The South East which consists of the five counties of Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford. Fondly referred to as the ‘Sunny South East’, the region is famous for its vibrant towns, rural getaways and coastal villages and resorts. The South East enjoys milder weather than elsewhere on the island. But on its own, that’s not reason alone to visit. The weather is important – very important – but it’s just one element of a much bigger and more attractive package in the South East.
Starting your tour in wonderful Wexford, indulge and relax at Dunbrody House, tv chef owned and renowned for its fabulous food. Experience the Irish Heritage Park and a trip on board the Irish Famine Ship, a step back in time. Brush up on your cookery skills with a course with Kevin Dundon himself and while the evening away at the National Opera House. Ferry out to Great Saltee Island to see our beautiful Irish Puffins and raw unspoiled coast.
Moving along the coast its a stop in Dungarvan in Co. Waterford and lunch at the acclaimed Tannery Restaurant before a tour and tasting at the world famous Jameson Distillery in Midleton. Arrive at Cork’s 5 star Hayfield Manor just in time for a pre dinner drink. Kiss the Blarney Stone and shop all things Ireland in Blarney Mills, enjoy a walk around their 5 beautifully landscaped gardens. A trip to Cork wouldn’t be complete without a hot whiskey or Port at The Mutton Lane pub before dinner at the hotel.
Wake up refreshed for today’s trip to beautiful coastal Kinsale, the foodie capital of Ireland. A food tour and lunch is on the days agenda before a trip to the wonderous Charles Fort before moving inland to Cashel in Co. Tipperary.
Home to the Rock of Cashel, this beautiful little town has lots to offer. A tour of the rock, followed by lunch at Mikey Ryans before an afternoon spent at the Glen of Aherlow. Gourmet offerings at Chez Hans await you that evening before retiring to your hotel for the night. At the foot of a hill — in the shadow of Ireland’s most iconic medieval site, the Rock of Cashel — stands another architectural masterpiece, Cashel Palace, an idyllic refuge where you can recharge your batteries before plunging into the area’s Celtic history or wandering through the enchanting moorland.
The final day of your tour will be spent in picturesque Killaloe, exploring by car and boat. A trip around Lough Derg, lunch in Larkins and a Guinness at Paddy’s Bar to finish the day.
Map
Dublin
Wexford
Cork
Tipperary
ACCOMMODATION
Dunbrody House
Luxury Boutique Hotel
Hayfield Manor Hotel, Cork
5 Star Hotels Ireland
Cashel Palace
5 Star Hotels Ireland
Experiences
Irish Famine Ship
As you arrive into the exhibition, they establish an illusion that you are an emigrant passenger by creating a theatre set with audio of voices from the past and a seamless interaction with live interpreters. Our exhibition is divided into three parts: Departure, Voyage and New World.
National Opera House
Irish Heritage Park
Evidence of Ireland’s unique and distinctive history is all around us, in the many monument sites and features to be seen across the island. But where can you go to see how people lived? What if you could compare a Stone Age settlement with a Viking Settlement and see how they differed and what they had in common? That was the idea behind The Irish National Heritage Park.
Midleton Distillery
At Jameson Distillery Midleton you’ll come face to face with the largest pot still in the world, see the new micro distillery in action, experience the live maturation warehouse and taste whiskeys along the way. You’ll even get the chance to make new friends at the bar. Private tours and tastings can be arranged.
Blarney Castle
Built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftans, Cormac MacCarthy, and has been attracting attention ever since. Over the last few hundred years, millions have flocked to Blarney making it a world landmark and one of Ireland’s greatest treasures. Now that might have something to do with the Blarney Stone, the legendary Stone of Eloquence, found at the top of our tower. Kiss it and you’ll never again be…
Charles Fort
Charles Fort played a role in some of Ireland's largest battles, including the Williamite War of 1689 and the Irish Civil War of 1922. Overlooking the Old Head of Kinsale, the fort also offers unbeatable views of the village. Declared a National Monument in 1973, this is a popular place for day visitors from Cork, especially during summer. Head out early to avoid long queues. Also, wear comfy walking shoes and be careful – the terrain here can be a bit uneven and there are 20 acres to explore.
The Rock of Cashel
Set on a dramatic outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale, the Rock of Cashel, iconic in its historic significance, possesses the most impressive cluster of medieval buildings in Ireland. Among the monuments to be found there is a round tower, a high cross, a Romanesque chapel, a Gothic cathedral, an abbey, the Hall of the Vicars Choral and a fifteenth-century Tower House.
Lough Derg Boat Tour
Lough Derg Boat Tours are based in Dromineer on the shore of Lough Derg and offer private and scheduled boat tours of this beautiful lake. Lough Derg is one of three lakes on the River Shannon which is the largest river in Ireland and stretches for over 200km. The lake is over 45 km in length and 8km wide in parts with Portumna at one end and Killaloe at the other. There are many other Towns and Villages surrounding the lake to explore. The lake is bounded by Counties Tipperary, Clare and Galway. Our tours are conducted by experts who have a deep knowledge and love for Lough Derg and all it has to offer. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing the many wonders and history of this great location.
Kinsale Food Tour
This tour takes in much of Kinsale by food while visiting a selection of local eateries. The beautiful medieval coastal town has much to offer in terms of scenery as well as being know as Ireland's foodie capital.
