Waterford, IE
Take a tour of the world-famous House of Waterford. You'll get a unique behind-the-scene look at how master craftsmen create some of the world's most exquisite crystal objects.
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
English
The House of Waterford 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 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.
Your tour ends with a visit to the retail shop, where you’ll see the largest display of Waterford crystal in the world.
Factory tour admission fee
Guided tour of the factory with friendly and knowledgeable guides
Detailed information about the history of Waterford crystal
Interactive tour of the factory with the ability to ask questions of the craftsman about their work
Visit to the House of Waterford retail store
Meals and drinks
Souvenirs
Interpretative equipment
Our guide showed us through the factory. It was very informative. Highly recommend if you’re in Waterford!
Watching the men working the glass in the fire and seeing the results
Interesting and very informative!
Very informative to see behind the scenes of how the pieces are made.
I have always wanted to go to Waterford and see the Tour! It was even better than I imagined! Love to now know the workmanship behind the beautiful crystal I love so much!
Just great
The guide was extremely rude. Tour started ahead of schedule which wouldn't have been a problem but there was someone in the restroom. If that happens a little consideration to not push the tour to start early would be appreciated. Nice to visit the factory floor but the whole thing was entirely rushed. Tourist trap more than an experience.
Very interesting and informative tour
Fascinating to learn about the process!