11 Day Tour of Ireland map route itinerary

11 Day Discover 6 Day Great Southern Ireland TourIreland Tour

Southern Ireland Is Calling!

Knights and castles, mountains and coastlines; you're about to fall in love with eastern and southern Ireland!

Fully refreshed for 2024, this easy-paced 6 day small group tour itinerary departs Dublin and visits Tipperary, Cork, Cobh, Kinsale, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wicklow.

Our expert tour guides will inspire you at eye-opening destinations like Blarney Castle, the Rock of Cashel and the Jameson Irish Whiskey Distillery.

This 6 day fully escorted tour runs from April through October in 2024. There's no best month to visit, anytime is good; so take a moment, breathe the fresh air and savour all the beauty!

From €2,983.50 pps* Single Supplement €590.00

*Price displayed is the discounted price for Mar, Apr & Oct.

Rated 5/5

Enquire Now

Dates+Availability

Lots of Space! Limited Spaces (6 or Less) Sorry, Fully Booked!

2024

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Start:

Finish:

Price:

Single Supplement:

Spaces Status:

View Tour Itinerary

*Price displayed is the discounted price for Mar, Apr and Oct.

If the date you want is full please contact us and we will do our best to accomodate you.

A €250 deposit per person is all we need to secure your tour online. All our departure dates are guaranteed.

**All tours are charged in EURO. Exchange rates quoted are online rates and may differ to the rate our payment partner Flywire and banks offer.

Single Supplements apply to Single Room Occupancy.

Book with Confidence

Itinerary Reviews Tour FAQs Hotels Inclusions Photos

Reviews

Genuine Guest Reviews

Small Group Tours are the best

I loved the small group setting. Everything was more intimate and since we were in a smaller van, instead of a huge bus, we were able to explore areas that had less tourists, but still showed us the heart of Ireland. The hotels that were chosen were amazing, they had lots of room overall and always had wonderful breakfasts. As a solo traveler I was expecting much smaller accommodations, but was pleasantly surprised with very spacious rooms at the majority of stops. Our tour guide/driver was exceptional, relaying information about our various points of interest as well as places to be sure to see during all of our tour stops. He also made sure to check in to make sure that any experiences that we really wanted to have during our trip happened if it was at all possible. I cannot recomm…

Dennita Rittenback, 19th Feb 2024

More Than We Could Have Hoped For

We booked a Driftwood tour on the hope it would be more personal than a big ol’ bus tour…we got so. Much. More. The Vagabond/Driftwood team are not kidding when they say they want you to love Ireland as much as they do- the love they have for their country seeps through everything- care for the environment, sustainable business practices, support of the local artisan/restauranteur/hotelier/farmer, attention to guest’s wants and needs, thorough knowledge of Irish fact and fable. I’m proud to have roots in this country, and I’d be ever so grateful if my paths crossed with this company again. Lots of grá!

Laura, 23rd Jan 2024

11 Day “Discover Ireland” Tour - September 2023

My wife and I did a Driftwood tour of Ireland 9/19/23 - 9/29/23. We had toured the country with Vagabond in 2012 so we had some familiarity with the itinerary, but our guide did a masterful job of making each day a fresh experience. She went out of her way to get to know each person on tour and to maximize everyone’s enjoyment of the various landmarks and daily activities. She also accommodated our requests to do or see things we had particularly enjoyed on our previous tours. Vagabond was a pleasure to deal with from the time we booked the tour, through several months of anticipation, to the end of the tour. We would HIGHLY recommend them to anyone interested in a small group tour of Ireland.

Greg And Suzanne Wright, 31st Dec 2023

11 Day Tour On TripAdvisor

Driftwood 11 Day Discover Ireland

"SUPERLATIVE"

11 Day tour group having fun on the beach in Ireland

The accommodations ranged from excellent to downright luxurious. Even the van used for touring was extremely comfortable.

We visited all of the must see locations as you would expect but some of the highlights were the out of the way and lesser known locations selected by our tour guide Tim ...

Tim provided insight into his Irish history that can only be obtained from a guide dedicated to providing the best possible all-round experience ... He went out of his way to ensure that the individual wishes of each member of the tour were satisfied.

VERIFIED GUEST, OCTOBER 2023

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Driftwood 11 Day Discover Ireland

"HIGHLY RECOMMEND"

11 day tour group having fun in scenic Ireland

We made such great friends along the way. I credit a lot of this to our tour guide, Tomas who was so inclusive and encouraging to all.

I consider Vagabond the best choice because they are flexible and open to suggestions ... for example, Tomas helped arrange a rowing experience for us with short notice based on us just mentioning interest.

It was obvious that Vagabond's only goal is to make sure their customers have an excellent experience while visiting Ireland. Highly recommend!

BARBARA, OCTOBER 2023

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Driftwood 11 Day Discover Ireland

"BEYOND OUR EXPECTATIONS"

11 day tour group with their vehicle and hotel in Ireland

From the moment of first contact until the end of our 11 Day Driftwood Tour, we received excellent customer service and quick to respond to inquiries.

Our tour guide, Tomás, was excellent. His humor and knowledge of the sites we visited kept our group entertained while traveling in the van.

Our van rides were comfortable and it was nice having Tomás expertly maneuver the roadways.

VERIFIED GUEST, OCTOBER 2023

View on Trip Advisor

Tour FAQs

Find answers to questions about the 11 Day Driftwood Discover Ireland Tour itinerary.

When & Where Do Vagabond/Driftwood Tours Depart From?

All of our tours leave from our pick-up/drop-off point at the Grand Canal Hotel in Dublin.

Our pick-up times from the Grand Canal Hotel vary by tour:

Who Guides The Tours?

All of our tours are fully guided by our team of expert driver guides.

We call them VagaGuides.

What Activities Have Weight Limits?

We always put guest safety first on Vagabond Cultural Adventures.

For this reason, when engaging in kayaking and horseback-riding activities, the following personal weight limits apply:

🐴 Horseback-Riding

Male weight limit: 238lbs / 17 stone / 108kg

Female weight limit: 225lbs / 16 stone / 102kg

🛶 Kayaking

Per person Double Kayak weight limit: 110kg / 17.5 stone / 245lbs

Total Double Kayak weight limit for 2 guests: 190kg / 30 stone / 420lbs

Per person Single Kayak weight limit: 92kg / 14.5 stone / 200lbs.

Are There Any Luggage Restrictions?

Yes, we do operate a limit on luggage.

Owing to the compact nature of our small-group tour vehicles, your luggage limit is one suitcase per person (no bigger than 30” or 75cm along their longest side).

What Day Do Tours Return To Dublin?

To help you plan your return flights, here are the days and times that our tours return to Dublin.

The return point for all tours is Dublin's Grand Canal Hotel

Where Can I Do Laundry On Tour?

Serviced laundry facilities are available on tours that stay 2 nights in the following towns:

🧺 Dingle - Check which tours visit Dingle

Do All Hotels Provide Separate Bathrooms?

Yes, all hotel rooms on Vagabond and Driftwood Tours of Ireland are ensuite.

Expect your own separate bathroom with toilet, sink and shower and/or bath.

Where Is My Luggage Stored On Tour Vehicles?

The answer depends on which tour style you have chosen.

Driftwood vehicles have space for luggage onboard. Vagabond vehicles tow a trailer.

Hotels

We put great effort into selecting accommodation. Your 11 Day Driftwood Discover Ireland Tour will overnight in locally-owned establishments (in some cases for generations). No hotel chains here!

🔄 Please note that your 11 Day Driftwood Discover Ireland Tour itinerary may run in either clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. Minor differences in accommodation exist between the two directions of the tour. Please contact us if you have any queries in this regard.

Actons Hotel Kinsale

Over the years, Actons Hotel has established a reputation for personalised guest care.

This matches our own high standards at Vagabond & Driftwood Tours.

Allied with breathtaking maritime views over Kinsale Harbour, Actons Hotel offers the perfect base to explore the famous county of Cork.

Savour the luxurious spa, relax in your modern, comfortable room or grab a bite to eat in the outdoor garden dining area.

Exterior of Acton's Hotel in Kinsale, Cork

Exterior view of Actons Hotel with views of the harbour views

Bayview Hotel

Hear the waves crash outside your bedroom...

The Bayview Hotel is a fine manor house hotel, located on cliffs above the Celtic Sea in Cork.

Wander its delightful gardens or explore the beautiful fishing village of Ballycotton with its sandy beaches.

Only lucky Driftwood guests on our 6 Day Ancient Ireland Tour get to enjoy the Bayview Hotel.

Bayview Hotel in Ballycotton, Cork, Ireland

A view of bayview hotel on the cliff with the harbour in front with boats in it

The Tower Hotel

Welcome to the heart of Waterford city, Ireland's oldest urban settlement.

The Tower Hotel overlooks Waterford's famous waterfront.

Lucky for our Driftwood guests, this is the city's most central location.

Why the Tower? Well, your home for the night overlooks the 600-year-old Reginald's Tower.

Step outside and you're free to explore the vibrant Viking Triangle area, with multiple cultural attractions and dining options on your doorstep.

Interior of lounge at Tower Hotel Waterford

Pembroke Hotel Kilkenny

This 4 star hotel in Kilkenny is situated right in the centre of Kilkenny city.

With over 400 years of history and a vast array of beautiful countryside to explore, the Pembroke Hotel in Kilkenny provides a perfect base for Driftwooders.

The Pembroke is an extremely comfortable hotel with delicious food.

Don't miss the fun 'shebeen' space for socialising.

Couple enter the Pembroke Hotel in Kilkenny

A fountain spraying water with kilkenny castle in the background

Inclusions

All Driftwood tours are flexible. Your 11 Day Driftwood Discover Ireland Tour is no different.

Unmissable activities are included. Where there are great options, we’ve left the final decision up to you. Feel free to choose your evening meals and lunches. All additional tour options are marked clearly below.

What's Included In Your Trip

A journey of discovery in a super-comfy, slick Mercedes mini-coach
The services of a highly-trained and professional VagaGuide tour guide
6 full days on tour
5 nights' accommodation
5 delicious and filling hot Irish breakfasts
Most daily activities and essential attractions
Guided Tour of Jerpoint Park
Guided Tour of the Dunbrody Famine Ship
Wicklow Sheepdog Demo & Sheep Farm Experience
Guided Tour of the Jameson Whiskey Distillery
Guided Tour of Hook Lighthouse
Entrance into Tintern Abbey
Entrance into Rock of Cashel
Entrance into Blarney Castle & Gardens

All details of prices and suppliers listed here are correct at time of publication. Our suppliers occasionally increase prices for optional tour activities during the touring season. This is a rare occurence. In the unlikely event of a major price increase, we will do our utmost to update you.

** Cash is required for this activity. No card payment available.

Flexible and optional activities on tour

Queenstown Experience
€12.00
Museum attraction about Cobh's role in emigration and the Titanic.
Waterford Freedom Pass
€20
Access five museums and take a 60 minute walking tour in central Waterford.
Waterford Crystal Tour
€17.00
Guided tour of famous glass-making factory and craft glassware collection.
King of the Vikings VR
€10.00
Watch Vikings come to life at his virtual reality experience in Waterford.
Kilkenny Castle
€8.00
Self-guided tour of 12th century Kilkenny Castle.
Shenanigans Kilkenny Walking Tour
€22.40
Discover Ireland’s medieval capital on foot. Mix of historical facts and fun.
Smithwick's Brewery Tour
€18.00
Guided tour and ale tasting at the Smithwick’s Brewery in Kilkenny

Vagabond, Always going that extra mile

Our tour prices do not include flights, travel insurance or Dublin accommodation

Guaranteed Booking Price

Amazing VagaGuides! Read More

All Taxes & VAT

Responsible Tours Read More

Loads of Laughs

Photos

A view of tintern abbey taken from a bridge with blue skys

a drone shot of hook lighthouse on the hook peninsula

rock of cashel from an aerial view with a blue sky

an aerial view of the ballycotton coastline

An aerial view of glendalough national park

The front sign on the house of waterford building

a sheepdog working to gather sheep on a farm

Itinerary

View Itinerary

6 Day Great Southern Ireland Tour Intro & Highlights

Explore historic cities, like Kilkenny and Waterford; both with elegant medieval buildings.
Soak up stunning scenery in the Wicklow Mountains National Park, Ireland’s largest upland wilderness area.
Encounter jaw-dropping landscapes at Glendalough, a 6th century monastic site in a glaciated valley.
Experience quaint villages, such as Cobh, ‘one of Europe's most beautiful small towns’ (Condé Nast Traveler).
Take an Irish whiskey tasting tour at the historic Jameson Distillery near Cork.
Tour secluded coves and ancient relics along the criminally underrated Copper Coast.
Kiss the Blarney Stone and wander through the magical Blarney Castle & Gardens.
Follow in the footsteps of Viking raiders and Norman knights, who invaded and settled Ireland's southeast.

A smiling Driftwood tour group on a guided tour of the Jameson Whiskey Distillery in Midleton, Ireland

Day 1: Blarney Stone & Rock of Cashel

Begin your 6 day Ireland tour at Grand Canal Hotel in Dublin at 8.10am. Board your Mercedes tour vehicle, bound for Tipperary and Cork.

Take a self-guided tour of the imposing medieval complex at the Rock of Cashel (Fee Included).
Kiss the Blarney Stone to receive the gift o' the gab (Fee Included) .
Imbued with your new powers, chatter your way around the lush gardens at Blarney Castle (Fee Included).

Accommodation tonight is at Actons Hotel.

The average driving time today is 4 hours 30 minutes.

Aerial drone shot of the Rock of Cashel in Ireland — Tour the monastic site at the Rock of Cashel in Tipperary

Smiling Driftwood tour group at Blarney Castle & Gardens in Ireland — Kiss the Blarney Stone amidst the lush surroundings of Blarney Castle Gardens

Day 2: Cobh & Irish Whiskey Tour

The second day of your 6 day southern Ireland tour is a pleasant ramble through charming coastal towns in Cork.

Choose free time exploring the colourful streets of Kinsale or a scenic coastal drive to the Old Head of Kinsale.
Delve into maritime history in Cobh — pronounced cove — an historic town located on an island in Cork Harbour.
Taste authentic Irish whiskey on a guided tour of the Jameson Whiskey Distillery, in Midleton (Fee Included).

Accommodation tonight is at The Bayview Hotel.

The average driving time today is 3 hours.

A group of actors dressed in old dresses and suits from the past on Cobh pier — Visit the historic maritime town of Cobh, County Cork.

An island with a lighthouse and a harbour in Ballycotton, Cork, Ireland — Explore beautiful Ballycotton in this the hidden gem of east Cork

Day 3: The Copper Coast

On day 3 of your southern Ireland tour, you’ll take the scenic route from Ballycotton to Waterford, Ireland's oldest city.

Scenic drive through the Comeragh Mountains, including a short walk to Mahon Falls.
Drift along the Copper Coast to visit secluded coves and see dramatic sea stacks.
Discover wonderful Waterford, a city first established on the south coast by 10th century Vikings.

Accommodation tonight is at The Tower Hotel.

The average driving time today is 3 hours.

Pink thrift wildflowers, coastal rocks and turquoise waters along the Copper Coast in Ireland — Discover secret coves and geological wonders on the Copper Coast

Blue sky and beach along the Copper Coast in Ireland — Cruise along the Copper Coast to admire breathtaking ocean cliffs

Day 4: Lighthouse Tour & Waterford City

Freedom abound on day 3, exploring Waterford and Wexford – the twin jewels of southern Ireland.

Don't miss a guided tour of the world's oldest operational lighthouse at Hook Head (Fee Included).
Meet the Normans at 13th century Tintern Abbey and its beautiful gardens (Fee Included).
Free afternoon in Waterford to relax, wander the streets or visit several heritage attractions (Optional Extra).

Accommodation tonight is at The Tower Hotel.

The average driving time today is 2 hours.

Hook Lighthouse with blue sky behind in Ireland — Tour the world's oldest operational lighthouse at Hook Head

A tour guest poses with a herd of cows with the ruins of Tintern Abbey in Ireland — Walk in awe around the ruins and walled garden at 13th century Tintern Abbey

Day 5: Kilkenny Castle & Jerpoint Park

Your tour moves from historic Waterford to medieval Kilkenny.

Step on-board the Dunbrody Famine Ship; an exact replica of a 19th century Irish emigrant vessel (Fee Included).
Take a guided tour of the historic ruins at Jerpoint Park (Fee Included).
This afternoon, relax with free time in Kilkenny or choose a self-guided tour of Kilkenny Castle (Optional Extra).

Accommodation tonight is at The Pembroke Hotel.

The average driving time today is 1 hours 30 minutes.

The Dunbrody Famine Ship under the sunset — Step aboard an atmospheric replica 1840s emigrant vessel

Aerial shot of Kilkenny Castle in Ireland — Go back in time on a self-guided tour of Kilkenny Castle

Day 6: Kilkenny & Wicklow Mountains National Park

Turning northward, your tour takes in amazing sights on the journey from Kilkenny back to Dublin.

Discover Bronze Age Rathgall – one of Ireland’s largest ringforts.
Enjoy a sheepdog demo at a working Irish sheep farm (Fee Included).
Cross the wilderness of Wicklow Mountains National Park.
Explore the 6th century monastery of Glendalough.

The average driving time today is 3 hours 30 minutes.

Scenic view of the upper lake in Glendalough, Ireland — Explore the 6th century monastery and glaciated mountain valley in Glendalough.

Aerial drone shot of circular stone fort at Rathgall in Ireland — Travel back to the Bronze Age at Rathgall, one of Ireland’s largest ringforts.

Dates+Availability

Lots of Space! Limited Spaces (6 or Less) Sorry, Fully Booked!

2024

May 2024

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20212223242526
2728293031

June 2024

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10111213141516
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24252627282930

July 2024

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
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891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031

August 2024

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031

September 2024

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
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2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
30

October 2024

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
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78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031

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March 2025

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
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3456789
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24252627282930
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April 2025

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78910111213
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282930

May 2025

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
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567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031

June 2025

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
30

July 2025

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031

August 2025

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
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45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031

September 2025

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
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891011121314
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October 2025

MoTuWeThFrSaSu
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6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031

Start:

Finish:

Price:

Spaces Status:

Enquire Now

*Price displayed is the discounted price for Mar, Apr and Oct.

If the date you want is full please contact us and we will do our best to accomodate you.

A €250 deposit per person is all we need to secure your tour online. All our departure dates are guaranteed.

**All tours are charged in EURO. Exchange rates quoted are online rates and may differ to the rate our payment partner Flywire and banks offer.

Single Supplements apply to Single Room Occupancy.

11 Day Discover 6 Day Great Southern Ireland TourIreland Tour

Southern Ireland Is Calling!

2024

May 2024

June 2024

July 2024

August 2024

September 2024

October 2024

2025

March 2025

April 2025

May 2025

June 2025

July 2025

August 2025

September 2025

October 2025

Genuine Guest Reviews

11 Day Tour On TripAdvisor

When & Where Do Vagabond/Driftwood Tours Depart From?

Who Guides The Tours?

What Activities Have Weight Limits?

Are There Any Luggage Restrictions?

What Day Do Tours Return To Dublin?

Where Can I Do Laundry On Tour?

Do All Hotels Provide Separate Bathrooms?

Where Is My Luggage Stored On Tour Vehicles?

Actons Hotel Kinsale

Bayview Hotel

The Tower Hotel

Pembroke Hotel Kilkenny

6 Day Great Southern Ireland Tour Intro & Highlights

Day 1: Blarney Stone & Rock of Cashel

Day 2: Cobh & Irish Whiskey Tour

Day 3: The Copper Coast

Day 4: Lighthouse Tour & Waterford City

Day 5: Kilkenny Castle & Jerpoint Park

Day 6: Kilkenny & Wicklow Mountains National Park

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