I really want to see the crystal factory in Waterford as a day trip. I would love to get info on how to get there and if its an easy day trip. Thank you for any input you can give me!

Have a look at www.railtours.ie and click on rail tours. The first one listed is to Waterford.

Its kind of a long train ride just for the waterford factory. Personally I do not think its worth it for a day unless you are driving through already. We went on the train last week to Kilkenny and were wrecked and its on the way to waterford.

I would agree with Siobhan. I've driven from Dublin to Waterford, and it's about a 2 1/2 to 3 hour drive, depending on the traffic. I've been to the Waterford factory a couple of times, and done the tour, and it's fun, but not worth driving or taking the train that far. Now, if you were going to spend the night in Waterford, I could maybe see it.

I really enjoyed the tour. I have a whole new respect for Waterford crystal and their prices.

I would just rent a car. Print out directions before you go and drive it. If you start early, it won't be too bad. It will take the whole day.

We were there this past summer and if you spent over $200 (I believe), they would ship things to the U.S. for free. You still have to pay duty on it though, I believe. My mil bought a ton of stuff so she was able to negotiate a better deal where they paid duty and she got some sort of percentage off.

If the item is small and you want it soon, just take it with you. I bought a ring holder for my sil and there were tons of them sitting right there. I should have just carried it with me. When we got home, we were told it was back ordered and it took many weeks before I got it.

If you do go, there's a person there who will etch your name and a date on a piece for you for free while you wait. We had that done, and it's nice to have. We shipped stuff home, and the one time there was breakage, they took care of it immediately and reshipped it, all at their expense.

Thank you everyone for your help!!

dhb:
My family and I stayed one night in Waterford for the factory tour and a visit out to Hook Head lighthouse as well as Dunmore East. I would recommend it. Waterford is a working kind of town but the visit out to shore was great. Have fun and enjoy your trip!

dhb5221

Definitely drive there it takes approx 3 hours. Consider staying the night. Waterford itself is a beautiful town and visit nearby East Dunmore as suggested by d1carter earlier. OK, maybe I am bias - I was born there!!

Enjoy!

S