Explore Wicklow, Wexford, Waterford and Kilkenny

Irish National Heritage Park & Hook Peninsula Drive

Today, you will explore the immersive Irish National Heritage Park before enjoying a scenic drive around the dramatic Hook Peninsula and the quaint fishing village of Ballyhack.

Cross the estuary by ferry to arrive at Faithlegg House or Dunbrody Country House, where you’ll spend two nights in luxurious comfort, perfectly positioned for discovering Ireland’s southeastern treasures.

Irish National Heritage Park. The Irish National Heritage Park is an open-air museum near Wexford, Ireland, which tells the story of human settlement in Ireland from the Mesolithic period up to the Norman Invasion in 1169. It was opened to the public in 1987. The park contains 16 reconstructed dwellings, including a Mesolithic camp, a Neolithic farmstead, a portal dolmen, a cyst grave, a stone circle, a medieval ringfort, a monastic site, crannóg, and a Viking harbour. It covers 13.7 hectares (34 acres) of parkland, estuary trails, and wetland forest.

Waterford Crystal & Garden or Castle Experience
We include a visit to the renowned House of Waterford Crystal for a behind-the-scenes look at master craftsmanship, followed by a choice of exploring the stately Lismore Castle or the vibrant floral displays at Mount Congreve Gardens. 

Waterford: Explore the City of Waterford, Ireland's oldest city founded by Vikings in 914AD. World famous for it's exquisite handmade crystal, a visit to the factory is a must do!  This seaport in the South East of Ireland is also a treasure trove of artefacts and architecture as well as good shopping and good restaurants.

Waterford Crystal: Entrances are included for the factory tour of Waterford Crystal. Nothing compares with the atmosphere of the blowing room, the heady mix of heat, noise and bustling activity makes this experience all the more breath-taking as you edge closer to the 1400c furnace. You will see red-hot molten crystal take shape, in a miracle of light, heat and skill. Our craftsmen are meticulous, and you can watch as they transform glowing balls of molten crystal into elegant shapes with skills that have made two hundred years of perfection clearly visible in every piece.

The gardens of Lismore Castle, set within the outer defensive walls, are divided into three distinct parts, the Reilig Garden, the Upper Garden, and the Lower Garden. The gardens collectively cover 10 acres and are the oldest cultivated gardens in the country.

Mount Congreve Gardens: The Gardens comprise around seventy acres of intensively planted woodland, a four acre walled garden and 16 kilometres of walkways. Planted on a slight incline overlooking the River Suir, Mount Congreve’s entire collection consists of thousands different trees, plants and shrubs.

Dunbrody Famine Ship, Jerpoint Abbey & Kilkenny 

This morning you will visit to the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience, offering a moving insight into Ireland’s emigrant history, before continuing to the medieval ruins of Jerpoint Abbey en route to Kilkenny.

Enjoy two nights at the Pembroke Hotel, with views of Kilkenny Castle and easy access to the city’s cultural heart.

Dunbrody Famine Ship is one of the premier tourist attractions in the South East of Ireland.  Centred on an authentic reproduction of an 1840’s emigrant vessel, it provides a world-class interpretation of the famine emigrant experience. Incorporating a guided tour, costumed performers and themed exhibitions of the highest quality. ‘The Dunbrody’ provides a unique insight into the bravery and fortitude with which Irish people faced  in a desperate situation.

Jerpoint Abbey: An outstanding Cistercian abbey founded in the second half of the 12th century. The church with its Romanesque details dates from this period. In the transept chapels the visitor can see 13th to 16th century tomb sculpture. The tower and cloister date from the 15th century. The chief delight of the Abbey is the sculptured cloister arcade with unique carvings. The Visitor Centre houses an interesting exhibition.

Kilkenny City: You can discover the incredible history of the city with a possible tour of the castle which has been home to the Butler family for many generations.  The castle stands dramatically on a strategic height that commands a crossing on the River Nore and dominates the 'High Town' of Kilkenny City. Take some time to walk the grounds at the castle. You may also wish to visit the Smithwick's Factory or simply enjoy some shopping along the cobble streets.

Kilkenny Walking Tour & Castle Experience

Enjoy a private guided walking tour of Kilkenny’s historic streets, followed by a scheduled tour of Kilkenny Castle, one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks.

Optional visit to the Smithwick’s Experience, where heritage meets craft brewing in a unique tasting and storytelling session. We can also arrange a Hurling Lesson in the city which is a great experience, particularly popular with our families. 

A Private Kilkenny Walking Tour will bring to life the stories and characters of Kilkenny’s Medieval history which established Kilkenny as one of Ireland’s most successful Medieval Norman inland cities in Ireland. This walking tour will make you go away and read more about Medieval Kilkenny. What will you see & hear about! Kilkenny witch, Dame Alice Kyteler and Shee Alms House. Meander through the famous Slip ways, Tholsel Story of Kilkenny Cats, Oliver Cromwell City Walls, & Gate Ghost Stories Churches, Kilkenny characters of times past.EXCR

Kilkenny Castle stands dramatically on a strategic height that commands a crossing on the River Nore and dominates the 'High Town' of Kilkenny City. Over the eight centuries of its existence, many additions and alterations have been made to the fabric of the building, making Kilkenny Castle today a complex structure of various architectural styles.

Smithwicks Experience: Immerse yourself in the story of Smithwick’s brewed here in Ireland since 1710. Each tour is led by our local and passionate guides. Along the way you will discover how the craft of brewing began on this site in the 13th century and how John Smithwick first began brewing the ale we know and love today. Savour the sensations of the brewing process and try your hand at turning the mill and stirring the mash.

Departure or Extended Exploration

Transfer to the airport or extend your journey with a bespoke itinerary through Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands or enjoy two nights in Dublin, tailored to your interests.

All itineraries are subject to availability.  The price range covers all of the accommodations listed for 5 nights with bed and full Irish breakfast each day.  Please note High Season is from April to October.

Price Per Person staring from (seasonal rates apply)

2 passengers from €3,995 to €4,895 per person sharing
4 passengers from €3,195 to €3,995 per person sharing (2 rooms)
6 passengers from €2,995 to €3,795 per person sharing (3 rooms)

Let us know if you need prices for a different party-size. A single supplement will apply for single rooms and please note all transport costs will apply if you’re travelling solo.

What is included

Hotels: You’ll enjoy 5 nights’ bed and full Irish breakfast in the most sumptuous rooms a

• 1 Night at the Stunning Marlfield House Hotel iin a Stateroom
• 2 Nights at the Lovely Faithlegg House Hotel in a Master Suite
• 2 Nights at the Centrally Located Pembrole Hotel in Deluxe Castle View Room

Driver-Guide Services

You’ll have exclusive use of our professional driver-guide services for 4 days. One driver-guide will accompany you for the touring part of your trip. You’ll be safely returned to the airport on your return.

A party of up to two passengers will travel in a luxury saloon vehicle. We’ll provide a luxury minivan for three to five passengers. For a larger group, we’ve got many luxury vehicles to suit your needs. For 2 guests is a luxury Saloon Car and for 4 guests in a Luxury Mercedes Viano.

We also include hotel taxes and fees, communication costs and the help of our local travel experts throughout your trip; 24/7.

We simply want you to focus on having an incredible time. It’s that simple.

Entrance fees and Tours are included as follows:

• Powerscourt Estate and Gardens
• Glendalough Monastery
• The Irish National Heritage Park
• The House of Waerford Crystal
• Lismore Castle Gardens Entrance Fee
• Mount Congreve Gardens Private Guided Tour
• Dunbrody Famine Ship
• Jerpoint Abbey
• Private Walking Tour in Kilkenny

We simply want you to focus on having an incredible time. It’s that simple.

What's Not Included

• Your flights to and from the USA or Europe
• Gratuities and tips to driver-guides and local guides
• Anything that we’ve not mentioned above