OVERVIEW

Watch exquisite Waterford crystal being handmade in the House of Waterford and toast the occasion with a classic Irish coffee. While touring the factory, you will observe the step-by-step production of this famed crystal, which is celebrated for its sparkle. The techniques have remained unchanged for centuries. It starts with the wooden molds that the master blowers use to shape the glowing hot balls of crystal into stemware, vases and other luxury glassware. Afterwards, each piece is carefully inspected for quality – the flawed ones being crushed and melted. The crystal is then hand-cut following designs that the master cutters memorize during an eight-year apprenticeship. The results are extraordinary as you will see while browsing the retail store, which houses the world’s largest collection of Waterford crystal. Later, you will pause in a local establishment for an Irish coffee, a caffeinated drink made with strong coffee, Irish whiskey, brown sugar and whipped cream.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Watch master artisans hand-make various pieces of Waterford crystal.
• Browse the world’s largest collection of Waterford crystal in the on-site store.
• Enjoy a hot Irish coffee at a nearby hotel.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Encounter fascinating history and handsome crafts in medieval Kilkenny, and pay a call on the renowned House of Waterford Crystal. About an hour from Waterford by coach, Kilkenny’s origins span back more than 1,500 years – and its marvelous skyline reflects the prowess of 11th- and 12th-century Norman stonemasons. Most splendid of these ancient buildings is Kilkenny Castle; on your self-guided inside tour, you’ll encounter Dutch master portraits, fine antiquities and captivating stories about events that transpired within this medieval fortress-turned-residence. You’ll also have free time to explore more of Kilkenny on your own. The Kilkenny Design Center is a great candidate for a visit; here under one roof you’ll see the very best in Irish design and workmanship, its gift offerings carefully curated from over 200 studios and workshops around the country. A relaxed lunch will be served at a traditional local hotel before journeying on to the Waterford Crystal visitors’ center. While the city’s original crystal factory closed up shop in 2009, limited production is still conducted in Waterford, and this new exhibition and showroom takes you through the fabrication process – with impressive, finished pieces on display to browse or purchase.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel by coach to Kilkenny, medieval capital of Ireland and onetime rival of Dublin.
• Venture inside Kilkenny Castle, a handsomely decorated Norman stronghold with deep roots.
• Savor a relaxed lunch at a local hotel, then head back by coach toward Waterford.
• Stop in at the world-renowned House of Waterford Crystal to tour its exhibition and showrooms.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing and be prepared for the possibility of rain.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Browse the magnificent residence of the 9th Marquis of Waterford, whose family has owned Curraghmore House and thousands of surrounding acres for more than 800 years. The estate exudes history. As you approach the main house, be sure to notice the statue of a stag with a crucifix between its antlers—the family symbol—atop the old castle. Many of the interiors feature extraordinary plaster work, period furnishings from different centuries and an abundance of personal family memorabilia. The property’s Shell House was built almost entirely with colorful shells that one of the 18th-century residents persuaded ship captains to collect from around the world. Other highlights include the oldest bridge in Ireland, a Sitka spruce that is one of the tallest trees in Ireland and an exquisite Japanese garden. You will see more spectacular sights on the return drive along the Copper Coast, a naturally beautiful stretch of road so geologically significant that UNESCO deemed it a Global Geopark.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour a grand estate that has been owned by the same distinguished family for 800 years.
• Browse the exquisite interiors and outside of buildings such as the enchanting Shell House.
• Take in the natural beauty while driving the Copper Coast, a UNESCO Global Geopark.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

See Ireland’s oldest city with new eyes after this up-close guided walk filled with impressive sights and lighthearted commentary. First settled as a Viking trading port 1,100 years ago, Waterford also has deep Norman roots – and your knowledgeable guide will share colorful facts and stories about the city as you amble in and out of key landmarks along narrow, winding streets. The historic Waterford City center is barely 30 minutes by coach from the modern port yet seems like a completely different world. Your walk here includes encounters with six national monuments, and visits inside several of them. Among those are the three iconic venues that make up the storied “Viking Triangle”: Reginald’s Tower, Ireland’s oldest intact building; the Bishop’s Palace, home to the only surviving mourning cross from Napoleon’s death and the world’s oldest piece of Waterford crystal; and the Medieval Museum, a modern structure wrapped around very ancient ones, and chock full of rare and precious historic treasures. In addition, you’ll have free time to discover Waterford a bit further on your own before returning by coach to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy an entertaining, informative guided walk through the ancient Viking City of Waterford.
• Encounter the famed “Viking Triangle” – three historic venues that between them contain many of the treasures of Waterford.
• Visit the Medieval Museum and witness a demonstration of ancient Anglo-Norman coin making.
• Tour the Bishop’s Palace, a magnificent Georgian building and repository of items of national significance from the 1700s on.
• Do some further exploring – or shopping – with free time in the city center.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing and be prepared for the possibility of rain.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a panoramic orientation drive through County Waterford with a mid-trip stop to savor the joys of a classic Irish pub. Your comfortable coach journey begins at the pier as you set off along County Waterford’s scenic Atlantic coast to the seaside resort town of Tramore, its delightful terraced homes overlooking a broad bay. Once a drowsy fishing village with few visitors, a fresh railway connection to Waterford in 1853 set this charming Victorian town on a growth trajectory. Continuing west from here, the cliff road traces a more rugged coastline as it passes through colorful, charming villages like Fenor, Annestown and Boatstrand in a region known as the “copper coast” for the mines that once thrived here. Circling inland, the route heads for the impressive Comeragh Mountains, the rocky backbone of the county, then transitions to fertile farmland terrain as you approach Waterford City. During your journey, you’ll have a chance to sip a cool beverage and experience traditional Irish entertainment at a character-filled local pub. After all, what outing in Ireland doesn’t include a pub or two?

HIGHLIGHTS

• Relax aboard a comfortable coach for a sightseeing journey around County Waterford.
• Travel along seaside roads passing through the Victorian resort of Tramore and a string of scenic old mining villages.
• Head up into the rugged Comeragh Mountains and across verdant farm terrain en route to Waterford City.
• Stop in at a charming local pub for a cool beverage and the warmth of traditional Irish entertainment.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing and be prepared for the possibility of rain.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.