Ireland Bucket List: One Epic Road Trip

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Ireland Bucket List: One Epic Road Trip

Ireland had been at the top of my travel wish list for over 10 years. We kept putting it off because we were waiting for the right time to travel with our son. After years of delaying this trip, we finally came to the conclusion that we could go back and visit with him at a later date. It was finally time to plan our dream trip to Ireland - an epic road trip that spanned across the entire country.

We allotted 16 days to explore Ireland. Initially it seemed like enough time to see all of the items on our wish list, but we quickly realized this was impossible. After all, how can you fit all of the amazingness of Ireland into 16 days?

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Witness A Piece of History in Waterford, Ireland

/ house of waterford crystal/

Every visit to Ireland should include a trip to Waterford, so you can pay a visit to the House of Waterford Crystal.

We love factory tours, so this was right up our alley. Due to Covid restrictions, the tours were "self-guided". However, there was a person at each place along the tour that was there to explain the process...and it was a fascinating experience.

 
 

So many times, we have had Waterford Crystal in our possession, and I never really even paid much attention to it. After seeing the process of making it, I can assure you that I will never look at it the same way ever again!

These craftsman are highly skilled in each of their areas, with their apprenticeships lasting 5-8 years. Glass blowers use wooden and hand tools to shape the crystal. Each piece is inspected several times. If it is not perfect, it is scrapped and sent to be remelted and used again.

 
 

Once the Crystal passes inspection, it is sent to the cutters. These artists use removable marker to make the geometric patterns onto the Crystal. The cutters have to learn a series of 600 cuts before they can complete their apprenticeship. It was astonishing to watch them create these cuts!

 
 

There are also sculptors that sculpt pieces from a solid block of crystal and engravers who spend hours and days engraving the crystal.

 
 

The amazing part of the tour is that you get to see these craftsman performing this work up close and personal. The cost of the tour is only 15 Euro per person.

After the tour, you can shop in their retail store...and visit the Crystal Cafe.

 
 

We made this visit in a day trip while heading to our next destination. Don't miss your chance to witness this 238 year legacy in action. You won't regret it!

 
 

Check out this video from behind the scenes!

While you are here, check out the town. This seaport has a rich history dating back to when the Vikings found the area in 914 A.D. There is plenty to see and explore while you are here!

 
 

And make sure to check out this adorable shop with great items Made in Ireland - Bebhinn!

 
 

For more information about the town, click here: Waterford