Welcome to Kilkenny City
Kilkenny is the Ireland of many visitors' imaginations. Built from dark-grey limestone flecked with fossil seashells, Kilkenny (from the Gaelic 'Cill Chainnigh', meaning the Church of St Canice) is also known as 'the marble city'. Its picturesque 'Medieval Mile' of narrow lanes and historic buildings strung between castle and cathedral along the bank of the River Nore is one of the southeast's biggest tourist draws... Read More
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Kilkenny City, Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough Day Trip from Dublin
After setting off from central Dublin, your first stop on the Kilkenny City and Glendalough Day Trip will be the 12th century Kilkenny Castle - a beautiful Anglo-Norman castle that stands on the banks of the River Nore. You’ll have time to explore Kilkenny Castle’s beautiful gardens, before ambling into the city for lunch (available for an additional cost) and a stroll around its picturesque, cobbled streets. Kilkenny City has a rich heritage of cathedrals, Tudor houses and monasteries, and you'll gain a sense of its medieval history as you walk around. Before leaving the city, you'll see the St Francis Abbey Brewery, founded in the 12th century, where many Irish ales are still brewed today.In the afternoon, your tour will continue over the Wicklow Gap, an unspoiled mountain pass that winds through the magnificent Wicklow Mountains National Park. The route is a photographer’s dream, so be sure to have your camera ready to capture sights of this wild mountain range that dominates the County Wicklow countryside.Emerging from the west side of the Wicklow Gap, your day trip will reach the glacial valley of Glendalough - famous for its two beautiful lakes and monastic site, comprising the ruins of a medieval monastery and round tower. Reputedly founded by St Kevin, a hermit monk, the round tower was thought to have been created as a place of refuge for Irish monks in medieval times. You’ll have approximately 1.5 hours to explore this fascinating site at your leisure, before returning to Dublin.
5-Day Highlights of Ireland Tour: the Burren, Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry
Day 1: Dublin – Galway (B)Leave Dublin behind and travel west by luxury coach, stopping at Locke's Distillery in Kilbeggan. Sample award-winning Kilbeggan whiskey, and then continue to Clonmacnoise Monastery on the banks of the Shannon River to explore this important early Christian site. Visit a typically friendly local pub (full of both character and characters!) before arriving in Galway for your first night.Overnight: 3-star hotel or B&B in central Galway Day 2: Galway – Killarney (B)Set out with your guide to explore beautiful County Clare on Ireland’s west coast. Visit the Burren – the aptly named barren rolling hills covered with limestone rocks – and then spend your afternoon at the Cliffs of Moher. Standing more than 700 feet (213 meters) high, the cliffs cover more than 5 miles (8 km) of coastline, forming a breathtaking backdrop against the Atlantic Ocean waves. After enjoying time at leisure, cross Shannon Estuary with your guide, and arrive in Killarney – your base for the remaining three nights. Spend the evening at leisure.Overnight: 3-star hotel or B&B in central KillarneyDay 3: Killarney – Dingle Peninsula (B)Set off early to discover Dingle Peninsula, an area famous for its scenery and Gaelic Culture. Traveling by luxury minivan, you’ll stop to check out ancient forts and early religious sites before soaking up panoramic views from Slea Head and Inch Beach. Spend time in the tiny town of Dingle itself – famous for its local music scene and buzzing Irish pubs. Your guide will show you the best spots, and you’ll have time to explore independently before returning to Killarney to enjoy the night.Overnight: 3-star hotel or B&B in central KillarneyDay 4: Killarney – Ring of Kerry (B)Travel along the famous Ring of Kerry – one of the world's classic touring routes – which stretches along Ireland’s southwestern coast. The entire ring covers nearly 109 miles (176 km) of sublime coastal roads, and deserves a full day to really appreciate it. Traveling around Ivernagh Peninsular, enjoy stops with your guide to learn about the history of the area. Explore ancient ring forts, small fishing villages and sandy beaches. Walk through Killarney National Park to visit Torc Waterfall – thought of locally as a natural wonder! Then return to Killarney in the evening.Overnight: 3-star hotel or B&B in central KillarneyDay 5: Killarney – DublinHop back on your minibus and travel through the breathtaking West Cork Mountains to reach Blarney Castle. While exploring with your guide, be sure to kiss the infamous Blarney Stone for a lifetime of smooth talking! En route to Dublin, see the Rock of Cashel, a Celtic cathedral in County Tipperary, and then enjoy a break in Kilkenny City before reaching Dublin in the evening.
Kilkenny and Wicklow Day Tour from Dublin
Depart Dublin at 9am in the morning and begin the day by traveling south, beginning the journey into County Wicklow. Pass through outstanding countryside in the Wicklow mountains, most notably the Sugar Loaf Mountains, as you sit back and relax on your way to Glendalough. Glendalough is one of the most striking parts of Ireland with magnificent scenery and a rich history. There will be time to explore the old monastic city, featuring St. Kevin's Cross and the 10th century round tour. Walk along river banks and pass through woods leading to lakes, waterfalls and brooks. Then travel over the Wicklow Gap, taking you way up into the Wicklow Mountains. Experience panoramic views of the landscape, stretching as far as the eye can see. Observe traditional Irish bogs, which provide the nearby Irish residents with a source of energy to fuel fires. Through the Wicklow Gap, you will also pass Turlogh waterfall, one of Ireland's most dramatic waterfalls and highest reservoir. From here, arrive in Kilkenny city, the medieval capital of Ireland back in the 11th century. Situated on the banks of the river Nore, you will have a chance to walk the windy, cobblestone streets and see the gardens of the famous Norman Castle. Consider venturing inside to take a tour of its palatial interior for a small optional fee. You have plenty of time to wander the streets and visit the Black Abbey or experience the Cathedral of Saint Canice with its famous round tower. With two hours free, there is also time to enjoy a relaxed lunch or maybe try a pint of Kilkenny in Kilkennyn (own expense). You will arrive back in Dublin at about 6pm after a drive through the County of Kildare.
Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny Entrance Ticket
Make your own way to Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny, roughly 1.5 hours from Dublin by car, at a time suited to you. Located in an old Victorian brewing building in Kilkenny City, the Smithwick’s Experience offers a fully interactive, multi-sensory journey through Smithwick’s history.On arrival, join one of the guided tours — which run every 30 minutes and last approximately an hour — and trace the evolution of Ireland’s oldest beer brand, from its medieval origins right up to present day.Holograms, Franciscan monks and living portraits of John Smithwick and his family guide you through the tour. Discover how the Smithwick’s story dates back to the 1200s, when monks settled at St Francis Abbey, which functioned as a brewery for more than 300 years. Then, hear about the arrival of the Smithwick’s family in the 18th century. You’ll also learn more about the brewing process itself and have the chance to experience the texture, tastes and smells of the materials that go into creating the perfect pint of Smithwick’s ale.Finish your tour with a carefully poured pint (or a soft drink) at the bar before heading to the gift shop, where you’ll have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs.
Kilkenny and Cashel Day Trip from Cork
Depart from central Cork, and head out of town. Your first stop is the The Rock of Cashel, famous as the seat of the high kings of Munster and the clan of McCarthy. St. Patrick baptized the last king of Munster and converted many of the pagans to Christianity at this site. Entry fee to the Rock of Cashel is included in the tour price. Next, set off for Kilkenny city. Once the medieval capital of Ireland in the 11th century and situated on the banks of the river Nore, Kilkenny city will give you a chance to enjoy the picturesque windy and cobblestone streets. You can also explore the gardens of the famous Norman Castle which was build in the 1100's. You will enjoy plenty of time to wander the streets and visit the Black Abbey or possibly see the Cathedral of Saint Canice with its magnificent round tower. As you depart Kilkenny city and head for Cork, the tour will drive along the coastal route passing through beautiful villages on the South-East and taking a stop in the seaside town of Youghal. Youghal was the location where Sir Walter Rally introduced potato to Ireland in the 1500s. Along the way you pass through some of Ireland's best known cheese making areas in Kilmeaden. You will return to Cork at 6pm approx after a great day tour inspired by the beauty of Rock of Cashel, Kilkenny and the South coast.