


Knights and castles, mountains and coastlines; you're about to fall in love with eastern and southern Ireland!
Fully refreshed for 2024, this easy-paced 6 day small group tour itinerary departs Dublin and visits Tipperary, Cork, Cobh, Kinsale, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wicklow.
Our expert tour guides will inspire you at eye-opening destinations like Blarney Castle, the Rock of Cashel and the Jameson Irish Whiskey Distillery.
This 6 day fully escorted tour runs from April through October in 2024. There's no best month to visit, anytime is good; so take a moment, breathe the fresh air and savour all the beauty!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The hotels where we stayed were in perfect locations, and the small bus allowed us to get to places inaccessible to larger buses ... The trip was quite simply perfect ... We are already beginning to plan our next Vagabond trip." Guest Review, July 2023
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.
If you've been looking at these tours for years like we have, the time has come to make the plunge. Just do it. You'll never look back at this trip and regret even a moment.
RICK, JUNE 2023
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.
The trip was quite simply perfect, and the people of Vagabond, both staff and fans, are beyond generous with their time and advice. We are already beginning to plan our next Vagabond trip.
CAROLE, JULY 2023
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
Find answers to questions about the 6 Day Driftwood Ancient Ireland Tour itinerary.
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:
Read MoreAll of our tours are fully guided by our team of expert driver guides.
We call them VagaGuides.
Read MoreWe 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
Yes, we do operate a limit on luggage.
Owing to the compact nature of our small-group tour vehicles, your luggage limit is one suitcase per person (no bigger than 30” or 75cm along their longest side).
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 MoreServiced laundry facilities are available on tours that stay 2 nights in the following towns:
Yes, all hotel rooms on Vagabond and Driftwood Tours of Ireland are ensuite.
Expect your own separate bathroom with toilet, sink and shower and/or bath.
Similar QuestionsThe answer depends on which tour style you have chosen.
Driftwood vehicles have space for luggage onboard. Vagabond vehicles tow a trailer.
Read MoreKinsale is a quaint harbour town located in southern Ireland.
The following tour itineraries stop in Kinsale:
Similar QuestionsOver the years, Actons Hotel has established a reputation for personalised guest care.
This matches our own high standards at Vagabond & Driftwood Tours.
Allied with breathtaking maritime views over Kinsale Harbour, Actons Hotel offers the perfect base to explore the famous county of Cork.
Savour the luxurious spa, relax in your modern, comfortable room or grab a bite to eat in the outdoor garden dining area.
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.
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.
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.
All Driftwood tours are flexible. Your 6 Day Driftwood Great Southern 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 6 day Ireland tour at Grand Canal Hotel in Dublin at 8.10am. Board your Mercedes tour vehicle, bound for Tipperary and Cork.
Accommodation tonight is at Actons Hotel.
The average driving time today is 4 hours 30 minutes.
The second day of your 6 day southern Ireland tour is a pleasant ramble through charming coastal towns in Cork.
Accommodation tonight is at The Bayview Hotel.
The average driving time today is 2 hours 30 minutes.
On day 3 of your southern Ireland tour, you’ll take the scenic route from Ballycotton to Waterford, Ireland's oldest city.
Accommodation tonight is at The Tower Hotel.
The average driving time today is 3 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.
Your tour moves from historic Waterford to medieval Kilkenny.
Accommodation tonight is at The Pembroke Hotel.
The average driving time today is 1 hours 30 minutes.
Turning northward, your tour takes in amazing sights on the journey from Kilkenny back to Dublin.
The average driving time today is 3 hours 30 minutes.