Waterford Crystal

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Possibly one of the most beautiful and lasting treasures –certainly one of the most famous– that Ireland has to offer is one you can actually take home with you.

It began in 1783, when William and George Penrose set up a crystal manufacturing business in the city of Waterford. Their goal was to produce items that were both ornamental and useful, and to this day Waterford Crystal is known the world over for its history of functionality coupled with its exquisite beauty. It is now possible, of course, to buy Waterfords fine crystal products all over the world, but what trip to the city of Waterford would be complete without stopping in to see where the product was first made? If you are planning to drive to Waterford, Thrifty Car Rental offer locations in both Cork City and Cork Airport which are ideal.

A certain pride in their product still runs deep in the company that was founded over two centuries ago, and is evident in the crystal that is still produced today. A purchase of Waterford crystal buys you not only the crystal itself, but a series of instructions on the proper care of the product itself. Some buyers may not be aware, for example, that it is inadvisable to put the delicate glass in the dishwasher, as the heat and abrasion can be detrimental to the quality of the product. Other buyers may not know that it is sometimes possible to repair even a chipped or damaged product; if you are in possession of heirloom Waterford that has suffered superficial damage, the dealers may be able to recommend a repair service equal to the task of mending it.

Whatever your interest in this exquisite crystal, whether you are a connoisseur, a hobby collector or merely curious, there is no better place to gain an even deeper appreciation for the beauty and rich history of this fine product than the city where it all began.