County Waterford
Waterford City
Waterford Crystal Factory
Waterford City
Waterford is the oldest city in Ireland. A walled city of Viking origin, it retains much of its medieval character together with the graceful buildings from its 18th century expansion. The parameters of the 10th century settlement can be clearly identified in The Viking Triangle. Reginald's Tower is the most historic urban medieval monument in Ireland. The elegant Chamber of Commerce building, the City Hall and the Bishop's Palace are prime examples of beautiful 18th century architecture.
Waterford city was founded by the Vikings in 853, and was later extended by the Anglo Normans. It is set in a commanding site on the River Suir's estuary, and became in time the southeast's main seaport. During the 18th century onwards, the industry of the city prospered, most famously its glass industry. The strong commercialism still exists today, and the port is still one of Ireland's busiest.
Waterford not only boasts some of the most beautiful countryside in Ireland, particularly the splendid scenery of West Waterford's mountain passes, but you will also find a spectacular coast line with miles of safe, sandy beaches, perfect for the everyone.
Waterford Crystal Factory
In 1783, businessmen George and William Penrose founded the Waterford Glass House in the busy port city of Waterford. Using a secret process, the Penroses mingled minerals and sand to create crystal that soon became the envy of Europe.
Nevertheless, in 1851, despite awards and acclaim, heavy taxes forced the Waterford factory to close. In 1947, Irish officials resurrected the company, which today is the largest producer of hand-crafted crystal in the world.
Tours of the historic factory give visitors a look at glass-making’s finest craftsmen at work, taking you into production areas where the famous crystal is actually made. There is also an audio-visual presentation tracing ancient craft of glassmaking to the present day. The factory's gift shop staff are also masters of another kind of craft—packing and shipping your crystal so well that they guarantee that your crystal will arrive just as you bought it.