Old Irish Glass

The appeal of old Irish glass lies in its rich hues and the velvety feel that sets it apart from its European counterparts. Though glassmaking in Ireland was only a modest activity in the Middle Ages, by the late sixteenth century local craftsmen were already producing windows, coloured panes, and drinking vessels. Contemporary records from 1332 and a 1585 patent hint at a growing confidence that would soon blossom into a distinct industry.

By the mid‑eighteenth century Irish glass reached a peak, rivaling the finest English and continental wares, only to be crippled by an 1788 export ban that forced producers to sell domestically. The early pieces were often dark‑toned, a trait the Waterford factories eventually lightened after 1830, yet the original deep colours have become legendary among collectors. Many of these historic goblets and bottles still lie hidden in the attics of old country houses, waiting to be discovered.