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Driftwood Van

6 Day Great Southern Ireland Tour

Southern Ireland Is Calling!

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, Cahir Castle 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 landscape was stunning, the pubs were jumping, hotels were great, and we had beautiful weather. I highly recommend Vagabond and we are already planning our next trip." Guest Review JUNE 2024

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From €1,728.00 pps* Single Supplement €285.00
*Price displayed is the discounted price for April & Oct 2025
💵 Equivalent US$1,814 Price Estimated at $1 to €0.95
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Lots of Space! Limited Spaces (6 or Less) Sorry, Fully Booked!

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*Price displayed is the discounted price for April & Oct 2025

If the date you want is full please contact us and we will do our best to accommodate you.

A €250 deposit per person is all we need to secure your tour online. All our departure dates are guaranteed.

**All tours are charged in EURO. Exchange rates quoted are online rates and may differ to the rate our payment partner Flywire and banks offer.

Single Supplements apply to Single Room Occupancy.

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Reviews

Genuine Guest Reviews

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Vagabond Tours are excellent
.

Top notch all the way. You will not go wrong!

Top notch all the way around.
Jay Walpole, 30th Nov 2024
What made the experience great was our…tour guide and driver
What made the experience great was our tour guide/Driver named Andrew
Every place we visited was explained, all tours were casual and not rushed and questions were answered, and the guides took an interest in their guests.
Louise Laframboise, 26th Nov 2024
Our Oct. Tour of the Southeast
This is the 2nd Driftwood tour, plus a Vagabond tour that we have taken. All 3 were so much fun. We visited a variety of locations, both urban and rural. I cannot think of any way to improve the tours. Our guide in Oct. was Shane. What a delightful, and excellent tour host he his!!
Jeanna Murphy, 17th Nov 2024

6 Day Great Southern Ireland Tour

Trip Advisor Heading Image
"already planning our next trip"
Review Image

My wife and I agree that our vacation with Vagabond exceeded every expectation.

I'm always asked for my "highlight" of the tour and I can only say it was Denise and the other 13 people on our comfortable bus.

The landscape was stunning, the pubs were jumping, hotels were great, and we had beautiful weather. I highly recommend Vagabond and we are already planning our next trip.

ROBERT, JUNE 2024
"magical tour"
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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
"trip of a lifetime"
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The trip was quite simply perfect.

Our guide was Michael, who was local to the area we traveled, and the breadth and depth of his knowledge of the area 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
Tour FAQs

Find answers to questions about the 6 Day Driftwood Great Southern 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

Similar Questions

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.

Similar Questions

Which Small Group Tours of Ireland Visit Kinsale?

Kinsale is a quaint harbour town located in Cork, Ireland.

The following small group tours of Ireland explore Kinsale:

Similar Questions
Hotels
Border between sections

Actons Hotel Kinsale

Over 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.

Exterior of Acton's Hotel in Kinsale, Cork
Exterior view of Actons Hotel with views of the harbour views

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

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

Pembroke Hotel Kilkenny

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
Inclusions

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.

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 essential attractions
  • Guided Tours of Jameson Whiskey Distillery, Hook Lighthouse, Jerpoint Park and the Dunbrody Famine Ship
  • Wicklow Sheepdog Demo & Sheep Farm Experience
  • Entrance into Tintern Abbey, Cahir Castle and Blarney Castle & Gardens

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
  • Queenstown Experience
    €12.00
    Museum attraction about Cobh's role in emigration and the Titanic.
  • Waterford Freedom Pass
    €20.00
    Access five museums and take a 60 minute walking tour in central Waterford.
  • Waterford Crystal Tour
    €17.00
    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.
  • Kilkenny Castle
    €8.00
    Self-guided tour of 12th century Kilkenny Castle.
  • Shenanigans Kilkenny Walking Tour
    €22.40
    Discover Ireland’s medieval capital on foot. Mix of historical facts and fun.
  • Smithwick's Brewery Tour
    €18.00
    Guided tour and ale tasting at the Smithwick’s Brewery in Kilkenny
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
Colourful streetscape at Stone Mad Gallery in Kinsale
Seafood fans rejoice! Your first night is in Kinsale, Ireland's maritime gourmet capital
an aerial view of the ballycotton coastline
Fall in love with the jaw-dropping Copper Coast of Waterford
a herd of sheep running through a field
Watch a sheepdog demo at a real Irish farm
An aerial view of glendalough national park
Discover Ireland's largest upland wilderness in the Wicklow Mountains National Park
The rock of cashel from an aerial view
Admire medieval ruins, a round tower and Celtic crosses at the Rock of Cashel
Bright sunshine on the valley in Glendalough, Ireland
Tour the ancient mountain monastery of Glendalough
Aerial view of the Bayview Hotel in Ballycotton, Ireland
Stay in beautifully located independent hotels, like the clifftop Bayview in Ballycotton, Cork
Blue sky behind the Hook Lighthouse in Ireland
Tour the world's oldest operating lighthouse on the Hook Peninsula in Wexford
Ornately decorated museum hall in Kilkenny Castle, Ireland
Explore Kilkenny Castle, Ireland's medieval treasure
Waterford city quays in Ireland's Ancient East
Spend 2 nights in Waterford, Ireland's oldest city and home of Waterford Crystal
an aerial view of rathgall stone fort
Travel back to the Stone Age at ancient monuments like Rathgall Fort
Itinerary
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6 Day Great Southern 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).
  • Take an Irish whiskey tasting tour at the historic Jameson Distillery near Cork.
  • Tour secluded coves and ancient relics along the criminally underrated Copper Coast.
  • Kiss the Blarney Stone and wander through the magical Blarney Castle & Gardens.
  • Follow in the footsteps of Viking raiders and Norman knights, who invaded and settled Ireland's southeast.
An aerila view of kinsale
A smiling Driftwood tour group on a guided tour of the Jameson Whiskey Distillery in Midleton, Ireland

Day 1: Blarney Stone & Cahir Castle

Begin your southern Ireland tour at Grand Canal Hotel in Dublin. Board your Mercedes tour vehicle, bound for Tipperary followed by Cork.

  • Guided tour in and around Cahir Castle, one of Ireland’s largest medieval fortresses (Fee Included).
  • Kiss the Blarney Stone to receive the gift o' the gab (Fee Included) .
  • Imbued with your new powers, chatter your way around the lush gardens at Blarney Castle (Fee Included).

Accommodation tonight is at Actons Hotel.

The average driving time today is 4 hours 30 minutes.

Smiling Driftwood tour group at Blarney Castle & Gardens in Ireland
Kiss the Blarney Stone amidst the lush surroundings of Blarney Castle Gardens
A rainbow over Cahir Castle walls with sunlit foliage in the foreground
Step into history at the impressive Cahir Castle

Day 2: Cobh & Irish Whiskey Tour

The second day of your 6 day southern Ireland tour is a pleasant ramble through charming coastal towns in Cork.

  • Choose free time exploring the colourful streets of Kinsale or a scenic coastal drive to the Old Head of Kinsale.
  • Delve into maritime history in Cobh — pronounced cove — an historic town located on an island in Cork Harbour.
  • Taste authentic Irish whiskey on a guided tour of the Jameson Whiskey Distillery, in Midleton (Fee Included).

Accommodation tonight is at The Bayview Hotel.

The average driving time today is 3 hours.

A group of actors dressed in old dresses and suits from the past on Cobh pier
Visit the historic maritime town of Cobh, County Cork.
An island with a lighthouse and a harbour in Ballycotton, Cork, Ireland
Explore beautiful Ballycotton in this the hidden gem of east Cork

Day 3: The Copper Coast

On day 3 of your southern Ireland tour, you’ll take the scenic route from Ballycotton to Waterford, Ireland's oldest city.

  • Scenic drive through the Comeragh Mountains, including a short walk to Mahon Falls.
  • Drift along the Copper Coast to visit secluded coves and see dramatic sea stacks.
  • Discover wonderful Waterford, a city first established on the south coast by 10th century Vikings.

Accommodation tonight is at The Tower Hotel.

The average driving time today is 3 hours.

Pink thrift wildflowers, coastal rocks and turquoise waters along the Copper Coast in Ireland
Discover secret coves and geological wonders on the Copper Coast
Blue sky and beach along the Copper Coast in Ireland
Cruise along the Copper Coast to admire breathtaking ocean cliffs

Day 4: Lighthouse Tour & Waterford City

Freedom abound on day 3, exploring Waterford and Wexford – the twin jewels of southern Ireland.

  • Don't miss a guided tour of the world's oldest operational lighthouse at Hook Head (Fee Included).
  • Meet the Normans at 13th century Tintern Abbey and its beautiful gardens (Fee Included).
  • Free afternoon in Waterford to relax, wander the streets or visit several heritage attractions (Optional Extra).

Accommodation tonight is at The Tower Hotel.

The average driving time today is 2 hours.

Hook Lighthouse with blue sky behind in Ireland
Tour the world's oldest operational lighthouse at Hook Head
A tour guest poses with a herd of cows with the ruins of Tintern Abbey in Ireland
Walk in awe around the ruins and walled garden at 13th century Tintern Abbey

Day 5: Kilkenny Castle & Famine Ship Experience

Your tour moves from historic Waterford to medieval Kilkenny.

  • Step on-board the Dunbrody Famine Ship; an exact replica of a 19th century Irish emigrant vessel (Fee Included).
  • TDiscover Ireland’s medieval capital on foot, mixing facts and fun, on a Shenanigans Walking Tour (Optional Extra)

Accommodation tonight is at The Pembroke Hotel.

The average driving time today is 1 hours 30 minutes.

The Dunbrody Famine Ship under the sunset
Step aboard an atmospheric replica 1840s emigrant vessel
Aerial shot of Kilkenny Castle in Ireland
Go back in time on a self-guided tour of Kilkenny Castle

Day 6: Kilkenny & Wicklow Mountains National Park

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.

Scenic view of the upper lake in Glendalough, Ireland
Explore the 6th century monastery and glaciated mountain valley in Glendalough.
Aerial drone shot of circular stone fort at Rathgall in Ireland
Travel back to the Bronze Age at Rathgall, one of Ireland’s largest ringforts.
Dates+Availability
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Lots of Space! Limited Spaces (6 or Less) Sorry, Fully Booked!
Start:
Finish:
Price:
Spaces Status:
Enquire Now

*Price displayed is the discounted price for April & Oct 2025

If the date you want is full please contact us and we will do our best to accommodate you.

A €250 deposit per person is all we need to secure your tour online. All our departure dates are guaranteed.

**All tours are charged in EURO. Exchange rates quoted are online rates and may differ to the rate our payment partner Flywire and banks offer.

Single Supplements apply to Single Room Occupancy.

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