Ancient Ireland

Today you’ll explore Newgrange, a passage tomb that predates the Egyptian pyramids and England’s Stonehenge, and the ancient Boyne Valley with your expert driver-guide.

Pick up your rental car and make your way down to Kilkenny to see the ruins of Newtown Jerpoint, a 12th century town that claims to possess the remains of St Nicholas. Next, tour Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile and Kilkenny Castle on foot. Your day will finish with a brewery tour and tasting at Smithwick’s, one of Ireland’s oldest breweries.

Drive to Waterford stopping at the Dunbrody Famine Ship (a full-scale reproduction of an emigrant vessel), the ancestral home of John F Kennedy, and the ruined Dunbrody Abbey along the way. You can then spend the night in a 16th-century castle located on its own private island.

Explore Waterford’s Viking past on a walking tour through the city’s cobbled streets, before journeying to Ballymaloe via Curraghmore House & Lismore Castle — two of Ireland’s most striking estates.

Spend the morning at Blarney Castle, a quintessential Irish castle. If you want, you can join other visitors in kissing the Blarney Stone for good luck and spend some time wandering the gardens. Continue to Midleton for a premium tasting session at the Jameson Old Midleton Distillery.

This morning travel to Dingle and enjoy some free time exploring this coastal town, replete with fishing boats and sailboats, on your own. We recommend visiting the local cafés and shops, including the unique Dingle Crystal shop.

Embark on a full day tour of the Dingle Peninsula, whose beauty rivals that of the nearby Ring of Kerry scenic drive.

Journey back to Dublin via the historic Rock of Cashel. This striking early Christian site towers over the town of Cashel and once served as the seat of the ancient kings.

Drive to the airport and drop off your rental car before boarding your flight home.