Because it was exempt from the glass tax, Ireland had from the mid eighteenth century a thriving glass industry, characterised by heavy thick-walled designs, with deep cutting. Much of the production was based around the towns of Waterford and Cork. A crystal business was originally founded in Waterford in 1783 by George and William Penrose, producing extremely fine crystal that became world-renowned. However, their company closed in 1851. In 1947, Czech immigrant Charles Bacik established a glass works in the city, trading on the superb reputation of the original glassware, aided by fellow countryman and designer Miroslav Havel. In 1986 Waterford Wedwood plc. was formed through the acquisition by the then Waterford Glass Group of the famous pottery manufacturer Josiah Wedgwood in 1986. The company was forced into receivership in early 2009.

Waterford produced many patterns of lead crystal stemware, and in later years also produced chandeliers, of which their most well-known are those hanging in Westminster Abbey. They also created trophies for the French and German Grand Prix, and for various other prestigious sporting events.