Day 3 - Waterford

A pattern we bought - Celtic Spirit


These are sports trophies. Two are flown to the site of the event in case something happens to the first one. If it is not needed, it is returned to this display area. There is a quote from a CBS sports commentator concerning the trophies, "That's what it's all about when you win. You spend the money, but the WATERFORD is forever!"

Irby smashing a less-than-perfect piece.

This man is working with the glass for the handle of a pitcher. The video below shows him placing it on the pitcher and the other man forming it.

This is a huge piece that honors the fallen NYFD chaplain on 9/11.


This is the 2nd man in the video below.























He was very humorous comparing these glasses.
He retires July 4th after 45 years with Waterford.

We were in three cities today, but didn't travel many miles. Cobh is about 20 miles from Blarney, the St. James distillery a few miles from Cobh, and Waterford about 50 miles from the distillery.
I hardly know where to start telling you about Waterford. The process is very serious business.
The blowers and the glass cutters are artisians with great talent - and great patience! The glass-cutters train 5 years, then work only on the star pattern for the first 6 months of their employment. And oh, by the way, there is no "outlet" at a Waterford factory, no "seconds." Any piece deemed less than perfect by the inspectors is smashed! Irby got the honor of doing that to a rejected piece while taking our tour! The artisians are highly motivated with each piece they create - they get paid by the piece and do not get paid for the rejected ones! The workers were glad to spend time with visitors answering questions.

We did buy a few pieces of Waterford and left with our wallets a little lighter, even if we did use a credit card!! Discounts are given to those who tour the facility, but with the dollar so weak against the euro, we're sure we did not save anything versus American prices! We did, however, buy pieces not obtainable in the states and exclusive to Ireland. The 3rd picture shows one pattern we bought - Celtic Spirit.