The House of Waterford Crystal comprises of a manufacturing facility, visitor centre and retail outlet. Visitors can enjoy all aspects of the manufacturing process through the factory tour and learn about both historical and contemporary production techniques through direct interaction with the craftsmen and audiovisual materials. The manufacturing facility contains a brand new continuous melt tank furnace that uses leading edge technology to deliver molten crystal, for skilled master blowers to hand-shape and hand-blow into Waterford Crystal’s range of premium products. The retail centre represents the largest display of Waterford Crystal in the world.

Located at the tip of the Hook Peninsula in County Wexford in Ireland's Ancient East, the Hook Lighthouse is the oldest operational lighthouse in the world, and has marked the entrance to Waterford Harbour for over 800 years. Enjoy a 45-minute guided tour of this purpose-built, fully operational lighthouse. The visitor center features a gift shop, an art workshop, exhibits and a café. The Hook Lighthouse truly is one of a kind. This shared guided tour is available for groups of no more than 5.

'The Irish Experience' offers you an amazing Sea Cave Kayaking Experience along the visually stunning South East coastline of Ireland, taking in the best Atlantic Ocean location of Ireland’s Ancient East. The visually stunning area around The Hook Peninsula is steeped in jaw dropping history, rich heritage and diverse wildlife. This impressive coastline packed with hidden gems including; towering sea cliffs, hidden golden sandy beaches, coves, cracks and crevasses which comprise of an impressive variety of Sea Caves including one of the most impressive examples of a natural Sea Cave you will ever see or have the pleasure to paddle inside. • 3 hour (2.5 hours on the water approx) • Fully Guided Sea Kayaking Experience • Local Guide • Small Group Experience • Snack and Drink Included

Join our expert tour guides on a journey through Waterford and discover the great stories of Ireland’s oldest city. The Epic Walking Tour is a fun and interactive tour covering 1,000 years of history in 1,000 paces - from the Vikings to the Victorians. Extremely popular with families, the Epic Walking tour is a fun and engaging tour that will entertain the visitors with numerous photo opportunities. Here in the Viking Triangle, visitors will encounter warring Vikings, be inspired by medieval wonders, and observe elegant Georgian Architecture as they explore our Viking Triangle. The 45-minute all-weather walking tour begins in front of the Bishop’s Palace, located on the Mall (X91 E279).

The award winning Medieval Museum is the only museum in Europe built over two National monuments, the 13th century Choristers’ Hall and the 15th century Mayor’s Wine Vault. Don’t miss the incredible Cloth of Gold vestments which were lost for over 120 years after they were hidden from Cromwell’s army, the Great Charter Roll which was viewed by Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to Ireland and the only piece of clothing to survive King Henry VIII’s reign, ‘The Cap of Maintenance’.

Ireland’s first ever Wake Museum will take you on an exploration of life and death, detailing traditions and superstitions, from early Christian times right up to the 20th century.

Take a boat tour to see Hook Lighthouse from the Sea! We will take you on a breath-taking guided boat tour of the Waterford and Wexford Coastline, where you will enjoy tales of Vikings and smugglers as well as meeting first hand some of the marine life that we share the coast with.If you are lucky, you will see dolphins and seals, and plenty of sea birds. The Waterford and Wexford coast is steeped in Maritime History, you will hear where the term 'By Hook or by Crooke' came from, how in 1645 Irish rebels fought and sank the flagship of the English Navy, still lying today beneath the sands. Visit a sea cave where ancient people brought the bones of their dead to enable their passage to the other world, and to top your tour off, some high speed manoeuvres in our Rigid Inflatable Boat - 'Vadrefjord' Boat tour - approximately 1 hour on the water, a safety brief is mandatory prior to boarding. Arrive 30 minutes before your tour time to allow for equipment allocation and safety brief.

The Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens are set in the beautiful seaside town of Tramore, County Waterford. These stunning gardens reflect the life and extensive wanderings of Patrick Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo), who grew up in Ireland, and whose life journey embraced several parts of the world. Follow Lafcadio Hearn’s life journey, first through the Victorian Garden, then to the American and Greek gardens, until you eventually arrive in the Japanese gardens which feature many Japanese plants and Japanese architectural features.

Waterford is Ireland’s Oldest City and the estuary played a pivotal role in it. It was the estuary that acted as a gateway for the early Viking settlers. Norman and Cromwellian conquests also feature strongly in local history as do events from both World Wars. The Port of Waterford was a significant international port for many years and there is a wealth of history to be discovered. The river and estuary are also vibrant bio-diversity habitats with a range of flora, fauna and aquatic life.

This magnificent Georgian residence is a must-see attraction! Come along to the Bishop’s Palace for a tour with the Housekeeper or Butler while the Bishop is away and discover the secrets the house holds. On this special tour, guests can enjoy a reenactor-led experience through the luxurious surroundings of the Bishop’s Place where they can prepare to be entranced by ornate gilt furniture and architectural features. Visitors will discover the scandalous affairs, tantalising love stories and more that hide beneath the veneer of Georgian perfection. Learn about misbehaving rakes, scurrilous rumours and murder most foul on this special tour of one of Waterford’s most famous townhouses. Don’t miss the oldest surviving piece of Waterford Crystal in the world dating back to 1789, and the Napoleon Bonaparte’s Mourning Cross; the only one to survive out of the original twelve that were made on his death.