6 Day Tour of Southeastern Ireland map route itinerary

6 Day Tour of Ireland's Ancient East

Tour Eastern & Southern Ireland

Meet historic knights and vikings in south east Ireland on this relaxing 6 day tour.

Encounter charming gardens, castle ruins and spectacular scenery, from the wilderness of the Wicklow mountains, to medieval Kilkenny, and onto the gorgeous coastlines of Waterford and Cork.

Visit highlights like Glendalough, Blarney Castle, the Rock of Cashel and a whiskey tasting at the Midleton Distillery.

This 6 day tour will suit seniors, young couples and families who want an easy-going tour of south east Ireland. Experience an amazing Ireland vacation with Driftwood; take your time, stop, breathe and savour all the beauty!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Hands down the best trip we have ever taken... The small group size really allowed you to get to know the others on tour and adventure after hours. The small bus size also allowed us to get into places and see things the bigger tours can't fit in, so it really felt like we got to see more than just the tourist traps." Guest Review, June 2022

From €1,777.50 pps* Single Supplement €328.50

*Price displayed is the discounted price for Mar, Apr & Oct.

💵 Equivalent US$1,920 Price Estimated at $1 to €0.93

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Dates+Availability

Lots of Space! Limited Spaces (6 or Less) Sorry, Fully Booked!

2023

July 2023

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October 2023

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June 2024

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July 2024

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891011121314
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22232425262728
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August 2024

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
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567891011
12131415161718
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262728293031

September 2024

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
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9101112131415
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23242526272829
30

October 2024

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
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78910111213
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21222324252627
28293031

Start:

Finish:

Price:

Single Supplement:

Spaces Status:

View Tour Itinerary

*Price displayed is the discounted price for Mar, Apr and Oct.

If the date you want is full please contact us and we will do our best to accomodate you.

A €250 deposit per person is all we need to secure your tour online. All our departure dates are guaranteed.

**All tours are charged in EURO. Exchange rates quoted are online rates and may differ to the rate our payment partner Flywire and banks offer.

Single Supplements apply to Single Room Occupancy.

Book with Confidence

Itinerary Reviews Tour FAQs Hotels Inclusions Photos

Reviews

Feefo - 6 Day Ancient Ireland Tour

View on FeeFo

The tour guide was wonderful and versatile working to make it the best trip for everyone. The hotels were good, and the food was absolutely fantastic.
Product : There was something for everyone. If you couldn’t or didn’t care to do what others were doing, there were other options given. Lots of opportunities to see beautiful sites and experience local people, as well as learning Irish history and lore.

Jo, 15th Nov 2022

Excellent

View on FeeFo

Wonderful experience of beautiful Ancient Ireland. Ciara was the best guide ever, catered for everyone's needs and made the whole trip fun. My only complaint is that Rob is married!!

Natalie, 9th Nov 2022

One of the best tours we've experienced!

View on FeeFo

We had one of the best tours of our life with the Driftwood tour. Our guide Aiden was exceptional. Very accommodating to everyone's needs and wishes for what we would like to do for the day. He located a dolmen that had not been visited before by group and it was a fabulous experience. Aiden's knowledge of Ireland and it's history was encyclopedic. He never overwhelmed you, but dished it out throughout the day. The hotels we all very nice. We are recommending Vagabond and Driftwood tours to all of our friends, and hope they will go with you.
Product : The activity level of the Driftwood tour was perfect for us. We were able to visit many castles and climb to the heights of all of them! Our guide took us to a sculpture know…

Tom, 9th Nov 2022

TripAdvisor - 6 Day Ancient Ireland Tour

"FANTASTIC TOUR & GUIDE"

6 day southeast tour vehicle and lighthouse in Ireland

What a fantastic tour and tour guide. If you ever decide to take a tour of Ireland, this is the company to take it with!

Our tour guide, Andrew, was early getting to the pick up location and loaded everyone's luggage onto the bus... He grew up in Ireland and knew the country well. He taught us some Irish words and played Irish music during some of the trip.

Our hotels were very nice... The group was small and we ended up making friends with the other people, so much that we got together at pubs and restaurants as a group several times.

Not only would I book another Driftwood tour but I'd request Andrew to be the tour guide!

ROCHELLE, JUNE 2022

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"BEST TRIP WE'VE EVER TAKEN"

6 day southeast tour guide at ruins in Ireland

Hands down the best trip we have ever taken.

Our guide Andrew was super knowledgable and FUN!!! He took us places we didn't even know we would see, so it truly was a grand adventure! Andrew also had amazing recommendations for places to eat and things to see when we stopped at night.

The small group size really allowed you to get to know the others on tour and adventure after hours. The small bus size also allowed us to get into places and see things the bigger tours can't fit in, so it really felt like we got to see more than just the tourist traps...

Looking forward to taking another trip with Vagabond.

JERSEYGIRL, MAY 2022

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"MAY BECOME HABIT-FORMING!"

6 day southeast tour guest with ruins and cows in Ireland

I just completed my third tour with Driftwood in two years, so I feel like it's only fair to warn others that you will have so much fun with this company that you will want to come back again and again...and again!

This is a wonderful tour whether it's your first or fifteenth visit to Ireland...

I appreciated the balance of well-known sites with off-the-beaten path stops and support of local craftsmen and businesses.

Even our visit to popular Glendalough was expertly timed to avoid the crowds.

I was happy there was a lot of free time for optional walks. I averaged about 20,000 steps each day on my Fitbit - good for working off all the fantastic seafood, goat cheese, and beer I was enjoying along the way!

jpkc6, NOV 2017

View on Trip Advisor

Tour FAQs

Find answers to questions about the 6 Day Driftwood Ancient Ireland Tour itinerary.

What Should I Pack?

Travel light.

That's the one travel tip that we hear again and again from guests on our tours.

When & Where Do Vagabond/Driftwood Tours Depart From?

All of our tours leave from our pick-up/drop-off point at the Grand Canal Hotel in Dublin.

Our pick-up times from the Grand Canal Hotel vary by tour:

Who Guides The Tours?

All of our tours are fully guided by our team of expert driver guides.

We call them VagaGuides.

What Activities Have Weight Limits?

We always put guest safety first on Vagabond Cultural Adventures.

For this reason, when engaging in kayaking and horseback-riding activities, the following personal weight limits apply:

🐴 Horseback-Riding

Male weight limit: 238lbs / 17 stone / 108kg

Female weight limit: 225lbs / 16 stone / 102kg

🛶 Kayaking

Per person Double Kayak weight limit: 110kg / 17.5 stone / 245lbs

Total Double Kayak weight limit for 2 guests: 190kg / 30 stone / 420lbs

Per person Single Kayak weight limit: 92kg / 14.5 stone / 200lbs.

What Time Do Tours Leave Hotels Each Morning?

Each day on tour, you will be on the road and checked out of your hotel between 8.45am-9.30am.

That time will vary and depend each day on a number of factors.

Are There Any Luggage Restrictions?

Yes, we do operate a limit on luggage.

Owing to the compact nature of our small-group tour vehicles, your luggage limit is one suitcase per person (no bigger than 30” or 75cm along their longest side).

What Day Do Tours Return To Dublin?

To help you plan your return flights, here are the days and times that our tours return to Dublin.

The return point for all tours is Dublin's Grand Canal Hotel

Do All Hotels Provide Separate Bathrooms?

Yes, all hotel rooms on Vagabond and Driftwood Tours of Ireland are ensuite.

Expect your own separate bathroom with toilet, sink and shower and/or bath.

Where Is My Luggage Stored On Tour Vehicles?

The answer depends on which tour style you have chosen.

Driftwood vehicles have space for luggage onboard. Vagabond vehicles tow a trailer.

Hotels

A hot shower after a woodland stroll. A real fire. A pint. We assure you that wherever you stay with us, you’ll love it.

We put great effort into selecting accommodation on Driftwood tours. No large, impersonal hotels here! Your tour will overnight in locally-owned establishments (in some cases for generations). Receive a heartfelt welcome, often from the hoteliers themselves.

Pembroke Hotel Kilkenny

This 4 star hotel in Kilkenny is situated right in the centre of Kilkenny city.

With over 400 years of history and a vast array of beautiful countryside to explore, the Pembroke Hotel in Kilkenny provides a perfect base for Driftwooders.

The Pembroke is an extremely comfortable hotel with delicious food.

Don't miss the fun 'shebeen' space for socialising.

Couple enter the Pembroke Hotel in Kilkenny

A fountain spraying water with kilkenny castle in the background

The Tower Hotel

Welcome to the heart of Waterford city, Ireland's oldest urban settlement.

The Tower Hotel overlooks Waterford's famous waterfront.

Lucky for our Driftwood guests, this is the city's most central location.

Why the Tower? Well, your home for the night overlooks the 600-year-old Reginald's Tower.

Step outside and you're free to explore the vibrant Viking Triangle area, with multiple cultural attractions and dining options on your doorstep.

Interior of lounge at Tower Hotel Waterford

Bayview Hotel

Hear the waves crash outside your bedroom...

The Bayview Hotel is a fine manor house hotel, located on cliffs above the Celtic Sea in Cork.

Wander its delightful gardens or explore the beautiful fishing village of Ballycotton with its sandy beaches.

Only lucky Driftwood guests on our 6 Day Ancient Ireland Tour get to enjoy the Bayview Hotel.

Bayview Hotel in Ballycotton, Cork, Ireland

A view of bayview hotel on the cliff with the harbour in front with boats in it

Blue Haven Hotel

Colourful buildings, rich history and gourmet food await you at the Blue Haven.

This boutique hotel is located right at the heart of lively Kinsale.

Superb restaurants, cafés, shops and bars are just a stone's throw away.

You will be delighted to know that each Blue Haven room features a premium Dyson hairdryer!

Interior design of Blue Haven's main bedroom

Inclusions

All Driftwood tours are flexible. Your 6 Day Driftwood Ancient Ireland Tour is no different.

Unmissable activities are included. Where there are great options, we’ve left the final decision up to you. Feel free to choose your evening meals and lunches. All additional tour options are marked clearly below.

What's Included

A journey of discovery in a super-comfy, slick Mercedes mini-coach
The services of a highly-trained and professional VagaGuide tour guide
6 full days on tour
5 nights' accommodation
5 delicious and filling hot Irish breakfasts
Most daily activities and visits (see Tour Options below for extras)
Entrance into Jerpoint Park to see history unearthed and hear amazing stories
Entrance onto the Dunbrody Famine Ship, an exact reproduction of an 1840s migrant vessel
A guided tour of the Jameson Distillery, the undisputed home of Irish whiskey
Entrance into 13th century Tintern Abbey

All details of prices and suppliers listed here are correct at time of publication. Our suppliers occasionally increase prices for optional tour activities during the touring season. This is a rare occurence. In the unlikely event of a major price increase, we will do our utmost to update you.

** Cash is required for this activity. No card payment available.

Flexible and optional activities on tour

Kilkenny Castle
€12.00
Self-guided tour of 12th century Kilkenny Castle.
St Canice’s Cathedral
€7.00
Self-guided tour of historic cathedral and scenic round tower.
Hook Lighthouse Guided Tour
€10.00
Guided tour of the world's oldest continually-operating lighthouse.
House of Waterford Crystal
€14.85
Guided tour of famous glass-making factory and craft glassware collection.
Viking Triangle Freedom Pass
€15
Access four amazing museums in central Waterford for one low admission fee.
King of the Vikings VR
€10.00
Watch Vikings come to life at his virtual reality experience in Waterford.
Queenstown Experience
€12.00
Museum attraction about Cobh's role in emigration and the Titanic.
Blarney Castle & Gardens
€18.00
Kiss the Blarney Stone and explore lush gardens.

Vagabond, Always going that extra mile

Our tour prices do not include flights, travel insurance or Dublin accommodation

Guaranteed Booking Price

Amazing VagaGuides! Read More

All Taxes & VAT

Responsible Tours Read More

Loads of Laughs

Photos

Visit the 6th century mountain monastery of Glendalough

Ornately decorated museum hall in Kilkenny Castle, Ireland

Explore Kilkenny, Ireland's medieval capital and craft centre

Copper Coast in Waterford with green patchwork fields and cliffs

Fall in love with the spectacular Copper Coast in Waterford

Characterful guide Joe O'Connell at Jerpoint Abbey

Take a fun guided tour of the historic ruins at Jerpoint Park

Colourful streetscape at Stone Mad Gallery in Kinsale

Savour the foodie mecca of coastal Kinsale in West Cork

A view of Ballycotton harbour during the sunset with fishing trawlers and other boats in view.

Stay in quaint seaside villages like Ballycotton in Cork

Waterford city quays in Ireland's Ancient East

Explore Viking history in Waterford, Ireland's first capital

The Rock of Cashel pictured from a distance

Admire Celtic crosses and ruined cathedrals at medieval Rock of Cashel.

Itinerary

View Itinerary

6 Day Driftwood Ancient Ireland Tour Intro & Highlights

Explore historic cities, like Kilkenny and Waterford; both with elegant medieval buildings.
Soak up stunning scenery in the Wicklow Mountains National Park, Ireland’s largest upland wilderness area.
Encounter jaw-dropping landscapes at Glendalough, a 6th century monastic site in a glaciated valley.
Experience quaint villages, such as Cobh, ‘one of Europe's most beautiful small towns’ (Condé Nast Traveler 2019).
Take an Irish whiskey tasting tour at the historic Jameson Distillery near Cork.
Tour secluded coves and ancient relics along the criminally underrated Copper Coast.
Kiss the Blarney Stone and wander through the magical Blarney Castle & Gardens
Take a guided historic tour at Jerpoint Park, a ruined 12th century Cistercian Abbey and castle.
Follow in the footsteps of Viking raiders and Norman knights, who invaded and settled Ireland's southeast.
Stop into traditional Irish pubs for live traditional music, friendly locals, craft brews and delicious food.

Colourful row of houses in Cobh, Ireland

Glendalough monastic city with tower and graveyard

Day 1: Kilkenny & Wicklow Mountains National Park

Begin your 6 day Ireland tour at Grand Canal Hotel in Dublin at 8.10am. Climb aboard your comfortable Mercedes tour vehicle, bound for Kilkenny.

Explore the 6th century monastery of Glendalough.
Cross the wilderness of Wicklow Mountains National Park.
Discover the Bronze Age Rathgall Hill fort – one of Ireland’s largest ringforts.
Explore the charms of historic Kilkenny.

Accommodation tonight is at The Pembroke Hotel.

The average driving time today is 3 hours 30 minutes.

River running through Glendalough with the round tower in the distance at dusk

Smiling Driftwood tour group standing in an old arch in Glendalough, Ireland

Day 2: Kilkenny Castle Tour & Jerpoint Park

Your tour moves from medieval Kilkenny to historic Waterford.

Enjoy some free time in Kilkenny to explore craft studios, cafés and numerous quaint independent shops.
You can also choose to tour Kilkenny Castle (Tour Option) or St. Canice's Cathedral (Tour Option).
Take a guided tour of the historic ruins at Jerpoint Park (Fee Included).
Step on-board the Dunbrody Famine Ship; an exact replica of a 19th century Irish emigrant vessel (Fee Included).

Accommodation tonight is at The Tower Hotel.

The average driving time today is 2 hours 30 minutes.

Farmer/tour guide leaning on a gate at Jerpoint in Kilkenny

Couple exploring colourful shops in Kilkenny, Ireland

Day 3: Lighthouse Tour & Waterford City

Freedom abound on day 3, exploring Waterford and Wexford – the twin jewels of southern Ireland.

Don't miss a guided tour of the world's oldest operational lighthouse at Hook Hood (Tour Option).
Meet the Normans at 13th century Tintern Abbey and its beautiful gardens (Fee Included).
Choose from several heritage museums in Waterford city (Tour Option).

Accommodation tonight is at The Tower Hotel.

The average driving time today is 2 hours 30 minutes.

Tintern Abbey and river viewed from between stone battlements

Day 4: The Copper Coast & East Cork

On day 4 of your southern Ireland tour, you’ll take the scenic route from Waterford to Ballycotton, a quaint coastal village in Cork.

Discover the delights of Waterford – Ireland's oldest city, established by Vikings in the 10th century.
Drift along the Copper Coast to visit secluded coves and see dramatic sea stacks.
Admire 5th century monastic ruins and one of the island's tallest round towers at Ardmore.

Accommodation tonight is at The Bayview Hotel.

The average driving time today is 3 hours.

Road along Copper Coast at sunset with flowers in foreground and ruins in the background

A view of fishing boats in Ballycotton harbour under the sunset

Day 5: Cobh & Irish Whiskey Distillery Tour

The fifth day of your 6 day Ireland itinerary is a countryside amble along the coast of Cork.

Taste authentic Irish whiskey on a guided tour of the restored 18th century Jameson Whiskey Distillery.
Cobh is an optional port of call for everyone on the tour; this historic maritime town is located on an island in Cork Harbour.
Choose from a menu of amazing restaurants and colourful streets tonight in Kinsale, Ireland's gourmet capital.

Accommodation tonight is at The Blue Haven Hotel.

The average driving time today is 2 hours 30 minutes.

A smiling Driftwood tour group on a guided tour of the Jameson Whiskey Distillery in Midleton, Ireland

Day 6: Blarney Stone & Rock of Cashel

Turning homeward, your tour takes in some amazing sights on the journey from Cork back to Dublin.

Kiss the Blarney Stone (Tour Option) to receive the gift of the gab – the Irish ability to flatter and speak with eloquence.
Imbued with your new powers, chatter your way around the lush gardens at Blarney Castle.
Take a self-guided tour of the imposing medieval complex at the Rock of Cashel (Fee Included).

The average driving time today is 4 hours 30 minutes.

Smiling Driftwood tour group at Blarney Castle & Gardens in Ireland

Dates+Availability

Lots of Space! Limited Spaces (6 or Less) Sorry, Fully Booked!

2023

July 2023

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31

August 2023

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031

September 2023

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
252627282930

October 2023

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031

2024

April 2024

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
2930

May 2024

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031

June 2024

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930

July 2024

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031

August 2024

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031

September 2024

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
30

October 2024

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031

Start:

Finish:

Price:

Spaces Status:

Enquire Now

*Price displayed is the discounted price for Mar, Apr and Oct.

If the date you want is full please contact us and we will do our best to accomodate you.

A €250 deposit per person is all we need to secure your tour online. All our departure dates are guaranteed.

**All tours are charged in EURO. Exchange rates quoted are online rates and may differ to the rate our payment partner Flywire and banks offer.

Single Supplements apply to Single Room Occupancy.

6 Day Tour of Ireland's Ancient East

Tour Eastern & Southern Ireland

2023

July 2023

August 2023

September 2023

October 2023

2024

April 2024

May 2024

June 2024

July 2024

August 2024

September 2024

October 2024

Feefo - 6 Day Ancient Ireland Tour

TripAdvisor - 6 Day Ancient Ireland Tour

What Should I Pack?

When & Where Do Vagabond/Driftwood Tours Depart From?

Who Guides The Tours?

What Activities Have Weight Limits?

What Time Do Tours Leave Hotels Each Morning?

Are There Any Luggage Restrictions?

What Day Do Tours Return To Dublin?

Do All Hotels Provide Separate Bathrooms?

Where Is My Luggage Stored On Tour Vehicles?

Pembroke Hotel Kilkenny

The Tower Hotel

Bayview Hotel

Blue Haven Hotel

6 Day Driftwood Ancient Ireland Tour Intro & Highlights

Day 1: Kilkenny & Wicklow Mountains National Park

Day 2: Kilkenny Castle Tour & Jerpoint Park

Day 3: Lighthouse Tour & Waterford City

Day 4: The Copper Coast & East Cork

Day 5: Cobh & Irish Whiskey Distillery Tour

Day 6: Blarney Stone & Rock of Cashel

2023

July 2023

August 2023

September 2023

October 2023

2024

April 2024

May 2024

June 2024

July 2024

August 2024

September 2024

October 2024

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