Any tips for the Waterford tour and are there any good castles to stay at in the area? Do most of the hotels have busses that go to the factory?

If you mean the Waterford glass factory, I'd recommend arriving very early in the day -- it can be quite crowded, causing a substantial wait, once the tour buses start arriving. As I've only stayed in B&Bs or a rented cottage (self-catering) in Ireland, I can't help you concerning hotels or castles.

There is a Waterford Castle not too far away. Search Google for Waterford Castle. I don't have the link handy.

Try this:<BR><BR>http://www.waterfordcastle.com

We were there about a week ago, we went there with CIE tours and to us it didn't seem to crowded but we got there rather early, I suppose, because we were staying in B&Bs right down the street, essentially. But in the afternoon or about mid- day more people came and it became a bit crowded. So like Kay said, early is best.