Is Galway Crystal still made in Ireland?

Galway Crystal began production in Ireland, though manufacturing has changed over time. The original factory in County Galway produced hand-cut crystal until the early 2000s. After financial challenges, production shifted abroad, mainly to Eastern Europe and parts of Asia. The brand name remains Irish, and design work still reflects Irish heritage and styling. Many pieces are now machine-made and then finished by hand, which keeps costs lower. During its peak in the 1980s, the Galway factory employed hundreds of workers and produced thousands of pieces each week. Today, the company focuses on design, branding, and retail rather than large-scale local manufacturing. This shift is similar to many traditional crystal brands that faced competition from cheaper imports. Even with these changes, Galway Crystal continues to market itself as an Irish-designed brand with roots in Galway.