Waterford

Tours

The House of Waterford Tour is more than a factory visit. We take you on a journey into the world of crystal. You’ll see each stage of the process that goes into making these pieces of art. We start in the history room, tracing Waterford from its birth. This part of the site features detailed exhibits of the firm’s development, and you’ll see some of their great antique pieces on display here. You’ll then proceed to the mold room, where wooden molds and hand tools are still used by master blowers to shape the molten crystal. From here we move on to the blowing room, where you’ll watch as craftsmen transform glowing balls of molten crystal into elegant shapes. In the cutting department, master craftsmen use industrial diamond-tipped wheels to cut the crystal. The diamond wheel ensures a high quality cut to the crystal. The last two stages of the process involve sculpting and engraving, and are arguably the most precision-based stages in the creation of a piece of Waterford. Your tour ends with a visit to the retail shop, where you’ll see the largest display of Waterford crystal in the world.

Step back in time and explore Irish history from the Viking to the Victorian era on this family-friendly walking tour of the Viking Triangle in Waterford. Follow your guide through this ancient Irish city and learn about the treasures of Waterford. See parts of the medieval urban defense system like Reginald’s Tower. Discover the 13th-century Greyfriars Friary, the 13th-century Choristers Hall and the 15th-century Mayor's Wine Vault. View where the Anglican bishops of Waterford used to reside at the Bishop’s Palace. Gain insight into Ireland’s colorful past and learn of the invasions, battles, and victories which shaped the country today. Admire archaeological treasures from centuries passed. Listen to stories told in an engaging way, making them popular choice with kids. Trace Ireland’s architecture through the generations on a tour that is offered multiple times throughout the day.

The Irish Experience (theirishexperience.com) offers you this fantastic and unique Sea Kayaking Experience along Ireland's visually stunning southern coastline. Soak up and take in the best Atlantic Ocean location in Ireland with this truly unique way of exploring this magical coastline. The stunning and natural area of The Hook Peninsula is just 90 minutes from Dublin and steeped in jaw-dropping historical stories, rich with heritage and has diverse wildlife, which this tour will bring to life through your expert local guide! We take you to explore golden sandy beaches, beautiful craggy coves, cliff cracks and crevasses, which comprise an impressive variety of Sea Caves. The Experience includes one of the most amazing natural Sea Caves you will ever have the pleasure of entering by kayak. If you are in Ireland and you love "off-the-beaten-track" adventure, this is not something you can miss! Drive Time from Popular Locations : Dublin - 90mins Cork - 90mins Kilkenny - 40mins Waterford - 30mins Wexford Town - 30mins New Ross Town - 30mins Taxi can be arranged on request

Visit the Medieval Museum in Waterford, Ireland’s only purpose-built medieval museum and the only building on the island to incorporate two ancient undercrofts. Step back into medieval Waterford as you begin your tour in the undercrofts. Continue to the 13th-century Choristers Hall and 15th-century wine vault. Be wowed by some of the greatest treasures of medieval Ireland, including the Great Charter Roll viewed by HM King Charles III and the Queen Consort and the 15th-century cloth-of-gold church vestments. Guided tours of the Medieval Museum are included with your ticket subject to availability.

Mount Congreve Gardens is located in the heart of County Waterford, just a ten-minute drive from Waterford City. The gardens at Mount Congreve are a haven for plant and history lovers alike and a beautiful setting for those simply looking to relax in nature. Boasting one of the largest private collections of plants globally and described as ‘A Great Garden of the World’ - the entire collection features plants from every continent. Enter the gardens through Mount Congreve House, built in 1760, and lived in by six generations of the Congreve family. Explore two interpretative spaces in the house where you can enjoy a short video, a 3D model of the estate, and flip books with beautiful imagery of the Congreve family, house and gardens. You can also book a guided tour (additional cost) with one of Mount Congreve's expert gardeners. To further immerse in nature groups you can join a Forest Bathing experience. This experience is designed to boost both mental and physical health and overall vitality. Mount Congreve offers you the opportunity to enjoy breakfast, lunch or light bite, in the beautiful Stables Café. Afternoon tea and private dining are also on offer with the Large Drawing (affectionately known as the Chinese Room), Library Room, The School Room and the Tack Room all available for hire. No visit to Mount Congreve is complete without a visit to FOXFORD, which offers a unique range of gift ideas inspired by the beauty of nature and the gardens Mount Congreve Gardens can be accessed directly from the Waterford Greenway – which is ideal for those looking to walk or cycle on this award-winning greenway.

Your premium small group tour is operated by Elegant Irish Tours, our 5 star daughter brand. You will enjoy a luxury Mercedes- Benz touring vehicle with maximum 25 passengers. The tour begins with a pick up from the cruise liner terminal in Dunmore East. Tours depart 30 minutes after the first tender arrives dockside. (Note: if for operational reasons your ship is not able to dock, your tour will be refunded completely). The tour begins with a drive to Kilkenny, the medieval capital of Ireland situated on the banks of the river Nore. Here we spend time discovering this lovely city with highlights including the St. Canice's Cathedral and of course the Kilkenny Castle (Norman Castle) dating back to 1195 (€12 entrance included). We will have time to visit Kilkenny design center where we see some traditional arts and crafts, and enjoy a fine lunch with great selections of all types of traditional and artisan foods (not included). We head back to Waterford where we see Reginald's Tower, the Viking Triangle and end up in Waterford Crystal factory and take an amazing tour where we can see the glass blowers in action crafting the fine pieces (€18 entrance included). We return to port 1h before departure after a wonderful day spent touring this region, and hopefully we will meet in the next port!

Situated in what was once a 15th-century Almshouse, the Irish Wake Museum offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore one of the most iconic parts of Irish culture through the eyes of an expert guide. In this atmospheric building, associated with life and death in Waterford across six centuries, visitors are taken on a fascinating journey across our history. In this intimate space, the themes of death and funeral practices are explored in order to gain a true understanding of the origins of a wake’s unique customs.

Pick-up Location & Time Pick-Up Time: 8am Tour Departs From: Nassau Street, Dublin 2 (Opposite “The Kilkenny” store) Meet your Driver Guide and Travel through Ireland's majestic countryside on our Small Group Tour to Ireland's oldest city, while hearing all about the history and culture of Ireland. Arrive at The House Of Waterford Crystal where In front of your eyes, you will see red-hot molten crystal take shape, in a miracle of light, heat, and skill. The craftsmen are meticulous, and you can watch as they transform glowing balls of molten crystal into elegant shapes with skills that have made two hundred years of perfection visible in every piece. Afterward enjoy a light lunch in a Waterford café or shop the collection before departing for Kilkenny the Medieval Capital of Ireland See all Kilkenny has to offer on our private walking tour. From the 13th-century castle, historic laneways, medieval townhouses, and Ireland’s oldest brewery Smithwick’s. Great cafes, bars, and Kilkenny’s famous bar, Kytelers Inn, where Ireland’s only Witch Burning took place in 1324. Kilkenny Castle stands dramatically on a strategic height that commands a crossing on the River Nore and dominates the ‘High Town’ of Kilkenny City. Over the eight centuries of its existence, many additions and alterations have been made to the fabric of the building, making Kilkenny Castle today a complex structure of various architectural styles. Say goodbye to Kilkenny as your board your bus at 4pm for your trip back to Dublin for a 6pm drop off.

Experience Waterford like a local with a tour that brings you through its historic sites and vibrant atmosphere. Wander the cobbled streets of the Viking Triangle, where ancient landmarks like Reginald’s Tower and the Waterford Cathedral tell the story of the city’s rich history. Explore the charming, narrow alleys filled with local boutiques, cozy pubs, and artisan shops. Stroll along the scenic Waterford Greenway, a picturesque trail offering stunning views of the coast, rolling countryside, and the River Suir. Visit the lively local markets for a taste of authentic Irish flavors and discover the craftsmanship of Waterford Crystal at its showroom. Your guide will share tips on the best places to enjoy fresh seafood, live traditional music, and hidden spots that reveal Waterford’s friendly and welcoming spirit.

Day 1: Depart Dublin for Cork, driving through the lush farm counties of Kildare, Laois, and Tipperary. Make a short stop in the heritage town of Cahir to see the ruined abbey and impressive castle on an island in the River Suir. Continue to Blarney on the outskirts of Cork. Visit the castle and take one of the woodland walks to the mystical Rock Close. Explore the village of Blarney, stopping for lunch.  There may even be time to kiss the famous Blarney Stone. After this, there is a chance to discover Jameson Whiskey Distillery and taste one of Ireland's favourite exports. In the afternoon, tour the beautiful coastline of West Cork, and see some of the magnificent beaches, tiny inlets and coves. End the day in the fishing village of Kinsale, where you will be based for the night. Kinsale is famous for its food, and the evening is free to wander the narrow streets, popping into traditional pubs and restaurants. Day 2: Explore some of the highlights of southeast Ireland, starting with the historic port of Cobh, the main departure point for Irish emigration in the 19th and 20th centuries. It was also from here that the Titanic ocean liner set forth on her ill-fated maiden voyage. Continue east to Waterford, traveling along the “Copper Coast” (a designated UNESCO geo-park for its spectacular beauty). Stop at the popular surfing beach of Tramore, before heading into Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city. Founded by the Vikings in the 9th century, it’s also famous for the Waterford Crystal Factory, which you are free to visit along with one of the excellent museums. Alternatively, explore the Viking Triangle on foot. In the late afternoon, depart for the busy city of Kilkenny with its fine castle and park, as well as some lovely riverside walks. Go to the National Craft Centre, or hang out in one of the pubs and enjoy a glass of Guinness! Day 3: Enjoy a free morning to explore Kilkenny before driving to the Wicklow Mountains. Marvel at some of Ireland’s highest granite peaks and see impressive valleys carved by glaciers. One of the area’s highlights is Glendalough, known as the “Valley of the Lakes.” Take one of the walking trails, or explore the ruins of the 6th-century monastery to see its round tower. The last section of your tour takes you into the heart of the Wicklow Mountains National Park, before crossing the famous Sally Gap to descend into Dublin for an approximate 18:30 arrival.