Self-drive Of Ireland - The Ancient East Tour

Itinerary

Day 1: Ireland’s Ancient East & Glendalough & Kilkenny

Stop At: Glendalough Village, Glendalough Village, Vale of Glendalough, County Wicklow
Drive to Glendalough Monastery via the Sally Gap and Military Road unveiling the amazing scenery of the Wicklow mountains. Glendalough perches itself in the glacial valley of the two lakes. Let our friends take you on a walking tour along the many trails.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Kilkenny Castle, The Parade, Kilkenny R95 YRK1 Ireland
Next stop is Kilkenny Castle which proudly displays one of the largest and expertly maintained Irish castles. Roam the grand rooms where the lords and ladies lived and admire the architecture, artwork and furnishings that were once owned by these great families.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Smithwick's Experience, Saint Francis Abbey Brewery 44 Parliament Street, Kilkenny R95 VK54 Ireland
Our local guide will take you through the medieval quarter before you finish your day enjoying a pint of Smithwicks at Ireland’s oldest brewery!
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Carlow, Carlow, County Carlow
Your hidden gem today will be revealed at the beginning of the Ancient East near Carlow.
Each day your very own customised app and new best friend – Paddy the Pocket Pilot will direct you to some of the most amazing secret locations and hidden gems in Ireland. These are all close to your route but off the beaten track!

Duration: 30 minutes

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: We guarantee a 'Céad Míle Fáilte' - A Hundred Thousand Welcomes at our tried and loved locally sourced accommodation.


Day 2: Waterford, The Sunny South-East

Stop At: Waterford Greenway, 46 klm of old disused railway line now a cycle and pedestrian route between Waterford and Dungarvan., Waterford Ireland
After a quick spin to Waterford jump out of the car and stretch your legs with a refreshing walk or cycle along Waterford’s Greenway Routes and trails. Hug the coastline and ride or hike into some beautiful forestry trails.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Waterford, Waterford, County Waterford
After oohing and ahhing over the beautiful crystal creations let the expert on all things Waterford, take you on a walking tour of the Viking Triangle in Ireland’s oldest city. Waterford predates Dublin by 74 years!

Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Waterford, Waterford, County Waterford
Your hidden gem today will be revealed in Waterford City.
Each day your very own customised app and new best friend – Paddy the Pocket Pilot will direct you to some of the most amazing secret locations and hidden gems in Ireland. These are all close to your route but off the beaten track!

Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: We guarantee a 'Céad Míle Fáilte' - A Hundred Thousand Welcomes at our tried and loved locally sourced accommodation.

Day 3: Wexford - The Hook Peninsula

Stop At: Tintern Abbey, Saltmills, New Ross, Wexford Ireland
Start your day delving a little deeper into Irish heritage with a guided tour of Tintern Abbey and Gardens. Every type of person is said to have roamed Tintern Abbey: knights, monks, and scoundrels alike. You will hear all the stories on your tour!

This Cistercian abbey, founded c. 1200. The remains consist of nave, chancel, tower, chapel and cloister. The Abbey was occupied by the Colclough family from the 16th century until 1960s.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Hook Lighthouse, Hook Head Lighthouse Hook Head New Ross, Fethard On Sea Y34 KD93 Ireland
Next up is a hike up to the world’s oldest operational lighthouse overlooking the Hook Peninsula. Take the time to stroll around the headland and down to some of the castle ruins along the shoreline.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Duncannon, Duncannon, County Wexford
Your hidden gem today will be revealed while you are visiting Hook Lighthouse on Hook Head, Wexford.
Each day your very own customised app and new best friend – Paddy the Pocket Pilot will direct you to some of the most amazing secret locations and hidden gems in Ireland. These are all close to your route but off the beaten track!

Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: We guarantee a 'Céad Míle Fáilte' - A Hundred Thousand Welcomes at our tried and loved locally sourced accommodation.


Day 4: The Copper Coast, Co. Cork

Stop At: Youghal, Youghal, County Cork
Youghal is a beautiful coastal town famed for its stunning shoreline. Here you will jump aboard the ‘Maeve Og’ boat and let Captain Tony take you on a guided light-hearted river cruise up the Blackwater River to Lismore in Waterford with plenty of stories to tell and uncovering areas of tranquil unspoiled natural beauty.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Ballycotton, Ballycotton, County Cork
Next up it’s time to stretch your legs with an 8km coastal Cliff walk at Ballycotton flanked by meadows to your right and the wild Atlantic Ocean to your left! This is a 2-hour hike taken at an easy pace.

Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Ardmore, Ardmore, County Waterford
Your hidden gem today will be revealed on your way into County Cork.
Each day your very own customised app and new best friend – Paddy the Pocket Pilot will direct you to some of the most amazing secret locations and hidden gems in Ireland. These are all close to your route but off the beaten track!

Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: We guarantee a 'Céad Míle Fáilte' - A Hundred Thousand Welcomes at our tried and loved locally sourced accommodation.


Day 5: The Ring of Cork, Kinsale

Stop At: Cork Heritage Park, Bessboro Rd. Blackrock, Cork Ireland
You have without doubt heard about the Ring of Kerry but today you will embark on the Ring of Cork Heritage Trail – All the beauty but none of the traffic of the Ring of Kerry.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Titanic Experience Cobh, 20 Roger Casement Square White Star Line Building, Cobh Ireland
Your next stop is the Titanic Experience in Cobh. This is one of the best experiences on tour giving you a really personal take on the tragedy that was the Titanic’s maiden voyage. It made its last port of call in Cobh and went on to seal its fate on the Atlantic ocean.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Jameson Distillery Midleton, Distillery Walk, Midleton Ireland
Next up is the Jameson Distillery in Midleton. Only a short drive from Cobh this is the perfect opportunity to learn how Ireland’s favorite whiskey is crafted. From the smoky taste of black barrel to the oaky flavors of the original this is perfectly for the whiskey connoisseur in your group.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Castleredmond, Co. Cork, Ireland
Your hidden gem today will be revealed on your Cork Heritage Trail.
Each day your very own customised app and new best friend – Paddy the Pocket Pilot will direct you to some of the most amazing secret locations and hidden gems in Ireland. These are all close to your route but off the beaten track!

Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: We guarantee a 'Céad Míle Fáilte' - A Hundred Thousand Welcomes at our tried and loved locally sourced accommodation.

Day 6: Kiss the Blarney Stone

Stop At: Kinsale, Kinsale, County Cork
Wake up and meet Barry at Kinsale Tourist Office! He is one of our favorite friends in Ireland and will bring to life the history of this picturesque harbor town. Listen to tales of the Spanish Armada, British Rule and the sharpening of swords from our local legend.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Blarney Castle & Gardens, Monacnapa, Blarney, Cork T23 Y598 Ireland
Before making your way back to Dublin’s fair city you MUST stop at Blarney Castle to kiss the stone! Legend has it that you will receive the gift of the gab (chatterbox) after giving it a big smooch. Many of us Irish owe our storytelling talents and yearns to the Blarney Stone! Now you know our secret!

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Rock of Cashel, Rock Vista Moor Lane, Cashel Ireland
A diversion to Cashel for lunch means a photo opportunity at the famous Rock of Cashel. Your last stop before driving back to the capital city.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Old Head Golf Links, Kinsale Ireland
Your hidden gem today will be revealed out on the Old Head of Kinsale.
Each day your very own customised app and new best friend – Paddy the Pocket Pilot will direct you to some of the most amazing secret locations and hidden gems in Ireland. These are all close to your route but off the beaten track!

Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: We guarantee a 'Céad Míle Fáilte' - A Hundred Thousand Welcomes at our tried and loved locally sourced accommodation.