Dublin to Kilkenny and Waterford: Private, guided tour

Explore Kilkenny, full of medieval charm and home to Ireland’s oldest brewery.

In Kilkenny, you can meander the preserved cobbled streets and learn more about the city’s rich history along the medieval mile. Be sure to take photos outside of the magnificent Kilkenny Castle, and visit St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum for insight into the area’s archaeological heritage. Then, climb the round tower at St. Canice’s Cathedral for unmatched views across the city. Finish the day with a visit to Smithwicks, Ireland’s oldest brewery. A 45-minute tour of the brewery and a pint of the ale start at 20 euros, with tickets best booked online in advance: https://www.smithwicksexperience.com/tickets

Visit Waterford, a former legend of crystal production, and learn more about the area’s Viking history.

Waterford is famous for its former significance in the glass-making industry. Crystal was manufactured here from 1783 all the way until 2009, creating a lasting legacy. Visitors can learn more about the history of this industry and even visit the Irish Handmade Glass Company to peruse traditional blown glass souvenirs. Visitors also enjoy spending time exploring the Viking Triangle, named for the thousand-year-old Viking walls that used to enclose the area. The most famous building in the Triangle is Reginald’s Tower, the oldest urban civic building in the country. Here, visitors can learn more about the way Vikings shaped Ireland’s culture and heritage.