Waterford’s Museum of Time shortlisted for prestigious visitor attraction award

This article was first published by The Irish Times.

One of Waterford city’s major tourism attractions, the Irish Museum of Time, has been shortlisted for the final of a prestigious international tourism award

Eamonn McEneaney, director of the Waterford Treasures group of museums, said that the Irish Museum of Time was the only Irish entry to make the shortlist of six finalists chosen for the esteemed British Guild of Travel Writers International Tourism Awards 2022.

“When we heard the news earlier this week we were absolutely bowled over. Being shortlisted for these awards a couple of months ago was for us a really wonderful achievement but to now be listed in the top six visitor attractions in the UK and Ireland is a real feat and we are overjoyed,” he said.

The inspiration for the Irish Museum of Time, which opened last year, stemmed from the little-known connection between Waterford and traditional Swiss watch and clock makers, who planned to relocate to Ireland in 1782 when facing oppression from their French and Bernese masters.

“This utopian settlement of master craftsmen was given the name of New Geneva and parts of Waterford still carry the name today, though shifting political dynamics in both Switzerland and Ireland at that time would bring an end to the New Geneva dream before it could become a reality,” said Mr McEneaney.

“A small number of Swiss did make the journey, only to return to their own country as conditions for them there eased. Nevertheless, Waterford almost became the new home for Haute Horlogerie, and that legacy lives on in the Irish Museum of Time.”

@UK_ICOM