Ancient East Adventure

Pick up at Dublin airport and drive to Howth Peninsula for a stroll by the Irish sea and a walk in the quaint fishing village. A perfect fresh air introduction to Ireland after a long flight. After Howth your driver guide will provide an introduction to Dublin with an orientation tour. You will then end the day being dropped at your overnight accommodation in the heart of Dublin City.

 Approx 5hr Day from pick up.

Day 2 - Dublin City Day Tour

Today we will greet you at your hotel and explore the fair City of Dublin with a complimentary guided walking tour of the wonderful capital of Ireland. We will also take a historical driving tour of the main points of interest of the city, including Trinity College, Temple Bar, Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral, The River Liffey, The Phoenix Park and lots more. 

In addition, on offer are options for more in-depth tours of some of Dublin City’s most famous attractions including - The Book of Kells, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Epic Ireland or of course the world famous Guinness Storehouse. After enjoying the best of Dublin we will make our way back to your hotel in Dublin City so you can settle in for the evening before your rural Irish adventure starts.

Activity Options

Dublin City walking tour, Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Castle, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Temple Bar, Howth Fishing Village, Malahide Castle, Kilmainham Gaol, The Book of Kells, The Bog Bodies Exhibition.

Complimentary Dublin City Walking Tour Included

We will greet your hotel to begin our adventure in the Ancient East. 

Our first stop will be at one of the world’s most important prehistoric sites,the UNESCO heritage site, Newgrange. 

Standing over 5,000 years old, this passage tomb not only predates Stonehenge but also the Great Pyramids of Egypt. 

Our tour will take you inside this ancient tomb for a recreation of the lightshow on the winter solstice when the sun shines through lighting up the inner chamber of the tomb. 

We will also have the option of enjoying the other treats that The Boyne Valley has to offer including The Hill of Slane, Slane Castle and the Hill of Tara, all showcasing the integral role of the valley in different eras of Ancient Ireland. 

This evening, we will return to Dublin City for our final night in the Capital. 

Activity Options

Trim Castle, Newgrange & Bru na Boinne, Loughcrew Cairns, Hill of Tara, Slane Whiskey Distillery, Fourknocks, Hill of Slane, Irish Military Museum & Park

Suggested tour timings - 8:30am to 4:30pm​

We will start our adventure with a pick up at your hotel in Dublin and a drive south of Dublin into the majestic Wicklow Mountains National Park. Here you will uncover the main attractions and hidden gems of the 'garden county'.  Our first stop of the day will be at the stunning Lough Tay where you can soak in the panoramic mountain views. 

You will then continue to Glendalough where you will learn of the early Christian settlement followed by a walk into the forest and by the lakes. 

After enjoying a traditional lunch in the mountains you will have the option of enjoying a fascinating sheepdog demonstration with a local Wicklow sheep farmer. Our journey then will continue with a drive to the splendid Avoca Woolen Mills before arriving at you overnight stay in Wexford.

Activity Options

Avoca Woolen Mills, Powerscourt House & Gardens, Powerscourt Waterfall, ​Irish National Heritage Park, 1798 Exhibition Center, Wexford Town Walking Tour, Ferns Castle Tour, Lady Island Lake Visit, Tintern Abbey

Suggested tour timings - 9:30am to 5:30pm​

Today you will have an opportunity to explore Wexford town. Our first stop at the fascinating Ferns Castle where you will learn the history of the Anglo-Norman invasion into Ireland. 

Visit the nearby National Heritage Centre, where guides will walk you through 9,000 years of Irish History, from prehistoric, Celtic Ireland through to Monastic times. 

After this we will make our way to Enniscorthy market town where you can enjoy the excellent 1798 exhibition centre and learn more about the 1798 rebellion. 

End the day by visiting some of Ireland's most love sea animals at Seal Rescue Ireland, where a dedicated team will teach you about Ireland's seal species and their important work protecting them. 

We will then make our way back to Wexford town for our second night stay. 

Activity Options

Irish National Heritage Park, 1798 Exhibition Center, Wexford Town Walking Tour, Ferns Castle Tour, Lady Island Lake Visit, Tacumshane Windmill, Blackwater Village, Tintern Abbey

Suggested tour timings - 9:30am to 5:30pm​

This morning, we will continue down the Wexford Coastline to Kilmore Quay, before continuing West to Hook Head Lighthouse. 

There you can explore what is believed to be the the oldest intact lighthouse in the world. You will learn about William Marshal the "greatest Knight who ever lived" who commissioned the lighthouse in the 13th century.   

Visit nearby Tintern Abbey before continuing to New Ross, where we will explore another facet of Irish history. Enjoy a  fascinating tour at Dunbrody Famine Ship, where you will gain a deep understanding of life on the famine ships in the 1840’s.  

Continue to Waterford town, where you will spend the next two nights. 

Activity Options

Irish National Heritage Park, 1798 Exhibition Center, Wexford Town Walking Tour, Ferns Castle Tour, Lady Island Lake Visit, Tacumshane Windmill, Blackwater Village, Tintern Abbey

Suggested tour timings - 9:30am to 5:30pm​

Today we will explore Waterford City, the oldest city in Ireland, is a walled city founded by Viking Traders in 914. Renowned for beautiful cut glass and magnificent architecture. 

Explore the enchanting world of 18th century architecture, artisanship and design at Bishop’s Palace and Reginald’s Tower to recount the story of the city, Vikings to Georgian opulence.  

You can enjoy a choice of activities including the King of the Vikings 3D Experience, the Viking Triangle or explore the shops and museums of this medieval city.

Visit a new museum in Waterford, the Irish Wake Museum, details the rich Irish traditions surrounding death and burial, offering great insight into some of our more unusual cultural practices. 

Activity Options

King of the Vikings, John F Kennedy’s Home, Dunbrody Famine Ship, Jerpoint Abbey, Thomastown, Kells Priory

Suggested tour timings - 9:30am to 5:30pm​

Today you will make your way from Waterford City to Kilkenny, as you explore more of medieval Ireland. 

You will have the opportunity to visit Jerpoint Abbey, one of the best examples of a medieval abbey in the Country. 

You have the option of visiting the nearby Jerpoint Glass Studio, where you can can watch as they create their beautiful, signature glassware. 

Next you can visit the nearby Kilfane Church, home to the The Long Man or the Cantwell Effigy, an exceptionally well preserved stone carving of a Norman knight. 

Later today, you will have time to time to take in the sites of Kilkenny City including Kilkenny Castle, St Canices Cathedral, walk the medieval mile and perhaps take a tour of the Smithwicks Factory. 

Activity Options

Activity Options - Kilkenny Castle, Medieval Mile, River Barrow Kayaking , Smithwicks Brewery, The Dunmore Cave, Kilfane Glen & Waterfall, The Long Man Effigy, Rothe House 

Suggested tour timings - 9:30am to 5:30pm​

Today, you have the option of making your way to Freshford, Kilkenny where you wish meet James at his pub.  

James will teach you the incredibly quick and skilful game of hurling, which has been played in Ireland for 3000 years. 

Training can be thirsty work! You'll return to James' family pub, where he will give you an insight into the importance of the Public house in Rural Ireland. You might even get the chance to pour your own pint to enjoy with your lunch! 

This afternoon, will take a half day of touring neighbouring County Carlow. 

Our drive will take us down the River Barrow stopping at quaint riverside villages such as Craignamanagh and St Mullins. 

We will eventually end the day back in Dublin City, where we will end our tour of the Ancient East. 

Option to visit our local Laura at her "Good Farm" for pig farm to Fork Experience

Activity Options

"Farm to Fork" Pig Farm Experience with Laura from Irish Grazer Tours, Hurling Experience with James in Freshford, Kilkenny, Russborough House, Craignamanagh, St Mullins. Duckett's Grove, Brownshill Dolmen, Carlow County Museum, Delta Sensory Gardens

Suggested tour timings - 9:30am to 5:30pm​

Supporting Local Enterprise & Local Community

Staying Small & Leaving No Trace

Promoting Ireland's Local Heritage & Culture

Promoting Lesser Known Ireland