ウォーターフォード・クリスタル＆キルケニー：ダブリン発プライベート・レール日帰りツアー

It was a tour that was beautifully curated, making it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Dublin. We learned so much about the history of Waterford Crystal (a true Irish tradition). The guide’s commentary was lively and informative, making the experience both educational and entertaining. I especially enjoyed browsing the gift shop afterward, picking up a unique piece to remember the trip. Overall, it truly exceeded expectations.

The train ride was comfortable and we had large windows, getting great views of the Irish midlands. We not only experienced the history of Irish towns, but craftsmanship as well. We enjoyed every moment of this full day tour.

We were very disappointed with our day trip to Kilkenny and Waterford due to the lack of communication or care for our group from our guide. At Kilkenny we walked to the castle in the pouring cold rain leaving us soaked to the bone and shivering. Knowing that the severe storm “Amy” was happening we wondered why the tour company hadn’t arrange for transport from the train station to the castle. During our very brisk 10 minute walk to the Kilkenny Castle our guide stopped in the middle of a busy narrow bridge to tell us history to which we couldn’t hear above the traffic, wind and rain. We were to see a short film at the castle but the room it was held in had an event in process so our guide decided to walk down to the river instead. Many of us stayed back, standing under an entry way out of the rain and wind, while others dashed across the street to a store to buy umbrellas. Next our guide had us cram on to a little train to tour around the castle area. The windows on the train were too foggy to see out of and every time we turned a corner water came gushing in from the roof. On our walk back to the rail station our guide left us in his dust, walking well ahead of the group, never looking back. The wind was so strong it made our umbrellas turn inside out and the rain was coming down hard. Due to the weather and traffic, on the road and on the narrow sidewalk, our group became strung out over a couple of blocks and we yelled and waved each other along to be sure everyone make it back to the station; once there, it was discovered he left two people were completely missing. On the train to Waterford it was asked not once, but twice, what to expect at Waterford so we would all be informed. Our guide only replied that we wouldn’t be walking anywhere. Yet upon entering Waterford Crystal he pointed to the cafe, so we presumed it was time for lunch, each person telling the next because we weren’t told, even after asking, that the first thing we were doing was lunch. After lunch we had to find our guide to find out when our tour was. He seemed annoyed because he had been asked the question over and over again. Why? Because once agin, he didn’t announce it. When leaving Waterford he took off like a jack rabbit once again leaving people fending for themselves to get down slick stairs in the rain, wind gusting so hard you had to hang on to one another, and across a busy street. On the bus back to the rail station our guide continued to point out historic things and giving bits of information but he was at the front of the bus, talking forward towards the windshield and we couldn’t hear him. We had to stop him and ask him to turn around to talk to us twice. We got absolutely nothing from this excursion except wet! It was an unpleasant experience, agreed upon by many in the group who said they intended on contacting the company to let them know of their disappointment, I hope they do. The weather was bad yes, but the lack of concern for group was disturbing.

We wouldn't merely describe it as a tour; it was a delightful blend of culture, history, and stunning landscapes. We saw Ireland’s rolling green hills, rich farmlands, Waterford Crystal Factory and more. A five-star adventure definitely deserving of exploration.

I was disappointed that we were not able to take the train. But we had a local driver who made the tour flexible and fun. Kilkenny Castle was the best castle experience we had in Ireland. And the Waterford Crystal Tour was amazing. We bought crystal that they shipped home at no expense for us.