
Dublin to Kilkenny Castle and House Of Waterford Crystal Day Tour
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 186 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Dublin to Kilkenny Castle and House Of Waterford Crystal Day Tour worth booking?
Dublin to Kilkenny Castle and House Of Waterford Crystal Day Tour is a 12.5-hour experience in Dublin, Ireland, from $185 per person. It scores 72 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 186 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 72 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (186)
- Duration
- 12.5 hours
- From
- $185 per person
See the picturesque cities of Ireland’s scenic southeast on a full-day rail tour from Dublin to Kilkenny and Waterford Crystal. Accompanied by a guide, travel by train to Kilkenny, an artsy and attractive city. Take a guided tour around its medieval streets and enjoy some free time before moving on to Waterford City. Tour the esteemed Waterford Crystal factory, which is responsible for producing many dazzling objects of beauty, including the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball. End your tour with a scenic rail route back through the Suir Valley.
What you get
About this experience
See the picturesque cities of Ireland’s scenic southeast on a full-day rail tour from Dublin to Kilkenny and Waterford Crystal. Accompanied by a guide, travel by train to Kilkenny, an artsy and attractive city. Take a guided tour around its medieval streets and enjoy some free time before moving on to Waterford City. Tour the esteemed Waterford Crystal factory, which is responsible for producing many dazzling objects of beauty, including the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball. End your tour with a scenic rail route back through the Suir Valley.
What's included
Included
- Information pack
- Admission to Waterford Crystal visitor centre
- Expert guide
- Reserved seats on the trains
- Return Rail Tickets
Not included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Entry to Kilkenny Castle
What you'll see and do
Kilkenny Castle
We arrive in Kilkenny at 09:00 – known as the Marble City and situated on the river Nore. Kilkenny is a beautiful small Irish city. Most buildings are built of black limestone, thus the name the Marble City. Kilkenny is dominated by its castle, the front gate of which is our meeting point (or as directed by your host). There are several nice pubs that serve food: 'Paris Texas' on High Street and 'Langton’s' on John Street Lower both have a nice atmosphere and do great food. Further up High Street is the Church of Ireland Cathedral of St Canice. This beautiful cathedral dates from the 13th century and, after the reformation in 1539, became Anglican. It is well worth a visit (even if it is closed) for photographs, etc.
150 minutes here · Admission not included
House Of Waterford
From Kilkenny, the tour continues to Waterford – a Viking city on the banks of the River Suir (pronounced shure). A visit to the new Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre is included in your tour, where you will see craftsmen engaged in the traditional tasks of blowing and cutting the world-famous crystal glass.
105 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Dublin
Check in is 20 minutes prior to the departure time (7:00AM). Our yellow check-in stand is located close to the Customer Service Desk at Heuston Station where our representative will be waiting for you in their BRIGHT yellow jacket!
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Check in is 20 minutes prior to the departure time (7:00AM). Our yellow check-in stand is located close to the Customer Service Desk at Heuston Station where our representative will be waiting for you in their BRIGHT yellow jacket!
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Fri
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Railtours Ireland First Class
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Check in at 7:00AM! Train departs at 7:20am & it does not wait. Our yellow check-in stand is located close to the Customer Service Desk at Heuston Station where our representative will be waiting for you in their BRIGHT yellow jacket!
- WHEELCHAIR POLICY: Our tours are a combination of train and luxury coach and include a moderate level of physical activity, such as short walks to meeting points etc. Unfortunately even the most modern luxury coaches (buses) are not wheelchair friendly, thus our tours are not suitable for those with mobility issues, and regretfully walkers, wheelchairs and mobility scooters cannot be accommodated on our tours.
- Children U16 cannot book independently. They must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times.
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What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 186 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
186 verified traveler reviews for Dublin to Kilkenny Castle and House Of Waterford Crystal Day Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
You are on a time...
You are on a time schedule so you won’t have time to roam around. If you want to come back and do a self guided tour, then you can take your time walking the city and the castle. The tour is set up to give you the basics on the Kilkenny Castle and the town of Waterford with the tour of the Glass Factory included. I found the tour to be very informative and I would recommend it to anyone is touring Ireland for the first time.
via Viator
Whilst it was really...
Whilst it was really enjoyable, there was a lot of walking, and the free time in Kilkenny is short and there’s hardly time to look inside the castle if that’s what you want to do. Waterford is beautiful but again a little bit of time. The lunch venue is classic, and the food very good and reasonably priced.
via Viator
We enjoyed traveling...
We enjoyed traveling through the countryside by train. Paddy, our guide spent time talking with each of to explain what we would do and see. We did a bit of walking but it was not fast paced. The group enjoyed lunch at the The Reg in Waterford. The tour through Waterford factory was very informative and in the showroom, Paddy made sure we helped by the showroom staff. One negative was the bus that picked us up from the train station in Waterford was cramped and very hot. It was a long day but worth the trip!
via Viator
Amazing
The trip was so fun!! Our tour guide Patty, was amazing! So kind, friendly and loved to chat. If you go on this tour, I would recommend booking a self guided tour with the Kilkenny Castle. It was spectacular! The trip to Waterford was beautiful as well.
via Viator
Wonderful day in Ireland
Enjoy a scenic train ride to Kilkenny where a waking tour will take you through the winding streets to the castle. The hilarious street train driver will entertain you as you drive around town some more. Hop back on the train to Waterford. Enjoy a wonderful lunch at a local restaurant (cost not included). The tour of the crystal factory is so in-depth, you’ll feel like you’re cutting the glass yourself. Don’t be fooled by the official description. This tour has much more to offer than what Viator describes. There is quite a bit of walking. There is a tour leader with you the entire time
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 12.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Fri
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 65
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Railtours Ireland First Class, who run 17 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 52.1.
See everything Railtours Ireland First Class runsWhy this scores 72
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Dublin to Kilkenny Castle and House Of Waterford Crystal Day Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Dublin.
How much does Dublin to Kilkenny Castle and House Of Waterford Crystal Day Tour cost?
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Prices start at $185 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Dublin usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Dublin to Kilkenny Castle and House Of Waterford Crystal Day Tour take?
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Plan for about 12.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Dublin is not rushed.
Is Dublin to Kilkenny Castle and House Of Waterford Crystal Day Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 72 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 186 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Dublin, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Dublin to Kilkenny Castle and House Of Waterford Crystal Day Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Dublin to Kilkenny Castle and House Of Waterford Crystal Day Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Dublin to Kilkenny Castle and House Of Waterford Crystal Day Tour?
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Around 65 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Dublin can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Dublin and add a light layer if any part of the 12.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Dublin to Kilkenny Castle and House Of Waterford Crystal Day Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Dublin within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Dublin?
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On Outty we rank every Dublin experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Dublin to Belfast Titanic Dunluce Castle Giants Causeway Tour, Dublin to Belfast Black Cab: Dunluce Castle and Giant's Causeway, Dublin to Cliffs of Moher, including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Dublin?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Dublin?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Dublin to Kilkenny Castle and House Of Waterford Crystal Day Tour?
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Included: Information pack; Admission to Waterford Crystal visitor centre; Expert guide; Reserved seats on the trains; and Return Rail Tickets. Not included: Gratuities; Hotel pickup and drop-off; Food and drinks; and Entry to Kilkenny Castle. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Dublin to Kilkenny Castle and House Of Waterford Crystal Day Tour?
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Check in is 20 minutes prior to the departure time (7:00AM). Our yellow check-in stand is located close to the Customer. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Dublin to Kilkenny Castle and House Of Waterford Crystal Day Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Dublin to Kilkenny Castle and House Of Waterford Crystal Day Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Dublin to Kilkenny Castle and House Of Waterford Crystal Day Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and WHEELCHAIR POLICY: Our tours are a combination of train and luxury coach and include a mod. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Dublin to Kilkenny Castle and House Of Waterford Crystal Day Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Dublin. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Dublin to Kilkenny Castle and House Of Waterford Crystal Day Tour?
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Across 186 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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