Wilkinson's Ancient East Adventure

Saturday 14th June – Saturday 21st June 2025

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Overview

Picturesque coastal towns and villages, green pastoral fields, soaring cliffs, wild barren landscapes, the crash of the ocean, the laugh of a local. Ireland is romantic, and authentic, a home away from home where both old and modern seem to cohabit seamlessly on a small island in the middle of the sea. Packed with history and tradition your days are spent exploring the island of Ireland’s famous and off-the-beaten-track sites of natural, cultural and political interest. A world-renowned food scene means your evenings are spent dining in style and with the promise of a pub just around the corner, music and laughter are never far away. Your trip to Ireland will surprise and delight you but the people of Ireland will stay with you, long after your journey has taken you home.

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Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Saturday 14th June | Culinary Delight in Cork | Overnight: Ballymaloe

Day 2 | Sunday 15th June | Ballycotton Cliff Walk | Overnight: Cork

Day 3 | Monday 16th June | Visit Charles Fort and Discover Kinsale | Overnight: Cork

Day 4 | Tuesday 17th June | Medieval Kilkenny | Overnight: Kilkenny

Day 5 | Wednesday 18th June | Glendalough Monastic Site | Overnight: Powerscourt

Day 6 | Thursday 19th June | Wicklow Mountains National Park | Overnight: Powerscourt

Day 7 | Friday 20th June | Wicklow to Dublin | Overnight: Dublin

Day 8 | Saturday 21st June | Depart

Day by Day

Day 1 - Saturday 14th June - Culinary Delight in Cork

Arrive in Cork today and make your way towards the renowned Ballymaloe House for a delicious afternoon of touring the grounds, gardens and beautiful estate. As the warm, homely smell wafts into the air, enjoy chatting about Ireland’s food heritage. This evening, dine in Ballymaloe House, your wonderful accommodation.

 

Overnight: Ballymaloe | Ballymaloe House
Room Type: Classic House Room
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2 - Sunday 15th June - Ballycotton Cliff Walk

After a leisurely breakfast at Ballymaloe, you’ll set off for Ballycotton, a charming coastal village just a short drive away. Once there, you’ll have the chance to experience the stunning Ballycotton Cliff Walk, where rugged cliffs meet the sea, offering breathtaking views of the coastline and lush countryside.  After, you’ll continue your journey to Hayfield Manor, your luxurious 5-star accommodation. There, you can unwind in the elegance and comfort of one of Cork’s most renowned hotels.

Overnight: Cork | Hayfield Manor
Room Type: Manor King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Monday 16th June - Visit Charles Fort and Discover Kinsale

After breakfast, head south and meander through the bright coastal town of Kinsale. Historically a medieval fishing port, its spectacular waterfront setting and candy-coloured houses, shops and restaurants, make it a glorious blend of old and the new. A walk to the historic Charles Fort – a 17th-century military fortress which stretches across the cliffs and down to the seashore. Learn about the turbulent years of the Williamite War and hear the haunting tale of the White Lady. This afternoon, join a local for a delicious food tour, discovering Kinsale’s culinary delights. Return to your hotel this evening, perhaps sitting in the blooming courtyard garden to enjoy a cocktail before dinner.

Overnight: Cork | Hayfield Manor
Room Type: Manor King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Tuesday 17th June - Medieval Kilkenny

The medieval town of Kilkenny is certainly one of our best-kept secrets. An artsy, colourful town, Kilkenny is home to local artists such as ceramics and other hand-made crafts found in the craft village. Probably the most impressive sight in town is Kilkenny Castle. One of the most fascinating castles in Ireland, learn about the massive restoration process behind the castle, following clues back through the years to restore the castle to its former glory. As the hometown of Smithwick’s beer, you’ll certainly have to enjoy some of the local brews.

Overnight: Kilkenny | Lyrath Estate
Room Type: Manor House Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Wednesday 18th June - Glendalough Monastic Site

Glendalough Monastery is one of the oldest and most significant monastic and pilgrimage sites in Ireland. Founded by St Kevin in the 7th century as a respite from the world, it eventually grew into an important centre of learning, its scholars producing astonishing illuminated manuscripts as well as astronomical and mathematical texts. Not only is Glendalough’s history intriguing, its setting in the lush wooded valley of two lakes is stunning. Also, perhaps make the time to visit local potter Nicolas Mosse’s studio or learn about the age-old tradition of handweaving at a 300-year-old family-run establishment.

Overnight: Powerscourt | Powerscourt Hotel
Room Type: Superior Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Thursday 19th June - Wicklow Mountains National Park

One of Ireland’s six national parks, the Wicklow Mountains are the epitome of Irish countryside. With your guide, pull on your hiking boots to trundle through the heather-topped Wicklow Mountains, following trails once traversed by pilgrims and monks. On your way, bask in panoramas of patchwork fields dotted with white fluffy sheep, each lined with hedgerows and old stone walls. With a few different options through the Wicklow Mountains, work with your guide to find the best one for you and your group. In the evening, tuck into a cosy pub for a satisfying end-of-trip pint.

Overnight: Powerscourt | Powerscourt Hotel
Room Type: Superior Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Friday 20th June - Wicklow to Dublin

Awaking in the Wicklow Mountains, it’s time to trade the quiet lakes and sun-dappled hills of Wicklow for the bustle and liveliness of Dublin.

Your drive time is fairly short at just under an hour, so we recommend making the most of your morning on site at Powerscourt Hotel, perhaps with a dip in the pool or a relaxing treatment or a stroll around their famed gardens. Be sure to visit the Powerscourt Waterfall before leaving.

Your afternoon is free to enjoy some of Dublin’s local sights and your hotel is perfectly situated for easy strolling.

This evening, check into the fantastic Westbury Hotel in the heart of Dublin city. We can arrange the return of your car rental today for you and an airport transfer tomorrow, or if preferred, you can hold onto the car and return it to Dublin Airport tomorrow.

Overnight: Dublin | The Westbury Hotel
Room Type: Westbury King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Saturday 21st June - Depart

Take a private airport transfer this morning to take you to Dublin Airport and your departing flights. We hope your time in Ireland has been memorable.

 

 

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 7 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Breakfast included most mornings, 1x lunch
  • Rental Car (Kia Sportage or Similar) From Day 1 to Day 8, pick-up Cork Airport, drop off Dublin City Centre
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Private Food Tour of Kinsale
    • Private Tour of Kilkenny Castle
    • Public Tour of Smithwick’s Tour
    • Private Guided Hiking Day of Wicklow Mountains
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24/7 In-Country Support from the Wilderness Team
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for the main driver guide
Notes Read More
  • All suggested accommodations and services are subject to availability at the time of booking.
  • A 25% deposit is required before any accommodation and services will be confirmed.
  • This quote is valid for 14 days from the date quoted, after this time pricing may be subject to revision.
  • Activities are only private if so specified.
Pricing Read More

The pricing for this itinerary is €10320 in total and is based on availability at the time of quotation.

Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.

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Virtuoso

Wilkinson’s Ancient East Adventure

Saturday 14th June – Saturday 21st June 2025