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

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Single Supplement:

Spaces Status:

From €1,777.50* Per person sharing

*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 What's Included Reviews Photos Accommodation

What's Included

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.

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
Queenstown Experience
€12.00
Learn how Cobh was central to Irish emigration and the Titaniic's final voyage
Blarney Castle
€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

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

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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.

Accommodation

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

This 4 star hotel in Kilkenny is situated on Patrick Street, right in the centre of a city rich in medieval heritage and alive with a vibrant arts culture. With over 400 years of history and a vast array of beautiful countryside to explore, Pembroke Kilkenny provides the perfect city-centre base for Driftwooders of all ages.

"Feel instantly refreshed as you walk into your room, put your bags down and settle in for your stay."

Interior of Pembroke Hotel bar and restaurant

Interior design of the mainbedroom in the Pembroke Hotel

River Court Hotel

Kilkenny River Court Hotel is a place of warmth and friendliness, nestled in a private courtyard at the centre of Kilkenny city. The hotel rests serenely on the banks of the River Nore, overlooked by Kilkenny’s majestic 12th century castle. Secluded from the bustling and winding city streets, the Kilkenny River Court Hotel is ready to welcome you.

Tower Hotel

At the heart of Waterford city, overlooking the waterfront, the Tower Hotel offers the city's most central location overlooking 600-year-old Reginald's Tower on the doorstep of the vibrant cultural area, the Viking Triangle.

Interior of lounge at Tower Hotel Waterford

Bayview Hotel

The 4-star Bayview Hotel is a fine manor house nestled on the cliffside of the beautiful fishing village of Ballycotton. Hear the waves crashing as you wake up in the morning in this amazing location. The hotel has delightful gardens, which lead down to a sandy beach for you to enjoy.

"Our family run hotel is dedicated to providing modern luxury with the charm and warmth of bygone days."

Exterior of Bayview Hotel with a view of the bay and the fishing boats

Beautiful views from the Bayview Hotel overlooking Ballycotten Bay

Blue Haven Hotel

The Blue Haven Hotel welcomes Driftwooders with open arms. Located just a stone's throw from dozens of great restaurants, lively bars and interesting craft shops, you will love the seamless blend of charming service, authentic hospitality, and contemporary style.

"The Blue Haven prides itself in delivering the ultimate in
friendly, efficient and personal service to its customers"

Interior design of Blue Haven's main bedroom

Hotel bar and restaurant interior at Blue Haven

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 or Kilkenny River Court 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

Always happy to stop and take in the beauty of the Irish countryside, your VagaGuide will lead your tour from medieval Kilkenny to Viking Waterford.

Enjoy some free time in Kilkenny to explore craft studios, cafés and numerous quaint independent shops.
Take a self-guided historic tour of St. Canice's Cathedral (Tour Option).
Enjoy a charismatic guided tour of the historic ruins at Jerpoint Park.
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 three, with lots of time to explore Wexford – one of the jewels of Ireland's Ancient East.

If history is top of your list, don't miss a guided tour of the world's oldest operational lighthouse at Hook Head.
More incredible heritage is on show at Norman-built, 13th century Tintern Abbey and its beautiful gardens (Fee Included).
Visit Fethard-on-Sea, a quaint and characterful Irish fishing village.

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 this 6 day southeastern Ireland tour, you’ll take the scenic route from Waterford to Ballycotton, a quaint coastal village in East Cork.

Discover the delights of Waterford – Ireland's oldest city, established by Vikings in the 10th century.
Admire the pinnacle of Irish crafting excellence with a guided tour of the House of Waterford Crystal (Tour Option).
Meet the Norsemen at the Viking Museum, housed in an 800-year-old tower (Tour Option). There’s so much more to Ireland’s history than you might think!
Drift along Ireland’s gorgeous Copper Coast with charming villages, secluded coves and dramatic sea stacks. These are seaside views you will remember for the rest of your life.

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