Luxury Tour of Waterford Crystal & Kilkenny City Tour 1
IRISH LUXURY DAY TOURS
<p>Kilkenny Castle.</p>
<p>Street in Kilkenny.</p>
<p>Black Abbey.</p>
<p>Gallery in Kilkenny Castle.</p>
<p>Tour at Waterford.</p>
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Luxury Tour of Waterford Crystal & Kilkenny City Tour

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Kilkenny, Ireland
Day Trips & Excursions
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About this activity

Explore two of Ireland's most historically rich destinations in a single 8-hour day trip: the Viking-founded port city of Waterford with its legendary crystal factory, followed by medieval Kilkenny with its castle, cathedral, and cobbled streets. This tour pairs artisanal craftsmanship with centuries of dark folklore and architectural heritage.

This day tour commences at 7.30am from selected hotels and takes you to Waterford, the oldest city in Ireland established when the Vikings first visited here in 852AD and where tourists have been coming ever since. Reginald’s Tower dominates the skyline, gazing over the bustling River Suir and the narrow medieval lanes of the Viking’s triangle..

10.30am. Waterford Crystal, the awesome gem in Waterford’s wonderful crown, is a magical world of precious glass blowers and elegant engravers. After the factory tour return to the magnificent new showroom to marvel at these pieces of art.

13.00pm Arriving into Kilkenny, this City is Ireland’s most authentic medieval city; Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice’s Cathedral and the Black Abbey have been residing here since the thirteenth century. Remarkably these ancient structures rest seamlessly with hip bars, chic restaurants and fashionable boutiques.

13.30pm your 1-hour walking tour of Kilkenny city commences, and you will hear all sorts of stories from wealthy tradesmen to bishops and witches, Kilkenny has seen it all. A Witch who murdered her four husbands? A Mayor who fathered 25 children! A pass time involving Kilkenny Cats! A Spinning Cage outside the Tholsel for troublemakers! A public burning of Petronella the maid in 1324! Roaming Pigs in Graveyards and the town centre! Black Death,Whippings, Burnings, Crime, Jails, Theft. After your walking tour finishes you will have time to view the grounds of the Magnificent Kilkenny Castle.

16.30pm Depart Kilkenny City for Dublin city and your drop off location Nassau Street & selected hotels in the heart of Dublin City.

Highlights

  • ✓Waterford Crystal factory tour with live glassblowing and engraving demonstrations
  • ✓Reginald's Tower overlooking the Viking Triangle and River Suir
  • ✓Guided walking tour through Kilkenny's 13th-century streets with local stories
  • ✓Kilkenny Castle grounds and St. Canice's Cathedral
  • ✓Blend of medieval history and contemporary craft culture

Insider tips

  • ★Kilkenny's walking tour includes colourful local legends (witches, eccentric mayors, roaming pigs)—ask the guide for the darkest tales
  • ★Browse Waterford's showroom after the factory tour; limited time in Kilkenny means prioritise the castle grounds over shops if time is tight
  • ★Wear comfortable walking shoes; Kilkenny's medieval lanes are uneven cobblestone

Good to know

  • •Early 7:30am hotel pickup; full itinerary concludes around 16:30
  • •Waterford Crystal factory tour included; showroom browsing is self-guided
  • •1-hour guided walking tour of Kilkenny provided; castle grounds viewable independently
  • •Bring layers; coastal Waterford can be breezy

Who it's for

Craft and design enthusiasts interested in glasswork techniquesHistory buffs drawn to Viking and medieval heritageCouples seeking a cultural day trip from Dublin or CorkFirst-time Ireland visitors wanting authentic medieval charm

Best time to visit

Visit spring through autumn for reliable weather and open castle grounds. Mid-morning arrival in Waterford (around 10:30am) avoids early crowds at the crystal factory.

Frequently asked questions

Available
From€129
per person