Centuries of Stories: Ireland's South−East

Day 1

• Explore the Celtic fortification of the Rock of Dunamase
• Venture up to the Rock of Cashel, a dramatically perched medieval stronghold
• Kiss the famous Blarney Stone for the 'gift of the gab'

Welcome to Ireland’s Ancient East, where you’ll lose yourself in history and beauty. Leaving the vibrant city of Dublin, we enter the heart of Ireland on our way to the Rock of Dunamase. Striking. Imposing. Beautiful. This is everything we love about Ireland, all wrapped up in a fascinating Celtic fortification. Well, the ruins of one. Once an early Christian settlement, it was pillaged by the Vikings in 842 and became one of the most important strongholds in County Laois. You have free time to wander here, so get your camera out.

Our journey takes us further south to the small town of Cashel where you’ll have time for lunch but also to wander the local attractions. We’re talking about the Rock of Cashel, of course. Imposing, enormous, iconic. Perched dramatically on an outcrop of limestone, this remarkable cluster of medieval buildings is famous around the world.

And if you’ve got a bit of spare time, wander over to the hauntingly beautiful Hore Abbey, the ruins of Ireland’s last medieval Cistercian monastery.

We’re spoiling you a bit today with fantastic buildings. Next up is the medieval stronghold of Blarney Castle on the outskirts of Cork. Here you have time to wander the castle grounds and go for a woodland stroll. You may even get a chance to kiss the famous Blarney Stone and receive the ‘gift of the gab’!

In the afternoon, you glide along the beautiful coastline south of Cork before arriving in Kinsale. This charming little fishing village is your overnight stop, with all its local restaurants and lively pubs. Enjoy your free evening whilst exploring the narrow streets and brightly coloured houses.

Day 2

• It's time to believe in magic at Drombeg Stone Circle, known as the "Druid's Altar"
• Be wowed by the megalithic Altar Wedge Tomb
• Touch down at Ireland's most southwesterly point on the Wild Atlantic Way: Mizen Head
• Enjoy an afternoon stroll around Bantry Town's harbour

A bit groggy this morning from last night’s pints of Guinness? No bother. We’ve got just the cure. Our first stop is for a photo at the Old Head of Kinsale, a headland view that will whack you wide awake.

And what is a visit to a country like Ireland without seeing some stone circles? That’s why our next stop is the eerie Drombeg Stone Circle, known locally as the Druid’s Altar. Back when it was excavated, a burial urn was found in the centre of these 17 standing stones. But whose, we wonder?

The next site we take you to is the kind to make you stop and ask, “What on Earth?!” before you whip out your camera. How is perhaps our question. This megalithic tomb has been around since the end of the Stone Age and the finding of bones at the site suggests Altar Wedge Tomb was a sacred site for those in the area.

Now it’s time to visit Ireland’s most southwesterly point on the Wild Atlantic Way, Mizen Head. They say photos never do Mizen Head justice, but you’re welcome to try and we know you’ll want a photo or two to remember the raw beauty of the wild Atlantic Ocean crashing up against the rocks below. Afraid of heights? Crossing the bridge is worth it even if you are, so you can get that iconic cliff view and even visit the Signal Station. You also have time here for a bite to eat at the visitor center, and even peruse the shop.

Our final stop of the day is the beautiful harbour setting of Bantry Town. Take time here to wander the quirky shops, meet the welcoming locals, or perhaps even stop in for a visit at Bantry House & Gardens, modelled after the ‘palazzos’ seen by the second Earl of Bantry on his travels on the continent.

After a full day of exploring, it’s back to Kinsale for the evening (and perhaps another pint or two).

Day 3

• Explore the impressive Charles Fort, one of Ireland's largest military installations
• Time to sample some of Ireland's whiskey at Midleton Distillery
• The historic and beautiful town of Cobh has it all

How often do you look at something and use the word ‘spectacular’? Well, we’re sure you’ll use it today since your first stop is one of the largest military installations in Ireland, Charles Fort. This enormous star-shaped structure has played many vital roles in Irish history, so of course we need to take you here for a quick photo or two of its impressive exterior.

And what’s a visit to Ireland without sampling some of its moreish whiskey? We head to Midleton Distillery Cork (previously known as Jameson) for a tour of their facility and a taste of their powerful product. You might even say that theirs is the heart and soul of Irish whiskey.

With a slight buzz about your head (and heart), it’s time to fill your belly. We head to the beautiful town of Cobh where you have free time for lunch and to explore at your leisure. Perhaps it’s the Titanic Experience that will draw you in? Or the grand cathedral? The historic centre?

Tonight, you’ll be staying in the seaport town of Waterford. As we head towards Ireland’s oldest city, we’ll take the scenic coastal route and make a few photo stops along the way. Where, exactly? We like to keep it flexible. Perhaps Bunmahon Beach or Tankardstown Copper Mine. Not knowing is half the fun.

Day 4

• Be converted by the beauty of 12th century Cistercian Jerpoint Abbey
• Become best friends with the fun and vibrant city of Kilkenny
• Wander Kelly Priory, one of Ireland's largest medieval monuments

Are you sick of it yet? Just how much there is to see in Ireland? Nah, we aren’t either. And as you explore Jerpoint Abbey*, our first stop of the day, you wonder how come we don’t make buildings like this anymore. This Cistercian abbey was founded back in the 12th century and, while now in ruins, you marvel at the remains of its Romanesque and Gothic architecture.

Now time for something still very much alive and bustling. Up next is the city of Kilkenny, sitting snuggly along the banks of the River Nore, a fun mix of modern and medieval. This city’s got a big personality, so we’re giving you plenty of time here to get to know her. First up is an interactive tour at Smithwick’s Experience, where you’ll explore this 18th-century brewery and perhaps even indulge in some of their ale. After that, how you spend your time in Kilkenny is up to you. With endless shops and restaurants, museums, and even a castle, there’s plenty to do.

Our final stop of the day is to visit one of the largest medieval monuments in Ireland, Kells Priory. Ruins remain today of the priory’s infirmary, workshop, kitchen, mill and more... but it’s the medieval defences that surround the priory that speak of its military involvement, inspiring the priory’s local name, the ‘Seven Castles of Kells’.

It’s back to Waterford tonight, where your time is yours to explore, eat, and be merry.

*Please note that Jerpoint Abbey will be unavailable to visit on 28th May 2024 (affecting the tour that departs on 25th May 2024). We apologise for the inconvenience.

Day 5

• Learn about the emigrant experience on the Dunbrody Famine Ship
• Praise and explore the famous Glendalough Monastic Site
• Feel regal at the Powercourt House and Gardens

Last Day Blues is a real thing, we know. We experience it too. But not to worry, since there’s still plenty of adventures to be had today. We head to the town of New Ross, located on the River Barrow, where we visit the Dunbrody Famine Ship. This authentic reproduction of an 1840s emigrant vessel gives visitors an insight into the famine emigrant experience.

Then it’s onto the famous site of Glendalough Monastic Site. Here you have time to take a pilgrimage to the lovely lakes, praise the history at a visitor centre, and bask in the serenity of the monastic city ruins.

Now it’s time for something calming and beautiful – a visit to Powerscourt House and Gardens. The stunning views and landscaped gardens surrounding this country estate will keep your attention hooked, from secret hollows to ornamental lakes and statues.

And what a way to end the tour, just as we head back into bustling Dublin.