Tour the House of Waterford Crystal

A visit to the House of Waterford will let you to see some stunning ancestral crystal items come to life before your eyes. Waterford Crystal, which has been manufacturing crystal for over 240 years, was founded in 1783 by William and George Penrose. Visitors will be taken on a voyage through the crystal-making process, witnessing highly experienced craftsmen succeed at the many methods and instruments, from glassblowing to the final engraving, throughout the guided tour. While the majority of the crystals are manufactured elsewhere, the high-end trademark pieces are crafted on-site. When you're done with the city, head to the shore. Waterford has some of the nicest off-the-beaten-path beaches in the country.

When you arrive to the House of Waterford Crystal and are ready to begin your tour, have a look behind the scenes at the plant. Waterford Crystal is one of the few firms that still practices the ancient technique of mold building, and a tour of the plant reveals that little has changed over the years. First, visit the casting room to see blowers form molten crystal using wooden molds and hand tools. Then, proceed to the blowing department, where you can observe incandescent balls of crystal being passed through a 1300°F furnace. Following their time in the furnace, each item is meticulously carved, sculpted, and etched.

Location: The Mall Waterford X91 Waterford