House of Waterford image

House of Waterford

Tourist attraction

One of the Most Revieweds in Waterford


Address

28 The Mall, Waterford, Ireland

Website

www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com

Contact

+353 51 317 000

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (4K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 9:30 am to 4:15 pm
  • Friday: 9:30 am to 4:15 pm
  • Saturday: 9:30 am to 4:15 pm
  • Sunday: 9:30 am to 4:15 pm
  • Monday: 9:30 am to 4:15 pm
  • Tuesday: 9:30 am to 4:15 pm
  • Wednesday: 9:30 am to 4:15 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: tour (80) crystal (33) Waterford (30) factory (20) visit (19) pieces (16) great (16) Crystal (15) process (14) amazing (14)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 3/5 Sir C. 1 year ago on Google
    While the crystal is beautiful the tour is about the history which you can read about on Google. However the town of Waterford is a lovely town which I'd encourage you to spend 90 minutes walking around. The river boardwalk, the parade across from the clock tower, the viking museum, etc. All a walking tour you do yourself.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 jasmine x. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful crystals, open showrooms. This place is very beautiful and interesting to visit! They have a lot of beautiful and unique crystals on display. They also have a lot of showrooms to demonstrate you how the crystals were made from beginning to end. Afterwards, you can even buy some crystals of your own for your memory. I did buy some unique earrings and necklace, so I will always remember this place and fun experience!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 K S. 2 years ago on Google
    Admittedly when I thought of Waterford, I thought of my mother's china cabinet. However, walking through the factory demonstrates the true story and artisanship that goes into every piece. I didn't think that I would like the tour and I humbly admit that I was wrong. It was wonderful.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael P. 1 year ago on Google
    Our tour guide Alex was exceptional. His knowledge and engagement was impeccable. The detail of the pieces is out of this world. To be able to engage with the staff and at the same time being able to handle these most detailed pieces is truly special. Cannot recommend a visit more highly.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Doug F. 2 years ago on Google
    Being an antique collector, I've always admired the fine Waterford crystal. And now, having been there in person, I have an even greater appreciation for it. A must stop for anyone touring the great country of Ireland!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Babin V. 6 months ago on Google
    I had an incredible experience visiting Waterford Crystals! This tour was not just a visit; it was a captivating learning experience. We got to witness the entire journey of how a glass product is made, from its initial step to the final engraving and touch-up, all in real-time. The real-time manufacturing of crystal products was a sight to behold and truly something that everyone should witness at least once in their lifetime. The sales outlet is a treasure trove, with thousands of crystal varieties ranging from trophies and utensils to beer glasses and pendants. What's more, they have a convenient rest room and a cafeteria inside, ensuring a comfortable visit. The tour guide was exceptionally knowledgeable, providing a detailed history of Waterford Crystals and an insightful look into their working procedures. I highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in the artistry and craftsmanship behind these stunning crystals. It's an experience you won't want to miss!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jerry Omo J. 1 year ago on Google
    If you can the cost and tour are worth the stop. The tours & history of Waterford Crystal is fascinating. You'll see glassblowing, lining, carving & more. Parking is an issue if you drive but not to hard to find.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chris R. 6 months ago on Google
    Great tour of the glass making process! I enjoyed seeing how the pieces are made. Makes me wonder where the automated factory is. No way could those craftsmen meet the international demand. Vey interesting, informative and hot host was delightful!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ian H. 5 months ago on Google
    The tour is amazing. You get shown through each step of the crystal production process and it was very interesting.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David F. 3 years ago on Google
    Brilliant. Closer to the craftsmen than I expected. How they do their work while a continuous line of gawking tourists like me go past I'll never understand.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Josh B. 7 months ago on Google
    We stopped in for a factory tour and spent some time afterward browsing the store and having a glass of champagne at the Champagne Bar. We did not have tickets in advance, but we were easily able to purchase them for a tour that started 10 minutes after we arrived. The tour itself was pretty interesting. We were able to see most steps of the journey a piece takes before landing on a shelf. Our tour group seemed a little large, and we weren't able to see some of the work being done or some of the finished pieces along the way. The Champagne Bar is worth a stop - the champagne was good and reasonably priced!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rich M. 7 months ago on Google
    I 100% did not think I would enjoy this spot. But to my surprise, it has a lot of great historical tidbits that I found interesting. There is a short 3D video that takes you on a fun little adventure to the late 1700’s. Lots of other souvenirs to see, lots of history on every floor.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael H. 2 years ago on Google
    Just finished the Waterford Crystal Factory tour. What an eye-opener into what exactly goes into the making of literally thousands of different exquisite pieces. I was fortunate enough to visit on a quiet day so I had a personal tour guide in Sean. He was extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the processes and was a cutter himself for nearly 40 years. He had an easy style and kept me engaged fully throughout. The tour is well worth the entrance fee and highly recommended if visiting Waterford.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Keith D. 2 years ago on Google
    What a great place to visit. Learned a lot, bought a few and really enjoyed our visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Teresa C. 9 months ago on Google
    This is such a cool place to see if you’re planning to take a trip to Ireland! If you have time, you can take a tour of the factory and see the workers create amazing crystal creations in real-life! If they are not too busy, you can even ask the workers about their experiences and learn even more about their craft. If you don’t have that much time, you can still look at the wonderful crystal sculptures, kitchenware, and jewelry that they have on display and even buy it! If you buy something such as a set of crystal drinking glasses, they can even ship them overseas for you! Wonderful, wonderful place!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Adventures Of A Traveling Don (The Traveling D. 2 years ago on Google
    What an amazing tour. 16Euro and well worth it. You get to not only see the factory itself but the craftsmanship as the artists make these magnificent crystal pieces.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Karen V. 2 years ago on Google
    I got a really nice surprise visiting this place. Staff was really nice and helpful. They give you a tour around the facility and explained every area and workshop. Be very careful and don't break anything 😉.

  • 5/5 mary w. 2 years ago on Google
    Really enjoyed our visit to Waterford Crystal. Craftsmanship is amazing we worth visiting.

  • 5/5 Aaron B. 2 years ago on Google
    A truly beautiful array of cut crystal items of all sizes. Don't overlook the attached cafe too, with great coffee and espresso options as well as delicious sandwiches and dessert items.

  • 4/5 David M. 2 years ago on Google
    Pretty good real experience of the top end crystal made in-site. Nice to see the staff ply their trade.

  • 5/5 Richard S. 2 years ago on Google
    World class crystal. The tour is enlightening and fun.

  • 4/5 Steven F. 2 years ago on Google
    Showroom is amazing. Friendly staff that are extremely helpful. Nice casual atmosphere.

  • 4/5 Abeer M. 2 years ago on Google
    We drove from Dublin to see this Crystal house. It was a very informative tour. Our guide was really kind and explains us everything in detail. Well organized and tidy. At the end of the tour you can purchase stuff from the store from where I have bought a beautiful crystal ring.

  • 4/5 Kevin M. 10 months ago on Google
    Fun experience/tour of the minimally staffed factory that just produces some very bespoke pieces. You get to see the whole process from start to finish. Heating and molding the glass. Cooling, cutting and sanding. And then designing the cuts. The only downside was that you couldn’t hear the tour guide throughout many parts unless you stayed very close to her. There is a lot to see though so that often didn’t happen. Worth checking out if in the city for a day or two. They have a large gift shop that you don’t need to go on the tour to go into. It’s just in the lobby and accessible by all.

  • 5/5 Mary C. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place to visit. The tour is a must do. Makes purchasing much easier when you see the work that has gone into each piece. Café is good too

  • 5/5 Shannon I. 2 years ago on Google
    Loved it! Learned how they make Crystal and saw demo. Wonderful place. Definitely worth the time and money!

  • 5/5 Mona D. 2 years ago on Google
    Some of our pictures of Ireland beautiful country

  • 5/5 Liam K. 2 years ago on Google
    Even if Crystal isn't really your thing, this tour is a must. Showcasing brilliant pieces from start to finish. An informative guided tour brings you through the factory, where you can see the crystal at different stages. Highly skilled craftsmen work in front of you as you walk through the facility. Finishing up in the showroom, you can purchase exclusive pieces. The guides are super friendly and are full of information.

  • 5/5 Jim G. 3 years ago on Google
    Great asset to Waterford

  • 5/5 Andrew S. 3 years ago on Google
    Love the tour so much inside facts of the whole process

  • 5/5 John B. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing

  • 5/5 Priscilla C. 5 years ago on Google
    Best factory tour because it's a small well run tour. It shows the real production line unlike other tours that are made as tourist attractions only. The show room is very beautiful. I can really appreciate the crystal and learned lots.

  • 5/5 Mary W. 9 months ago on Google
    It was a great tour I never realized all that went into making a piece of Crystal. Our tour guide did an excellent job of explaining the process. I also enjoyed seeing all the pieces and hearing the stories behind them;

  • 5/5 WI B. 4 months ago on Google
    The factory tour we were on was amazing and I highly recommend visiting this iconic factory if you are in the area. We came here in November while on holiday and it was one of the highlights of our trip to come here & experience the Waterford crystal making process. The car park we were at the night before made it pretty convenient to walk here just a bit down the street. We were able to get an earlier tour since we arrived a bit earlier which worked out well with our afternoon tea reservation here that was going to be very shortly after the tour. We had two tour guides and both of our guides were very knowledgable about the crystal making process. Our family had quite a few questions that I didn't really expect them to have experience with but they were quite familiar with the day to day operations of the workers craft as they were making the crystal. The tour took us through the entire process from start to finish including a solid piece of crystal that was marked up to be cut at a later time. We learned a great deal throughout the tour and got to see the molten process to the finished product as it made it's way through. The people are awesome at what they do. They make some amazing pieces! The next step after our tour was to check out the shop and there was a ton of different products that were actually made in Waterford. They had a lot of different patterns of whisky glasses which was what I was after. The afternoon tea reservations online can be a bit confusing since it only lets you reserve a table for two, but I called and found out that you can buy two of the reservations for separate times....put some things in the notes....and they'll combine the reservation upon request. Our tables were together when we arrived for our reservation & the staff already knew the setup so while it may seem confusing at first when you arrive it will be great. The food was awesome and the tea was great. I highly recommend coming here if you are in the area!

  • 5/5 David G. 5 months ago on Google
    Fascinating tour of the new factory, talking about the history of the company The tour also involves a glimpse into how crystal ware is made. Shaun was our guided and has worked their for 54 years as a cutter and guide, he was a master of five trainees. Well worth a visit.

  • 5/5 Patrick S. 7 months ago on Google
    Get right up close to the masters doing there thing making beautiful crystal pieces right in front of your eyes. Starting at the beginning with hot, liquid glass, they blow, they measure, they buff, they grind, they cut, they shine! Custom pieces with their molds as well as common glasses and bowls are everywhere along the manual production line. Exciting through the gift shop (not a new idea), you leave with a much greater appreciation of the intricacy and effort involved in making each piece. It’s well worth the effort to stop in and check out the Waterford factory when in Waterford city.

  • 5/5 Shawn B. 7 months ago on Google
    We had a great experience! Our tour guide was SO informative. We learn all about the Waterford crystal history and its craft making process. We were able to watch the craftsman cut the crystal and see several finished pieces.

  • 5/5 Derek R. 7 months ago on Google
    Waterford Crystal is based in the heart of Waterford and is open every day. With guided tours daily on the hour. Small restaurant and tea rooms, staff very friendly and helpful. Gift shop is amazing. Enjoy Derek

  • 5/5 Thomas M. 7 months ago on Google
    Interesting display of cups, glasses, goblets, trophies, art pieces and jugs made by Waterford Crystal all for purchase. There is also a factory tour in this museum that starts across the plaza through the doors. Tickets can be bought at reception.

  • 5/5 Nicola P. 9 months ago on Google
    I strongly recommend the tour that takes you inside the factory. You will see the multiple departments, and understand the process behind the artworks. It was great to see from the inside the impressive work done to bring them to life.

  • 4/5 Sinead B. 9 months ago on Google
    Nice tour. Very friendly staff. Only downside tours are only in English.

  • 5/5 Austin T. 9 months ago on Google
    Fabulous tour. Very educational, and you get mixed into the whole production of their specialty items. We really enjoyed it.

  • 5/5 Cathy N. 1 year ago on Google
    A must-see to hear the history of Waterford Crystal. Our guide was informative and friendly. You could tell he really cared to help us understand the complexities of Waterford Crystal. The staff in the store were friendly and helpful also.

  • 5/5 dan w. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing detail work. The hours that go into training and finishing of every piece of work definitely comes thru. If you're in the area definitely do the tour.

  • 4/5 Jana K. 1 year ago on Google
    For some reason, almost must-see place when being around these parts of Ireland. And I agree that the tour is worthy of the time and money that it costs. The tour guide guiding our tour made it very interesting with his explanation and information provided. We saw people directly at work, also the environment where these people work, with all the machines and forms used, plus some products that were created at the place. At the end of the tour, the guests come through the shop. After the tour, I was tempted to buy something as a reminder of the place. There is a café inside of the building, close to the cash desk at the place where you can wait for your tour to begin. I recommend to buy the tickets in advance, if you have tight schedule. Otherwise it might happen that you wait few hours until there is some free spot in free tours ahead.

  • 5/5 Lisa Mc D. 1 year ago on Google
    The tour was amazing. Seán was so knowledgeable and the workers blowing and cutting class were so friendly and accommodating. I love glass and could have stayed there for hours but the tour was only 50mins🤣. Would love to go again.

  • 5/5 Harrison Frede (. 1 year ago on Google
    Be careful here. They wine and dine you with champagne, good snacks, a tour on Crystal and then move you into a gift shop. That gift shop has amazing crystal and your wallet will be hating you for months. 5 out of 5 will go again to spend tax refund on.

  • 5/5 Jacob S. 1 year ago on Google
    Most underrated tour of all of Ireland! My wife and I thought we might go just to pick up a few gifts for our families but we ended up also doing a tour! Holy wow! We loved learning how every cut is handmade and how most sculptures were started from a large piece of crystal. So much amazing talent works here and it was so cool getting to see how everything was made!

  • 5/5 Josh J. 11 months ago on Google
    Beutiful. Must see place. Went on a tour of the factory operation here. Really spectacular. This is thd last remaining production facility for the crystal. Thd guides are truly amazing as well. No rushed tour, very calm and educational. There is a nice cafe and shop as well. Great prices really, the pricing isn't what is typically found at a tourist spot like this.

  • 5/5 Pit V. 1 year ago on Google
    We had an excellent and very informative tour there. The fewer than 20 people in our group made it easy to see everything and take pictures as well as videos. Our tour guide was very personable and good at sharing his great knowledge of the factory. He responded knowledgeable to all our questions.

  • 5/5 RearViz L. 4 years ago on Google
    The best in the world and the tour through the factory is absolutely breath taking. It takes an apprentice to do there apprenticeship 8 years to master a craft.

  • 5/5 Damien M. 3 years ago on Google
    Staff really helpful assisting with choosing a friends wedding present, no negatives 😉

  • 4/5 Roland H. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful craftsmanship.interesting and educational!

  • 4/5 Larry C. 3 years ago on Google
    A must if you're visiting Waterford

  • 5/5 Michael C. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent place

  • 5/5 Tasha D. 3 years ago on Google
    Great tour, great staff. Seáns expertise shone through as he explained the glass blowing, cutting and engraving process. Fully accessible, highly recommend it.

  • 5/5 Damille C. 3 years ago on Google
    The tour was really good. Very informative

  • 5/5 Todd S. 3 years ago on Google
    Wonderful crystal

  • 4/5 Ian A. 3 years ago on Google
    Interesting tour and beautiful products

  • 5/5 Karen H. 3 years ago on Google
    Staff are so friendly and helpful

  • 4/5 Simba B. 3 years ago on Google
    Quite a nice place. Interesting

  • 5/5 Liliia H. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very good, exquisite art :) (Original) Дуже гарно, вишукане мистецтво :)

  • 5/5 Frank K. 3 years ago on Google
    Delicious salad, top notch espresso. Staff greeting all customers. A place to visit in Waterford.

  • 4/5 James Bolton S. 3 years ago on Google
    Some lovely crystals

  • 5/5 Darren M. 3 years ago on Google
    Lovely glass

  • 5/5 john c. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing and everyone is so friendly

  • 5/5 Johnny N. 3 years ago on Google
    Another tourist sell out. What a shame. Perfect example of PaddyWhackery..... the Americans and Chinese will absolutely adore this place. (Sssssh, they even pretend like you're entering De Beers)

  • 4/5 Ger B. 3 years ago on Google
    Fantastic store

  • 5/5 Aidas J. 3 years ago on Google
    very informative about the craft and helps u understand the process of crafting with crystals

  • 5/5 Peggy M. 4 years ago on Google
    We have been to the older factory, and in 2018, we toured the new modern facility! Both tours were so interesting. Waterford crystal is beautiful, and the tours are wonderful. The sales personnel are so helpful and friendly.

  • 5/5 Rapicam Media Drone Hire and S. 3 years ago on Google
    amazing place well worth a visit

  • 5/5 wilma m. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent tour. Amazingly skilled craftsmen producing such a variety of glassware

  • 5/5 Ingrid B. 3 years ago on Google
    Fab shop, picked up a beautiful pair of earrings with 15% off.

  • 5/5 Mary H. 3 years ago on Google
    Very informative great tour and amazing sculptures created in glass

  • 5/5 Iskie I. 4 years ago on Google
    You must have the factory tour to truly appreciate the beauty of the glass. They're are some incredible pieces in display and some being worked on in the factory. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly. A great visit.

  • 5/5 Theresa F. 3 years ago on Google
    Fabulous display of Waterford glass and the guided tour is very educational.

  • 5/5 Xènia R. 3 years ago on Google
    Lovely place to spend and evening, getting ideas of decoration and enjoying the art of the Cristal

  • 5/5 Mary S. 4 years ago on Google
    It was a great tour!! Made me understand why Waterford was so pricey! Defintley worth it! All hand crafted with patience, skill and love for the art!

  • 5/5 Wan Xuan Y. 3 years ago on Google
    Wide range of products at affordable price.Beautifully crafted and curated.Versatile payments. Queue might be necessary at busy times.

  • 5/5 Yona S. 3 years ago on Google
    Priliant place to visit with some spectacular feathers/products

  • 3/5 Miriam T. 3 years ago on Google
    Friendly! And the coffee is passable.The selection of cakes used to be better however.

  • 5/5 Maria D K. 3 years ago on Google
    Everything here was absolutely beautiful. Very, very expensive.

  • 5/5 Bill M. 4 years ago on Google
    Great tour and very friendly staff. Interestingly the crystal company as it is now is from the 1950s. It was a little disappointing

  • 5/5 Bea F. 3 years ago on Google
    Worth a visit complete selection Knowledgeable staff and such attention to detail

  • 5/5 Catherine M. 4 years ago on Google
    This is a lovely and educational tour. You get to see up close and personal how the crystal is blown, engraved, and shaped. The tour guides are extremely knowledgable and engaging.

  • 5/5 Christian L. 4 years ago on Google
    This tour was beyond awesome. We had a very small group of just 5 people and the guide took us through the whole process of making crystal glassware. We got to see actual craftsman working through each of the phases of production. Well worth the price!

  • 5/5 jack r. 4 years ago on Google
    Class glass.

  • 5/5 J D. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing tour.

  • 5/5 Mark T. 3 years ago on Google
    Having been on a trip in Waterford we wanted to drop into Waterford Crystal. Unfortunately we didn’t have time to go on the tour but we visited the store and it was brilliant. Well worth a visit.

  • 5/5 Mark Anthony M. 3 years ago on Google
    I absolutely ❤️ Waterford Crystal and the show rooms are a must visit and the staff are fantastic, very helpful ❤️❤️❤️❤️

  • 4/5 Lorraine F. 3 years ago on Google
    Had a lovely lunch at the cafe in the House of Waterford Crystal. Very well laid out for social distancing. Would highly recommend a visit lovely food and friendly staff.

  • 5/5 Paddy B. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Shine Tower (Original) Brillent Tour

  • 4/5 Esther C. 3 years ago on Google
    Very interesting to see how the crystal is made, your very quick

  • 5/5 Margaret H. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful visit, our guide Caroline was a delight.

  • 5/5 Gena v. 3 years ago on Google
    If visiting Waterford, thing is a must. Fine crystal work

  • 5/5 Jijo T. 3 years ago on Google
    Customer Interaction is very nice. Products are very good quality, it's value worth with the price. But it's doubted that everyone could afford it. But anyone who brought any product from their they couldn't find same quality and same finishing with the same price anywhere.

  • 5/5 Thomas D. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing place

  • 4/5 Bryan M. 3 years ago on Google
    It's great to see but very hard to hear above the noise

  • 5/5 Catherine F. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice lunch

  • 4/5 Owen H. 3 years ago on Google
    Great informative tour of a historical company


Call +353 51 317 000 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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