Special to The Desert Sun

When you think of famous products associated with Ireland, what comes to mind? Linens? Setters? Whisky? And what about big names in crystal? Well, there’s Baccarat and Lalique (both made in France) and Steuben (USA). But Ireland is also known for its crystal, and there is one storied name that, while still great, has lost some of its sparkle in recent years. Today, let’s take a look at Waterford crystal.

Founded in 1783 by the Penrose brothers, a pair of Quakers successful in business but novices in the field of glassblowing, the firm began with the intention of making the world’s finest crystal. And for more than 70 years, that’s substantially what they did.

Based in Waterford City, today a community of about 60,000 souls and located some three hours southeast

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