Waterford: City, County & Crystal with Lunch

Departing from the cathedral town of Cobh, you will drive through East Cork to the neighboring County of Waterford. In Waterford, you'll visit the House of Waterford Crystal. Since the closure of the original factory in 2009, only a limited production of crystal occurs in Waterford. The new exhibition and showrooms will show you a the production process on a smaller scale with the finished product on display for you to view or perhaps purchase as a memento. A drive along the city's wharf will introduce you to Waterford's Viking roots. The city was settled by a Celtic tribe called the Deisi, and is still widely referred to as “the Decies.”. Recent archaeological excavations have revealed evidence of a Viking settlement there as early as the 10th century — not quite obliterated by the Anglo-Normans who followed. In fact, the city's English name comes from the Norse word, Vadrefjord. Following lunch at a local hotel, you will drive to Lismore. A brief stop allows you to photograph the spectacular Lismore Castle, the Irish home to the Duke of Devonshire and former home of Sir Walter Raleigh. Traveling through tranquil and picturesque countryside, you will then enjoy a leisurely drive back to Cobh and your waiting ship.