Blarney Castle, Kilkenny & Irish Whiskey 2025/2026

Leaving Kinsale in the morning, you make your way to the historic port town of Cobh. This was the last port of call for the Titanic on its ill fated maiden voyage in 1912. There is a chance for you to explore more about this heartbreaking history at the visitor experience. Alternatively, you can spend your time exploring the rows of colourful houses, or at the Cobh Heritage Centre, which also explores how Cobh became an embarkation point during Ireland’s mass migrations to America, Canada and Australia to name a few. A must see for those exploring their own ancestry in Ireland.

Next, we head east along the Copper Coast, a UNESCO Geopark famed for its beauty and intricate histories. Your next stop is Dungarvan, a charming harbour town offering wide, inviting sandy beaches. The history here is as deep as the coastline, tracing back to the Stone Age, with archaeological finds of ancient settlements and even woolly mammoth remains. Over the centuries, this area evolved, bearing the mark of many eras, including the impressive 13th-century Anglo-Norman Dungarvan Castle. Take time to savour an early lunch and soak in the surroundings, where every step connects you to the stories of ancient peoples, Norman knights, and coastal settlers.

You continue until you reach Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city founded by Regnall, Viking adventurer and pirate, a grandson of Ivor the Boneless. Today Waterford has managed to preserve this fascinating history while also being a hub for shops, eateries and local pubs. You have free time here to decide how you would like to spend the afternoon.

In the late afternoon, you travel north from Waterford to Kilkenny.

Welcome to your home for the evening! This town is a vibrant place with a thriving pub and restaurant culture. After spending the evening here you’re certain to understand why people voted it Ireland’s friendliest city.

Your overnight accommodation will be in Kilkenny. (B)

Kilkenny has many attractions to offer you for your morning, including ancient ruins, stunning gardens, and sacred religious sites. You might consider a visit to Kilkenny Castle, host to exquisite collections and artifacts from its 800 year history. After your morning of exploring this vibrant city it’s time to meet your guide again and head off to discover more of Ireland’s beauty, history and warmth.

You then head north into the Wicklow Mountains, where you’ll be impressed by the National Park’s steep granite mountains. You make a stop in Carlow, often referred to as “The Dolmen County,” a name inspired by the iconic Brownshill Dolmen. This remarkable 6,000-year-old megalithic portal tomb is famed for its massive capstone, believed to be the heaviest in Europe, weighing over 100 metric tonnes. A short drive later you arrive in Hollywood for a pub lunch.

You follow the winding paths to Glendalough, site of an awe-inspiring 6th century monastic city with numerous churches, crosses and a well preserved stone tower. Founded by St Kevin the site is no stranger to myths and legends with some believing the saint himself banished a monster that lived in the lake. Regardless of the truth St Kevin chose a perfect location for this hub of early Christian learning, sitting nestled amongst hills and valleys formed by Ice Age glaciers. You bid farewell to this moving place and begin your scenic drive back to Dublin.

Your guide will take you the scenic road back to Dublin including the breathtaking Sally Gap pass. You’ll maybe enjoy some surprise diversions to enjoy some view points and beauty spots on the road with so many astonishing sights to see. You arrive back in Dublin brimming with stories of Viking pirates, ancient tombs, perilous voyages and an understanding of the lives of Irish people over hundreds of years of history. (B)

*Itinerary and distillery visits are subject to change.