4 PM. These drop-in sessions are ideal for children and families looking to experience the spirit of the Viking Age through captivating tales. Tickets cost €5 per child, with adults free to attend and can be pre-booked at winterval.ie 

Beyond the Viking events, Winterval offers a range of creative workshops designed to engage families in the festive spirit. From decorating oyster shell ornaments to crafting glowing glass candle holders, making festive wreaths with the Waterford Academy of Music & Art (WAMA), and even gingerbread-making workshops in the Winterval Christmas Market—there’s something to spark everyone’s creativity and create lasting holiday memories.

Waterford’s Winterval, Ireland’s largest Christmas festival, runs weekly, Thursday to Sunday, until December 23rd across the Cultural Quarter, Viking Triangle, and city centre. Alongside Viking reenactments, the festival features the Winterval Circus, dazzling illuminations, festive markets, live entertainment, and over 50 events, offering a magical experience for all ages.

For full details on Winterval’s Viking events, workshops, and the entire festival programme, visit www.winterval.ie