Ireland's Ancient East
Tour Kilkenny's Medieval Mile and Castle, the Rock of Cashel, Waterford's Viking Triangle, and Glendalough's seventh-century monastic city.
Ancient Ireland & Wales
An extended Celtic journey pairing the uncrowded monasteries, castles, and medieval towns of Ireland's Ancient East with the mountains and seaside resorts of North Wales.
- Group size16 – 32 guests
- Duration12 Days / 11 Nights
- StyleSmall-group escorted tour
About this tour
An extended Celtic journey pairing the uncrowded monasteries.
Combine two Celtic nations on one extended vacation, discovering the undiscovered, uncrowded, and unspoiled corners of Ireland's Ancient East before crossing the Irish Sea to North Wales. Lonely Planet ranks both on its 'Best in Travel' list and singles out the Ancient East as a new highlight.
Enjoy the warmth and 'Cead Mile Failte', the hundred thousand welcomes, that the Irish and Welsh are renowned for in their native lands. From the medieval streets of Kilkenny and the Rock of Cashel to the Victorian resort of Llandudno and the peaks of Snowdonia, a very big welcome awaits.
What's included
Tour highlights
Historic villages
Explore the quaint riverside villages of Inistioge, Graiguenamanagh, and Thomastown in County Kilkenny.
Castles and estates
Visit Lismore Castle, Johnstown Castle Estate and Gardens, and the magnificent Powerscourt House and Gardens.
North Wales castles
Cross to Wales for the three 'iron ring' castles of Conwy, Caernarfon, and Beaumaris, and a stay in Victorian Llandudno.
Snowdonia by rail
Ride the vintage Ffestiniog Railway through Snowdonia, tour Portmeirion, and walk around Llyn Idwal near the Devil's Kitchen.
Day by day
Your itinerary
- 1Day 1
Welcome to Ireland
Arrive at Dublin Airport and travel through Leinster to Kilkenny, with a welcome reception and dinner with traditional Irish music.
- 2Day 2
A Kilkenny Day
Tour Kilkenny's Medieval Mile and Castle, the villages of Inistioge, Graiguenamanagh, and Thomastown, and a distillery or brewery.
- 3Day 3
A Tipperary Day
Visit the Rock of Cashel and tour Cahir Castle.
- 4Day 4
A Waterford Day
Explore Waterford's Viking Triangle, the House of Waterford Crystal Factory, and Lismore Castle.
- 5Day 5
A Wicklow Day
Visit Glendalough's monastic settlement and the Powerscourt House and Gardens.
- 6Day 6
A Travel Day
Travel to Dublin Ferry Port, sail to Holyhead, and check in at a four-star hotel in Llandudno, Wales.
- 7Day 7
A Conwy Day
Guided tour of Conwy town and castle, followed by the Italianate terraces of Bodnant Gardens.
- 8Day 8
A Snowdonia Day
Explore the National Slate Museum, stroll Llyn Padarn, walk up to Dolbadarn Castle, and visit Beddgelert.
- 9Day 9
A Menai Strait Day
Visit the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum and tour Caernarfon and Beaumaris castles.
- 10Day 10
A Portmeirion Day
Tour the village of Portmeirion and ride the vintage Ffestiniog Railway through Snowdonia.
- 11Day 11
A Travel Day
Travel through North Wales to Holyhead and sail back to Dublin for the last night of the tour.
- 12Day 12
Departure Day
Tour ends after breakfast, with most departing to fly home.
A glimpse
Scenes from Wales
More in Wales
Other Wales tours
Ready when you are