Waterford is famous around the world for its glassmaking tradition, and at The Irish Handmade Glass Company visitors can see that tradition continuing right in the heart of Waterford City’s historic Viking Triangle.
Located at 11 Henrietta Street, the studio was established by a team of master craftsmen following the closure of the Waterford Crystal factories in Ireland in 2009. Today they produce colourful, mouth-blown and hand-cut crystal while welcoming visitors into the studio to watch the craftsmen at work.
For anyone interested in Waterford’s industrial heritage, Irish craft or simply seeing highly skilled craftspeople at work, this is well worth adding to a visit to the city.
What is The Irish Handmade Glass Company?
The Irish Handmade Glass Company is an artisan glassmaking studio in Waterford City specialising in 100% mouth-blown and hand-cut crystal.
The company was formed after the closure of the Waterford Crystal factories in Ireland in 2009, when a group of experienced master craftsmen came together with the aim of keeping Waterford’s centuries-old glassmaking skills and traditions alive.
There is an important family connection to the craft too. The company explains that the craftsmen’s fathers had been master craftsmen at Waterford Crystal and that they followed them into the industry, beginning apprenticeships from around the age of 15 and spending years learning the specialist skills of glassblowing and cutting.
Watch Glass Being Made in Waterford
This is what makes a visit particularly interesting.
The Irish Handmade Glass Company welcomes visitors into its studio, where you can watch glassblowing demonstrations and see pieces being created by hand.
The company’s current visitor information states that glassblowing demonstrations take place from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday.
Rather than simply looking at finished crystal in a display case, you get an opportunity to see some of the processes and skills behind it.
Watching molten glass being shaped by an experienced glassmaker gives you a very different appreciation of the finished piece.
Meet the Master Craftsmen
The story of the people behind the glass is a major part of the experience.
The company’s team includes highly experienced Waterford glassmakers and cutters.
Danny Murphy – Master Glass Cutter/Designer
Danny has been cutting glass since 1977 and is responsible for the company’s cutting designs.
Derek Smith – Master Glass Maker/Designer
Derek began his career as a glassblower in 1978 and specialises in medium and large vases and bowls.
Tony Hayes – Master Craftsman/Designer
Tony began his apprenticeship at Waterford Crystal in 1986, qualified as a blower in 1991 and became a master in 1994. He creates many of the company’s figurines.
That depth of experience is what separates this from an ordinary gift shop.
What Makes the Glass Different?
The Irish Handmade Glass Company specialises in coloured hand-cut crystal.
Colour and cutting are used to create distinctive pieces, with the company emphasising the handmade nature of its work.
Collections include designs inspired by Ireland and the natural landscape, with ranges such as Wildflower, Irish Shamrock, Seagrass, Atlantic and Wild Atlantic Way Celtic Meadow alongside drinksware, collectables, centrepieces and seasonal pieces.
Because the pieces are handmade, you’re buying something connected directly to Waterford’s continuing craft tradition rather than simply a mass-produced souvenir.
Can You Buy the Glass?
Yes.
Visitors can browse and purchase pieces, while the company’s collection is also available through its online shop.
The range includes:
- Vases
- Bowls
- Tumblers and glasses
- Carafes
- Paperweights
- Figurines
- Candle votives
- Christmas decorations
- Collectables
- Irish-themed pieces
There is a broad spread of price points, so you don’t necessarily need to be shopping for a major piece of crystal to take something handmade in Waterford home with you.
For current collections and availability, visit the official Irish Handmade Glass Company website.
A Living Part of Waterford’s Glassmaking Heritage
Waterford’s relationship with glass stretches back centuries and is an important part of the city’s international identity.
What makes The Irish Handmade Glass Company particularly interesting is that it demonstrates that Waterford glassmaking is not simply a story from the past.
The skills are still being practised.
The glass is still being blown.
The designs are still being cut.
And visitors can watch that work taking place in Waterford City today.
That makes the studio an excellent complement to Waterford’s museums and larger visitor attractions.
Is The Irish Handmade Glass Company Family Friendly?
Yes, particularly for older children interested in seeing how things are made.
Watching a skilled glassmaker transform molten glass into a finished object can be fascinating, and the demonstration provides an opportunity to introduce younger visitors to a traditional craft in a very visual way.
Parents should, of course, supervise children carefully in a working glass studio.
Where is The Irish Handmade Glass Company?
The studio is located at:
11 Henrietta Street
Waterford City
X91 DN22
It’s in the Viking Triangle, putting it within easy walking distance of several of Waterford City’s major attractions.
Telephone: +353 (0)51 858914
Email: sales@irishhandmadeglass.com
Opening Hours and Demonstrations
The company’s website currently lists:
Monday–Friday: 8.30am–5pm
Saturday: 10.30am–5.30pm
Glassblowing demonstrations: 9am–3pm, Monday–Friday.
As opening and demonstration times can change, we’d recommend checking directly before making a special journey specifically to see glassblowing.
Waterford In Your Pocket Tip
Go when the craftsmen are working.
You can buy beautiful glass in plenty of places, but the real reason to visit The Irish Handmade Glass Company is to see Waterford’s glassmaking skills being practised in front of you.
Visit during the weekday demonstration period if possible, take the time to watch the process and then look at the finished pieces afterwards.
It changes your appreciation of what “handmade” actually means.
What Can I Do Nearby?
This is one of the great advantages of the location.
You’re already in Waterford’s Viking Triangle, so you can easily combine the studio with several major attractions.
Medieval Museum – discover Waterford’s medieval history and remarkable collections.
Bishop’s Palace – explore Waterford’s Georgian and later history.
Reginald’s Tower – one of Waterford’s most recognisable landmarks.
Irish Wake Museum – discover the traditions and customs surrounding death and mourning in Ireland.
King of the Vikings – experience Waterford’s Viking story.
Waterford Crystal – combine the two experiences for a much broader look at Waterford’s extraordinary glassmaking heritage.
This is exactly the type of attraction that works well as part of a half-day walking itinerary around the Viking Triangle.
Good to Know Before You Go
Best for: Couples, families, craft lovers, heritage visitors, shoppers and cultural tourists
Location: 11 Henrietta Street, Waterford City, X91 DN22
Area: Viking Triangle
Type: Working Glass Studio / Craft / Shopping / Visitor Experience
Speciality: 100% mouth-blown and hand-cut crystal
Glassblowing demonstrations: Yes – currently advertised Monday–Friday, 9am–3pm
Indoor attraction: Yes
Rainy-day suitability: Excellent
Family friendly: Yes, with appropriate supervision
Shopping: Handmade glass available to purchase
City-centre location: Yes
Booking: Check directly for current visitor/demonstration arrangements
Telephone: +353 (0)51 858914
Website: The Irish Handmade Glass Company
Features
- Family Friendly
- Gift Shop
- Glassblowing Demonstrations
- Indoor Attraction
