Waterford: City, County & Crystal
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port
Cobh (Cork), Ireland
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activityLevel
Moderate Activity
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excursionType
All
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wheelchairAccessible
No
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startingAtPrice
$230
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minimumAge
Information Not Currently Available
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duration
Approximately 8 Hours
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mealsIncluded
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 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 panoramic drive along the city's quay will introduce you to Waterford's Viking roots. Waterford was settled by a Celtic tribe called the Deisi, and is still widely referred to as 'the Decies.' Recent archaeological excavations revealed evidence of a Viking settlement here as early as the 10th century -- not quite obliterated by the Anglo-Normans who followed. The city's English name comes from the Norse word Vadrefjord.
Following lunch at a local hotel, with a glass of beer or wine, you will drive to Lismore. A brief stop will allow you to photograph, from the outside, 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 a leisurely drive back to Cobh and your waiting ship.
Notes: Tour requires approximately 50 minutes of walking and standing at the House of Waterford Crystal. There are steps to negotiate, but guests using a wheelchair can take the elevator. Wear comfortable walking shoes.