Day 1 in Kilkenny

Welcome to Kilkenny! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Make your way to Kilkenny and arrive at your hotel. Check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!

You will most likely start your day pretty late, so let`s keep things light! Start at The Tholsel and enjoy the music from the vibrant buskers situated outside. Marvel at the St. Mary`s Medieval Mile Museum, the newest museum in Kilkenny, which tells the 800-year story of Ireland`s smallest city.

Day 2 in Kilkenny

Take time today to thoroughly explore Kilkenny`s Medieval Mile, which consists of sights on The Parade, Rose Inn Street, St. Kieran Street, High Street, Parliament Street, and Dean Street. Start bright and early at Kilkenny Castle, one of the oldest landmarks in the city, dating from the 12th century. Check out some of the hottest new contemporary art pieces from local artists at the Butler Gallery. Justice meets glamour at Grace`s Castle, once an elaborate townhouse owned by a rich family, now serving as the city's courthouse. Stroll through the public garden at Rothe House and take a look at their history exhibits.

St. Canice`s Cathedral features one of two climbable towers in all of Ireland, and it is one of the most popular religious sights in the country. Admire the beauty of the sculpture of the Madonna at St. Mary`s Cathedral. Take in all the sights of the Medieval Mile while making your way to The Black Abbey with its famed rosary window. Pass through Black Freren Gate and decide if you want to stop off for a drink in a pub or if you want to sit for dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Day 3 in Kilkenny

Start your day at either Dunmore Cave, which takes visitors over 100 feet into the Earth, or Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum, featuring strong trees like Redwoods and cedars on its `Pleasure Grounds`. Then make your way to Kilfane Glen and Waterfall, a serene paradise which is lush and green -- just like Ireland! Nearby is Jerpoint Abbey, constructed in the 12th century and which operated for over 300 years. Kells Priory is a nearby monastery which also thrived until Reformation, and has now yielded tens of thousands of Medieval historic artifacts, teaching us all about the people in this area and how they lived. End the afternoon with a trip to Smithwick`s Experience Kilkenny, where you can experience how Smithwick`s famous Irish ale is made, from start to finish (yes, you do get to try a pint!).

Additional Days in Kilkenny

About 65 miles northeast of Kilkenny is the town of Glendalough, known for being the home to one of the most important monastic sites in all of Ireland, the settlement founded by St. Kevin in the sixth century. The settlement includes buildings such as the stone-roofed St. Kevin Church, the round tower which stands nearly 100 feet high, and a once-majestic gateway into the settlement (the latter being completely unique in Ireland).

Southwest of Kilkenny by about 40 miles is one of Ireland`s most famous tourist attractions, the Rock of Cashel. The former site of the home to the kings of Munster, the land was donated to the Catholic Church in 1101. The buildings that exist today on the Rock include a round tower, a chapel, and a cathedral. Visitors enter through the Cathedral, which underwent a massive renovation in the 1970s.

History buffs will love Waterford, located about 35 miles south of Kilkenny. Ireland`s oldest city is located on the mouths of three rivers: the River Nore, the River Suir and the River Barrow. This resilient port city was conquered by the Vikings and the Normans -- but not by Oliver Cromwell -- and you can feel the city`s strength upon viewing the formidable Reginald`s Tower, the oldest Medieval monument in Ireland. Take a tour of the Waterford Crystal building and find out more about this unique and precious product, plus you can visit many other fun attractions!

Your Last Day in Kilkenny

Depart your hotel for the airport that will take you home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer; if so, a representative will meet you at the hotel in time to take you to the airport for your flight out.