Ireland map showing tour route of Driftwood Southern 6 Day Itinerary

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, 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

From €1,647.00 pps* Single Supplement €285.00

*Discounted rate for departures in April & October 2024

💵 Equivalent US$1,756 Price Estimated at $1 to €0.93

Rated 4.9/5

Enquire Now

Dates+Availability

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

2024

April 2024

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891011121314
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22232425262728
2930

May 2024

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2728293031

June 2024

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10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930

July 2024

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
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891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031

August 2024

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
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567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031

September 2024

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
30

October 2024

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031

Start:

Finish:

Price:

Single Supplement:

Spaces Status:

View Tour Itinerary

*Price displayed is the discounted rate for departures in April & October 2024.

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.

Book with Confidence

Itinerary Reviews Tour FAQs Hotels Inclusions Photos

Reviews

Genuine Guest Reviews

Very good tour. Andrew, our guide, was knowledgeable about sites and side trips. Only possible issue was that the Waterford museums had changed there hours of operations and we were notable to see all of them.

Edward, 20th Jul 2023

Beautiful, Ancient Southeast Ireland

Our guide, Andrew, was so knowledgeable and fun! And the southeast portion of Ireland around Waterford and Cork that we got to see was beautiful and different than the other two tours we had taken. The beautiful farmland made me want to load my horses up and find a place to stay permanently!

It was wonderful!! Ed and Dawn and I loved every minute of it! Our guide, Andrew, was wonderful! He bought me some scrumptious cupcakes on my wedding anniversary!! He was very knowledgeable and loads of fun! This was a beautiful part of the Irish countryside we had not seen before. I want to load up my horses and move there!!

Mary McJimsey, 12th Jul 2023

Our guide was phenomenal

, she made the trip extra special.

Rhonda, 12th Jul 2023

TripAdvisor - 6 Day Great Southern Ireland Tour

"BEST VACATION WE'VE EVER HAD!"

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

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

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"TRIP OF A LIFETIME"

6 day southeast tour vehicle and lighthouse in Ireland

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

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"BEST TRIP WE'VE EVER TAKEN"

6 day southeast tour guide at ruins in Ireland

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

View on Trip Advisor

Tour FAQs

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

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:

Who Guides The Tours?

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

We call them VagaGuides.

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.

Are There Any Luggage Restrictions?

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).

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

Do All Hotels Provide Separate Bathrooms?

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.

Where Is My Luggage Stored On Tour Vehicles?

The answer depends on which tour style you have chosen.

Driftwood vehicles have space for luggage onboard. Vagabond vehicles tow a trailer.

Hotels

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.

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 visits (see Tour Options for extras)
Guided Tour of Jerpoint Park
Guided Tour of the Dunbrody Famine Ship
Wicklow Sheepdog Demo & Sheep Farm Experience
Guided Tour of the Jameson Whiskey Distillery
Guided Tour of Hook Lighthouse
Entrance into Tintern Abbey
Entrance into Rock of Cashel
Entrance into 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

Waterford Freedom Pass
€20
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.
St Canice’s Cathedral
€7.00
Self-guided tour of historic cathedral and scenic round tower.

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

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

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

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

Characterful guide Joe O'Connell at Jerpoint Abbey

Meet friendly Irish locals and learn from expert tour guides

Waterford city quays in Ireland's Ancient East

Spend 2 nights in Waterford, Ireland's oldest city and home of Waterford Crystal

Travel back to the Stone Age at ancient monuments like Rathgall Fort

Itinerary

View Itinerary

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.

A smiling Driftwood tour group on a guided tour of the Jameson Whiskey Distillery in Midleton, Ireland

Day 1: Blarney Stone & Rock of Cashel

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.

Take a self-guided tour of the imposing medieval complex at the Rock of Cashel (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 (Tour Option).

Accommodation tonight is at Actons Hotel.

The average driving time today is 4 hours 30 minutes.

Aerial drone shot of the Rock of Cashel in Ireland — Tour the monastic site at the Rock of Cashel

Smiling Driftwood tour group at Blarney Castle & Gardens in Ireland — Kiss the Blarney Stone amidst the lush surroundings of Blarney Castle Gardens

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 2 hours 30 minutes.

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 30 minutes.

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 (Tour Option).

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 & Jerpoint Park

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).
Take a guided tour of the historic ruins at Jerpoint Park (Fee Included).
This afternoon, relax with free time in Kilkenny or choose a self-guided tour of Kilkenny Castle (Tour Option).

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.

Discover Bronze Age Rathgall – one of Ireland’s largest ringforts.
Enjoy a sheepdog demo at a working Irish sheep farm (Fee Included).
Cross the wilderness of Wicklow Mountains National Park.
Explore the 6th century monastery of Glendalough.

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

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

2024

April 2024

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
2930

May 2024

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031

June 2024

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930

July 2024

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031

August 2024

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031

September 2024

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
30

October 2024

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031

Start:

Finish:

Price:

Spaces Status:

Enquire Now

*Price displayed is the discounted rate for departures in April & October 2024.

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.

6 Day Great Southern Ireland Tour

Southern Ireland Is Calling!

2024

April 2024

May 2024

June 2024

July 2024

August 2024

September 2024

October 2024

Genuine Guest Reviews

TripAdvisor - 6 Day Great Southern Ireland Tour

When & Where Do Vagabond/Driftwood Tours Depart From?

Who Guides The Tours?

What Activities Have Weight Limits?

Are There Any Luggage Restrictions?

What Day Do Tours Return To Dublin?

Do All Hotels Provide Separate Bathrooms?

Where Is My Luggage Stored On Tour Vehicles?

Actons Hotel Kinsale

Bayview Hotel

The Tower Hotel

Pembroke Hotel Kilkenny

6 Day Great Southern Ireland Tour Intro & Highlights

Day 1: Blarney Stone & Rock of Cashel

Day 2: Cobh & Irish Whiskey Tour

Day 3: The Copper Coast

Day 4: Lighthouse Tour & Waterford City

Day 5: Kilkenny Castle & Jerpoint Park

Day 6: Kilkenny & Wicklow Mountains National Park

2024

April 2024

May 2024

June 2024

July 2024

August 2024

September 2024

October 2024

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