


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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Accommodation tonight is at The Pembroke Hotel or Kilkenny River Court Hotel.
The average driving time today is 3 hours 30 minutes.
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.
Accommodation tonight is at The Tower Hotel.
The average driving time today is 2 hours 30 minutes.
Freedom abound on day three, with lots of time to explore Wexford – one of the jewels of Ireland's Ancient East.
Accommodation tonight is at The Tower Hotel.
The average driving time today is 2 hours 30 minutes.
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.
Accommodation tonight is at The Bayview Hotel.
The average driving time today is 3 hours.
The fifth day of your 6 day Ireland itinerary is a countryside amble along the coast of Cork.
Accommodation tonight is at The Blue Haven Hotel.
The average driving time today is 2 hours 30 minutes.
Turning homeward, your tour takes in some amazing sights on the journey from Cork back to Dublin.
The average driving time today is 4 hours 30 minutes.