Ancient East

Arrive at Dublin Airport and travel through scenic areas of Leinster Province to Kilkenny with a stop in a quaint charming historic Irish village or town along the way.

Cashel, County Tipperary

Kilkenny Town

Welcome Orientation Reception and Dinner with Irish Traditional Music Entertainment

• Tour Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile and Kilkenny Castle

Ireland’s best-preserved medieval city is bookended by the magnificent 12th-century Kilkenny Castle with long portrait gallery to the south, and St. Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower to the north. Get a bird’s eye view from the top of the ninth-century round tower, one of just two in the world you can still climb. Within the once-walled town is the Medieval Mile, packed with historical sites. Unearth 800 years of history at the new Medieval Mile Museum, or hear it firsthand on a Pat Tynan Kilkenny Walking Tour. Visit Rothe House, a 17th-century merchant’s home with artifacts and costumes. The Smithwick’s Experience at the brewery dating to 1710 features a guided tour on the history of brewing, plus a tasting. Stop at Kyteler’s Inn doing business for seven centuries and hear the story of the witch of Kilkenny over a pint. Tynan’s Bridge House Bar retains its Victorian interior with carved wood and gaslights, while M.L. Dore Nostalgia Café’s antique-filled décor sets the scene for afternoon tea.

• Visit and tour the quaint charming historic villages of Inistioge, Graiguenamanagh, and Thomastown, County Kilkenny
• Visit whiskey distillery or craft beer brewery with tastings.

Medieval Kilkenny

Kilkenny Castle

Graiguenamanagh, Kilkenny

Thomastown, Kilkenny

Inistioge, Kilkenny

Graiguenamanagh, Kilkenny

• Visit and explore Cashel Town and The Rock of Cashel

Cashel sits in the “Golden Vale” a lush area that is one of most prized that is prized for agriculture and race horses. With rolling farm lands, impressive ruins, and the charming store facades, Cashel is popular with visitors. The Rock of Cashel commands attention here, a recently restored fortress sitting atop a high limestone outcropping with cathedral and buildings dating to the 12th and 13th centuries, round tower, Celtic crosses, and the oldest Romanesque wall paintings in the country. Brian Boru was crowned High King of Ireland here in 990. For ruins to kick around without the crowds, head to Hore Abbey, founded in 1266. The Cashel Town Trail takes in 20 historical sites around town, including a thatched peasant’s cottage, fortified tower house, and Cashel Folk Village. Just south of town is Athassel Abbey, the largest medieval priory in Ireland stretching over four acres along the River Suir.

• Tour Cahir Castle

Rock of Cashel, Co Tipperary

Rock of Cashel

Cashel Town

Cahir Castle

• Free Day, On Your Own: A Leisure day to enjoy the food music and craic of Kilkenny and its environs, with the options of a day trip and shopping in Dublin.
• Individual tours may be scheduled through the hotel concierge. Reserve Spa appointments directly with the Spa.
• Relax at Spa or Saunter around town

Kilkenny Shops

Kilkenny Castle Picnic

Kilkenny Cafe

• Group Dinner with Irish Music and Dancing

• Visit, tour, and explore Waterford’s Viking Triangle 
• Visit the House of Waterford Crystal Factory and Store

Waterford is one of Ireland’s oldest cities, with archaeological evidence of Viking settlement in the 10th century. The Waterford Treasures, three museums covering 1,100 years of history, are the highlight of the Viking Triangle. First is Reginald’s Tower exhibiting Viking artifacts, including a warrior’s sword and a replica Viking longboat at the entrance. Next is the Medieval Museum – don’t miss the ornate vestments of spun gold dating to 1460. The Bishop’s Palace, a grand 18th-century residence, chronicles Waterford history from 1700 to 1970. Across the street is the House of Waterford Crystal founded in 1783 with history and craftsmanship featured on the guided tour. The Epic Tour of the Viking Triangle provides historical perspective and access to six national monuments.

• Visit, tour, and explore Lismore Castle

Viking Triangle

Waterford’s Viking Triangle

Viking Triangle Sword Sculpture

House of Waterford Factory

House of Waterford Store

Lismore Castle

Lismore Castle

• Visit and explore the Irish National Heritage Park
• Visit and tour the Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum and Gardens
• Visit the John F. Kennedy Memorial Park

National Heritage Park

National Heritage Park

Johnstown Estate Castle & Gardens

• Visit and explore the Glendalough 6th Century monastic settlement 
• Visit and tour the Powerscourt House and Gardens

Glendalough, Co. Wicklow

Glendalough

Powerscourt House & Gardens

The Gardens of Powerscourt

Departure for most from Shannon Airport to return home.