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6 Day Tour of Southeastern Ireland map route itinerary 6 Day Ancient Ireland Tour Dublin Cork Wicklow Waterford Kilkenny
Driftwood Van

6 Day Tour of Ireland's Ancient East

Tour Eastern & Southern Ireland

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

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Reviews

TripAdvisor - 6 Day Great Southern Ireland Tour

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Driftwood 6 Day Great Southern Ireland Tour
"MAGICAL TOUR"

6 day southeast tour guide at ruins in Ireland

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

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Driftwood 6 Day Great Southern Ireland Tour
"BEST VACATION WE'VE EVER HAD!"

Scenic ocean view of Ballycotton Harbour and island in Cork, Ireland

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

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Driftwood 6 Day Great Southern Ireland Tour
"TRIP OF A LIFETIME"

6 day southeast tour vehicle and lighthouse in Ireland

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

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Genuine Guest Reviews

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6 Days Ancient Ireland Tour
Andrew Duggan was a huge part of our experience being so fantastic. The restaurants and hotels were very good to excellent. Sites were visited were great, especially the sheep dog demonstration. He was fantastic.
As usual, the people on the tour are a big factor and because of Andrew, everyone became a family at the end.
Seats on the van were a little small and could become uncomfortable if in one too long. Cup holders for a water bottle and power outlets to recharge phones would really be great.
All in all, a very wonderful experience and we intend to return next year on a different Driftwood Tour
James, 8th Dec 2023
small Driftwood group
Small group, wonderful tour guide, comfortable accommodations, flexibility on time. unusual tour sites
Nancy Oliver, 7th Dec 2023
This was my second trip with Vagabond/Driftwood. I love the small group tours. Because of the size of the group it enables a great deal of flexibility. You really get to know your traveling companions which is important if you are traveling by yourself. The guides for both tours were exceptional. I highly recommend this company and encourage you to book your trip now!
Elizabeth Chastain, 5th Dec 2023
Tour FAQs

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

Is This The Right Tour For Me?

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.

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How Fit Do I Need To Be?

You'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.

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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:

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Do I Need To Pre-Book Activities Before My Tour?

You 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.

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How Much Cash Should I Bring To Ireland?

We 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.

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How Much Should I Tip Tour Guides In Ireland?

The 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.

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What Size Luggage Should I Bring?

To 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.

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What Should I Pack?

Travel light.

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

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Where Can I Do Laundry On Tour?

Serviced laundry facilities are available on tours that stay 2 nights in the following towns:

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Is Lunch and Dinner Included?

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 Questions

Do Hotels In Ireland Have Air Conditioning?

Most 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

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Do Hotel Rooms In Ireland Have Hairdryers?

All of your hotel rooms on tour provide hairdryers.

Please note that, in some cases, Irish hotel hairdryers may not be the most powerful models.

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What Types Of Rooms Are Available?

All 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.

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What Size Are The Hotel Beds?

The standard bed size in Ireland equates to a US Queen (60" x 80"). This may vary with hotel or room type.

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Do I Need Travel Insurance?

While 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.

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Are There Restroom Stops During The Tour?

Yes, 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

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Do Tour Vehicles Have Wifi & USB Charging Points?

There 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 Questions

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.

 

Similar Questions

Who Guides The Tours?

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

We call them VagaGuides.

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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

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Can I Access My Bag While On Tour?

It'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.

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Where Will My Tour Start From?

All 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.

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Are Hotel Rooms In Ireland Ensuite?

Yes, 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.

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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.

Border between sections

Pembroke Hotel Kilkenny

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.

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.

Exterior of Tower Hotel Waterford
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!

Colourful streets of Kinsale in Cork
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 for extras)
  • Entrance fee and guided tour of Jerpoint Park
  • Entrance fee and guided tour of the Dunbrody Famine Ship
  • A guided tour of the Jameson Distillery, the undisputed home of Irish whiskey
  • Entrance into 13th century Tintern Abbey
  • Guided sheepdog demo in Wicklow

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
    €8.00
    Self-guided tour of 12th century Kilkenny Castle.
  • Waterford Freedom Pass
    €20.00
    Access five museums and take a 60 minute walking tour in central Waterford.
  • Hook Lighthouse Guided Tour
    €13.00
    Guided tour of the world's oldest continually-operating lighthouse.
  • King of the Vikings VR
    €10.00
    Watch Vikings come to life at his virtual reality experience in Waterford.
  • Waterford Crystal Tour
    €17.00
    Guided tour of famous glass-making factory and craft glassware collection.
  • Queenstown Experience
    €12.00
    Museum attraction about Cobh's role in emigration and the Titanic.
  • Charles Fort Guided Tour
    €5.00
    Guided tour of the star-shaped Charles Fort at the mouth of Kinsale Harbour.
Vagabond, Always going that extra mile
Our tour prices do not include flights, travel insurance or Dublin accommodation
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Loads of Laughs
Photos
Graveyard in Glendalough, Wicklow
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
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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 under-the-radar Copper Coast route in Waterford.
  • 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 southern Ireland tour at Grand Canal Hotel in Dublin at 8.10am. Board your comfortable Mercedes tour vehicle, bound for Kilkenny.

  • Explore the 6th century monastery of Glendalough.
  • Cross the wilderness of Wicklow Mountains National Park.
  • Enjoy a sheepdog demo, led by a local farmer.
  • Discover Rathgall, one of Ireland’s largest Bronze Age 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 City & Castle

Focus on Kilkenny today, moving south towards Waterford this evening.

  • Explore the medieval city of Kilkenny, with the option of a guided tour of Kilkenny Castle (Tour Option).
  • Take a guided tour of the remarkable ruins at Jerpoint Park (Fee Included).
  • Board a replica 1840s emigrant vessel — the Dunbrody Famine Ship — for a guided tour (Fee Included).
  • If time allows, orient yourself with Waterford city's Viking Triangle on a guided walking tour (Tour Option).

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
Enjoy a guided tour of medieval Jerpoint Park
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.

  • Share in the story of a Norman dynasty at 13th century Tintern Abbey (Fee Included).
  • Don't miss a guided tour of the world's oldest operational lighthouse at Hook Hood (Tour Option).
  • Choose from four heritage museums in Waterford city with the Viking Triangle Freedom Pass (Tour Option).
  • Alternatively, visit the King of the Vikings VR Experience or the House of Waterford Crystal.

Accommodation tonight is at The Tower Hotel.

The average driving time today is 2 hours 30 minutes.

Hook Head lighthouse and buildings
Tintern Abbey and river viewed from between stone battlements

Day 4: Copper Coast & Whiskey Tour

On day 4 of your southern Ireland tour, you’ll take the scenic Copper Coast route from Waterford city to the village of Ballycotton.

  • Drift along the Copper Coast to visit secluded coves and see dramatic sea cliffs.
  • Detour through the Comeragh Mountains followed by an easy hike to Mahon Falls.
  • Lunch in the picturesque coastal town of Dungarvan.
  • Revivify yourself with a guided tour of Jameson Whiskey in Midleton (Fee Included).

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: Coastal Cobh & Quaint Kinsale

The fifth and penultimate day of this southern Ireland itinerary is a coastal ramble through Cork.

  • Cobh is our first port of call today; this historic maritime town played host to the Titanic back in 1912.
  • Choose from a menu of amazing restaurants and colourful streets with downtime in Kinsale, Ireland's gourmet capital.
  • More active options include a scenic coastal drive to the Old Head and/or a guided tour of Charles Fort (Tour Option).

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
Bright and colourful shops in Kinsale

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 o' the gab – the 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.

The Rock of Cashel in Ireland
Explore the monastic site at the Rock of Cashe
Smiling Driftwood tour group at Blarney Castle & Gardens in Ireland
Kiss the Blarney Stone amidst the lush surroundings of Blarney Castle Gardens
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