House of Waterford is one of Waterford City’s best-known visitor attractions, offering a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship behind Waterford Crystal.
Located at 28 The Mall in Waterford’s historic Viking Triangle, the experience allows visitors to see skilled craftspeople at work, from mould-making and crystal blowing to cutting, sculpting and engraving.
For visitors looking for things to do in Waterford City, the House of Waterford combines Irish craft, history and a working factory experience in the heart of the city.
What is House of Waterford?
The House of Waterford is the home of Waterford Crystal’s manufacturing and visitor experience in Waterford City.
Waterford’s crystal-making heritage dates back to 1783, and today visitors can discover how crystal pieces are created using specialist skills and techniques passed down through generations.
The attraction includes the factory tour, flagship Waterford Crystal store and Waterford Café.
What Can You See?
The factory tour takes visitors through the different stages involved in creating Waterford Crystal.
You can see:
- Mould-making
- Crystal blowing
- Quality inspection
- Marking
- Hand cutting
- Sculpting
- Engraving
- Finished Waterford Crystal pieces
The experience gives visitors the opportunity to see the craftsmanship behind the finished crystal rather than simply viewing it in a display.
Watch Waterford Crystal Being Made
One of the highlights of the tour is seeing the Master Blowers at work.
Molten crystal is shaped using wooden moulds and hand tools before being worked through furnaces operating at around 1,400°C.
Watching glowing crystal being transformed into recognisable shapes is one of the most memorable parts of the experience.
See the Master Cutters at Work
Visitors can also watch Waterford’s Master Cutters creating the intricate patterns associated with Waterford Crystal.
Temporary geometric guidelines are placed on the crystal before cutting begins.
Waterford says its Master Cutters learn their skills during an eight-year apprenticeship, memorising the patterns they will eventually cut into the crystal.
Sculpting & Engraving
The tour continues through the sculpting and engraving areas.
Master Sculptors transform solid blocks of crystal into detailed shapes and figures, while Master Engravers use copper wheels to create intricate designs.
Some complex engravings can take days to complete.
Waterford Crystal Flagship Store
After the factory tour, visitors can explore the Waterford Crystal flagship store.
The 12,000-square-foot retail space houses what Waterford describes as the largest collection of Waterford Crystal in the world. It also includes an exhibition of sporting trophies.
Even if you are not planning to buy anything, it is worth allowing some extra time to browse.
Waterford Café
The House of Waterford also has an on-site café serving breakfast, lunch and sweet treats.
Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available, and visitors can also enjoy Afternoon Tea served on Wedgwood china with drinks served in Waterford glassware.
The café makes a convenient stop before or after exploring the wider Viking Triangle.
Is House of Waterford Family Friendly?
Yes.
The working factory environment makes the experience particularly interesting for families who enjoy seeing how things are made.
Children can watch molten crystal being blown and shaped before seeing the cutting, sculpting and engraving stages that transform it into a finished piece.
Very young children may find some elements of a guided factory tour less engaging, but for older children and teenagers the live craftsmanship adds plenty of visual interest.
Where is House of Waterford?
House of Waterford
28 The Mall
Waterford City
Ireland
Telephone: +353 51 317000
The House of Waterford is located in the Viking Triangle, within walking distance of many of Waterford City’s major museums, attractions, shops, restaurants and cafés.
Waterford In Your Pocket Tip
Take the factory tour rather than visiting only the shop.
The flagship store is impressive, but seeing the craftspeople at work is what makes the House of Waterford a genuine visitor experience.
Allow extra time afterwards to explore the surrounding Viking Triangle. Several of Waterford’s best attractions are only minutes away on foot.
What Can I Do Nearby?
The House of Waterford is ideally located for exploring Waterford’s historic centre.
Nearby attractions include:
Reginald’s Tower – one of Waterford’s most recognisable historic landmarks.
Medieval Museum – discover the remarkable story and treasures of medieval Waterford.
Bishop’s Palace – explore Georgian and Victorian Waterford and see some of the city’s most important historic objects.
Irish Museum of Time – discover an impressive collection of historic Irish and international timepieces.
Irish Silver Museum – explore Ireland’s history through centuries of beautiful silver.
Irish Wake Museum – discover the traditions, customs and stories surrounding death and mourning in Ireland.
Christ Church Cathedral – one of Waterford City’s most important historic buildings.
This concentration of attractions makes the Viking Triangle one of the easiest parts of Waterford to explore on foot.
For riverside accommodation while exploring the Viking Triangle, see Waterford Marina Hotel on Canada Street.
Good to Know Before You Go
Best for: First-time visitors, couples, families, groups, craft and design enthusiasts
Location: 28 The Mall, Waterford City
Area: Viking Triangle
Type: Factory tour and visitor experience
Indoor attraction: Yes
Rainy-day suitability: Excellent
Family friendly: Yes
Guided experience: Yes
Working factory: Yes
Retail store: Yes
Café: Yes
Afternoon Tea: Available
Telephone: +353 51 317000
City-centre location: Yes
Nearby attractions: Excellent
House of Waterford – Official Website & Factory Tour Information
Features
- Afternoon Tea
- Café
- Family Friendly
- Gift Shop
- Glassblowing Demonstrations
- Guided Tours
- Indoor Attraction
