"King of the Vikings" 3D Experience, Waterford

The "King of the Vikings" experience offers a unique and immersive journey into the world of Viking history through cutting-edge virtual reality technology. Available in English, French, and German, the experience brings visitors face-to-face with the legendary Viking warlords who founded Ireland's oldest city.

This attraction, touted as the world's first Viking Virtual Reality 3D Adventure, is set within a meticulously reconstructed Viking house, located amid the atmospheric ruins of a medieval monastery in Waterford's Viking Triangle. The replica Viking house, crafted using traditional building techniques, stands as an authentic representation of how Vikings lived, all while housed in the historical context of a 13th-century Franciscan friary.

The narrative of the "King of the Vikings" experience is deeply rooted in the historical events that shaped Waterford and Ireland during the Viking Age. For a century, Viking longships, known for their speed and maneuverability, raided monasteries and settlements across Ireland, seizing slaves and treasure. This period of turmoil gave way to a brief peace in 902 when Viking leaders were expelled from the country. However, this peace was short-lived. In 917, Reginald, a descendant of the famous Viking leader Ivar, returned to Waterford. He fortified the area, claimed the title of king, and re-established Viking dominance not only in Dublin but also extended his influence to England, becoming the 'King of York and all the foreigners of Ireland and Britain.'

Visitors to the "King of the Vikings" are transported back in time through virtual reality to witness the life of these formidable raiders, builders, and traders. The experience vividly illustrates the dual nature of the Vikings: as both fearsome warriors and skilled settlers who established towns and engaged in international trade. The immersive experience provides a tangible connection to the past, allowing participants to explore the intricacies of Viking life and understand the impact of their presence in Ireland and beyond.