


Vie with valiant knights and viking raiders as you tour historic southern and eastern Ireland for 6 fun-filled days.
Stroll in charming gardens, clamber on castle ruins and revel in spectacular scenery, from mountain wildernesses to medieval cities and cliff-strewn coastlines.
Visit Cork, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford. Highlights include a sheepdog demo in the Wicklow Mountains and a whiskey tasting at the Jameson Distillery.
As a Driftwood Journey of Discovery, this 6 day southern Ireland tour will suit foodies, history buffs and anyone who loves cultural vacation packages with an easy pace.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "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
My wife and I just completed our first tour of Southern Ireland with Vagabond Tours.
To say this met our every expectation would be a gross understatement! The Mercedes van was comfortable, easily accommodating all, was immaculate and our guide Jason was humorous, knowledgeable and a wonderful driver.
Vagabond gets 5 stars from us and we will travel with them again!
CHARLIE, SEPTEMBER 2023
If you've been looking at these tours for years ... the time has come to make the plunge. Just do it. You'll never look back at this trip and regret even a moment.
Ireland was the 33rd country I've visited and this was the absolutely BEST vacation experience we've ever had!
Our guide Andrew was exceptional. Experienced driver & guide and very passionate regarding the love of his native land. He's the sort of fella we all wish we had as a friend back home.
Our group was small (only 6) and friendly so we had just a wonderful trip. Hotels we stayed at were all very nice, not a bad one in the bunch. We had some wonderful views from our rooms.
RICK, JUNE 2023
The trip was quite simply perfect, and the people of Vagabond, both staff and fans, are beyond generous with their time and advice.
Our guide was Michael, who was local to the area we traveled, and the breadth and depth of his knowledge of the area, as well as history, politics, culture, and geology, was staggering, as was his warmth and kindness.
The hotels where we stayed were in perfect locations, and the small bus allowed us to get to places inaccessible to larger buses.
We are already beginning to plan our next Vagabond trip.
CAROLE, JULY 2023
Find answers to questions about the 6 Day Driftwood Ancient Ireland Tour itinerary.
We do our utmost to ensure that the tour style you choose matches your needs. Our team offer honest and professional customer service from the moment you first get in touch.
Read the following physical requirements to understand if your tour choice matches your abilities.
Read MoreYou'll need basic mobility to enjoy any of our small group tours of Ireland. Standing and walking for extended periods is required on both tour styles.
For Vagabond Cultural Adventures, the fitness requirement is considerably higher than on a Driftwood Journey of Discovery.
Read MoreAll 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:
Read MoreYou don't have to pre-book activities until you join your tour. While on tour, your VagaGuide will advise you when you need to book an optional extra.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: The only exception is the Skellig Michael Island landing option. This optional extra is only available on the 12 Day Vagabond Giant Irish Adventure Tour. It requires prior booking at least 45 days before you arrive in Ireland.
Read MoreWe recommend bringing a small amount of cash in euros to Ireland with you.
Around €300 euro should be more than enough to get you through your first days in Dublin.
Read MoreThe industry standard in Ireland is €15 per person, per day. But this is, of course, at your discretion.
Our team of VagaGuide tour guides really appreciate any tips that come their way after leading a Vagabond or Driftwood small-group tour.
Read MoreTo make everyone's tour run smoothly, we operate strict limits on baggage size. Plan to bring 1x compact suitcase as well as 1x daypack or backpack, per guest booking.
Your single large piece of luggage should weigh no more than 51lb (23kg) and measure no longer than 31” (79cm) along its longest side. This 31 inch (79cm) limit includes any wheels that may protrude from the suitcase or bag.
Read MoreTravel light.
That's the one travel tip that we hear again and again from guests who have experienced our tours.
Read MoreServiced laundry facilities are available on tours that stay 2 nights in the following towns:
Lunches and dinners are not included on Vagabond and Driftwood Tours. You are free to choose your own lunches and dinners.
Your VagaGuide tour guide will recommend their favourite cafes, restaurants and shops. We find that this flexible approach to included meals allows us to cater for diverse tastes, budgets and diets.
All hotel breakfasts are included in your tour price.
Similar QuestionsMost hotels in Ireland do not have air conditioning.
The climate in Ireland usually isn't hot enough to warrant air conditioning.
In periods of prolonged warm weather, hotels that don’t have air conditioning will normally install fans in the bedrooms.
Find out more about Irish weather and the best time to visit Ireland
Similar QuestionsAll of your hotel rooms on tour provide hairdryers.
Please note that, in some cases, Irish hotel hairdryers may not be the most powerful models.
Similar QuestionsAll of our hotels offer double, twin and single room types. Doubles have 1x bed, twins have 2x separate beds and singles have 1x bed.
When booking with us, please select a room requirement for each passenger listed. Choose your room type based on each person sharing.
Read MoreThe standard bed size in Ireland equates to a US Queen (60" x 80"). This may vary with hotel or room type.
Similar QuestionsWhile travel insurance is not a requirement for our tours, we strongly recommend that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance cover before your trip to Ireland.
Your policy should cover all medical costs associated with travel.
Read MoreYes, there are regular comfort stops along the tour route where you can avail of restroom facilities.
Simply ask your VagaGuide if you're unsure when the next stop is coming
Similar QuestionsThere are no wifi or charging points available on Vagabond & Driftwood tour vehicles.
We recommend bringing a cellphone with you on tour in Ireland to take pictures and to stay in touch with loved ones back home.
Talk to your cellphone provider about international data roaming before you depart. Alternatively, purchase a sim card on arrival in Ireland to help you get online.
If you think you'll need it, pack a lightweight power bank in your daypack or backpack.
Even better, take a digital detox while exploring Ireland with us!
Similar QuestionsWe 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.
Similar Questions
All of our tours are fully guided by our team of expert driver guides.
We call them VagaGuides.
Read MoreTo 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
Read MoreIt's difficult to access your main luggage or suitcase while on tour. Luggage is securely packed in our tour vehicles. As a result, it's not easy for your driver guide to access individual items of baggage during the day.
However, you can easily access your luggage at each hotel. So that you have your travel essentials close at hand, we recommend bringing a daypack, or backpack, that you can keep beside you in the tour vehicle.
Read MoreAll of our tours pick-up and drop-off from the same point in Dublin - the Grand Canal Hotel.
The Grand Canal Hotel is located just south of Dublin city centre.
Read MoreYes, all hotel rooms on Vagabond and Driftwood Tours of Ireland are ensuite.
Expect your own separate bathroom with toilet, sink and shower unit and/or combined shower and bath.
Similar QuestionsA 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.
The Pembroke Hotel was awarded a Travellers' Choice Best of the Best award for 2025.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
** Cash is required for this activity. No card payment available.
Begin your southern Ireland tour at Grand Canal Hotel in Dublin at 8.10am. Board your comfortable Mercedes tour vehicle, bound for Kilkenny.
Accommodation tonight is at The Pembroke Hotel.
The average driving time today is 3 hours 30 minutes.
Focus on Kilkenny today, moving south towards Waterford this evening.
Accommodation tonight is at The Tower Hotel.
The average driving time today is 2 hours 30 minutes.
Freedom abound on day 3, exploring Waterford and Wexford, the twin jewels of southern Ireland.
Accommodation tonight is at The Tower Hotel.
The average driving time today is 2 hours 30 minutes.
On day 4 of your southern Ireland tour, you’ll take the scenic Copper Coast route from Waterford city to the village of Ballycotton.
Accommodation tonight is at The Bayview Hotel.
The average driving time today is 3 hours.
The fifth and penultimate day of this southern Ireland itinerary is a coastal ramble through 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.