House of Waterford Crystal

Located on the Mall in Ireland’s Ancient East in the heart of Waterford City just one hundred yards from the idyllic River Suir, the House of Waterford Crystal brings a visit to Waterford to a whole new level as visitors can witness the creation of crystal stemware, giftware and masterpieces right before their very eyes. Every year the House of Waterford Crystal melts down more than 750 tonnes of crystal. The factory tour is a unique and captivating experience that is sure to enthral visitors of all ages, both national and international. The tour lets people go behind the scenes for over an hour and see exactly how Waterford Crystal pieces are made and they can witness every stage of production, from the initial design stage right up to the final engraving of the piece.

Guided Factory Tour

On the tour, guests visit the mould room where they witness mould making – a technique that has remained unchanged throughout the centuries, 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 by breath 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 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.  Visitors who pass through the factory at the House of Waterford Crystal can bear testimony to the skill which is brought to bear in every piece, blending the ancient craft with modern techniques.

Visitors can pre-book their factory experience tickets at waterfordvisitorcentre.com. Open tickets, pre-booked tours, and private tours are offered. 

Retail Store & Brand Experience

On completion of the tour, visitors can experience over 12,000 square feet of crystal heaven in the largest retail and showcase of Waterford Crystal in the world. The retail store represents everything they make in crystal, including a showcase on golf and sport, which is a major part of our international business. The main feature in the retail store is a centre dining table, with twelve Waterford Crystal Chandeliers on display. 

The lifestyle displays throughout the showroom communicate various brand stories including Jeff Leatham and core Waterford Crystal patterns. There is a world-wide shipping service, tax-free shopping available and our in-house engraver can personalize Waterford gifts. Following the tour, stop by The Crystal Café for hot beverages and a delicious dining menu. The Crystal Café also offers an indulgent Afternoon Tea experience.

For more information and to book your factory experience and afternoon tea, visit www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com

Bed and Breakfast accommodation is the ideal choice whens​ visiting Waterford and the House of Waterford Crystal.

Posted: 31 Jul 2018 by Claire Regan | with 0 comments

Tags: Waterford