Galway Crystal has earned a reputation as being one of the world’s best quality and esteemed brands of traditionally crafted Irish lead crystal. Located in the heart of the richly scenic West of Ireland, on the shores of Galway Bay, Galway Irish Crystal is steeped in the rich and varied heritage of this unique landscape. The craftsmen of the celebrated brand are influenced by the varied history, landscape and folklore, which are associated with the City of the Tribes, Galway, and the surrounding areas of Connemara and Lough Corrib. At the Galway Crystal Visitor Centre you’ll have a unique opportunity to view the craftsmanship of Galway Crystal’s highly skilled workers. Read on for more…
Most people will surely have heard of or seen the wonderful and select quality of Galway Crystal. For anyone who hasn’t, the Galway Crystal Heritage Centre tells the story behind the brand. Along with a fascinating tour you the chance to purchase quality crystal ware at the factory shop at discount rates.
Visit the stylish Galway Crystal Heritage Centre…
The Galway Crystal Heritage Centre is ideally situated at Merlin Park, on the N6 Dublin Road, just 5 minutes drive from Galway city centre. The centre is housed within a Georgian style building that gives all visitors an interesting introduction to the culture and history of the West of Ireland. As visitors are guided through the centre they learn about the sourcing and craft process involved in producing Galway Crystal, and also how the culture and heritage of Galway has inspired the craftsmen of the area.
Guided tours take place every 30 minutes, and each starts with an audiovisual presentation on the city of Galway, its culture, and a brief potted history of the area. Then you’ll be taken on a tour of the craft workshops where you’ll see for yourself the secrets and magic of the crystal making craft. In essence, the heritage centre is a trip through time.
The Galway Hooker Exhibition at the Visitor Centre also allows you to learn about the sea heritage of the Galway area, including Galway Bay, and the craft that travelled between the mainland and the islands. The guided Heritage Tour incorporates an exhibition on Galway’s famous Claddagh Village, not just renowned for its sea fishing but also the place that provided the inspiration for the famous Claddagh Ring, the traditional Irish Wedding Ring. This is an excellent exhibition showing life as used to be in the village.
Then finally, at the Crystal Workshop itself, the complete Galway Crystal range is beautifully presented. You can select your own piece of sparkling Galway Crystal to remember your special visit to the Galway Crystal Heritage Centre!
The Galway Crystal Collection…
The Galway Crystal Collection contains numerous designs and ranges of crystal from tableware to stemware. The Emerald Isle Decanter Set is a popular piece, together with other tableware such as candlesticks, salt and pepper shakers, and napkin rings which put the finishing touches to any formal dinner gathering! All pieces of Galway Crystal are created with the finest attention to detail, and each crystal piece is designed created with passion and care.
The Mission Statement of Galway Irish Crystal is that the company’s core strategy is focused on maintaining excellent quality of standards of craft, to foster an excellent standard in the culture of customer service and this is sustained by focused employee teamwork and the continuous development of all company employees.
Find out more about Galway Crystal.
If you’re planning to stay in Galway for a night or two and need somewhere to stay, take a look at our Galway hotels page.
