Blarney Castle, Whiskey and Mountains
From Dublin, take in the best of the eastern coast of the Republic of Ireland on this 3-day group tour. See the island castle of Cahir and medieval Blarney Castle. Visit the Jameson Whiskey Distillery for a tasty tipple and journey along the rugged coastline to Kinsale. See the Titanic's final port of call at Cobh, wander Waterford's Viking Triangle and spend a night in Kilkenny.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Castles & whiskey
Day 1 Castles & whiskey
Dublin - Cahir - Blarney Castle - Kinsale. Welcome to Ireland! Leaving Dublin, we head south to Cork, passing through the verdant farming counties of Kildare, Laois, and Tipperary. Our first destination is the historic town of Cahir, home to a magnificent castle set on an island in the River Suir. Moving on to Blarney, situated on the outskirts of Cork, you'll have ample time to explore the castle grounds and take a leisurely walk through the woods. For the adventurous, there's the opportunity to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone and gain the renowned gift of eloquence.
Next, we visit the Jameson Whiskey Distillery, where we learn about the origins of the drink, the distillation process and even sample a taste for ourselves. In the afternoon, soak in the stunning coastline while en route to the charming fishing village of Kinsale, where we spend the night. The town boasts lively pubs, a wide range of local eateries, and a vibrant atmosphere, which can be enjoyed during your free time as you wander the delightful narrow streets lined with brightly coloured houses.
Please note: Check-in for this tour closes at 07:45 on day 1 (tour departs at 08:00) - Dublin Nassau Street Pick Up, Opposite the Kilkenny Shop, Nassau St, Dublin.
Accommodation: Friars Lodge B&B, White House or similar
Day 2 Cobh, Copper Coast, Waterford & Kilkenny
Day 2 Cobh, Copper Coast, Waterford & Kilkenny
Kinsale - Cobh - Waterford - Kilkenny. In the morning, we depart Kinsale and head towards Cobh, a historic port town. It is well known for being the last stop of the Titanic on its maiden voyage, which ended in tragedy.
Continuing, we travel along the Copper Coast, a UNESCO-listed Geopark renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich histories. Your journey ends at Waterford, the oldest city in Ireland, which was built by the Vikings during the 9th century. You can visit the Waterford Crystal factory to appreciate the exceptional craftsmanship, explore the fascinating museums or stroll around the Viking Triangle. Later in the day, we drive to Kilkenny, a bustling town with a thriving restaurant and pub scene. Spend the evening here to experience the warmth and hospitality that earned it the title of Ireland's friendliest city.
Accommodation: Bregah House, Bridge View B&B or similar
Day 3 Wicklow Mountains National Park
Day 3 Wicklow Mountains National Park
Kilkenny - Wicklow Mountains National Park - Dublin. This morning, there is free time for you to explore the various attractions that Kilkenny has to offer. It's then time to climb aboard the bus as we journey north towards the Wicklow Mountains to admire the impressive steep granite cliffs in the national park.
The winding pathways of Wicklow Mountains National Park will take us to the awe-inspiring 6th century monastery located in Glendalough, presenting an opportunity to capture stunning photographs of the lush natural surroundings and the monastery's iconic round tower. The next leg of our journey involves travelling through the national park's central region, crossing the renowned Sally Gap and heading back to Dublin.
Please note: This tour ends at 18:30 - Dublin Nassau Street Drop Off, Opposite the Kilkenny Shop, Nassau St, Dublin.
Tour Highlights
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Prices & Dates
Accommodation
This unpretentious hotel is a 5-minute walk from Kinsale's waterfront and 3.2 km from the historic Charles Fort. The traditional rooms are equipped with TVs, iPod docks, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Guests can enjoy a complimentary full Irish breakfast and Wi-Fi in public areas. Additional amenities include a guest lounge with a fireplace and a drying room for golf equipment.
On this tour, you will stay in bed and breakfast properties (B&Bs). These are usually smaller residential properties, with just a handful of guest rooms. You’ll have a bedroom, bathroom and often, access to a communal dining room for breakfast. Rooms will always be clean and comfortable, with a private bathroom. Bathrooms are usually en-suite, but on rare occasions, access may be via a communal hallway. This means that the bathroom will still be private and only for your personal use, but it is not en-suite (located in the room). You will need to leave the room to use the bathroom.
At Bregagh Guesthouse, all 15 of the en suite bedrooms are comfortably furnished and decorated to the highest standards, each featuring a TV, hairdryer, and Wi-Fi. Guests also have access to a conservatory and garden.
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