From Dublin to the Furnace: Waterford Crystal and Kilkenny’s Medieval Streets

DUBLIN CITY TOUR FIELD GUIDE

From Dublin to the Furnace: Waterford Crystal and Kilkenny’s Medieval Streets

A full‑day journey from Dublin that pairs a behind‑the‑scenes visit to the House of Waterford Crystal with a private walking tour of Kilkenny’s medieval core.

From Dublin to the Furnace: Waterford Crystal and Kilkenny’s Medieval Streets.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Dublin
Operator
Irish Luxury Day Tours
Category
City Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

This full‑day small‑group tour departs Dublin for Waterford and Kilkenny, tracing Ireland’s craft and medieval past. You’ll watch molten crystal shaped at the House of Waterford Crystal, take a panoramic look at the Viking city of Waterford, then walk Kilkenny’s historic lanes and see its commanding castle on a private guided tour.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE CRAFT

House of Waterford Crystal: the blowing room up close

Step into the blowing room to see red‑hot molten crystal meet centuries‑old craft — a sensory, furnace‑close demonstration of how raw glass becomes finished crystal.

THE HISTORY

Kilkenny: a compact medieval capital

A private walking tour threads Kilkenny’s 13th‑century castle, narrow laneways and medieval townhouses, revealing the layers that earned it the title of Ireland’s medieval capital.

THE ROUTE

Two cities, one day — curated and comfortable

Travel in a luxury, air‑conditioned vehicle with an in‑person driver/guide, combining panoramic sightseeing in Waterford with focused, private time in Kilkenny.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

The day moves deliberately: depart Dublin in comfortable transport, take in Waterford’s panorama, stand close to the furnace as craftsmen shape glowing crystal, then shift tempo to a slow, private walk through Kilkenny’s medieval heart — its castle, breweries, laneways and historic pubs.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this tour suits — and who should ask questions.

1
History buffsIdeal — the itinerary centers on medieval Kilkenny and Waterford’s historic roots, delivered via a private walking tour and city panorama.
2
Design & craft enthusiastsWell matched — the House of Waterford Crystal offers direct access to traditional glassmaking and demonstrations of master craftsmanship.
3
Day‑trippers from DublinA good fit — this full‑day, small‑group itinerary packs two destinations into a single comfortable day trip from Dublin.
4
Travelers with limited mobilityGenerally suitable — the tour is rated Easy and most travellers can participate, though individuals with specific mobility needs should check details with the operator.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

This is a full‑day experience lasting approximately 10 hours.

What to Bring

Bring weather‑appropriate clothing; bottled water and umbrellas are provided on the tour, but you may prefer a small daypack for personal items.

Logistics & Meeting Point

The tour departs from Nassau Street in Dublin; transportation is private and air‑conditioned with an in‑person driver/guide.

Included & Excluded

Included: in‑person guide, private transportation, bottled water, umbrellas, tour of Waterford Crystal and a private Kilkenny walking tour. Excluded: lunch, snacks and entrance to Kilkenny Castle.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the tour?

The tour is a full‑day experience lasting approximately 10 hours.

Where do we meet?

The meeting point for the tour is Nassau Street in Dublin.

Is transportation included?

Yes — private, air‑conditioned transportation and an in‑person driver/guide are included.

Is lunch provided?

No — lunch and snacks are excluded; there is an opportunity to enjoy a light lunch in a Waterford café.

Is entry to Kilkenny Castle included?

No — entrance to Kilkenny Castle is excluded from the tour price.

What size is the group?

The outing is offered as a small‑group tour.