The skies were leaden gray our first morning in the town of Waterford, and the shimmer on the street below our hotel window betrayed a light drizzle that had dampened the area. The House of Waterford Crystal was a short walk from the Granville Hotel so we were not deterred by the weather but set out on foot to check out the world-famous crystal manufacturer.
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland main showroom at house of waterford crystal - waterford - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-_PmYM3.jpeg)
Immediately that we entered the front end of the business, we were bedazzled by the shimmering surfaces of so much crystal. The ceiling of the showroom, alone, was hung with dozens of elaborate chandeliers.
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland jean and bob reflection in waterford crystal mirror - waterford - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-8rrNFj.jpeg)
While waiting for our guided tour of the workings of the factory, Bob and I passed the time perusing hundreds of pieces of crystal for sale in the retail store and on display in the showroom. The workmanship was outstanding, and the price tags sky high. Here, you see us reflected in a massive mirror that is edged with hundreds of individually cut crystal pieces.
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland crystal glass edge of mirror - house of waterford crystal - waterford - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-9LqPI3.jpeg)
Later, on the tour, we came across the frame of another similar mirror as it was being assembled.
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland main showroom - waterford crystal - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-fkZhqi.jpeg)
The House of Waterford Crystal features the largest collection of the world’s most coveted crystal right there in the opulent retail store. I love coloured glass so was immediately drawn to the vibrant vases and bowls that so sharply contrasted the clear crystal of most of the other pieces.
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland cyrstal gramophone - house of waterford crystal - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-NfV21i.jpeg)
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland waterford crystal piano - waterford - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-4wP23e.jpeg)
The artistry of the pieces ranged from delicate and diminutive…
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland elephant - waterford crystal vase - house of waterford crystal - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-PUDydC.jpeg)
to sturdy and tall, and each was created to exacting standards.
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland touring waterford crystal production plant - waterford - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-oy5ZjJ.jpeg)
Finally, we were ready to start the tour of the Waterford Crystal plant, joined by a dozen or so other guests.
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland wood moulds - justin timberlake charity golf tournament trophy - waterford crystal - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-8btoAF.jpeg)
The first area we visited was the Molding Department. Wooden molds are constructed out of beech and pear wood because they have a high tolerance to heat. Molten glass is poured into the molds to form the crystal shapes. Some previously-used molds were on exhibit including one for a product that had been commissioned to do with Justin Timberlake.
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland carving a wooden mold - waterford crystal - waterford - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-Xy1eW0.jpeg)
The wooden molds are made by hand as they have been for hundreds of years. Here, we see a wood carver in action. For Bob, this was particularly interesting since he, himself, carves wood as a hobby.
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland glass oven - house of waterford crystal - waterford - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-ENWicO.jpeg)
Next up on our walking tour was the Blowing Room where our senses were affronted by a heady mix of heat, cacophonous noise and bustling activity.
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland glass blower blows into molten glass vase - house of waterford crystal - waterford - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-k3eNSf.jpeg)
It was very exciting as we edged ever closer to the 1300-degree furnace.
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland glass blowers work base of crystal vase - house of waterford crystal - waterford - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-9nAoo4.jpeg)
Before our eyes, we saw glowing balls of red-hot molten crystal transformed into wondrous elegant shapes.
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland glass blowers work molten glass vase base - house of waterford crystal - waterford - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-a1vhy5.jpeg)
The miracle of this transformation is owing to the meticulous skilled craftsmen who have two hundred years of accumulated knowledge behind them.
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland glass blower forming molten glass - house of waterford crystal - waterford - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-DBR15l.jpeg)
Over and over again, the craftsmen repeated the process with each piece essentially identical to the last.
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland quality control room at house of waterford crystal - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-sUAsao.jpeg)
Once each piece of crystal is fashioned into its final shape, it is sent to the Quality Inspection Room where it must pass a stringent examination for faults. Even if a piece is rejected, it will be smashed and remelted to use again.
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland quality control room - house of waterford crystal - waterford - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-a9vTH1.jpeg)
Those pieces accepted as meeting Waterford’s high quality standards wait to be sent to the next stage of production.
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland sanding and smoothing out waterford crystal - house of waterford - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-7wKTC9.jpeg)
It was mind boggling how so many pieces could look exactly alike when being individually handmade.
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland ink markings on a crystal glass - house of waterford crystal - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-QfK4Zk.jpeg)
At the next stage of production, the uniform crystal figures are each marked in preparation for cutting the patterns into the glass.
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland hand marking a crystal glass - house of waterford crystal - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-WSuqLU.jpeg)
This next stage of production takes place in the Marking Room where finely calibrated tools aid the craftsmen in hand-marking each piece of the crystal in precisely the same pattern, for those that are duplicates of one another. There is no room for shaky lines at this task.
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland ink markings on various crystal objects - house of waterford crystal - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-rwnSzb.jpeg)
The variety of geometric patterns, including horizontal and vertical lines, are drawn on with a marker, but no trace of the lines will remain after the final cleaning process.
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland hand marked dishes and glasses - waterford crystal - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-p07IfG.jpeg)
Examples of some of the detailed marking could be seen on pieces set to one side. Some of the line patterns are extremely detailed representing very fine work.
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland closeup of cut pattern on crystal goblet - house of waterford crystal - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-M1zvLc.jpeg)
Once the pieces of crystal move on to the Cutting Room, the geometric patterns are assessed before cutting begins.
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland cutting a pattern on a crystal glass - waterford crystal - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-wvEptX.jpeg)
During his training years, each Master Cutter will have learned and memorized each pattern used by Waterford Crystal. The temporary geometric grid only serves to assist the Master Cutter.
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland cutting a crystal glass - waterford crystal - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-1Cnxfk.jpeg)
Great focus and attention to detail is required by each Master Cutter when cutting the pattern into the crystal.
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland man cuts crystal goblet - house of waterford - waterford - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-38vN94.jpeg)
Despite the demands of their jobs…
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland the joy of cutting a crystal goblet - waterford crystal plant - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-m5AXk0.jpeg)
each craftsman in the factory was affable and keenly willing to share their knowledge with us.
As you see in our video, we learned a lot from speaking firsthand with the craftsmen during the hour and a half tour.
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland jean holds a crystal glass in cutting room - house of waterford crystal - waterford - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-xizUIS.jpeg)
Our close proximity to each workstation allowed a very close look at the ongoing work. Here, I am scrutinizing one of the Waterford crystal goblets from the set the cutter was working on.
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland cutting a pattern on a crystal vase - waterford crystal - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-f7BmJN.jpeg)
Each Master Cutter that we observed was specializing in one type of product. It was interesting to watch them manipulate some of the larger pieces such as this vase against the diamond-tipped wheels. They must exercise their own judgment when applying pressure for too much will have the wheel cutting right through the crystal.
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland jean watches cutting of a crystal vase - house of waterford crystal - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-nVnzoW.jpeg)
Each Master Cutter trained for 8 years or more to master their craft, and each is responsible for giving every piece of crystal the clear and sparkling cut that is the distinctive hallmark of Waterford products.
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland checking a cutting on a vase - waterford crystal plant - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-Iok96e.jpeg)
It was easy to see why Waterford Crystal demands such a high price when you consider the hours of work that go into each and every piece of crystal.
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland jean takes picture of crystal dove - house of waterford crystal - waterford - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-p1A32r.jpeg)
Towards the end of the tour, a series of tables was loaded with items on display that featured examples of sculpted and/or engraved crystal.
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland waterford crystal bird of peace - waterford - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-oGnzw6.jpeg)
A Master Sculptor uses wheels to sculpt the crystal unlike the mallets and chisels that are employed when carving wood or stone. Because a sculpture is sculpted from a solid block of crystal, it may take days, weeks or even months to complete one piece.
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland waterford crystal Toronto Indy trophy - house of waterford crystal plant - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-byZ35Z.jpeg)
When we entered the Engraving Room, it was a shock to see one engraver working on the skyline of our hometown, Toronto, Ontario. Nicely filling one side of a massive bowl, the skyline featured, among other things, the CN Tower and the Air Canada Centre.
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland custom waterford crystal honda indy trophy being cut - waterford - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-4hnk8R.jpeg)
The bowl was commissioned as the trophy for the Honda Indy car race held in Toronto.
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland Toronto Honda Indy Waterford crystal trophy - waterford crystal plant - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-vGP6vG.jpeg)
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland master Waterford crystal carver holds Toronto Indy trophy - waterford crystal plant - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-YHwcOS.jpeg)
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland race car on side of Honda indy waterford crystal trophy - waterford crystal plant - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-iixuG1.jpeg)
On the opposite side of the massive international trophy, the engraver had fashioned a number of Indy race cars.
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland waterford crystal chandeliers - house of waterford crystal - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-CQZV_w.jpeg)
And so, with the tour completed, Bob and I retired to the showroom once again to revel in the stunning display of crystal wares.
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland jean takes a pic at house of waterford crystal - waterford - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-MvxOt1.jpeg)
We had fun taking pictures of the mirrored ceiling that so beautifully reflected the glistening and glimmering crystal chandeliers as well as the elegantly appointed dinner table that showcased lots of sparkling stemware.
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland jean stands beside waterford crystal display - house of waterford crystal - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-Pt4JWj.jpeg)
Other crystal pieces made us laugh for their modern take on sculpture. Whimsy is always in fashion.
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland crystal bowl - waterford crystal - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-2Gk_3L.jpeg)
It is the deep cutting of the crystal that radiates such brilliance and sparkle,
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland waterford crystal vases and glasses - house of waterford crystal - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-ziaFxi.jpeg)
but my preference is still for the bold and vibrantly coloured crystal.
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland waterford crystal](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-9ij2TQ.jpeg)
Bob and I enjoyed our educational tour of the House of Waterford Crystal, and it certainly gave us an appreciation for the world-famous glassware.
Checkout some of our other Ireland adventures
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland The Round Tower - at Glendalough - Ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-oN_veC.jpeg)
Glendalough, one of the most beautiful places in Ireland
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland Powerscourt - view from triton lake - Ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-U9K9Q5.jpeg)
Powerscourt House and Gardens, A World Of Floral Glory – Ireland
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland green country road - near Oonagh Bridge - Enniskerry - Wicklow - Ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-UYHKex.jpeg)
Driving the Intriguing Backroads of Wicklow County – Ireland
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland jean stands above upper lake - glendalough - wicklow mountains national park - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-c9X0Zu.jpeg)
Hiking In Wicklow Mountains National Park – Ireland
![Our tour of the House of Waterford Crystal in Ireland jean stands in front of the brownshill portal tomb - county carlow - ireland](https://m5.paperblog.com/i/59/592758/our-tour-of-the-house-of-waterford-crystal-in-L-2Fqa0k.jpeg)
Our visit to the Neolithic Brownshill Portal Tomb in Ireland
Frame To Frame – Bob & Jean