Top Waterford activities
Top Waterford landmarks
Beyond Waterford
Waterford trip ideas
House of Waterford Crystal Guided Factory Tour
Badge of ExcellenceWaterford, Ireland
From $17.87
Select Date and Travelers
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance.
Attractions
Nearby
- 1 hour
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
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
- 11/1/2023 - 12/21/2023
Monday - Friday : 09:30 AM - 03:00 PM
- 1/3/2024 - 3/3/2024
Monday - Friday : 09:30 AM - 03:00 PM
- 3/4/2024 - 10/30/2024
Monday - Sunday : 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Ticket redemption point
House of Waterford Crystal, 28 The Mall, Waterford, Ireland
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
- Wheelchair accessible
- 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.
Traveler Photos
See more
Traveler Tips
The one distraction is the noise level with such a large group made hearing difficult.
Reviews
4.5
2,081 reviews
Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 2,081 reviews
Craftsmanship is outstanding.
Dennis_B, Sep 2023
The skill craftsmen were amazing. One now knows why Waterford Crystal costs so much. Excellent!!……………………………………………………………………..
Hand crafted tour!
Serina_C, Sep 2023
I wasn't excited about this tour, we went for my mom, but I'm so glad we did. It's a step by step tour of their entire workshop where you see them blow the crystal, shape it, test it, cut it, and embellish it. I have so much more appreciation for the hand crafting that goes into each piece after this tour.
Be sure to arrive right when they open to get into a tour schedule.
This tour is a hit!
Cathleen_G, Sep 2023
Our tour guide was wonderful, friendly and knowledgeable. The craftsmen were amazing. I particularly enjoyed seeing the engraving of Starry Night.”
Shiny great tour!
vicki_f, Sep 2023
Loves that we saw things being made. This wasn’t just a here’s what we do tour. You see it live. Ava was a great tour guide! Knew answers to all the questions asked.
Stunning tour and work
Sally_R, Sep 2023
We were overwhelmed by the level of skill and craftsmanship that went into the design and production of the gorgeous crystal that Waterford is known for. Watching these skilled artisans produce their stunning crystal pieces explained so much about the beauty and value of Waterford Crystal. The tour guides were extremely knowledgeable and personable. An outstanding experience
Wonderful tour go Waterford Crystal making and one you don’t want to miss!
Caroline_H, Sep 2023
The tour of the Waterford Crystal factory was very impressive. We enjoyed every minute of the tour and learned so much about the process. It’s unbelievable how manual the process but amazed at the beauty and craftsmanship of the pieces.
Wonderful experience
Peter_M, Sep 2023
Such a great tour . our guide was so very knowledgeable,also it was so interesting to see how everything is made & the work that goes into each piece
Amazed
KimMaree_S, Sep 2023
Viewing the process. Will certainly value my Waterford Crystal for the workmanship that goes into it. Amazingly handcrafted
Beautiful and informative tour
Dianne_H, Sep 2023
Watching how the crystal pieces are made from start to finish was fascinating!
Our guide was wonderful and the shop was beautiful!
I love my crystal candle sticks !
True craftsmanship!
Cecilia_O, Sep 2023
It was so fascinating to hear the history and see how much detail and effort goes into making each piece. It makes me appreciate the items so much more!
...
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
- Walking Tours
- Shopping Tours
- Attractions & Museums
- Full-day Tours
- Museum Tickets & Passes
- On the Ground
- Tickets & Passes
- Fashion Shows
- Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises
- Waterford
- Walking Tours - South East Ireland
- Shopping Tours - South East Ireland
- Attractions & Museums - South East Ireland
- Full-day Tours - South East Ireland
- Museum Tickets & Passes - South East Ireland
© 1997-2023 Viator, Inc.