House of Waterford Crystal & Lismore

8 hours | Cork | CB4-130
From
$ 79.95
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Points of Interest

  • House of Waterford Crystal
Shopping Opportunities, Moderate activity

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Board your motorcoach for the drive from Cobh to historic Waterford. Founded in 853 by Vikings, Waterford became Southern Ireland's chief seaport - a position enhanced in the 18th century by the city's thriving glass works. Waterford's ancient fortified walls are still visible - as is Reginald's Tower. Originally built by Vikings during the 11th century, the Tower was rebuilt by Ireland's Norman conquerors, who transformed a temporary fort into an imposing tower with walls 10 feet thick. Today the restored tower is home to Waterford's city museum.

Continue to the House of Waterford Crystal. Completed in 2010, the state-of-the-art center is the home of all things Waterford. Your tour begins with an audiovisual presentation that traces the history of Waterford Crystal from its founding in 1783 by brothers George and William Penrose to the present day.

Then it's time to discover the secrets that have made Waterford Crystal a prized possession for over two centuries. The tour includes a reconstruction of the manufacturing process and shows on a smaller scale how the original factory would have worked. The process began with the making of wooden molds and moves to a close-up view of the glass-making process. Each piece is mouth-blown and shaped before entering the furnace. From there, crystal forms are sculpted and then cut and engraved by master craftsmen. A limited selection of the process a recreated here in the House of Waterford Crystal and is observed from close-up viewing platforms. Questions are encouraged and you may photograph the craftsmen at their work.

The final tour stop is the gallery showroom, where a crystal chandelier lights up a dining table laden with crystals and ceramics. There is plenty of free time to browse among the world's largest display of Waterford crystal, giftware, craft and jewelry collections.

Travel to the charming heritage town of Lismore. Founded in 636 A.D. and renowned as a seat of learning, Lismore would later be plundered by the Danes, sacked by Vikings, and later, conquered by the Normans in 1172. Once you step off the motorcoach, you will have time to discover this fascinating history for yourself as you explore the town on a self-guided tour.  

Just on the outskirts of the town is Lismore Castle, one of the most spectacular castles in Ireland.  The Castle sits on 8,000 acres and boasts gardens, farmlands, and forests. The Castle is closed to visitors but you will have the opportunity to photograph this impressive Castle before returning to you waiting motorcoach.

At the end of the day, you will climb back aboard your motorcoach for your return journey to your awaiting ship in Cobh.

Special Notes:

The drive to the House of Waterford Crystal is approximately 1.75 hours each way.

This tour does not include lunch; a snack may be purchased at the cafeteria in the House of Waterford Crystal. We suggest you carry local currency.

Child Price:

12 & under reduced

Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.

Depart from ship for House of Waterford Crystal

Transport type:
Non Air Conditioned Motorcoach
Transport Capacity:
45
Travel time:
02:00
Time at site:
01:45
Inside visit:
Yes
Air conditioned:
No
Walking distance:
300
Steps:
30
Wheelchair accessible:
Yes
Restroom available:
Yes
Shopping available:
Yes

Enjoy free time in the Waterford Showroom or Town

Transport Capacity:
45
Time at site:
01:00
Free time at site:
60
Inside visit:
Yes
Air conditioned:
No
Wheelchair accessible:
Yes
Restroom available:
Yes
Shopping available:
Yes
Photo/video opportunity:
Yes

Journey to Lismore for free time

Transport type:
Non Air Conditioned Motorcoach
Transport Capacity:
45
Travel time:
01:15
Time at site:
00:45
Inside visit:
No
Air conditioned:
No
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
Yes
Shopping available:
Yes
Photo/video restrictions:
No
Photo/video opportunity:
Yes

Re-board your motorcoach and return to your ship

Transport type:
Non Air Conditioned Motorcoach
Transport Capacity:
45
Travel time:
01:15
Air conditioned:
No
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
No