After a scenic drive through the Irish countryside, arrive at Waterford City and travel along the quay to Reginald's Tower. Built by the Normans, it's Ireland's oldest civic building and the only one in an urban setting to retain a Viking name. Continue past the elegant Waterford Court House, built in 1849, en route to the House of Waterford Crystal. Completed in 2010, the center is the heart of all things Waterford. Waterford Crystal was founded Oct. 3, 1783, when Beethoven was ascendent, to create glass of "as fine a quality as any in Europe", according to its founders, brothers George and William Penrose. Take a 90-minute tour that traces Waterford crystal production from mold-making and glass-blowing to the final cutting and etching stages, which are overseen by master craftsmen. Then enjoy some free time in charming Waterford - a sunny city studded with cozy pubs and top-rated restaurants that sits at the head of a picturesque harbor and relax over an independent lunch before returning to Cobh.