House of Waterford Crystal

House of Waterford Crystal
4 activities found

Top activities in Waterford

13 activities found
Sort by:
Recommended

House of Waterford Crystal: Our most recommended tours and activities

Waterford: House of Waterford Crystal Factory Tour

Waterford: House of Waterford Crystal Factory Tour

The House of Waterford Crystal 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 Crystal 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 Crystal. Your tour ends with a visit to the retail shop, where you’ll see the largest display of Waterford Crystal in the world.

Ireland: Blarney Castle, Kilkenny & Irish Whiskey 3-Day Tour

Ireland: Blarney Castle, Kilkenny & Irish Whiskey 3-Day Tour

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.

Waterford Crystal & Kilkenny City Small Group Tour

Waterford Crystal & Kilkenny City Small Group Tour

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.

House of Waterford Crystal: Our most recommended tours and activities

Waterford: House of Waterford Crystal Factory Tour

Waterford: House of Waterford Crystal Factory Tour

The House of Waterford Crystal 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 Crystal 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 Crystal. Your tour ends with a visit to the retail shop, where you’ll see the largest display of Waterford Crystal in the world.

Ireland: Blarney Castle, Kilkenny & Irish Whiskey 3-Day Tour

Ireland: Blarney Castle, Kilkenny & Irish Whiskey 3-Day Tour

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.

Waterford Crystal & Kilkenny City Small Group Tour

Waterford Crystal & Kilkenny City Small Group Tour

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.

Top Attractions in Waterford

Experiences in House of Waterford Crystal

Tours in Ireland

Things to do in Ireland

Other Sightseeing Options in House of Waterford Crystal

Want to discover all there is to do in House of Waterford Crystal? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about House of Waterford Crystal

Overall rating

4.8
(123 reviews)

The guide Marcus was very helpful and jovial. Wanted to see rural Ireland and this trip suited us. Love the arrangements done by Rabbie. The weather was an added bonus.

I was amazed from the beginning of the tour to the end of the process on how Waterford Crystal pieces were created.

Excellent. Very interesting and informative. Watching talented tradesmen at work with fantastic guide.

Great! We got to see all processes in making Waterford crystal. Very interesting.

Small group with a very knowledgeable guide who answered all our questions.