House of Waterford Crystal Guided Factory Tour
Waterford, Ireland
From USD 18.50
Select Date and Travellers
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance.
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Nearby
- 1 hour (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Go behind the scenes and gain a better understanding of the time and work that goes into crystal making on this tour of the House of Waterford Crystal factory. Your guide explains the step-by-step process of crystal making, as you wander the rooms where different techniques are used along the way. Meet a few of the high-end crystal makers, and visit the retail store where you can explore one of the world’s largest displays of Waterford Crystals.
- Tour of the House of Waterford Crystal factory in Waterford
- Meet craftsmen, and learn about historical and contemporary production techniques
- Visit the mold room, and see blowers shape molten crystal with wooden molds and hand tools
- Watch as glowing balls of crystal are put through the 1300-degree furnace
- Browse the retail store, one of the world’s largest displays of Waterford Crystals
- Choose a departure time throughout the day during operating hours
- Tour is wheelchair accessible
What's Included
- Guided Factory Tour
- Opulent Retail Store
- Cafe
- Parking
Meeting And Pickup
Meeting point
- House of Waterford Crystal28 The Mall, Waterford, Ireland
Start time
Opening hours
- 3/4/2023 - 10/30/2023
Monday - Sunday : 10:00 am - 03:00 pm
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
For your tour, make your way to the House of Waterford Crystal in Waterford. Tour hours fluctuate depending on what month of the year it is, so make sure to be aware of the operating hours for the day you want to do your tour.
Once you get to the House of Waterford Crystal and are ready to go on your tour, go behind the scenes at the factory. Waterford Crystal is one of the very few companies who still practice the ancient craft of mold making, and as you go through the factory, you’ll see little has changed over the centuries.
First up, go into the mold room, and witness blowers shape molten crystal with wooden molds and hand tools. Then, head into the blowing department where you can watch as glowing balls of crystal are put through a 1300-degree furnace. After their time in the furnace, each piece is cut, and sculpted, and engraved to perfection.
After the tour, enjoy some time exploring the retail store. From dining tables to golf trophies, this store houses one of the world’s largest collections of Waterford Crystals. If you need a break at any time during the day, there’s also a café you can pop into for a bite to eat or a beverage (own expense).
Once you get to the House of Waterford Crystal and are ready to go on your tour, go behind the scenes at the factory. Waterford Crystal is one of the very few companies who still practice the ancient craft of mold making, and as you go through the factory, you’ll see little has changed over the centuries.
First up, go into the mold room, and witness blowers shape molten crystal with wooden molds and hand tools. Then, head into the blowing department where you can watch as glowing balls of crystal are put through a 1300-degree furnace. After their time in the furnace, each piece is cut, and sculpted, and engraved to perfection.
After the tour, enjoy some time exploring the retail store. From dining tables to golf trophies, this store houses one of the world’s largest collections of Waterford Crystals. If you need a break at any time during the day, there’s also a café you can pop into for a bite to eat or a beverage (own expense).
House Of Waterford Crystal
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- 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
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
Traveller Photos
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Traveller Tips
The one distraction is the noise level with such a large group made hearing difficult.
Reviews
4.5
1,992 reviews
Reviews by Viator travellers.
Showing 1-10 of 1,992 reviews
One of a kind tour!
Gregory_B, June 2023
Knowledgeable and pleasant tour guide. The factory work stations were extremely interesting. One of a kind tour.
Well worth it.
Elizabeth_M, May 2023
Loved seeing the process of how the crystal is blown, shaped, marked, cut, etc. amazing large one of a kind items on display.
Short. Sweet. To the point 👍🏻
Audrey, May 2023
Two millennials writing this:
Short. Sweet. To the point.
Got off a cruise and found that it was a bit far from the tour, but a 30 min taxi ride fixed that.
Checked in with the friendly ladies at the desk, and had about 10 minutes before meeting our guide - Kira.
Our group was only about 12 people, but other tours were more like 40.
We were able to go through the factory and see the amazing creations in about an hour. Kira was amazing! And took the time to answer any additional questions we all had.
We thought it would be boring, but we actually left with a lot of admiration for the brand and the creations.
Super interesting
Steve_C, May 2023
Very interesting. The fact that they we’re working during the tour was super cool. Our tour guide was awesome.
Informative and enjoyable tour
Christine_H, May 2023
Seeing the craftsmen at work and learning the methods and the history of Waterford Glass.
The showroom has some beautiful pieces to tempt you.
It was a great tour with...
Richard_R, May 2023
It was a great tour with a tour guide who was very knowledgeable and informative. I enjoyed the glass blowing area seeing finished pieces.
Great tour but make a reservation ahead of time
Janet_S, May 2023
It was a delight from start to finish
So glad we booked ahead as tour groups come in busses
We had a small tour group and we were able to ask many questions
We saw each step of the process and it was incredible
Incredible
Stephen_E, May 2023
Watching the workmen.
Learning the history.
Great tour guide.
Amazing craftsmanship.
Friendly staff!
Waterford Factory tour
Robet_S, May 2023
Visited the Waterford factory and was given the tour by a very pleasant and knowledgeable tour guide. Very interesting to see how the craftsmen learn their trade and learn how long it takes for them to become engravers.
Well worth your time to visit the Waterford factory.
All of it is amazing. The...
Kevin_P, May 2023
All of it is amazing. The cutting and craftsmanship. Unbelievable how they hold the glass and do the smallest cuts without breaking. The glass. Truly an art.
...
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