Ha'penny Bridge, Dublin

Dublin & Ireland’s Ancient East

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Overview

Suggested Itinerary

What's Included?

Accommodation & Prices

Car Hire

Overview

Self-Drive Holidays

8 Nights

Fully customisable itinerary
Prices from: £1180 per person
Best time to go: April - October
Transport: Rental car included (optional)

Highlights

Dublin

Stroll along the River Liffey promenade and admire the beautiful Georgian architecture of Ireland’s capital city. Visit the Book of Kells at Trinity College or wander through the cobblestone streets of Temple Bar and sip a warming cup of Irish coffee in an old Victorian pub.

Prehistoric wonders

Visit one of Ireland’s richest archaeological sites, located on the banks of the River Boyne. Known for the ancient passage tombs of Knowth, Newgrange, and Dowth which were built around 3200 BC.

Wicklow Mountains National Park

Explore Ireland’s largest national park, boasting meandering mountain trails, serene lakes, and historical gems including the Glendalough Monastic City. Wander through quaint villages and ancient settlements hidden amongst the rolling landscape.

Historic Kilkenny

Discover the Marble City and travel back in time to Ireland’s Medieval Mile, packed with historic architectural marvels, breweries, pubs and music. Don’t miss exploring Kilkenny Castle – a striking Anglo-Norman fortress overlooking the River Nore.

Medieval castles

Visit some of the country’s most magnificent castles, including the historic Rock of Cashel, the 13th-century Cahir Castle, and the Anglo-Norman Trim Castle.

The Copper Coast

Explore the Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark, the spectacular coastline in County Waterford. Discover picturesque seaside villages, scalloped beaches and hidden coves surrounded by rocky headlands.

An Enchanting Journey Through Historic Ireland

Prepare for an inspiring adventure through Ireland’s Ancient East, where thousands of years of captivating history come to life.

Wander through picturesque landscapes, delve into the profound heritage of this remarkable region, and discover medieval wonders, monastic legacies, and stunning landscapes.

Begin your tour in Dublin, Ireland’s vibrant capital city. Enjoy the bustling atmosphere in Grafton Street and Temple Bar and visit world-class attractions, such as the Book of Kells Exhibition in Trinity College, Dublin Castle, or the Guinness Storehouse.

Then, escape to County Wicklow, a natural oasis on Dublin’s doorstep. Wander through the formal gardens of the Powerscourt Estate and savour the seaside charm of Bray. Onwards to the rugged peaks of the Wicklow Mountains National Park with inviting hikes through forest, glens, and glistening lakes. Explore the ancient monastic settlement of Glendalough, where history comes alive against the backdrop of stunning natural beauty.

It’s then southward bound to Kilkenny, where you can delve deep into the city’s rich history at the magnificent Kilkenny Castle and its Medieval Mile brimming with architectural marvels, local breweries, and lively pubs. Visit the many castles that surround the area, venturing into the depths of Dunmore Cave and the Rock of Cashel. Or head further south to discover the wonderful Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark.

Your journey culminates with a scenic drive back to Dublin where you can spend a little more time enjoying your Irish experience before your onward travel.

Suggested Itinerary

The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer. Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists.

We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you.

Day 1: Arrive in Dublin

Welcome to Dublin, Ireland’s vibrant capital city. Dublin is easily walkable and full of character, with a blend of Victorian pubs, Georgian townhouses, and modern buildings. Enjoy an evening stroll along the River Liffey and make your way to Temple Bar, where you can sample Dublin’s legendary nightlife.
Overnight – Dublin

Day 2: Dublin Sightseeing

Today you will join an included City Sightseeing Bus Tour which will take you to some of the city’s top attractions. These include the Book of Kells Exhibition at Trinity College, Dublin Castle, St Patrick’s Cathedral, and the Irish Whiskey Museum.

Later, an included tour of the Guinness Storehouse is an excellent way to learn the story of Ireland’s most beloved export. Soak up 360-degree views from the Gravity Bar while you savour a pint of the world-renowned stout.
Overnight – Dublin

Day 3: Dublin Sightseeing

Venture north on a day trip to mystical Brú na Bóinne. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for the prehistoric passage tombs of Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth, which were built circa 3200 BC. These structures hold significant megalithic art and are vital to our understanding of the era.

Why not take a slight detour to visit the magnificent Trim Castle, used as a shooting location for the film ‘Braveheart’?
Overnight – Dublin

Day 4: Dublin to Wicklow

Just a short drive from the bustling city of Dublin is the rolling countryside of County Wicklow, an area filled with mountains, forests, serene lakes, and quaint villages. Take some time today to visit Powerscourt Estate’s beautiful formal gardens and the charming coastal town of Bray.
Overnight – Wicklow area

Day 5: Wicklow Mountains National Park Sightseeing

Start the day with a hike along one of the many fantastic trails in the Wicklow Mountains National Park. Take a scenic drive through the mountains and discover picturesque Glendalough, with its ancient monastic settlement.
Overnight – Wicklow area

Day 6: Wicklow to Kilkenny

Continue south towards Kilkenny and discover Ireland’s Medieval Mile, packed with historic architectural marvels, breweries, pubs and music. Uncover captivating Irish history at Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice’s Cathedral, and Rothe House.
Overnight – Kilkenny

Day 7: Kilkenny Sightseeing

Join a guided tour into the limestone chambers of Dunmore Cave where Viking stories and fascinating geology merge. Or head into County Tipperary to visit the dramatic Rock of Cashel, a striking collection of medieval buildings with views over the Golden Vale.
Overnight – Kilkenny

Day 8: Kilkenny Sightseeing

Enjoy a day out at the Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark, which gets its name from the 19th-century copper mines in the area. Cycle along the Waterford Greenway, or follow one of the many coastal walking trails in the park, which link pretty seaside villages, sandy beaches and secret coves.
Overnight – Kilkenny

Day 9: Depart Kilkenny

After breakfast, it’s less than a two-hour drive back to Dublin, where your Irish adventure comes to an end.

What's Included?

Your holiday includes:

Carefully selected en-suite accommodation for 8 nights including traditional Irish breakfast
Comprehensive information pack and local visitor information
Personalised itinerary with our recommendations for the best places to eat and drink and sightseeing suggestions
Map of Ireland with our recommended driving route
6 days rental of an Economy car (other vehicle categories available) including comprehensive insurance
Tickets for the Dublin City Sightseeing Tour
Tickets for the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin
24-hour emergency contact number
Full financial protection

Your holiday doesn't include:

Travel insurance
Flights
Lunches and evening meals

Accommodation & Prices

Special Places to Stay

Premium

Standard

We know that after a busy day of sightseeing, an exceptional place to stay makes all the difference. That’s why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay.

Our discerning team has a wealth of experience, and we extensively research and regularly review all of the accommodation we select for our clients.

Please choose from one of our accommodation categories below. If you wish to combine these categories or perhaps upgrade for a special occasion let us know in your enquiry.

Car Hire

Our packages include car rental and comprehensive insurance for the duration of your holiday. Absolute Escapes has an excellent relationship with a number of car hire operators and we are able to offer quality vehicles and great value for money.

If you plan to bring your own vehicle, we are also able to offer this itinerary without a rental car.

All our packages include:

Collision Damage Waiver
Super Damage Excess Waiver
Third Party Insurance
Theft Waiver
Tax

Economy

Vauxhall Corsa or similar

Good for 2 people
Maximum of 4 passengers
2 large suitcases
Manual or automatic transmission

Compact

Ford Focus or similar

Good for 2 – 4 people
Maximum of 5 passengers
2 large suitcases
Manual or automatic transmission

Intermediate

Volkswagen Passat or similar

Good for up to 4 people
Maximum of 5 passengers
3 large suitcases
Manual or automatic transmission

Fullsize

VW Sharan or similar

Good for 5 people
Maximum of 7 passengers
3 – 4 large suitcases
Manual or automatic transmission

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