waterford crystal tour from dublin

Uncover the secrets of crafting the perfect Irish Coffee alongside whiskey experts in a fully guided masterclass! Read More

Kilkenny City & Waterford Crystal Day Tour by Train

Travel to Ireland's Ancient East by train and discover the medieval and Viking Cities of Kilkenny and Waterford. Visit Waterford Crystal where you can see where the world famous crystal glass is made.

• Day tour to Kilkenny and Waterford
• Reserved seats on the train coach
• Host to guide you through your day
• Admission to Killkenny Road Train and Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre
• Return travel on train

Depart Heuston Rail Station at 7:25am and travel through the suburbs of Dublin City and begin the journey to Kilkenny. Experience many beautiful views and scenery as you travel through the gorgeous countryside of Kildare. Along this journey you will pass the famous racecourse, The Curragh and then through County Carlow and then enter County Kilkenny where you will have your first stop.

• At 9:00am you will stop at Kilkenny, located on the River Nore. You will have over 2 hours to explore this wonderful medieval city. There are plenty of castles to see in this Irish City and during the months of April to October there is a guided tour of Kilkenny by road train.
• You will depart Kilkenny by train at 11:40am and head for Waterford.
• Arriving in the Viking Town of Waterford at 12:20pm, you pass Jerpoint Abbey which is from the 12th century.
• When you arrive at Waterford Station you will then travel to the Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre where you will be given a guided tour. On this tour you will witness the skills that the craftsmen have for blowing and cutting the crystal glass.
• You will have a lunch stop where you get the chance to grab a bite to eat and there is plenty of choice in Waterford as the city has plenty of local pubs and bars.
• The train departs Waterford at 4:25pm and heads West as it travels the breath-taking Suir Valley through Tipperary.
• Once you have passed through the town of Tipperary you will change trains at Limerick Junction.
• No need to worry about these changes as the tour host will be with you to escort you onto the train and to the location of your reserved seats.
• Arrive back in Heuston Station in Dublin at 8:00pm

Buy RTI - Kilkenny City & Waterford Crystal Tickets

Waterford Crystal & Kilkenny City

Train to ireland's ancient east.

• The Suir Valley

Visit part of Ireland's Ancient East, where there are Medieval and Viking cities to be explored!

Enjoy a full day tour to a big chunk of Ireland's Ancient East - in Ireland's sunny south east. We visit the ancient city of Kilkenny or as it is known "The Marble City". We continue on to explore the historic Viking City of Waterford where we visit The Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre. The tour returns to Dublin via the lovely Suir Valley.

• Return Rail Travel.
• Reserved Seats on the train.
• Railtours Ireland Host throughout.
• Visitor Attraction Admissions.

€139pps

"Highly recommended"

Aug 2018 by Emily G

I have been a number of these trips and love them. This trip was one of the shorter ones, but, it was a packed day of fantastic tours, events and wonderful locations. These trips are incredibly well organised and always move smoothly. Highly recommended.

"MUCH MUCH better on rail than on any bus"

Jul 2018 by Roger O

This was our 3rd day trip in three days and in hindsight, all of our tours should have been with Railtours Ireland. The space, the convenience, the comfort and the attentive service qas MUCH MUCH better on rail than on any bus. The tour was interesting and informative. Liam is an absolute gem. Knowledgeable, witty, father-like and overall just a superb ambassador for Railway Ireland and Ireland in general. The additional service to be returned to our hotel made a great day end on a fabulous note. Keep up the great work at Railway Ireland and please ensure to recognize and reward Liam. He was the ABSOLUTE best and now represents for us, the face of Ireland!!!

"one of the best days we had in Ireland."

Nov 2017 by ICS20

My parents and I booked a Railtours day trip out to Waterford. It ended up being one of the best days we had in Ireland. The scenery was lovely – what a treat to get out to the countryside. And both Waterford and Kilkenny were beautiful. But the true star of the day was our guide, Paddy. He was an absolutely delight. Paddy made the time fly by with both the history of the area, and his fun jokes and stories. We have many pictures and many happy memories of our jaunt out to Waterford. Thank you, Paddy, and thank you Railtours! We feel very lucky to have taken this tour.

"Fantastic Trip to Waterford and Kilkenny"

Aug 2017 by Schwartzkin

We booked this trip to Waterford and Kilkenny from Dublin. It was fantastic. We meet our group at the train station and the Railtour workers wearing bright yellow. Our tour guide, Liam, was great. He knew the history of the area as well as the history of the Irish people. He was warm and friendly. Our first stop was to the town of Kilkenney where we took a city tour. We then headed to Waterford. We stopped for lunch and then toured the factory. The craftsmanship was unbelievable. We had some free time to shop and then headed back. The train ride home takes you through rolling hills and beautiful countryside. I woudl definitely do it again.

"Wonderful Tour Guide"

Jun 2017 by Finksbug

We took this trip with Liam, who was a wonderful, thoughtful, knowledgeable guide as well as a very wonderful person. The tours of Waterford and Kilkenny were very informative and the restaurant choice was ideal as well. We were so glad that we added this tour to our trip to Ireland and that it was Liam who shared it all with us! Thanks, Liam!

"Fun tour of two interesting towns with a great chance to see the countryside from rail"

Jun 2016 by Dennis B

Fun tour of two interesting towns with a great chance to see the countryside from rail. Paddy (our guide) was great at adjusting the itinerary based on the interests of the group so we could see things that attracted our attention. Be sure to allocate time in Waterford to see the tower down the street along with the replica Viking boat. Kilkenny Castle was fantastic. Love how they have researched it like a team of detectives to restore it to the original shape where they can. Appreciate that Paddy also researched info for us on Ireland not related to our tour. Will help make the rest of our stay better.

"Well worth the money, lovely rail trip with beautiful scenery"

Jul 2015 by Margaret B

Well worth the money, lovely rail trip with beautiful scenery. Liam was our tour guide and he was wonderful. Liam was very knowledgeable and took excellent care of us bon the tour.

"The day couldn't have been much better"

Jun 2015 by Janice B

Our tour guide, Liam was the absolute best! He is a wonderful tour guide and conversationalist. The day couldn't have been much better.

"Took the train tour which allows one to see the sights from a more personal level."

Jun 2015 by Tammy B

Kilkenny was great. Took the train tour which allows one to see the sights from a more personal level. The crystal factory was incredible. Again, the Irish people are wonderful, the driver and guide were great.

Visitor Attraction Admissions Included: Kilkenny Road Train and House of Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre.

Dublin to Kilkenny & Waterford

Check-in is 20 minutes prior to Train Departure Time.

Check in beside the Customer Service Desk at Heuston Station where our representative will be waiting for you in their bright yellow jacket!

Check-in for 07:25 departure from Dublin Heuston Station, opened in 1844 as the headquarters of the Great Southern & Western Railway, now the official principal station of Iarnród Éireann, Ireland’s national railway company. As your train departs, we travel in a south westerly direction, through Dublin's western suburbs and then through the lush fertile countryside of Co. Kildare. Our journey takes us through the Curragh which is famous for its racecourse, home of the Irish Derby, and there are many stud farms in the vicinity, see the best of Irish bloodstock training as your train passes. We pass through Co. Carlow, birthplace of the father of Irish Railways - William Dargan and then enter Co.Kilkenny.

At 09:00 we arrive into Kilkenny, known as the Marble City, situated on the river Nore. We have over two hours free time to explore all this medieval city. Kilkenny is a beautiful small Irish city. Most buildings are built of black limestone thus the name the Marble City. Kilkenny is dominated by its castle. A guided tour of Kilkenny by Road Train is included April to October. Admire Kilkenny Castle and its rose garden. We depart Kilkenny by train at 11:40.

We arrive into Waterford at 12:20, a Viking city on the banks of the River Suir, and we pass Jerpoint Abbey, from the 12 th century en route. On arrival in Waterford Station we are transferred to the Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre for a guided tour, where you will see craftsman engaged in the traditional tasks of blowing and cutting the world famous crystal glass. Our lunch stop is here at the Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre (not included). You are of course welcome to have lunch yourself at any of the many attractive local authentic pubs and bars in Waterford city. We depart Waterford by train at 16:25 and travel west through the beautiful Suir Valley through Co. Tipperary. We pass Tipperary town and change trains at Limerick Junction for your Dublin bound express. You don't need to worry about this change as your host who has been with you since the start of the tour in Dublin will still be there to escort you onto the train and your reserved seats.

20:00 Arrive back to Dublin Heuston Station.

Sign up on TourScanner

Don't know where to start, best places to visit in dublin, tours and things to do in dublin, best day trips from dublin.

Dublin to Kilkenny Castle and House Of Waterford Crystal Day Tour

• Combine visits to Kilkenny and Waterford in one day
• Includes round-trip train tickets with reserved seating
• Hear live commentary from your guide
• Learn how fine crystal is made at Waterford Crystal
• See itinerary
• Expert guide
• Information pack
• Admission to Waterford Crystal visitor centre
• Reserved seats on the trains
• Return Rail Tickets
• Entry/Admission - House Of Waterford Crystal
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Food and drinks
• Entry to Kilkenny Castle
• Dublin Heuston, Heuston Station Saint John's Road West, Saint James, Dublin, Ireland Check in is 20 minutes prior to the departure time (7:00AM). Our yellow check-in stand is located close to the Customer Service Desk at Heuston Station where our Railtours Ireland representative will be waiting for you in their BRIGHT yellow jacket!
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Children U16 cannot book independently. They must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times.
• WHEELCHAIR POLICY: Railtours Ireland First Class ltd very successfully offers hosted railtours for the independent traveller. Our tours are a combination of train and luxury coach and include a moderate level of physical activity, such as short walks to meeting points etc. Unfortunately even the most modern luxury coaches (buses) are not wheelchair friendly, thus our tours are not suitable for those with mobility issues, and regretfully walkers, wheelchairs and mobility scooters cannot be accommodated on our tours.
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 41 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Dublin Heuston Heuston Station Saint John's Road West, Saint James, Dublin, Ireland Check in is 20 minutes prior to the departure time (7:00AM). Our yellow check-in stand is located close to the Customer Service Desk at Heuston Station where our Railtours Ireland representative will be waiting for you in their BRIGHT yellow jacket! See address & details
• 1 Kilkenny Castle Stop: 3 hours See details
• 2 House Of Waterford Crystal Stop: 105 minutes - Admission included See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• bobboze 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Outstanding Tours in Ireland We have done multiplr tours with Rail Tours Ireland and everyone of them have been excellent. Their tour guides are extremely knowledgeable and friendly. They travel with you and answer any questions you might have, as well as covering the history of each location. Read more Written May 15, 2024
• chucke919 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Over the river and through the woods to the cliffs we go! Beautiful Country!!! Definitely would go again but, I wouldn’t climb the steps in the castle. Great guide and driver. Wish it was a shorter day. Read more Written May 8, 2024
• 672eugeneo 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Had a great day with Railtours Today was absolutely fabulous! John Todd, our tour guide, was the very best. He has a heart of gold and looked after us so well. Galway and Connemara are stunning. It was a day to remember forever! Read more Written May 7, 2024
• Kim S 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles 9 Days in Ireland- What a treat! We booked the 9 Day Tour. The train travel and coaches were comfortable and on time. The tour hosts were friendly and knowledgeable. All of the sites we stopped at met our expectations. We didn’t have any surprises until the train trip from Galway to Dublin where we were incorrectly directed but that was easily managed and we all returned safely and none the worst for wear. Brian Duggan was our main guide and was very knowledgeable and kept us well informed. He was entertaining, had a sense of humour and did a great job managing the diverse group. When booking it was indicated it was for the independent traveller and that was the case. We had a lot of free time to do our own thing which was ideal for us. My only complaint is that it would have been nice to receive a full personalized trip itinerary prior to our arrival in Ireland. With today’s technology and for clients booking a lot of days there us no reason for this not being possible. Read more Written May 3, 2024
• michaelwU8837CT 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Breathtaking Views & Travel Made Easy Breathtaking views made easy by the bus charter! This was a relaxing , easy tour as you are on the road for most of the tour, seeing the landscapes from the window, occasionally hopping on and off for photos and to take in the landscapes. Read more Written May 3, 2024
• michaelwU8837CT 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Cliffs, a Castle, & Charm! This was an incredible tour offering much to see. Highlights included a guided Bunratty Castle tour, the impressive Cliffs of Moher, and a stop for dinner in charming Galway. I especially loved our tour guide Ian! He was SO knowledgable, friendly and welcoming! Read more Written May 3, 2024
• michaelwU8837CT 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A Must See Tour! This was the highlight of my vacation in Ireland. I was staying in Dublin for my weeklong vacation and booked this tour to see Giant's Causeway and Northern Ireland. Railtours Ireland made traveling so smooth and hassle free. Peter was friendly and took care of us, offering tidbits of information along the way. This was such a great way to see many things in one day! Read more Written May 3, 2024
• Z5100AUgraemeb 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing Blarney Amazing day relaxing trip by train. Then blarney castle cork and Cobh.everything went smoothly and ran like clockwork.our guide Andrew was absolutely fantastic so knowledgeable and went above and beyond.he really made the day and so caring about everyone in the tour. A big 👍 from us Read more Written April 27, 2024
• John B 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Nice, But Not Great The experience was good but not great. Spent most of the Ring of Kerry time on the bus. The times we did stop was at some place where they were hitting you up for extra money for something, either Irish Coffee or a sheep dog demo or an incredibly overpriced (albeit tasty) lunch. Read more Written April 24, 2024
• Carienv34 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Journey with John Todd: Cork, Blarney Castle, and Cobh Tour Our tour with John Todd to Cork, Blarney Castle, and Cobh was an absolute delight from start to finish. John’s expertise and passion for the region shone through, enriching every moment of our adventure. From the moment we boarded the comfortable train, John’s warm welcome and engaging commentary set the tone for the day. His deep knowledge of the area’s history, culture, and hidden gems added depth to our experience, making each stop more meaningful. At Cork, we wandered through charming English market. The visit to Blarney Castle was a highlight, where John regaled us with fascinating tales of the castle’s storied past and ensured we didn’t miss the chance to kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Cobh’s picturesque harbor captivated us, and John’s insights into its maritime heritage and poignant history left a lasting impression. We loved the Cobh heritage centre where we discovered more about the Irish famine and the Titanic. Throughout the tour, John’s professionalism, humor, and genuine care for his guests were evident. He went above and beyond to ensure everyone felt welcomed and included, creating a sense of camaraderie among fellow travelers. Overall, our day with John Todd was nothing short of exceptional. His passion for his homeland, coupled with his expertise as a guide, made our journey through Cork, Blarney Castle, and Cobh truly unforgettable. We cannot recommend this tour highly enough – it’s a must-do for anyone looking to explore the beauty and history of Ireland with a knowledgeable and personable guide like John. Earl Carien Read more Written April 7, 2024
• songyik2024 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Perfect a day trip Our guide, John Todd, was perfect in every way. I was worried about my lack of English when I decided to travel alone, but he took care of me attentively from our first meeting. Cork was a great place, but I was deeply moved by John's guidance. I have so much respect and gratitude. Read more Written April 6, 2024
• danielmU954QG 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Dan and Kelly Moses in Ireland 2/28 to 3/10 - Dublin with trips to Belfast, Cork/Cobh, Cliffs of Moher and Galway. My wife Kelly and I had amazing travels on the three rail tours in early March. Dublin to Belfast, Cork/Cobh then to Cliffs of Moher and Galway. The latter two, John Todd was our guide, and he was the best! He spent time with everyone in the group, extremely knowledgeable of all the sites and locations. Very special memories on this vacation, and these tours were a big part of them. Thank you Railtours and John Todd for an unforgettable experience. We will be back! Read more Written April 4, 2024
• Sherrell R 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Cliffs of Moher John was excellent. He spent time with each individual on the tour. He was knowledgeable. Overall we had an excellent time Read more Written April 3, 2024
• karendQ9412VG 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Trip to Blarney Castle, St.Colman's Cathedral and Cobh Heritage Center! Norman of Railtours did a phenomenal job of leading our group. Our group rode the Irish Rail train to Cork and then we were met by a bus to take us to Blarney Castle and Gardens. After time on this site we visited the cathedral in Cobh as well as the Heritage Center. Norman ensured that the schedule was working to maximize opportunities of seeing the sights, shopping, and having lunch. Norman also gave us Blarney Castle map booklets which were helpful. I would definitely recommend this tour. Read more Written March 27, 2024
• 247elizabethh247 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A Wonderful Trip exploring Ireland I had a great time traveling with our group and guide Brian in southern and western Ireland. We went to so many places, beautiful Cork and Cobh, Blarney Castle, and the Cliffs of Moher, just to name a few. I learned a lot about Irish history and even printed out my ancestry crest from county Tyrone. We stayed for 2 nights in a lovely hotel and had time on our own in the evenings to explore, have dinner, and listen to some traditional music. Our guide was funny, warm, and very knowledgable. There were lots of surprises along the way and I enjoyed every bit of it. I am grateful for my experience with Rail Tours Ireland and for Brian Dutton our guide. Read more Written March 21, 2024

More to explore in Dublin

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Buy it with

Dublin to Kilkenny Castle and House Of Waterford Crystal Day Tour provided by Railtours Ireland First Class - Day Tours

The Waterford Crystal Factory: History, The Tour + What To Expect In 2024

By Author Gillian Birch

Posted on Last updated: December 30, 2023

A visit to the Waterford Crystal Factory is one of the more popular things to do in Waterford .

Waterford City is synonymous with the crystal making industry that bears its name. From the 18th century, glass-making brought huge prosperity and employment to this historic port city.

The factory still produces over 750 tonnes of quality crystal and the Visitor Centre Experience and Museum provide insight into every part of the skilled process. 

In the guide below, you’ll find info on everything from the Waterford Crystal Factory tour to what to look out for when you’re there.

Table of Contents

Some quick need-to-knows before visiting the Waterford Crystal Factory

Photos via House of Waterford Crystal on FB

Although a visit to the Waterford Crystal Factory is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location  

The House of Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre is right across from the Viking Triangle , a historic area of the city with many museums, churches and attractions. The original Waterford Factory was on the edge of the city near the Cork Road; it closed in 2009. 

2. A whole lot of history   

Waterford Crystal was started in 1783 by brothers George and William Penrose and renowned glassmaker John Hill. They developed the technique of polishing glass to create stunning crystal products which quickly became known all over the world. You’ll learn more about its history below.

3. The tour     

Guided tours of Waterford Crystal Factory last about 50 minutes and must be pre-booked ( buy your ticket here) . The tour take you behind the scenes to see the mould-making, glass-blowing, sculpting, cutting and engraving processes.

4. Opening hours and admission   

The best way to to tackle the Waterford Crystal tour is by booking a timed ticket . If you prefer, you can purchase an Open Ticket online (you’ll be allocated a tour time on arrival). Adult admission is €17 and Family tickets cost €40. Tours are offered 7 days a week in summer and at weekdays only between November and February (times may change).

A speedy history of Waterford Crystal  

Glass-making has been a traditional Irish craft for centuries but it was in 1783 that Waterford Crystal was born. Brothers George and William Penrose founded the company, promising to create the finest and most elegant crystal in Europe…

Working with renowned glassmaker John Hill, they used their knowledge of minerals to produce the highest quality glass and then polished it to create stunning crystal products.

King George ordered a set of Waterford Crystal glasses and it became acclaimed by Dublin Society and further afield. Following the death of William Penrose in 1796, the business had a series of new owners. Alas, crippling new taxes on glass forced the factory to close in 1851, just after they exhibited at the London Exhibition (hosted in Crystal Palace) to universal acclaim. 

Post WW2 Developments

Waterford Crystal lay idle until 1947 when Neil Griffin and Charles Bacik opened a small factory in the Ballytruckle area of Waterford. They brought in experienced European glass-makers, took over the earlier designs and created their first crystal line, Lismore. It remains the best-selling crystal design in the world. 

Soon Waterford Crystal had reclaimed its prestigious place in the world of glass. It used famous designers such as Jasper Conran to create signature collections and eventually became a subsidiary of the famous Wedgwood Pottery.

During the recession in 2009, it was forced into bankruptcy and closed. In 2015, Fiskars Corp. acquired the business, re-opened it and it continues to thrive. 

Modern-day Waterford Crystal

Much of the crystal production is now done in the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Hungary and Germany. However, the company still produces an impressive 750 tonnes of quality crystal onsite as part of the Visitor Centre Experience. 

Waterford Crystal became a customary gift for royalty and heads of state. Today you can see stunning examples of Waterford Crystal in chandeliers in Westminster Abbey, Windsor Castle and the Washington Center, DC.

The massive 3.7m diameter crystal ball that drops to mark the New Year in Times Square is another famous piece of Waterford Crystal. It is also used in trophies for the most prestigious sporting events. 

Things you’ll see on the House of Waterford Crystal tour

One of the reasons that the House of Waterford Crystal tour is so popular is that it’s packed with things to see.

Over the course of a 50-minute tour , you’ll visit everywhere from the Mould Room and the Blowing Department to the Cutting Department and more.

1. The Mould Room

The first stop on the guided tour is in the Mould Room where you learn the ancient art of mould-making. These moulds are used to shape the crystal in a technique that has remained unchanged for centuries. 

2. The Blowing Department   

The Blowing Platform provides a bird’s eye view of the skilled craftsmen who blow the crystal into shape. See them picking up huge balls of red hot liquid crystal from the 1400°C furnace on the end of a long blowing pole. Watch these amazing craftsmen blowing the molten crystal into a hollow form that is shaped externally using the wooden moulds. 

3. The Inspection  

At each stage of the crystal-making process, the crystal items are scrutinized. They must be perfect to pass the exacting standards on which the reputation of Waterford Crystal rests. Altogether there are six different inspections at each stage of the crystal-making process. You’ll see them all on the guided tour! 

4. The Hand Marking  

Next comes the marking process. The crystal vases, glasses and other objects are marked with a geometric grid. This helps the Master cutter as they hand-cut the pattern into the crystal. These guidelines are a simple way to ensure precision, size and accuracy. 

5. The Cutting Department  

When the crystal products reach the cutting room, they are covered in the marking grid but each Master Cutter hand cuts the design from memory. The patterns are not marked onto the glass. Not surprisingly, master cutters must serve an 8-year apprenticeship. They use their skill and dexterity to apply the exact pressure to hand-cut the pattern into the glass without breaking it. 

6. Sculpting

Not all Waterford Crystal products are blown. Trophies and other solid crystal objects, for example, must be hand-cut. They are sculpted from a solid block of crystal. It’s amazing to watch them work in such fine detail, creating the finest shapes and figures using their super-sharp sculpting wheels.

7. Engraving

Finally, the tour reaches the engraving room where you can get up-close to the artisans as they complete this bespoke process. At the House of Waterford Crystal, a process called Intaglio is used. Using copper wheels, these artisans trace fine designs onto commissioned trophies or create limited edition pieces. Many designs take several days to complete, depending on the detail and complexity of the design.

Things to do near the Waterford Crystal Factory

One of the beauties of the House of Waterford Crystal is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best places to visit in Waterford .

Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from the Waterford Crystal Factory (plus places to eat and where to grab a post-adventure pint!).

1. Enjoy a post-tour feed  

Photos via the Parlour Vintage Tea Rooms on Facebook

Wow, watching all those artisans hard at work can work up an appetite. You can pre-book Afternoon Tea (from 50€ per head) at the Visitor Centre or, for something more substantial, try one of of the places in our Waterford restaurants guide (there’s some great, old-school pubs in Waterford , too!).

2. Explore Ireland’s oldest city  

Photo by chrisdorney (Shutterstock)

Waterford City has several noteworthy claims to fame. Home of the historic Waterford Crystal Factory and Visitor Centre, this port city dates back to the Vikings. In fact, it’s Ireland’s oldest city. Must-see highlights include Reginald’s Tower with its Medieval Museum , the fascinating Bishops Palace (you won’t believe some of the contents!) the Viking Triangle , and one or two restaurants and watering holes along the way.

3. Cycle the Waterford Greenway   

Photo by Elizabeth O’Sullivan (Shutterstock)

If you fancy a bit of fresh air and exercise after all that shopping, eating, drinking and history, the Waterford Greenway is nearby. Rent a bike and explore the scenic banks of the River Suir. This 46km multi-use trail heads around the foot of the Comeragh Mountains to the coastal town of Dungarvan . The Copper Coast is another one worth checking out!

FAQs about visiting the Waterford Crystal Factory

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from whether the House of Waterford Crystal is worth visiting to what there is to see inside.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

Is the Waterford Crystal Factory worth visiting?

Yes! Waterford Crystal is home to a whole lot of history and those working inside its walls offer an insight into the immense skill needed to craft their beautiful creations. Perfect for a rainy day.

What is there to see on the House of Waterford Crystal tour?

Over the course of the Waterford Crystal Factory tour, you’ll visit the mould room, the blowing department and the sculpting area. You’ll see engraving taking place and you’ll watch as master glass makers do final inspections on finished pieces.

How long does the Waterford Crystal tour take?

You’ll want to allow around 50 minutes for the tour.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Shirley Williams

Wednesday 21st of September 2022

I recently visited the Waterford Crystal factory. It was an amazing tour and up until I attended a Celtic dance show, it was the highlight of my visit to Ireland.. While there I had a bowl of butternut squash soup from the restaurant in the showroom of Waterford Crystal. Is there a possibility of my getting the recipe for it. It was delicious!

House of Waterford

Explore the house of waterford, factory tour.

The first stop on the tour is the mold room where you witness the ancient art of mold making. Master Blowers shape the molten crystal flawlessly with the use of these wooden molds and hand tools - a technique that has remained unchanged throughout the centuries. 

As you move through to the blowing platform, this is where the magic truly begins and crystal shapes start to form. Using the molds, our skilled Master Blowers transform glowing balls of crystal into majestic shapes before placing them through the 1400-degree furnace. Our crystal is carefully inspected at each stage of production to ensure each piece meets our exacting standards. With six stringent inspection areas, only pieces that satisfy these standards make it to the next stage of production. Items that do not pass our quality standards are crushed and melted along with our other crystal making ingredients. The next part of your journey is the marking department. Here the crystal is marked with a temporary geometric grid that assists the Master Cutter as they cut the pattern onto the crystal. Each brilliant crystal piece is cut strictly from memory, with these lines simply acting as a guideline for precision and accuracy. In the cutting department you will see our Master Cutters at work, utilizing the masterful skills they learnt during an eight-year apprenticeship. Each pattern, no matter how detailed, must be learned and memorized by the cutter during his training years. The Master Cutter relies on their skill and dexterity to cut patterns, applying the exact pressure to make the cut without damaging the integrity of the vessel. In the next stage of our tour the sculpting department, inspirational pieces of crystal created by our Master sculptors start out as solid blocks of crystal. Experience how delicately our Master Craftsmen adorn the intricate detail onto the crystal as they transform robust blocks of crystal into elegant shapes and figures with their sculpting wheels. Finally, you will have the chance to see Master Engravers at work. Using copper wheels, these skilled artisans patiently engrave intricate designs onto trophies and limited-edition pieces, a painstaking process that can take days to complete depending on the size and complexity of the design. The type of copper wheel engraving used at Waterford Crystal is called Intaglio, which means ‘reverse’. The deeper the engraving on the crystal, the more prominent and pronounced the detail.

Retail Experience

With the largest collection of Waterford crystal in the world, our opulent 12,000 square feet Retail Store gives you the opportunity to remember your unforgettable day by choosing a piece of crystal to take home. The retail store represents our entire catalogue of luxury crystal, including an exhibition of world sports trophies.

The Waterford bar is a stylish place to perch before your tour or linger at the end of a leisurely day. Offering a selection of champagne, fine wine and soft drinks served in Waterford glassware, this is the perfect place to unwind and relax.

Waterford Café

A visit to the Waterford Café is the perfect way to rest and relax while sampling delicious local produce. We serve an extensive menu of freshly made breakfast and lunch options like fresh berry granola pots and toasted goats cheese sourdough, indulgent sweet treats; with gluten free and vegetarian options available. We also offer an indulgent afternoon tea which served on Wedgwood china accompanied by speciality teas or Champagne served in our exquisite Lismore flutes.  The Waterford Café is open seven days a week from 9am to 4pm. 

Sign Up today for free shipping on your first order

Sign up below to the Waterford newsletter and receive your exclusive offer. Terms and conditions apply.

By subscribing, you agree to the Terms and Conditions  and our State Privacy Notice .

We look forward to sharing new products, exclusive news and more with you very soon. Want even more member benefits? Join our loyalty program today SIGN UP NOW Click on code below to copy, or make a note of the code to use during checkout. Continue shopping and apply code during checkout. Copy code here:

We are sorry!

It seems we are currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again later.

Please select your location

United States

Be advised that changing your location while shopping will remove all the contents from your cart.

Login or Create an Account

• Special discounts for you
• Membership of the collector club
• Newsletter with the latest new items
• And many more other (Depending on the brand)

Girls Aloud kick off reunion tour in Dublin with emotional tributes to late bandmate

By Ellie Iorizzo and Aisling Grace, PA

Girls Aloud have performed the first night of their reunion tour, honouring late bandmate Sarah Harding.

Nadine Coyle, Cheryl, Nicola Roberts, and Kimberley Walsh appeared on stage to a delighted audience, 30 minutes later than scheduled due to “Dublin motorway closures”, standing on individual podiums singing opening track Untouchable.

The tour has been dedicated to Harding, who was diagnosed with cancer and died in September 2021 aged 39.

Show 1 done 💃 Dublin you were absolutely INCREDIBLE. What a start to the #TheGirlsAloudShow tour 💕💕 📸 @Shutterstock pic.twitter.com/S0HnOzv74o — Girls Aloud (@GirlsAloud) May 17, 2024

During the show, the foursome performed a duet with Harding, whose vocals to song I’ll Stand By You played as the group sang along live on-stage, in videos circulating on social media.

They later performed one of their biggest bits, The Promise, as the four women stopped and turned their backs to the audience to watch a screen play footage of Harding singing the song on her own.

A post on the official Girls Aloud X account said: “Show 1 done. Dublin you were absolutely INCREDIBLE. What a start to the #TheGirlsAloudShow tour.”

The singers won Popstars: The Rivals in 2002 and formed Girls Aloud, going on to achieve four UK number one singles and a Brit award for track The Promise.

They reunited with new music for their 10th anniversary in 2012, while a second reunion was planned for their 20th anniversary when Harding was diagnosed with cancer.

Less than an hour before their expected arrival at the 3Arena in Dublin, the group issued an “updated stage time” on X.

It said due to “Dublin motorway closures”, the foursome would arrive 30 minutes later than expected at 9.15pm.

Despite the unexpected changes, fans including Aaron O’Regan, based in Waterford, Ireland, told the PA news agency: “I’m really excited for it!

“My boyfriend got us tickets last year for our first anniversary so it’s going to be a great night.

“We love Girls Aloud, it’s fantastic to see them back together again and touring.

“My boyfriend even got us T-shirts for tonight, it’s going to be so fun!”

Updated stage time tonight due to Dublin motorway closures - 9:15pm 📣 pic.twitter.com/iw4kabjG8h — Girls Aloud (@GirlsAloud) May 17, 2024

Ahead of the show, a post on the official Girls Aloud X account said: “Rehearsals? Done. Choreography? Ready. Outfits? Fitted. Girls? Aloud.

“…We’ve been working so hard to make this show special for all of you.”

After two back-to-back opening nights in Dublin’s 3Arena, Girls Aloud will play two concerts at the SSE Arena in Belfast on Monday and Tuesday, before heading to the Manchester AO Arena from Thursday to Saturday.

In November, the group had to add six extra dates to their UK and Ireland 2024 arena tour due to “unprecedented demand” following ticket pre-sales.

More in this section

Investigation after goose ‘impaled on a pole by youths’ near lake

2 hours ago

3 hours ago

6 hours ago

7 hours ago

Latest National News

8 hours ago

Waterford news delivered directly to your inbox