6 Day Tour of Southeastern Ireland map route itinerary

6 Day Tour of Ireland's Ancient East

The Ideal Tour of Ireland for Seniors, Couples and Families

Explore the Ancient East on this relaxing 6 day tour of Ireland. Discover Viking history, Norman castles and spectacular scenery while still enjoying plenty of free time to explore this amazing country for yourself. Travel from the wilderness of the Wicklow Mountains National Park to the mystique of medieval Kilkenny city.

This tour is ideal for seniors, young couples and families who want a guided tour of Ireland that's easy-going. For something more active, check out our Vagabond Ireland Tours. However, just because we’re not hiking and cycling, it doesn’t mean we can’t have an amazing Ireland vacation; we just want to take our time a little – to stop and take in all the beauty.

🦞 Curious about Irish cuisine? You might also be interested in our 6 Day Food Tour of Ireland.

From €1,615.50 pps* Single Supplement €283.50

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

Estimated $ USD 2022 Price: $1,683 (based on $1 = €0.96)

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Dates+Availability

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

2022

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Single Supplement:

Spaces Status:

From €1,615.50* 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 €100 deposit per person is all we need to secure your tour online. All our departure dates are guaranteed.

All tours are charged in EURO. 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 emigrant 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

Blarney Castle
€18.00
Kiss the Blarney Stone and explore lush gardens
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
House of Waterford Crystal
€14.85
Guided tour of famous glass-making factory and craft glassware collection
King of the Vikings VR
€10.00
Watch Vikings come to life at his virtual reality experience in Waterford
Queenstown Experience
€12.00
Learn how Cobh was central to Irish emigration and the Titaniic's final voyage
Viking Triangle Freedom Pass
€15
Access four amazing museums in central Waterford for one low admission fee.
Tintern Abbey
€5
Explore an awesome medieval abbey, founded by a Norman knight
Rothe House Kilkenny
€7.50
Experience life for a 16th century merchant family in Kilkenny

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

Our Guests Feefo Reviews

Vagabond made it a trip of a lifetime!

View on FeeFo

Vagabond provided a trip of a lifetime! Our guide, Edwina, was very knowledgeable and did what she could to make it a wonderful experience.
Product : Loved all of the stops we made. I felt we saw a lot in 7 days.

1st Nov 2021

Our Guests Trip Advisor Reviews

Another Great Driftwood Tour

A few years ago we did the 11 day Driftwood Tour and were very pleased with our experience. We decided to return and take the 6 Day Ancient Ireland Tour. Once again we were very happy with the tour. The guides are very knowledgeable and tell good stories about Irish history without being boring and also tell you some fun, interesting facts.

View on Trip Advisor

6-day Ancient Ireland Driftwood tour was better than I imagined

This tour was jam-packed with activities, but it didn't feel like it. Although we saw many sites, we felt relaxed at the end of every day. That's because the tour guide was fabulous and knew just what we would like to do and how much we could tolerate. She was fun, funny, charming, knowledgeable, and a good driver. Everyone on the tour was crazy about her.

View on Trip Advisor

WARNING- Driftwood/Vagabond may become habit forming! (6-Day Ancient East Tour Review)

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! Start budgeting accordingly. Thanks to Driftwood/Vagabond for yet another great tour!

View on Trip Advisor

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

Download Full Itinerary

6 DAY IRELAND ANCIENT EAST TOUR INTRO & HIGHLIGHTS

Time to look east! At a leisurely pace, you will explore the amazing history and culture in Ireland’s ancient cities, castles, and gardens. You’ll taste Irish food, sip our whiskey, and take part in our enigmatic culture.

Explore amazing Irish cities, such as medieval Kilkenny and Viking Waterford.
Soak up stunning scenery on the Hook Peninsula, in Wicklow Mountains National Park and along the Copper Coast.
Delve into the rich and evocative history of Ireland at Glendalough, Cahir Castle, and Blarney Castle Gardens.
Take an Irish whiskey tasting tour at the historic Jameson Distillery.
Visit Cobh — Condé Nast Traveler called it one of Europe's most beautiful small towns in 2019!

⬇️ SCROLL DOWN TO DISCOVER WHAT HAPPENS EACH DAY ⬇️

Hook Lighthouse on Hook Head peninsula bathed in orange and pink sunrise/sunset light in Ireland — Soak up stunning scenery in amazing destinations like the Hook Peninsula

A smiling Driftwood tour group on a guided tour of the Jameson Whiskey Distillery in Midleton, Ireland — Take an Irish whiskey tasting tour at the historic Jameson Distiller

DAY 1: Kilkenny & Wicklow Mountains National Park

Begin your 6 day Ireland itinerary 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.
Your accommodation tonight is at the centrally located Pembroke Hotel.

The average driving time today is 3 hours 30 minutes.

Celtic cross gravestone in graveyard with sunlight lens flare in Glendalough, Ireland — Explore the 6th century mountain monastery of Glendalough

Smiling Driftwood tour group standing in an old arch in Glendalough, Ireland — Archway at Glendalough in the Wicklow Mountains National Park

DAY 2: Kilkenny Castle Tour, Quaint Villages & Crafts

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 - €7 per person).
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.
Unwind atthe Tower Hotel, located on the waterfront in downtown Waterford.

The average driving time today is 2 hours 30 minutes.

Couple exploring colourful shops in Kilkenny, Ireland — Explore Kilkenny, Ireland's medieval capital

Joe O'Connell, guide at Jerpoint Park in Kilkenny — Guided tour of Jerpoint Park's storied ruins

DAY 3: Lighthouse Tour & Historic Medieval Abbey

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 operationallighthouse at Hook Head.
More incredible heritage is on show at Norman-built, 13th century Tintern Abbey and its beautiful gardens.
Visit Fethard-on-Sea, a quaint and characterful Irish fishing village.
Your accommodation is once again at the Tower Hotel in Waterford.

The average driving time today is 2 hours 30 minutes.

Hook Head lighthouse and buildings — Climb the world's oldest operational lighthouse at Hook Head

Tintern Abbey and river viewed from between stone battlements — Visit 13th century Tintern Abbey and its gardens

DAY 4: Viking Waterford & Scenic Coastal Tour

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 - €14 per person).
Meet the Norsemen at the Viking Museum, housed in an 800-year-old tower (Tour Option - €5 per person, €4 seniors). 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.
Gaze out across the Celtic Sea from your lodging at the Bayview Hotel in Ballycotton.

The average driving time today is 3 hours.

Quays in Waterford city showing buildings and reflection in river — Meet the Vikings in Waterford

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

DAY 5: Guided Whiskey Tasting & Historic Cobh

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.
Your accommodation tonight is at the Blue Haven Hotel in Kinsale.

The average driving time today is 2 hours 30 minutes.

Bright and colourful shops in Kinsale — Explore the picture perfect town of Kinsale

DAY 6: Kiss the Blarney Stone & Visit 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 - €18 per person) 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
Grand Canal Hotel in Dublin is your final stop, arriving back there between 5-6pm.

The average driving time today is 4 hours 30 minutes.

The Rock of Cashel in Ireland — The Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland's most storied medieval church sites.

Smiling Driftwood tour group at Blarney Castle & Gardens in Ireland — Explore the lush gardens at Blarney Castle.

Dates+Availability

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

2022