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

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.

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“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.”

Mr McEneaney said the nomination by the British Guild of Travel Writers was significant in that the Guild is the UK’s leading organisation of travel media professionals. Each of the guild’s 270 members must satisfy an annual audit to retain Guild membership. Only members can nominate and vote in the annual awards.

Cork-based travel writer and Guild member Isabel Conway nominated the Waterford attraction after her visit earlier this summer.

She said that, irrespective of the outcome, making it through the rigorous judging process was a credit to all involved in the project

“This is a real testament to the wonderful visitor attraction that is The Irish Museum of Time. This category in the 2022 awards was the most hotly contested with by far the most nominations. I am truly delighted for the team at the museum to reach the final, it is a huge achievement in itself.”

The winners will be announced on the eve of the World Travel Market event in London on November 6th.