Centuries of Stories: Ireland’s South-East 2025

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. (B)

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. (B)

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. (B)