A GLIMPSE OF IRELAND: THE SOUTH-EAST

Day 1 – Dublin’s Fair City
Welcome to Dublin. After you pick up your car, transfer to your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day soaking up the atmosphere of this exciting city which includes statue-lined O’Connell Street, with the “Spire” at its centre and the General Post Office, scene of the 1916 Easter uprising as well as many elegant Georgian squares. Why not visit some of its many attractions such as the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College or the Old Jameson Distillery. Overnight: Dublin area  

Day 2 – Wicklow & Waterford
This morning depart your hotel for Wicklow, known as the “Garden of Ireland”.  Travel through the scenic Wicklow Mountains where you can visit Powerscourt Gardens. Here you will be able to stroll around the 45 acre garden, long regarded as one of the most splendid in Europe. Continue on to Glendalough, the "Valley of the two Lakes", a 6th century monastic site of great cultural and historic interest and a renowned beauty spot of        
Ireland. Set in a glaciated valley with two lakes, the 6th Century monastic remains include a superb round tower, stone churches and decorated crosses. Continuing south towards Waterford why not visit the Dunbrody Emigrant Ship in New Ross, where you will immediately be drawn to the magnificent sight of the masts and rigging of the historic emigrant ship. Continue on to Waterford City, the capital of the “sunny south east” of Ireland for overnight. Overnight: Waterford area  

Day 3 – Waterford & the Vee
This morning, why not take a scheduled walking tour of Waterford City, where the guide brings the fascinating history of the city alive.  Waterford City was established in Viking times and it has an exciting medieval flavour and riverside bustle. Before you leave you could visit the world famous House of Waterford Crystal comprising an actual living and breathing crystal factory tour, visitor centre and opulent retail store housing the largest collection of Waterford Crystal in the world. Why not travel north through the  
Knockmealdown Mountains and the famous Vee to the heritage town of Lismore? The Vee,  a spectacular gap in the mountains gives views of west Waterford, Tipperary and the Galtee Mountains in the distance. Legend has it that local farmer Samuel Grubbs arranged to be buried standing up in the Vee to gaze on it for all eternity.  Overnight: Waterford area  

Day 4 – Kilkenny & Dublin
Leave Waterford this morning and travel northwards to the medieval city of Kilkenny. Take some time to stroll through the narrow streets and alleyways of the city. Visit Kilkenny Castle, standing on a majestic site beside the River Nore in the heart of historic and picturesque city.  This magnificent castle, dating from 1172, lies in a beautiful 50-acre park.  Depart Kilkenny and travel northwards, through Kildare where you can visit the Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens. The gardens consist of almost 4 acres of woodland and lakeside walks and are designed to capture the beauty of the Irish landscape.  Overnight: Dublin area  

Day 5 – Dublin
Departure Travel to Dublin Airport for return flight home.