I collect waterford crystal and would like <BR>to know if anyone has any information about <BR>the prices in Ireland and if there is a <BR>significant difference in the prices. <BR>If anyone has any information it would be <BR>greatly appreciated.

I was in Ireland several years ago, and had the opportunity to visit the Waterford factory. Highly recommend this if you collect Waterford crystal. I seem to remember that the prices throughout Ireland were a bit cheaper than the US, maybe about 25% or so. I definitely remember that there is no price competition in Ireland on Waterford, the prices were the same throughout the country. My advice, know your US prices before you leave, I collect Lladro and generally bring the price list with me to comparison shop.

I agree with Lori. Know your prices and have them handy all the time. At the Wateford Center, they offer an item that can only be purchased at the Center. Each time I visited, I made sure I took advantage of the chance to get an item not available to the public in any store. Ask and they'll tell you what the current item is. Many years ago it was a clock, now clocks are readily available. the last time it was a vase. Belleck(sp?) offers an original item too. At each factory or visitor center you visit, ask if they have a special item for sale not available elsewhere - most do. If you are near the town of Kinsale, the Kinsale Crystal Company is run by Gerry & Anna Davis(?). He was a master-craftsman retired from Waterford who began his own company in 1992. They are a delightful couple. Enjoy your visit. Wish I were going back again.

Lori and Kathy are absolutely correct. Kathy's assessment of Kinsale crystal is very accurate. <BR>US citizens were purchasing Waterford like water in Ireland last August. The best value was on Aer Lingus...I bought 2 Waterford millenium flutes for $65 total! And, they were gift boxed. Should have bought more. <BR>Last year the Waterford offered in Ireland was priced same as US. Know your prices. <BR>

My wife and I got several gifts. Just for fun, we were checking similar items in Dept. Stores here and were amazed at how much more expensive they were. If you like Waterford, the tour is very interesting, the prices are great, and they ship it all to you, so you don't have to drag it around. If you need a nice B&B close by email me for the name and address.

As a side note: <BR>I grew up in the Detroit area. Everyone bought Waterford crystal in Canada because it was less expensive than in the US and the exchange rate made it a great bargain. If you live near the border or are planning on visiting Canada I would give that a shot also. <BR>Kittie

Hi, <BR>I bought some Waterford tumblers (glasses) in Ireland last year. When I got home I went to Costco to have my pictures developed, and saw the same tumblers I had lugged home for less money right in Costco. Since then I've noticed Costco periodically carries other Waterford pieces. However, if you see something you love in Ireland I'd get it there, because I wouldn't take the chance that Costco will carry the piece(s).

Apart from Raleigh, everyone has said the prices are not necessarily lower for Waterford in Ireland. that's my experince, too. A reputable merchant informed me that the producer maintains strict price controls and discounting is not tolerated (how to explain the Aer Lingus deal? - hmmm). But if you are interested in crystal for its beauty rather than for the conspicuous consumption of a Waterford label, check out some of the newer crystal manufacturers in Ireland - but shop carefully, as one or two actually have the crystal made in Eastern Europe, so it is not truly "Irish crystal"

I bought 4 wine glassed from kinsale crystal two years ago. not very satisfied. had to ship two back due to many defects in the glass, i felt they should have never been shipped. they were replaced with satisfactory ones.if you can inspect and take the items with you, it is a fine crystal. i would never purchase any kinsale crystal that i couldn't take with me.

Doug, what a bummer getting broken glasses from Kinsale Crystal. I had just the opposite results (knock wood). Ordering by fax during the past seven years, I purchased several exquisite bowls - two of them signed by Gerry Davis - among other pieces, and except for a small votive holder (which they immediately replaced) all arrived safely packaged. One in particular was given as a going-away-gift for the president of our company who was thrilled with it. The others were for very special wedding gifts. It just proves that shipping can be a problem with anything sent from anywhere; sorry it was from Kinsale Crystal. From my own personal experience, I find they offer quality products designed by a very talented irishman. I (we) were their 13th customer when they opened in 1992, excitedly signed their guest book on that first visit, and returned again to visit and chat and buy in 1995. They remain our source of fine irish crystal.

hi kathy <BR> <BR>i didn't say they were broken during shipping,they arrived find, it was the quality of the glass, major defects in glassed. i.e. air bubbles. something that would never got past waterford's quality control. yes jerry signed they too.

Sorry Doug. My mistake; I misread your post.

After reading the replies, I thought I needed to add my 2 cents. We don't have access to Costco as mentioned so we found the prices in Ireland to be cheaper. We were in Kinsale in June and just loved Kinsale Crystal. No comparison to Waterford. Gerry Daly (Daly is the correct last name not Davis) is very accommodating to visitors - he gave us a cutting demo even though he was not ready to do so. I am sorry Doug had such a poor experience with Kinsale. We have a lot of Waterford and the reflections of the Kinsale Crystal are far superior. Check out the crystal www.kinsalecrystal.ie. We purchased 6 baby brandies, a wine carafe, 5 votives, 1 lamp and they all arrived in quality condition. Do go to the Waterford Factory. The tour is one of the best. You get to go right into the factory and see them blowing the blanks. Enjoy.

marcia, <BR> <BR>Thanks for posting the Kinsale Crystal website. Thinking of ordering a few 'signed' pieces for holiday 'gifting', as we are approaching the millenium. According to the website, shipping to the US is included. I brought items back w/me from Ireland...is the shipping standard only from Kinsale or is this standard for Ireland purchases? <BR>elaine

Message to Elaine: <BR>I'm not sure what you mean by standard. Shipping is not typically included in the purchase price. That is just the way Kinsale Crystal does it. All of our purchases were mailed to us and we did not get the VAT back as they considered that the fee for shipping. Hope I explained well enough.

Marcia, <BR>Thanks...good explanation. When I went to Kinsale Crystal's webpage I noticed that shipping to US was included, although it mentioned no VAT back. Think this a simpler way of ordering...very exact and no surprises! <BR>

I just ordered 4 wine glasses from the waterford factory, and they were much cheaper then if I bought them online from waterford.co.uk or in the stores in London. She said they are top quality. They are a gift so I was a bit worried. I want to make sure I get her what she wanted. Is this fine?

This is an 11 year old thread, how did you find it?

Online search.

Manayiotos: When you have a question (about Waterford or anything else) it is much MUCH better to start a thread w/ your question(s) and not top a thread from the last century . . . .