Ireland Ancient East Private Tour from Dublin Highlights

✅ Brú na Bóinne (Newgrange) – 5,200-year-old passage tomb in the Boyne Valley, built ca. 3100 BC (older than Stonehenge & the pyramids), famous for its Winter Solstice sunrise alignment.

✅ Hill of Tara – Legendary seat of Ireland’s High Kings, with ancient earthworks and the Stone of Destiny (Lia Fáil) said to roar for the rightful king.

✅ Kilkenny Medieval City – Enchanting city once called the medieval capital of Ireland, featuring 12th-century Kilkenny Castle, a grand Norman fortress, and a “Medieval Mile” of churches, taverns (like Kyteler’s Inn) and narrow cobbled streets.

✅ Waterford Viking & Norman Heritage – Ireland’s oldest city, founded by Vikings in 914 AD, boasting the Viking Triangle quarter with Reginald’s Tower (Ireland’s oldest civic building), medieval treasures, and the famed Waterford Crystal legacy.

✅ Hook Head Lighthouse – Iconic black-and-white lighthouse on Hook Peninsula (Co. Wexford), one of the world’s oldest operating lighthouses (over 800 years) built by Norman lord William Marshal, overlooking the meeting of Celtic Sea and Waterford Harbour.

✅ Glendalough Monastic Valley – Serene 6th-century monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin, nestled in a Wicklow valley of two lakes, with a classic Round Tower and ruins that evoke early Christian Ireland’s “saints and scholars” era.

Day 1: Dublin → Boyne Valley (Co. Meath)
Neolithic & Celtic Dawn – Visit the prehistoric tomb of Newgrange and the Hill of Tara, then relax in a quaint town of Meath.

Day 2: Meath → Kilkenny
Castles & Medieval Charm – Journey south to Kilkenny, tour a grand castle and wander the medieval city streets in the evening.

Day 3: Kilkenny → County Wexford → Wexford (Hook Peninsula) → Waterford
Monastic Ruins & Viking Trails – Explore an ancient abbey or holy site near Kilkenny, then head to coastal Wexford for Viking heritage and seafaring lore.
Lighthouses & Viking Cities – Tour Hook Lighthouse on the wild peninsula, ferry across a scenic estuary, and arrive in Waterford to discover its Viking and Norman past.

Day 4: Waterford → Wicklow Mountains
Stone Circles & Sacred Valleys – Drive north via an enormous portal tomb in Carlow, then enter the Wicklow Mountains to visit the monastic Glendalough valley.

Day 5: Wicklow → Dublin (via Powerscourt)
Estate Gardens & Waterfall – Enjoy Wicklow’s beauty with a stop at Powerscourt Estate (and Ireland’s highest waterfall), then return to Dublin by evening. Capstone & Return – Wrap up with any final Dublin-area heritage stop (optional) and conclude the tour with drop-off in Dublin. Slán agat!

Tour Overview

Duration: 5 days, 4 nights

Start/End Cities: Begins in Dublin (pickup from your hotel or Dublin Airport on Day 1 morning) and ends in Dublin (drop-off by Day 5 evening).

Transportation: Private comfortable vehicle (with driver-guide). Covering a loop through Ireland’s east and south-east, we avoid backtracking and keep daily drives manageable (~2 hours or less at a time) for a relaxed pace.

Who’s it for? History buffs, culture enthusiasts, and first-time Ireland visitors who want to delve into 5,000 years of Irish history in an engaging way. Perfect for those who enjoy scenic drives sprinkled with storytelling, covering prehistoric sites, medieval towns, and local folklore. The tone is informative but casual – our guide will share legends and facts in a conversational, often humorous style.

Accommodations: 4★/5★ charming hotels or guesthouses in each region (e.g. a country hotel in Meath, a historic inn in Kilkenny’s center, a coastal B&B in Wexford, etc.). All lodging is vetted for comfort, local character, and convenient location near attractions. Overnight stops: Night 1 in Meath area; Night 2 in Kilkenny City; Night 3 in Waterford City; Night 4 in Wicklow Mountains area.

Included: Professional driver-guide throughout, all vehicle expenses, accommodation with breakfast, admission fees to major sites (Newgrange Visitor Centre, Kilkenny Castle tour, Hook Lighthouse tour, Waterford’s Bishop’s Palace/Medieval Museum, Glendalough Visitor Centre), and the Shannon or Barrow ferry ride.

Not Included: Lunches, dinners, and personal expenses (your guide will recommend great pubs and restaurants each day), as well as any elective activities (e.g. an evening medieval banquet or a whiskey tasting if available).

Customization: While this is a structured itinerary, we happily allow some flexibility. If the group has a specific interest (say genealogy in Wexford or extra time for photography), discuss with your guide – small adjustments can often be made.

Tour Description: This 5-day Ancient East Explorer tour is a journey through Ireland’s “living history.” You’ll traverse a region where every stone has a story – from Stone Age megaliths to medieval city walls – and enjoy Ireland’s lush scenery in between. Starting from Dublin, we head into the Boyne Valley, often called the “Cradle of Irish Civilization,” where Neolithic farmers raised monumental tombs aligned with the cosmos. Stand inside Newgrange’s chamber where the sun’s rays illuminate ancient carvings at winter solstice, and atop the Hill of Tara imagining the high kings feasting below. As we move south, castles and abbeys abound – you’ll wander Kilkenny’s narrow lanes that echo with tales of witch trials and Norman knights, feel the spray of the Celtic Sea at Hook Head where a beacon has guided ships for 800 years, and sip a pint in a thatched pub in Wexford where Vikings once roamed. Our guide brings the past to life with entertaining anecdotes (think brave warriors, scheming nobles, and perhaps a ghost story or two), all delivered in an easy-going way. You’ll also savor present-day Irish culture: enjoy live music in a local pub, sample farmhouse cheeses and maybe an Irish whiskey, and chat with locals we meet along the way. Importantly, the tour is paced for enjoyment – driving segments are not too long, and each day has built-in free time to relax or explore on your own. By the end of Day 6, when we return to Dublin, you’ll have a deep appreciation of Ireland’s epic history and the friendly spirit that links its past with the present. This tour is as much about immersing yourself in Irish stories and scenery as it is about checking off sights – get ready for an enriching adventure through Ireland’s Ancient East!

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Dublin ➜ Boyne Valley (County Meath) – “In the Footsteps of Ancient Kings”

Morning – Depart Dublin for Meath: Welcome to your Irish adventure! We begin with a convenient pickup in Dublin (around 8:30 AM at your hotel or the airport, as needed). Meet your friendly driver-guide, get settled in the vehicle, and then leave the city bustle behind. In just about an hour, heading north-west, we enter County Meath and the lush Boyne Valley, an area brimming with prehistoric and ancient treasures. As we drive through gentle rolling countryside, your guide will set the scene with some background about Ireland’s Ancient East – you’ll hear how this region saw 5,000+ years of continuous settlement, making it central to Irish history and myth. We’ll pass by the tranquil Boyne River, whose fertile banks have attracted people since the Stone Age. Our first destination is deeply rooted in prehistory: the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne, home to the famous passage tomb of Newgrange.

Mid-Morning – Newgrange Passage Tomb: We arrive at the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, the gateway for visiting Newgrange. After check-in, a center shuttle will take us across the Boyne to the Newgrange site. Standing before Newgrange, you’ll be amazed by its size: a huge circular mound (85m across, 13m high) of white quartz stones and earth, ringed by decorated kerbstones. This monument was built around 3200 BC – that’s older than the Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge! Your guide will explain how Newgrange was likely a ceremonial burial tomb and temple: a narrow passage leads to a cruciform (cross-shaped) inner chamber where human remains and offerings were found. Most impressively, the tomb is astronomically aligned – at dawn on the winter solstice, sunlight beams through a special “roof box” above the entrance, dramatically illuminating the inner chamber for about 17 minutes. It’s a marvel of Stone Age engineering and spiritual thinking.

Entering Newgrange is truly special (access is by guided tour only). Inside the dim chamber, you’ll see the massive slabs forming the walls and the intricate carvings on certain stones. The guide there (a site expert) will demonstrate the solstice lighting with a simulated beam. It’s a goosebumps moment to stand in a place where ancient people held ceremonies thousands of years ago. Afterward, emerging into the daylight, take a last look from the outside at this green-turf-topped mound – sometimes you might see crows perched on the standing stones, as if guarding the secrets within. We then return to the Visitor Centre, where there’s an exhibition and maybe time for a quick tea break or shopping for a Celtic spiral souvenir.

Late Morning – Hill of Tara: After Newgrange, we take a short drive (about 30 minutes) to another iconic Meath site: the Hill of Tara (Irish: Teamhair na Rí, meaning “Hill of the Kings”). Tara isn’t a single monument but a broad hilltop with a series of earthworks and mounds. It was the ceremonial seat of the High Kings of Ireland in ancient times, and its significance spans from prehistory into early medieval times. Up on Tara, we’ll wander among grassy rings and subtle earth mounds while enjoying panoramic views (on a clear day, you can see half of Ireland from here – or so they say!). Key features include the Mound of the Hostages, a Neolithic passage tomb on the hill (older than 2000 BC) and the Lia Fáil (Stone of Destiny), a standing stone where legend says kings were crowned – if the true High King touched it, the stone would let out a roar heard across the land.

We’ll spend some time walking the gentle slopes of Tara. If weather permits, it’s a lovely spot for photos; you might even catch locals picnicking or meditating – it still has a tranquil vibe. There’s also a small church at Tara housing a visitor center with an audiovisual show if open, and some informative plaques. Don’t miss touching the Stone of Destiny yourself – no reported roars recently, but you never know!

Lunch – Trim Village: By now you’ll have built up an appetite. We’ll drive about 30 minutes to the heritage town of Trim, which will also be our overnight stop. Trim is a charming town on the River Boyne known for its massive Anglo-Norman castle. We’ll grab lunch here in a cozy cafe or pub – perhaps try some traditional Irish stew or fish and chips. Your guide might suggest someplace like Brogan’s or The Stockhouse, known for hearty fare (with vegetarian options too).

Afternoon – Trim Castle: After lunch, we stroll over to Trim Castle, the largest Norman castle in Ireland. Even from afar, Trim Castle impresses – it’s huge, with stout walls and a distinctive cruciform-shaped stone keep at its center. Built starting in the 1170s by Hugh de Lacy, this castle was a stronghold of Norman power as they sought to control Meath. We’ll take a guided tour inside (tours run at set times) to see the keep’s interior and learn about medieval life. The castle’s ruins include a gatehouse, curtain walls, and a lookout tower. Fans of the movie Braveheart might recognize Trim Castle – it was used as a filming location to represent the city of York and other scenes in the film!

We’ll climb up some narrow spiral stairs in the keep for a great view from the top (the castle offers panoramic vistas of the town and river). The guide will point out features like murder holes, arrow loops, and the great hall location, explaining how the castle was both a residence and fortress. It’s fun to envision life here – from banquets in the main hall to soldiers patrolling the battlements.

(Note: If Trim Castle interior tours are unavailable (sometimes in winter the keep is closed), we’ll still tour the grounds extensively and your guide will narrate the history from outside. The exterior itself is magnificent.)

After castle exploration, the rest of the afternoon in Trim is at a leisurely pace. You might enjoy a walk along the Boyne River path to see the remains of a medieval priory and the old bridge, or relax back at the hotel.

Evening – Trim, Free Time: Check into our Trim accommodation, perhaps a historic inn or modern hotel by the river. Trim is quiet and lovely in the evening. Consider wandering to see the castle beautifully illuminated after dark. For dinner, you can join the guide or venture on your own – Trim has a few great options. Perhaps a pint and meal at a traditional pub like James Griffin (also known as Lenihan’s), which happens to be one of Ireland’s oldest licensed pubs (operating since the 1800s). If you’re curious about Irish whiskey, this would be a nice time to try a glass of Jameson or the local Bushmills. Over dinner, recount the day’s wonders – it’s only Day 1 and you’ve already touched Ireland’s ancient soul!

Overnight: Trim (Co. Meath). Rest well in this historic town – tomorrow, we travel south into the medieval heart of Ireland.

Day 2: Meath ➜ Kilkenny – Castles, Cathedrals & Medieval Streets

Today we transition from prehistoric and Celtic sites to Norman and medieval Ireland. Our goal is Kilkenny City, a gem of a medieval town further south. En route we’ll see the countryside of Ireland’s midlands and possibly stop at a hidden monastic ruin if time permits. By afternoon, you’ll be exploring castle grounds and enjoying Kilkenny’s lively atmosphere.

Morning – Depart Trim, Coffee in Kildare (optional stop): After breakfast in Trim, we set out mid-morning heading south-west. The drive from Trim, Meath to Kilkenny is about 2 hours. To break it up, we’ll make an optional quick stop in County Kildare after about an hour’s drive. Kildare is known as Ireland’s “thoroughbred county” (horse country!) and also for its St. Brigid’s Cathedral and Round Tower. If interested, we can pop into Kildare Town to see the cathedral grounds where St. Brigid founded a monastery in the 5th century – there’s a lovely round tower (one of Ireland’s tallest you can actually climb in summer) and a medieval church. Alternatively, we might stop at the nearby Irish National Stud & Gardens in Tully for a coffee and a peek at the beautiful Japanese Gardens (though a full tour of the stud farm might not fit our schedule). These stops are flexible – if the group prefers to push on, we can continue after a refreshment break.

As we drive, the guide might tell you about the Norman invasion of Ireland in the 12th century, which sets the stage for Kilkenny’s story. Names like Strongbow (Richard de Clare) and William Marshal will come up – Anglo-Norman knights who carved their lordships on Irish land, building castles and walled towns.

Late Morning – Arrive in Kilkenny City: Welcome to Kilkenny, often dubbed the “Medieval Capital of Ireland”. By around noon we reach this enchanting city, situated along the River Nore. You’ll notice its well-preserved historical core: medieval lanes, a majestic castle, and old stone churches. We’ll head straight to Kilkenny Castle, which dominates the town. Before diving into touring, we might grab a light lunch near the castle (there’s a nice cafe on the castle grounds or several eateries across the street on The Parade).

Early Afternoon – Kilkenny Castle Tour: Kilkenny Castle is a must-see – a sprawling castle originally built in 1195 by Norman conquerors (specifically William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke). Over the centuries it evolved from medieval fortress to a Victorian-era aristocratic home of the wealthy Butler family, and today it’s beautifully restored in parts. We’ll take a guided tour of the castle’s interior: you’ll see the grand staircases, the elegant drawing room, and the Long Gallery adorned with portraits and a painted ceiling. It’s fascinating to contrast this lived-in elegance with Trim’s rugged ruins from yesterday – Kilkenny Castle showcases the luxurious side of castle life in later centuries. Out back, the extensive parklands and rose garden are perfect for a stroll. Your guide will also point out the castle’s defensive features and how it guarded a strategic river crossing.

After exploring inside, we can wander the castle courtyard and gardens. Feel free to snap photos with the castle’s impressive facade as a backdrop. If you like artisan crafts, the adjacent Kilkenny Design Centre (in the castle’s old stables) offers high-quality Irish crafts and perhaps a coffee.

Mid Afternoon – Medieval Mile Walking Tour: Next, we’ll discover Kilkenny’s medieval city charm on foot. We’ll set out along the famous “Medieval Mile,” which runs roughly from Kilkenny Castle to St. Canice’s Cathedral, dotted with historic buildings. As we walk the narrow city streets (some still with original cobbles), we pass sites like:

• The Tholsel (old 18th-century town hall with an arcade),
• Kyteler’s Inn, a 13th-century tavern once owned by Dame Alice Kyteler – a noblewoman accused of witchcraft in 1324 (her story of four dead husbands and a sensational witch trial is one your guide will love to dramatize!). Today it’s a pub with great atmosphere.
• Rothe House, a 17th-century merchant’s townhouse with a courtyard garden – a glimpse of Renaissance Kilkenny.
• St. Mary’s Church and graveyard, dating to the 13th century, now repurposed as the Medieval Mile Museum which houses medieval artifacts and tombs.

We’ll visit St. Canice’s Cathedral at the far end of town. This stunning Gothic cathedral (built in the 1200s) is the second-longest cathedral in Ireland. Outside it stands a classic round tower from the 9th century that you can actually climb on a clear day for panoramic views (optional, small fee and weather permitting – it involves ladders, but the view is worth it!). Inside the cathedral, you’ll see medieval tombs of knights and work of skilled stone carving.

We’ll spend the remainder of the afternoon enjoying Kilkenny. After the guided parts, you’ll have some free time to explore independently, shop, or relax at a cafe. Kilkenny has lovely boutiques for Irish crafts, and perhaps you’d like to try Irish ice cream or chocolates at the vintage “Murphy’s Ice Cream” shop. Everything in the center is walkable.

Evening – Pubs and Culture: Kilkenny is famous for its nightlife and dining. After regrouping, consider dinner at a traditional restaurant – maybe Petronella (named after the unfortunate maid, but serves delicious modern Irish cuisine), or Laurel’s Pub for something casual. Since it’s only Day 2, you might still have energy for some music or fun. Many pubs host live traditional Irish music sessions – Kyteler’s Inn often has evening music plus that atmospheric medieval vibe. Or if you’re visiting in summer, there might be outdoor street performers. Kilkenny also has a rich theater and comedy scene (it hosts the Cat Laughs comedy festival annually).

Feel free to roam a bit; Kilkenny at night, with the castle lit up at one end and St. Canice’s at the other, is magical. Your accommodation is centrally located, so you can easily walk back when you’re ready. Enjoy a pint of the local brew – Kilkenny beer (an Irish red ale), or Smithwick’s, which has been brewed here since the 1700s.Overnight: Kilkenny City. The hotel will likely be near the center, so you might hear the pleasant distant hum of pub music as you drift to sleep, dreaming of knights and maybe witches! Tomorrow, onward to the coastal counties.

Day 3: Kilkenny ➜ Wexford County – Abbeys, Lighthouses & Viking Coast

Today we venture further south-east toward the coast, with County Wexford as our destination. On the way, we’ll visit an evocative medieval abbey ruin and then trace the steps of Ireland’s early Christian monks and Viking invaders in Wexford. Expect a blend of spiritual history, rugged coastal scenery, and maybe even some tales of pirate hoards and Norman knights.

Morning – Jerpoint Abbey (Kilkenny to Thomastown): We depart Kilkenny after breakfast, heading 20 minutes south to Jerpoint Abbey near Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny. Jerpoint Abbey is one of Ireland’s finest Cistercian abbey ruins, founded around 1160. Pulling up, you’ll see its roofless nave, tower, and cloisters standing solitary amidst green fields – a hauntingly beautiful sight. We’ll explore this medieval monastery: the intricately carved stone tombs of knights and abbots, the remnants of the cloister arcade with detailed carvings of saints and mythical creatures, and the church’s sculpted crucifixion scene. It’s quiet here, often with just a few visitors, which makes it easy to imagine the white-robed monks chanting in the choir 800 years ago. Jerpoint also has a local legend of St. Nicholas (yes, Santa Claus!) being buried nearby – though historians differ on that, it adds to the mystique.

Feel free to snap photos; the site often has photogenic resident sheep grazing just outside the abbey walls, adding to the pastoral scene. There’s a small visitor center with a model of how the abbey looked in its heyday. This stop gives a great insight into medieval religious life before we move into the Viking stories ahead.

Late Morning – Heading into County Wexford: Back on the road, we continue into County Wexford, which is about an hour’s drive (Jerpoint to Wexford town ~ 1 hr 15). As we approach Wexford, perhaps we’ll take a quick detour through the town of Enniscorthy (depending on time and interest). Enniscorthy is a pretty hill-side town with a castle and cathedral, known for its role in the 1798 Irish Rebellion (at Vinegar Hill). Even a drive-by offers a glimpse of another Norman castle keep (Enniscorthy Castle) right in its center. We won’t dwell too long unless the group wants a pit stop.

Lunch – Wexford Town: We arrive in Wexford Town in time for lunch. Wexford is a historic maritime town along the Slaney Estuary with Viking roots (founded by Vikings around 800 AD). The streets have a medieval layout – tight and winding. We’ll find a nice local place for lunch, maybe “The Red Elephant” or a pub like Mary’s Bar for some fish chowder or a toasted sandwich. Seafood is always a good choice in a coastal county – perhaps try “Duncannon fish chowder” if on special.

After eating, we can walk around Wexford’s compact downtown. There’s the Town Walls remnants and the West Gate Tower, plus the ruined Selskar Abbey (where, legend has it, the first Anglo-Irish peace treaty was signed in 1169). The streets are lined with colorful shops. If a sweet treat is desired, Wexford is famed for its strawberries (in summer you’ll see roadside strawberry stands), so maybe grab some Wexford strawberry dessert if in season.

Early Afternoon – Irish National Heritage Park (Optional): Just outside Wexford town is the Irish National Heritage Park in Ferrycarrig – an open-air museum that recreates Irish life through the ages (with replica crannogs, ringforts, Viking houses, etc.). If the group is very interested in an interactive experience, we could spend a couple of hours here. It’s quite educational and fun – you essentially walk through time from the Stone Age to Norman times with life-size installations. However, since we have covered a lot of history already and have more to see, we may opt to skip the Heritage Park in favor of heading directly to the Hook Peninsula region this afternoon, especially to catch the lighthouse tour times.

Afternoon – Hook Peninsula Adventure: We drive out of Wexford town heading south-west along Wexford’s coast and then out onto the Hook Peninsula. This scenic finger of land juts into the Celtic Sea and frames the eastern side of Waterford Harbour. Our target is the Hook Head Lighthouse, at the very tip. The drive from Wexford to Hook Lighthouse is about 45-60 minutes (we’ll pass through the village of Wellingtonbridge and rural landscapes). The Hook Peninsula is dotted with little villages andNorman tower house ruins. As we near Hook, the coastline gets dramatic – on our left, cliffs and crashing waves, on our right, green fields.

We arrive at Hook Lighthouse, claimed to be the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in the world (around 800 years old). The stout lighthouse tower (black-and-white striped) stands guard where ocean and estuary meet. We’ll join a guided tour of the lighthouse, climbing its old stone steps. You’ll hear how it was built in the early 13th century by William Marshal (the same fellow we met in Kilkenny Castle history) as part of the aids to navigation for ships entering his port of New Ross. Monks kept the light burning with coal fires atop the tower. The tour leads us up through various levels and finally out to the balcony (weather permitting) for a breathtaking 360° view of the sea, coast, and distant mountains. You might even glimpse whales or dolphins which sometimes pass by these waters.

Back on ground, there’s time to browse the little visitor center or grab a coffee at the café. We recommend a short walk along the cliffs nearby; there are often wild seabirds and you can see the lighthouse from the outside in all its glory.

Late Afternoon – Passage to Waterford: Now we’ll cross into County Waterford. Instead of driving all the way back north to loop around the estuary, we have a fun shortcut: a small car ferry from Ballyhack (Wexford side) to Passage East (Waterford side). It’s only a 10-minute ferry ride, saving us a lot of land driving. We’ll drive onto the open-deck ferry (locals and their cars, maybe a tractor or two, often ride alongside us). You can step out and enjoy the short ride – feel the salty breeze and watch the gulls. In moments we dock at Passage East, a little fishing village on the Waterford side.

From Passage East, it’s a roughly 15 km drive along the estuary into Waterford City, arriving by early evening.

Evening – Waterford City Introduction: Welcome to Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, founded by Vikings in 914 AD. We’ll check into our hotel (we plan two nights here, so settle in). Waterford has a compact historic center known as the Viking Triangle – three sides formed by the remains of old city walls. Tonight, we might do a brief orientation walk. Highlights we’ll see (perhaps just externally this evening) include: Reginald’s Tower by the river – a sturdy round tower that’s over 800 years old and was originally a Viking fort (named after a Viking leader, Ragnall); the Bishop’s Palace (Georgian elegance, now a museum of 18th-century history); and just the general atmosphere of the narrow streets like Bailey’s New Street, where medieval meets modern.

Waterford is also famously the home of Waterford Crystal. We might pass by the impressive showroom with its glittering displays after hours.

For dinner, Waterford offers everything from traditional pubs to trendy bistros. Being by the sea, seafood is great here too – maybe try some fresh catch or the classic fish and chips. The guides can recommend a favorite spot, perhaps “The Reg” which is a pub/restaurant right in the Viking Triangle (often with live music).

If you’re up for a pint, Dooley’s or T & H Doolan’s are atmospheric pubs, or grab a pint of Irish cider – this region (the “Sunny South-East”) grows a lot of apples.Overnight: Waterford City. Enjoy the comfort – tomorrow we’ll explore Waterford in depth and then journey back towards the heart of the country.

Day 4: Waterford City ➜ County Carlow ➜ County Wicklow – Vikings to Monks

This morning we’ll immerse ourselves in Waterford’s rich Viking and Norman history, then start our journey northwards. We’ll swap the coast for the mountains by day’s end, with our destination being the peaceful Wicklow Mountains and the monastic valley of Glendalough. Along the way, we’ll stop at a prehistoric megalith in Carlow that’s sure to impress.

Morning – Waterford Walking Tour: After breakfast, we set out on a walking tour of Waterford’s Viking Triangle. Waterford has done a marvelous job with the Waterford Treasures Museums, and we have a few options. We’ll definitely visit Reginald’s Tower, which now houses a Viking Museum. Inside this stout round tower (which itself dates to around 1200), you’ll see artifacts like Viking weapons, jewelry, and even a replica Viking longboat. Climbing the narrow stairs, imagine it as a fortress lookout centuries ago.

Next, we can pop into the Medieval Museum, a modern building that cleverly incorporates a 13th-century Choristers’ Hall and a 15th-century wine cellar beneath it. Here, treasures like the Great Charter Roll of Waterford (1373) and the stunning cloth-of-gold vestments hidden from Cromwell’s troops are on display. It really brings medieval civic life alive.

For contrast, the Bishop’s Palace Museum (across Cathedral Square) shows Georgian-era Waterford, including the first piece of Waterford Crystal made in 1789 – a field your American guests might know Waterford for. We’ll tailor which museums to enter based on interest and time – but rest assured, your guide’s storytelling will weave everything together as you walk between these sites on the cobbled streets.

Throughout the tour, you’ll hear tales of Waterford’s Viking founder Regnall, Norman conqueror Strongbow (who married princess Aoife here), and how Waterford was an important walled city, repelling invaders (like Cromwell, who eventually took the city “by Hook or by Crook” as legend says). We’ll also see Cathedral Square, with the Christ Church Cathedral (a site of continuous Christian worship since the Vikings’ time, though the building is 18th-century now).

Of course, we must mention Waterford Crystal – if interested, and if time allows mid-morning, you can take an optional 1-hour factory tour to watch master craftsmen blow and cut the sparkling crystal. If you’d rather not, a quick visit to the showroom is free and astounding – giant crystal vases, chandeliers, and trophies (they’ve made pieces for Times Square New Year’s ball and sports trophies).

After our tour, you’ll have some free time to perhaps grab a coffee or pick up that piece of crystal you fancy (they offer worldwide shipping).

Midday – Depart Waterford: We hit the road late morning, leaving Waterford via the M9 motorway north. Our drive will take us roughly 1.5 hours to reach County Wicklow. But halfway, we have a special stop in County Carlow.

Early Afternoon – Brownshill Dolmen, Carlow: Near Carlow town, a few minutes off our route, lies the Brownshill Dolmen. This is an enormous megalithic portal tomb, famous for having the largest capstone in Europe (weighing over 100 tonnes!). It’s basically a gigantic flat boulder balanced on smaller upright stones, sitting in the middle of a field – a true marvel of prehistoric construction. We’ll take a short walk (5 minutes from the small parking area) down a path to see it up close. Brownshill Dolmen dates to maybe 3000 BC, around the same era as Newgrange. The sheer size of the granite capstone is jaw-dropping – how did Neolithic people lift that? It dwarfs us as we stand under its edge (safely, of course). The site is unfenced and free to access, often quiet aside from perhaps a few other visitors or local dog-walkers. It provides a nice “full circle” moment – connecting back to the Neolithic after all the medieval history we’ve been absorbing.

We won’t linger too long (unless we break for a picnic snack here). After stretching our legs and marveling at the dolmen, we continue the drive.

We soon cross into County Wicklow, known as the “Garden of Ireland” for its natural beauty. The road winds a bit as we climb into the Wicklow Mountains. Expect views of wooded hills, babbling brooks, and maybe some sheep on the roadside again.

Late Afternoon – Arrive at Glendalough, Wicklow: By about 3-4 PM, we reach Glendalough (“Glen of the Two Lakes”), one of Ireland’s most beautiful and sacred sites. This glacial valley houses the ruins of a famous early medieval monastic settlement, founded in the 6th century by St. Kevin. We’ll head to the Visitor Centre if open to see a brief video or models of the site, then explore the monastic ruins at our own pace.

The setting is tranquil: forested slopes, two dark peaty lakes, and scattered stone ruins – including a superb 30m tall Round Tower (functioned as a lookout/bell tower/refuge), several church ruins like St. Kevin’s Kitchen (with its stone roof still intact, resembling a little cottage), and Celtic crosses marking ancient graves. This monastic city thrived over a thousand years ago as a place of prayer and learning, part of Ireland’s “Age of Saints and Scholars”.

We will stroll the paths from the main monastic site to the upper lake if energy allows (it’s about a 20 minute scenic walk one-way to the Upper Lake). The lower lake is closer, offering a photogenic view with the round tower in the distance.

We’ll spend time soaking in Glendalough’s serene atmosphere. If the group is up for it, we can do the walk to the Upper Lake, perhaps visiting the ruins of St. Kevin’s Cell and Tempall na Skellig on the way. There are benches to rest and just enjoy the view. This is a great spot for reflection and a deep breath of fresh mountain air.

Evening – Wicklow Mountains Stay: Our accommodation tonight is likely in the Glendalough/Wicklow area, perhaps a country hotel or guesthouse in the village of Laragh (just outside the monastic site) or even the historic Glendalough Hotel near the lakes. After check-in, dinner will be nearby – maybe at the hotel’s restaurant or a local inn like Lynham’s of Laragh, which offers hearty Irish fare and often has a cozy fire going.

This evening is about unwinding. The area gets very quiet at night (no city noises, just maybe the distant rush of a waterfall). If the night is clear, step outside to gaze at the stars – with little light pollution here, the sky can be brilliant.

You’ve traversed a lot of history today, from Viking Waterford to monastic Glendalough. The contrasts make the Ancient East so fascinating. Have a good rest; tomorrow, our final day, we’ll have some scenic delights and head back to Dublin.

Overnight: Glendalough/Laragh, Co. Wicklow – drift off imagining the monks of old hearing the same owl hoots and breezes you might hear tonight.

Day 5: Wicklow ➜ Powerscourt Estate ➜ Dublin – Gardens, Waterfall & Return to the Capital

It’s our last day, but we’ve saved some sublime natural and cultural sights for the finale. Before returning to Dublin, we’ll explore the elegant Powerscourt Estate – famous for its magnificent gardens and Ireland’s highest waterfall. By afternoon, we’ll roll back into Dublin, completing our loop around Ireland’s Ancient East.

Morning – Leisure in Glendalough: You might start the day with a peaceful early walk to the lakes if you’re an early riser – the morning mist in the valley is enchanting. After breakfast, we’ll depart Glendalough, taking a scenic route through the Wicklow Mountains National Park. Expect lovely views as we drive over the Wicklow Gap or via the winding R759 road depending on conditions – golden boglands, streams, and maybe some wild deer can often be spotted.

Mid-Morning – Powerscourt House & Gardens: A 40-minute drive from Glendalough brings us to Powerscourt Estate, near the town of Enniskerry. This grand estate was the seat of the Viscounts Powerscourt, with a Palladian mansion (partially rebuilt after a fire) and internationally acclaimed gardens set against Sugarloaf Mountain. We’ll take some time to wander the Powerscourt Gardens, which include Italianate terraces, a rose garden, Japanese gardens, statues, and ornamental lakes. It’s consistently ranked among the world’s top gardens. Spring and summer bring colorful blooms, but even off-season, the design and greenery are impressive. The estate exudes a very different vibe from the wild Glendalough – here it’s manicured beauty and aristocratic luxury of the 18th/19th centuries.

If interested, we can also peek into the Powerscourt House itself, which now has specialty shops and an cafe. There is an interesting display on the house’s history, and the view from the house’s terrace down over the tiered lawns to the Triton Lake (with its fountain) is a must-see.

Late Morning – Powerscourt Waterfall: Just 5km from the house is the Powerscourt Waterfall, which at 121 meters (398 ft) is the tallest waterfall in Ireland. We drive through the estate’s deer park to get there (keep an eye out for Japanese sika deer grazing). The waterfall appears as a silver veil cascading down a sheer rock face into a wooded glen. We’ll park and you can walk right up near its base – perhaps feel the mist on your face if the wind blows right. It’s a lovely spot to relax; sometimes you’ll see families picnicking or even brave folks taking a (chilly) dip in the pools. The sound of the roaring water and the backdrop of ancient oak and beech trees is revitalizing.

Take your time to enjoy it. There are facilities here (restrooms, a small kiosk for snacks often). We might have a picnic or quick bite here if weather permits and appetites call for it – otherwise, we’ll grab lunch a little later.

Midday – To Dublin: We’ll depart Powerscourt around midday or early afternoon, heading north via the M11/N11 toward Dublin. It’s about a 1-hour drive (depending on city traffic as we get closer). During the ride, it’s a good chance to relax, swap photos, or ask the guide any lingering questions about Ireland or the tour. The guide might also use this time for a fun Q\&A or even a little Irish music playing through the speakers for a final sing-along.

As we approach Dublin, you’ll notice the familiar sights of the city outskirts by the Bay and the Dublin Mountains in the distance. We’ll aim to be in Dublin by mid-to-late afternoon. If everyone’s keen and time allows, we could make one last brief stop at a Dublin-area attraction before drop-off – possibilities (time permitting) include: Avoca Handweavers in Kilmacanogue (a great spot for souvenirs), or in the city perhaps a quick drive-through of Phoenix Park or a stop at the scenic Skyline at Montpelier Hill (Hellfire Club) for a final panoramic view over Dublin. We’ll gauge the group’s energy and interests.

Afternoon – Tour Completion in Dublin: And so, we arrive back at our starting point – Dublin. We’ll drop you off at your hotel or the airport as needed (typically by 4-5 PM on Day 5, but we can adjust according to your onward plans). This marks the end of the tour proper.

Your guide will bid you a warm farewell – in Irish, “Go raibh míle maith agat” (a thousand thanks) and “slán abhaile” (safe home) – and you’ll disembark with a head full of stories and a camera full of photos. We hope the past 7 days have given you lasting memories of Ireland’s ancient sites, scenic landscapes, and friendly culture.

From the sacred hills of Tara to the Viking streets of Waterford, the peaceful glens of Wicklow to lively pubs of Kilkenny, you’ve truly explored the length and breadth of Ireland’s Ancient East. As you reflect on the high crosses, castle walls, and perhaps that special moment of quiet by a round tower or on a cliff’s edge, we trust you’ll carry a piece of Ireland in your heart.Tour Ends – Slán agus beannacht (goodbye and blessings)!