This private day tour covers two of Ireland’s most historically rich cities in one long, well-paced day. Your driver-guide collects you from your accommodation in a private vehicle, and you’re back by early evening with a good sense of Ireland’s medieval and Viking past.
You leave Dublin at 08:00, heading southeast to County Kilkenny - about a 1.5-hour drive. Kilkenny Castle sits at the heart of the city, a spectacular medieval landmark with castle gardens in full colour. Entry to the castle is included in your tour price. After the castle you have free time to explore the medieval mile, the streets and shops of Kilkenny city, with your guide on hand to point out what’s worth seeing.
In the afternoon, you move on to Waterford - Ireland’s oldest city and once a Viking stronghold. Your guide walks you through the Viking Triangle, the inner city area that was ruled by Vikings for centuries. You’ll see a replica Viking ship, the tower that once held prisoners, and the burial ground of the Vikings. After the walking tour, your guide will suggest somewhere for lunch and, if you’re interested, a traditional Irish coffee.
The day finishes at Waterford Crystal, where a guided factory tour takes you through the glassblowing process and the story behind one of Ireland’s most recognisable exports. You’ll see the glassblowers at work and visit the factory shop. Waterford Crystal offers free shipping on purchases, with a fee for insurance.
What’s Included
Private vehicle with driver-guide
Water and phone charging points on board
Kilkenny Castle entrance fee
What’s Not Included
Food and drink
Any other attraction entrance fees
Itinerary
Kilkenny (approx. 3 hours) - Depart Dublin at 08:00, arriving in Kilkenny after approximately 1.5 hours. Visit Kilkenny Castle (entry included) and stroll the medieval mile through the heart of the medieval city.
Kilkenny city free time (approx. 1 hour) - Explore at your own pace. Your guide can recommend specific shops and places worth visiting.
Waterford Viking Triangle (approx. 2 hours) - Drive from Kilkenny to Waterford. Your guide walks you around the Viking Triangle, with a replica Viking ship, the old prisoner tower, and the Viking burial ground. Lunch is recommended at a local establishment afterwards.
Waterford Crystal (approx. 2 hours) - Guided factory tour showing the glassblowing process and the history of Waterford Crystal. Priceless pieces created for royalty and well-known personalities are on display. Visit the factory shop to purchase pieces, with free shipping available (insurance fee applies).
Return to Dublin (approx. 2 hours) - Journey back through the countryside, wrapping up a full day in the southeast.
Good to Know
This is a private tour.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.
Service animals are welcome.
Public transport is available nearby.
Specialised infant seats are available.
Suitable for all fitness levels.
Available in English.
Local Tips
The Medieval Mile in Kilkenny runs from the castle to St Canice’s Cathedral - a kilometre and a half of slip-lanes, limestone and alleyways. Your three hours here is enough to see the main sights, but if you want to climb the 9th-century round tower at the cathedral end, budget extra time and count the 100 steps.
For lunch in Kilkenny before the drive south, Foodworks on Parliament Street does sourdough, proper eggs and a brunch that’ll set you up for the afternoon - walk-ins usually fine before noon. Your guide will have other suggestions depending on the day.
At Kilkenny Castle, the parkland behind the gates is free to walk. If you’ve a few minutes after the tour, the path along the River Nore is worth it - herons on the bank, the old millrace, and a proper sense of the city’s shape.
The Waterford Crystal factory shop offers free shipping on purchases, so you don’t need to carry glass all the way back to Dublin. The insurance fee is worth factoring into your budget if you’re buying anything substantial.
In Waterford, the Viking Triangle - Reginald’s Tower, the Medieval Museum and the Bishop’s Palace - are all within a hundred paces of each other on the same short walk you’ll do with your guide. If there’s time after the Viking Triangle tour, the Reg pub on the Mall is built around a 900-year-old stretch of city wall and has trad most nights from 9pm.
If you’re thinking about lunch in Waterford after the Viking Triangle, Geoff’s on John Street is where the city actually eats - reliable, three generations at the same table on a Sunday, and a beer garden out the back.
Nearby on IrelandMe
Kilkenny - Smallest city in Ireland, with Kilkenny Castle at one end of the medieval mile and St Canice’s Cathedral at the other - and some of the best hurling pubs in the country in between.
Waterford - Ireland’s oldest city, founded by Vikings in 914 as Vedrarfjord. The Viking Triangle, Reginald’s Tower and the House of Waterford Crystal are all on the same short walk through the medieval core.
