I've read on the Waterford Crystal Factory Visitor Centre website that the visitor center is temporarily closed however the tone on this forum and from other places I have read indicate that the factory will not be reopening any time soon. Can anyone shed light on this about if there is a set timetable of when it will be reopened? I have an itinerary set for July that formally had us staying in Waterford to do the factory but if it is not supposed to reopen before then, I'll want to reserve a room in Kilkenny instead. Thanks in advance.
Posted by
Ottawa, Ontario,, Canada
521 posts
An agreement has been reached with the employees, but there is no explicit mention as to whether or not the visitor centre is reopened yet. The furnce was shut down for the first time in decades due to the work stoppage. It likely will take a few weeks to get the furnace back up and running, but I am only speculating as official information is difficult to find at this point.
Posted by
Fredericksburg, VA, USA
409 posts
Justin - Here's hoping it reopens in time for you. BTW, if I can make a B&B recommendation....Foxmount Country House. Currently listed as #1 of 15 B&B's in Waterford, about 10 min. from the factory. We loved it! In Kilkenny, I'd recommend Hillgrove B&B.
Posted by
Columbus, Ohio, USA
27 posts
I too am planning a trip in early Aug and was planning Waterford just for the factory....is there anything else Waterfordish there worth seeing or should I make an adjustment?
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
Do you mean are there other crystal factories in Waterford? No. The Waterford area has lots of things to see, but the city itself is just a city.
Posted by
Columbus, Ohio, USA
27 posts
I meant crystal....we are only going to be in Ireland for 4 days so I was going specifically for the crystal. I guess this just means my husband has to take me back once it reopens : )