Waterford Crystal Factory

The House of Waterford Crystal stands in the heart of Waterford city, just across the road from the medieval quay on the River Suir. Crystal has been produced in Waterford since 1783, when the Penrose brothers founded the original glasshouse, and today the brand remains synonymous with finely cut lead crystal used for trophies, chandeliers and presentation pieces around the world.

The factory tour takes visitors onto the production floor to see master craftsmen at every stage of the process. Wooden moulds are carved from beech, molten crystal is gathered on iron blowing irons and shaped by hand, and finished blanks are marked and cut on diamond-tipped wheels to create the deep, prismatic patterns the company is known for. Sculptors and engravers work on bespoke commissions, including sporting trophies and the Times Square New Year's Eve ball.

After the tour, the retail gallery displays the largest collection of Waterford Crystal in the world, from classic stemware to one-off masterpieces. The factory sits within Waterford's compact Viking Triangle, alongside Reginald's Tower and the Medieval Museum, making it easy to combine with a wider visit to Ireland's oldest city.