Kilkenny, Waterford & the Wicklow Mountains

Day 1

We catch the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin where our tour manager joins us. We continue onwards to our hotel in Carlow, our base for the next four nights.

Day 2 – Waterford & Suir Valley Railway & House of Waterford Crystal

We start the day with a scenic heritage train journey on the Waterford & Suir Valley Railway, taking in the panoramic views as we travel along the picturesque banks of the River Suir and the beautiful Suir Valley.

We continue on to the thriving maritime city of Waterford, where we visit the House of Waterford Crystal. Our guided tour takes us through the home of the world-famous Waterford Crystal’s manufacturing facility where we learn how the stunning crystal is made, including demonstrations from the Master craftsmen using the traditional methods of mouth blowing, hand finishing, sculpting and engraving.

Day 3 – Wicklow Mountains National Park & Powerscourt Gardens

We head into the Wicklow Mountains National Park which covers 20,000 hectares of stunning mountain scenery, with vast sweeps of heather-clad moorland, hills, bogland, deep glacial valleys and lakes. The mountains are also home to a variety of wildlife habitats.

Afterwards, we continue on to the beautiful Powerscourt Gardens, set against the backdrop of the breathtaking Sugarloaf Mountain and boasting a wonderful blend of striking terraces, fine statuary, ornamental lakes and a wide variety of trees. Designed from 1731 onwards and stretching over 47 acres, the estate includes formal walled gardens, distinctive Italian and Japanese gardens and the Pepperpot Tower, modelled on a pepper pot from Lord Powerscourt’s dining table!

Day 4 – Kilkenny & Rock of Cashel

This morning we make our way to the charming town of Kilkenny to spend some time at leisure to explore its network of medieval lanes which meander in the shadows of the 13^th-century St Canice’s Cathedral and historic castle. The riverside walks and traditional pubs are not to be missed.

Later, we head west to visit the iconic Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland's most spectacular archaeological sites, set on a rocky outcrop. The prominent hill is dotted with ancient fortifications, including a 12^th-century round tower, 13^th-century Gothic cathedral and 15^th-century castle.

Day 5 – Dublin (with optional guided tour £14pp)

Checking out of our hotel, we travel to Dublin where we spend an afternoon at leisure. There are plenty of historic sites and monuments to see from the oldest, Dublin Castle, to one of the newest, the Spire of Dublin. We also have the option to join a locally guided tour of the city before spending the night in our hotel in the Dublin area.

Day 6

We check out of our hotel very early to catch the ferry back to Holyhead; therefore a voucher will be provided to enjoy breakfast on board. On arrival in Holyhead, we continue our journey home.

Day 1

We fly to Dublin airport and are transferred to our hotel in Carlow, our base for the next four nights.

Day 2 – Waterford & Suir Valley Railway & House of Waterford Crystal

We start the day with a scenic heritage train journey on the Waterford & Suir Valley Railway, taking in the panoramic views as we travel along the picturesque banks of the River Suir and the beautiful Suir Valley.

We continue on to the thriving maritime city of Waterford, where we visit the House of Waterford Crystal. Our guided tour takes us through the home of the world-famous Waterford Crystal’s manufacturing facility where we learn how the stunning crystal is made, including demonstrations from the Master craftsmen using the traditional methods of mouth blowing, hand finishing, sculpting and engraving.

Day 3 – Wicklow Mountains National Park & Powerscourt Gardens

We head into the Wicklow Mountains National Park which covers 20,000 hectares of stunning mountain scenery, with vast sweeps of moorland, hills, bogland, deep glacial valleys and lakes. The mountains are also home to a variety of wildlife habitats.

Afterwards, we continue on to the beautiful Powerscourt Gardens, set against the backdrop of the breathtaking Sugarloaf Mountain and boasting a wonderful blend of striking terraces, fine statuary, ornamental lakes and a wide variety of trees. Designed from 1731 onwards and stretching over 47 acres, the estate includes formal walled gardens, distinctive Italian and Japanese gardens and the Pepperpot Tower, modelled on a pepper pot from Lord Powerscourt’s dining table!

Day 4 – Kilkenny & Rock of Cashel

This morning we make our way to the charming town of Kilkenny to spend some time at leisure to explore its network of medieval lanes which meander in the shadows of the 13^th-century St Canice’s Cathedral and historic castle. The riverside walks and traditional pubs are not to be missed.

Later, we head west to visit the iconic Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland's most spectacular archaeological sites, set on a rocky outcrop. The prominent hill is dotted with ancient fortifications, including a 12^th-century round tower, 13^th-century Gothic cathedral and 15^th-century castle.

Day 5 – Dublin (with optional guided tour £14pp)

Checking out of our hotel, we travel to Dublin where we spend an afternoon at leisure. There are plenty of historic sites and monuments to see from the oldest, Dublin Castle, to one of the newest, the Spire of Dublin. We also have the option to join a locally guided tour of the city (£14pp) before spending the night in our hotel in the Dublin area.

Day 6

We transfer to Dublin airport for our return flight home.