Private Dublin to Kilkenny Castle & Waterford Crystal Tour

Summary

Kilkenny Castle and Waterford Crystal Private Day Trip

You’ll travel by private car from Dublin to explore Waterford Crystal’s artistry and Kilkenny Castle’s history—all with tickets included and local lunch stops along the way.

What’s the experience like?

Mornings in Dublin can be brisk, even in summer. Our driver—Michael, I think—met us right at the hotel door, coffee in hand, ready for the road south. The Mercedes was spotless and felt more like a cocoon than a car. We cruised out of the city as the sun started to peek through low clouds, passing fields dotted with sheep and the odd roadside stand selling fresh scones.

First stop: Waterford. The city’s got this old-world feel—narrow lanes, stone buildings, a bit of sea air lingering. Inside the Waterford Crystal factory, you hear the soft clink of glass on glass before you even see anything. Our guide there, Aoife, showed us how each piece is shaped by hand; you can actually feel the heat from the furnaces if you stand close enough. Watching a master cutter work up close is hypnotic—tiny chips flying as he turns a plain hunk of glass into something that’ll end up on someone’s wedding table.

Lunch was at a small café just off John’s Street—nothing fancy but hearty food (I went for the seafood chowder; it’s what locals order when it’s chilly). Afterward we wandered around Waterford’s Viking Triangle for a bit—the cobbles are uneven so wear good shoes—and then back in the car toward Kilkenny.

Kilkenny Castle looks almost unreal when you first see it from across the river. We had time to stroll through its gardens (roses were just starting to bloom) before heading inside. There’s this hush in some rooms that makes you want to whisper—even if nobody else is around. Our guide pointed out little details: carvings on doors, family portraits with stories behind them. By late afternoon we were back on the road to Dublin, tired but feeling like we’d squeezed every drop out of the day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dublin to Waterford and Kilkenny

• Hotel pick-up in Dublin
• Visit Waterford Crystal showroom and factory tour
• Lunch and walk in Waterford city
• Visit Kilkenny Castle and gardens
• Return to Dublin

Top questions

How long does this tour last?

The tour runs about 8 hours from pick-up to drop-off in Dublin.

Are attraction tickets included?

Yes, all entry tickets are covered in your booking price.

Is lunch provided?

Lunch isn’t prepaid but we stop at a recommended local spot where you can order what you like.

Can infants join?

Absolutely! Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during stops.

Where will I be picked up?

Your chauffeur will collect you directly from your hotel or specified address in Dublin City.

What’s included

Your day includes private luxury transport with an experienced driver-guide, bottled water for the journey, all attraction entry tickets (Kilkenny Castle and Waterford Crystal), plus parking fees and tolls taken care of. Just let us know your pick-up location—we’ll handle the rest!