The Anglo-Normans settled in Waterford town in the 1200s and were given a number of murage grants for the fortification of Waterford from the ‘savages’. The money from the grants helped build the new walls. It was made with limestone and shale, and was battlemented. The full perimeter of the walls was 2,450m, including the internal wall.

Entry into Waterford was by 5-6 landward gates, 3 internal gates, c. 6 quay gates and a number of posterns. Some of the gate names survive today, such as Colbeck Gate, St. Martin's Gate, Lady's Gate, Central Gate, Arundel Gate, St Patrick's Gate, New Gate, Close Gate and John's Gate. There were also a number of towers protecting the town, of which some of the names have survived - French Tower, Double Tower, Watch Tower, St Martin's Tower, Reginald's Tower, Turgesius Tower, Beach Tower and Semi-Lunar Tower.

In 1495, Waterford’s defences were tested when the city was attacked by Perkin Warbeck. Artillery was used for the first time on an Irish city during this eleven-day siege. However, the people of Waterford successfully defended their city. The use of artillery marked the end of Waterford's walls and in 1705, a large portion of wall on the quay side was demolished.

Today, nearly two kilometres of town wall, and six towers remain, constituting the largest collection of medieval urban defences in Ireland. Reginald’s Tower being the most impressive, stands at the apex of the Viking Triangle, the name given to the area first settled by the Vikings and now known as the historic core. The three main museums chronicling the city’s history are Reginald’s Tower, the Medieval Museum and the Bishop’s Palace. While in the area why not take a Telling Tales Tour where costumed characters bring to life Waterford’s fascinating history. Besides this you can also visit Christ Church Cathedral or walk around the beautiful Waterford Walls murals.

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