Driftwood Ancient Ireland Tour

From $2035

Discover the Charms of Southern and Eastern Ireland on a 6-Day Journey

Embark on a captivating 6-day journey through historic southern and eastern Ireland, where you'll step into the world of valiant knights and Viking raiders. Explore picturesque gardens, climb castle ruins, and soak in breathtaking landscapes, ranging from rugged mountains to medieval cities and dramatic coastlines. Your itinerary includes visits to Cork, Kilkenny, Waterford, and Wexford, with special highlights like a fascinating sheepdog demonstration in the Wicklow Mountains and a delightful whiskey tasting experience at the Jameson Distillery. As a Driftwood Journey of Discovery, this 6-day tour of southern Ireland caters to a wide range of interests, including food enthusiasts, history aficionados, and those seeking a cultural vacation with a relaxed pace.

Coach Tour Package

  • A captivating journey aboard a luxurious Mercedes mini-coach
  • The expertise and guidance of a highly-trained VagaGuide tour leader
  • An immersive experience spanning 6 full days
  • Comfortable accommodations for 5 nights
  • Enjoyment of 5 hearty and delectable hot Irish breakfasts
  • Inclusion of most daily activities and visits (additional options available, see Tour Options)
  • Admission and guided tour of Jerpoint Park
  • Admission and guided tour of the Dunbrody Famine Ship
  • A guided exploration of the renowned Jameson Distillery, the ultimate home of Irish whiskey
  • Entrance to the historic 13th-century Tintern Abbey
  • An informative sheepdog demonstration in Wicklow

Please be mindful that there could be occasional, unplanned changes to the listed accommodations. Rest assured that any alternative lodgings will be of equal or superior quality to our standard options.

  • Kilkenny and Wicklow Mountains
  • Kilkenny City and Castles
  •  Lighthouse Tour and Waterford City
  • Copper Coast and Whiskey Tour
  • Coastal Cobh and Quaint Kinsale
  • Blarney Stone and Rock of Cashel
  • Kilkenny | 2 nights
  • Waterford | 1 night
  • Kinsale | 1 night
  • Cork | 1 night

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Gather with your guide and fellow Driftwood travelers at Dublin's Grand Canal Hotel at 8.10am. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey in our comfortable Mercedes tour vehicle! Our initial destination is Glendalough, a 6th-century monastic settlement nestled in a picturesque mountain valley. This serene location is surrounded by two lakes and a lush native oak forest, making you feel far removed from Dublin despite just an hour's drive. Experience the rugged beauty of the Nicklau Mountains National Park, a part of Ireland's vast upland wilderness. Here, nature's grandeur will leave you awestruck. Visit the charming hillside village of Hollywood and witness a captivating sheepdog demonstration led by a local farmer. Gain insights into the fascinating world of sheepdogs. Travel back in time to the Bronze Age as we explore Rathgall, one of Ireland's largest and oldest ringforts. Discover the rich history of this ancient site. Conclude the day in the historic city of Kilkenny, where a warm Irish welcome awaits you.
This morning, we'll delve into the medieval charm of Kilkenny, where you can explore its cobblestone streets, artisan workshops, and cozy cafes. History enthusiasts can opt for a guided tour of Kilkenny Castle (additional tour option). Keep an eye out for the rumored ghost of Strongbow that haunts the castle! For those who still believe in Santa Claus, our journey takes us to Jerpoint Park, a medieval site where you can see the supposed resting place of Saint Nicholas. A guided tour of this intriguing location is included in the package. In New Ross, you'll step aboard the Dunbrody Famine Ship, a replica of a 1840s emigrant vessel, for an insightful guided tour (included in the package). If time allows, you can also get acquainted with Waterford city's Viking Triangle during a guided walking tour (additional tour option). This tour is part of the Viking Triangle Freedom Pass.
In the morning, immerse yourself in the history of a Norman dynasty as you visit the 13th-century Tintern Abbey (included in the package). Please note that the tour involves navigating steep steps. Don't miss the chance to take a guided tour of Hook Head, home to the world's oldest operational lighthouse (additional tour option). This lighthouse has been lighting the way for sailors for over 850 years. Please be aware that the tour includes steep steps. During the afternoon, you have the freedom to explore Waterford city as you wish. Here are the tour options (Choose A, B, or C):
  1. The Viking Triangle Freedom Pass grants you access to the Medieval Museum, the Bishop's Palace Museum, the Irish Silver Museum, and the Museum of Time (additional tour option).
  1. Experience the King of the Vikings VR and witness the Norsemen come to life (additional tour option).
  1. Explore the House of Waterford Crystal, home to the world's largest Waterford Crystal collection (additional tour option).
Today, we will explore hidden coves and remarkable geological formations along the Copper Coast, a lesser-known but highly rewarding coastal route in Ireland. We will take a detour through the scenic Comeragh Mountains, followed by a leisurely hike to Mahon Falls. For lunch, we will stop in the charming coastal town of Dungarvan. In the afternoon, whether you are a whiskey enthusiast or simply curious about whiskey, you will be invigorated by the guided tour of Jameson Whiskey in Midleton (included in the package). The Kindred Spirits sculpture at this location commemorates Native American assistance to Irish Famine victims. In the evening, we will arrive in Ballycotton, a picturesque coastal village in Cork.
Our first stop today is in Cobh, a historic maritime town famous for hosting the Titanic in 1912. While in Cobh, you have the option to visit the Queenstown Experience to learn about Irish emigration (available as a tour option). Kinsale, a charming harbor town known as the unofficial gourmet capital of Ireland, awaits seafood enthusiasts. This afternoon, you can explore Kinsale at your leisure, with its abundance of restaurants, pubs, and craft shops. Alternatively, you can take a scenic coastal drive to the Old Head of Kinsale. In the evening, you can choose to check in early at your hotel or participate in a guided tour of the star-shaped Charles Fort at the mouth of Kinsale Harbour (available as a tour option).
Embark on an excursion to Waterford Castle today, an imposing structure majestically situated along the banks of the River Suir. Constructed in the 16th century, this castle boasts its very own island, adding to its allure. Following your visit, your journey continues to Waterford Crystal, where you'll have the opportunity to acquire a keepsake to commemorate your memorable trip. The day takes a decidedly eerie turn as you venture into what is arguably the most spine-tingling segment of your vacation—a tour of Leap Castle. This castle is steeped in chilling legends of malevolent spirits and supernatural phenomena, with tales tracing back to a harrowing event known as the "Bloody Chapel." During your tour, you'll explore the infamous chapel and even a concealed dungeon concealed within the castle, complete with a foreboding drop floor.

Driftwood Ancient Ireland Tour

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