Ireland: Kilkenny & Surrounds

Welcome to Ireland! Meet your fellow travellers at Dublin’s Green Hotel this morning – further details can be found in the ‘Joining Point Instructions’ of your Essential Trip Information. From here, jump in your private vehicle and head through the Wicklow Mountains National Park to the ancient monastic settlement at Glendalough. Listen up to your group leader as they fill you in on local lore, myths and legends of the ruins and surrounding mountain range. Continue to a nearby sheep farm, where you’ll discover the rural way of life here in Ireland. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the farm, complete with local treats, then witness a sheep herding demonstration. Skilled border collie dogs are well practised when it comes to this task, rounding up the flock and taking the commands from their shepherd. Afterwards, head to Kilkenny, located in what is known as Ireland's ancient east – this is your base for the next four nights. Settle in to your comfortable and centrally located accommodation, and perhaps round up some friends of your own with an optional first dinner in town. Be sure to ask your leader their restaurant recommendations! (L)

This morning after breakfast, get your walking shoes on for a guided city tour around Kilkenny. Afterwards, keep the activity going as you participate in one of Ireland’s treasured national sports – Hurling. This Gaelic game is one of the fastest field sports in the world, and forms part of the lifeblood of the country. Join one of the local teams in town for an introduction to the ancient roots of the sport, then don the gear and give it a go yourself! This afternoon, take a breather – the city is all yours to explore at your own pace. Your leader can help you organise an itinerary for the rest of the day, perhaps heading to Kilkenny Castle, Canice’s Cathedral or Rothe’s House & Garden. Otherwise, if you just want to stroll Kilkenny’s so-called ‘Medieval Mile’, go for it! Keep in mind that tonight you’ve got a special meal planned at the 13th century Kyteler Inn pub. Fun fact – this pub is most famous for its original owner, Alice Kyteler, who was tried and convicted as a witch. Yes, you read right! (B/D)

A short train journey this morning brings the group to Waterford, where you’ll transfer to a bus and head to Kilmacthomas – a picture-perfect village at the foot of the Comeragh Mountains. Once arrived, hop on two wheels as you take a leisurely cycle along the Waterford Greenway, which was once a railway line and now converted into a traffic-free cycle path. Your leader will point out some hidden gems along the way, including a Hurley maker’s workshop, small art galleries, quaint gardens and a couple of cafes. Plus, the scenery along the trail is quintessential Irish countryside, so be sure to have a camera handy. On your return to Waterford, the rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. You might like to ask your leader where to find the Wall Art Project, or else, go searching for the strong medieval and Viking heritage in town or visit the famous Waterford Crystal workshop. (B)

Join your group on a short taxi transfer this morning as you head off to discover the small village of Bennettsbridge. Historically, this town has been a hub for milling as it is located in the heart of the grain-rich farmlands of rural Kilkenny. Begin a short hike near the studio of a world-renowned Irish potter at their riverside converted mill building, which you can visit, depending on the group’s desires. From here, follow your guide on a trek back into the city, hugging the banks of the River Nore – part of the mighty river system known as The Three Sisters. A host of cottage industries sprung up along the river during the pre-Famine years, including breweries, woollen mills, marble works and flax mills. The hike will finish up on the grounds of the 11th century Kilkenny Castle. Tonight, join your group and raise a toast to the Irish countryside with an included whiskey tasting session, accompanied by some traditional live Irish music in a local pub. Cheers! (B)

After an included breakfast, board a train with your group from Kilkenny to Dublin Heuston Station (approximately 1.5 hours). Your tour ends on arrival at the train station around 1 pm, where you are free to continue your own adventure or begin your homeward journey. (B)