House of Waterford Crystal Guided Factory Tour

Waterford , Ireland

House of Waterford Crystal Guided Factory Tour

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About this experience

The House of Waterford Crystal comprises of a manufacturing facility, visitor centre and retail outlet. Visitors can enjoy all aspects of the manufacturing process through the factory tour and learn about both historical and contemporary production techniques through direct interaction with the craftsmen and audiovisual materials. The manufacturing facility contains a brand new continuous melt tank furnace that uses leading edge technology to deliver molten crystal, for skilled master blowers to hand-shape and hand-blow into Waterford Crystal’s range of premium products. The retail centre represents the largest display of Waterford Crystal in the world.

Available options

House of Waterford Crystal Guided Factory Tour

What's included

Cafe

Opulent Retail Store

Guided Factory Tour

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

At the House of Waterford Crystal, there is a manufacturing plant, and brand experience in Waterford, where we produce crystal and give visitors an opportunity to visit the factory and see how we make our beautiful products.

On the tour, guests visit the mould room where they witness mould making – a technique that has remained unchanged throughout the centuries, as the Master Blowers shape the molten crystal flawlessly with the use of wooden moulds and hand tools. The next part of the tour is truly magical, as visitors enter the blowing department where they see glowing balls of crystal transformed into majestic shapes as they are put through the 1300-degree furnace. The Waterford Crystal pieces are then hand marked for precision and accuracy, and they are then cut, sculpted and engraved.

While getting this behind the scenes sneak peak of this highly skilled method of crystal manufacturing, visitors also see the high standards that the House of Waterford Crystal has for each and every piece that leaves the factory.

The crystal is inspected at each stage of production, so each piece no matter how small goes through six inspections, and if it fails to reach the Waterford Crystal standards at any stage it is smashed and returned to the furnace to be re-melted so that the piece can be started again. The tour is fully guided and takes approx 50 minutes to complete.

On completion of the tour, visitors can experience over 12,000 sq ft of crystal heaven in the largest retail and showcase of Waterford Crystal in the world. The retail store represents everything that is made in crystal, including a showcase on golf and sport, which is a major part of the international business at the House of Waterford Crystal.

The main feature in the retail store is a centre dining table, with twelve Waterford Crystal Chandeliers on display. The lifestyle displays communicate the various brand stories including the Jo Sampson Collection, John Rocha, Jeff Letham and the core Waterford Crystal patterns.

The product range includes Waterford Crystal, House of Waterford Crystal, John Rocha, Jasper Conran, Jo Sampson, Archive Stemware, Marquis, Lighting, Holiday Heirlooms and the new Waterford Crystal Jewellery Collection.

Waterford Crystal continues to provide some of the most prestigious trophies to the world’s great sporting events made at the facility, and some of these trophies are on display in the retail store.

The Crystal café is open seven days a week, a daytime cafe, the Crystal Café is all about great food using nothing but the best locally sourced seasonal produce supporting as many Irish suppliers as possible along the way.

The menu offers café-style dining, incorporating scrumptious salads, soups, wraps, ciabatta’s and other healthy options, with fresh baking daily.

What's not included

Parking

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

237 reviews

5★

210

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.6

2,065 reviews

5★

1462

4★

456

3★

113

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Parking is available at the rear of the House of Waterford Crystal, in Bolten Street Public Car park: Cost is €1 per hour

Important notes

Please note the ticket you have purchased is an open ticket. Visit reception on arrival to be allocated a tour time.

About Waterford

Waterford is Ireland's oldest city, founded by Vikings in 914 AD. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and the famous Waterford Crystal, it offers a blend of cultural heritage and modern attractions. The city's charming streets, historic sites, and vibrant arts scene make it a captivating destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Waterford Treasures Museums

A collection of three museums showcasing Waterford's rich history, including the Medieval Museum, the Bishop's Palace, and the Irish Museum of Treasures.

Historical 2-3 hours €10-€15

Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre

The iconic Waterford Crystal factory offers tours showcasing the craftsmanship behind the famous crystal. Visitors can watch artisans at work and shop for unique souvenirs.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free entry, tours €10-€20

Reginald's Tower

A 13th-century tower and the oldest urban civic building in Ireland. It houses exhibits on Viking history and medieval artifacts.

Historical 1 hour €5

Mount Congreve Gardens

A beautiful 70-acre garden with a diverse collection of plants and trees, offering peaceful walks and scenic views.

Nature 2-3 hours Free

Waterford Marina

A modern marina with a variety of water-based activities, including boat tours, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Beach 1-2 hours Varies by activity

Must-Try Local Dishes

Irish Stew

A hearty stew made with lamb, potatoes, carrots, and onions, slow-cooked to perfection.

Dinner Contains meat and gluten

Boxty

A traditional Irish potato pancake made with grated potatoes, flour, and buttermilk.

Side Dish Contains gluten and dairy

Seafood Chowder

A creamy soup made with fresh local seafood, potatoes, and onions.

Soup Contains dairy and seafood

Soda Bread

A traditional Irish bread made with flour, baking soda, and buttermilk.

Bread Contains gluten and dairy

Popular Activities

Hiking Kayaking Paddleboarding Spa treatments Gardens Marina walks Museum visits Live music

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season with the warmest weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and festivals. The city is lively with numerous events and outdoor markets.

15°C to 20°C 59°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English, Irish
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+0 (Standard Time), GMT+1 (Daylight Saving Time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Waterford is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps.
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night.

Getting there

By air

Waterford Airport • 10 km from city center
Cork Airport • 90 km from Waterford

By train

Waterford Plaza Railway Station

By bus

Waterford Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Waterford, connecting the city center to suburbs and nearby towns. The service is affordable and reliable.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Free Now, Local taxi companies

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

City Center The Viking Triangle Waterford Marina Mount Congreve

Day trips

Hook Lighthouse

50 km from Waterford • Half day to full day

The oldest operational lighthouse in the world, offering guided tours and stunning views of the coastline.

Tintern Abbey

40 km from Waterford • Half day

A picturesque ruined abbey set in a beautiful woodland area, offering peaceful walks and historic exploration.

Mount Leinster

60 km from Waterford • Full day

A scenic mountain offering hiking trails with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Festivals

Waterford International Festival of Light • February Waterford Harvest Festival • September Waterford Spraoi International Street Arts Festival • July

Pro tips

Visit the Waterford Treasures Museums for a comprehensive overview of the city's history.
Take a tour of the Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre to see the craftsmanship behind the famous crystal.
Explore the Viking Triangle for a deep dive into Waterford's Viking and medieval history.
Enjoy a meal at one of the city's traditional Irish pubs for a taste of local culture and cuisine.
Take a day trip to Hook Lighthouse, the oldest operational lighthouse in the world.