Waterford: City, County & Crystal
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Port
Ringaskiddy (Cork), Ireland
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$159.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 8 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Departing from the cathedral town of Cobh, you will drive through East Cork to the neighboring County of Waterford.
In the city of the same name, you'll visit the newly-constructed House of Waterford Crystal. Since the closure of the original factory in 2009, only a limited production of crystal occurs here in Waterford. The new showrooms and exhibition will take you through a reconstruction of the production process and the finished product is here on display for you to browse through, or perhaps purchase a memento.
A drive along the city's quay will introduce you to Waterford's Viking roots. The city was settled by a Celtic tribe called the Deisi, and is still widely referred to as 'the Decies.' Recent archaeological excavations have revealed evidence of a Viking settlement here as early as the 10th century -- not quite obliterated by the Anglo-Normans who followed. In fact, the city's English name comes from the Norse word, Vadrefjord.
Following lunch at a local hotel, you will drive to Lismore. A brief stop allows you to photograph the spectacular Lismore Castle, Irish home to the Duke of Devonshire and former home of Sir Walter Raleigh. Traveling through tranquil and picturesque countryside, you will enjoy the leisurely drive back to Cobh and your waiting ship.
Notes:
Tour is available only on select sailings due to time constraints. Tour requires approximately 50 minutes of walking and standing during the tour of the House of Waterford Crystal. This includes some stairs; however, elevators are available for guests using a wheelchair.