All South East Ireland Tours & Excursions in 2026

Leave behind the generic walking tours and see Kilkenny like the soldiers and settlers of yore—right from the River Nore. Passing just below landmarks like Kilkenny Castle, your guide will fill you up with local knowledge, from Kilkenny's history to the town’s culture to the area’s wildlife (that you just might spot). It’s an adventure, a photo op, and a learning opportunity all in one.

Located in the heart of Kilkenny city, Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny is a multi-sensory experience that immerses you in the history of Ireland's oldest ale. Harvested from our land, seasoned by our history, Smithwick’s has been brewed in Ireland since 1710. Enjoying your favourite Smithwick’s Ale, while one of our local staff explains what makes it so unique, makes this one of the most enjoyable tours in Ireland.

Discover Kilkenny’s rich history, stunning architecture, and hidden gems on a relaxed, flexible walking tour with John – your knowledgeable, qualified guide. Whether you're a history enthusiast or just looking for a memorable stroll, your tours offer something for everyone. Born and raised in Gowran in the heart of County Kilkenny, John has spent years immersing himself in Kilkenny’s unique history and culture. John has always been passionate about storytelling and sharing the hidden tales and well-known landmarks that make Kilkenny truly special. John is happy to offer private or custom tours for groups, families, or individuals. Contact John to find out more!

Follow in the wake of lighthouse-keepers through the centuries with admission to the Hook Lighthouse on southeast Ireland’s Hook Peninsula. Travel independently to the building — a beacon for Waterford Harbour for over 800 years — and the world’s oldest working lighthouse. Then, enjoy a tour of the medieval tower: climbing the well-trodden stairs, hearing about past keepers, and admiring panoramic views from the balcony. Includes entry to the visitor center with its exhibits, shops, and café.

Explore Kilkenny, the medieval capital of Ireland, on this comprehensive 2-hour walking tour. Admire historic landmarks including Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice's Cathedral, and the Black Abbey; stroll down the Medieval Mile and learn all about the city’s fascinating history from your certified guide; and discover the local neighborhoods that many travelers miss.

The medieval town of Kilkenny harbors a fascinating history, filled with dark truths and ghostly goings-on. With this walking tour, explore Kilkenny Castle, the Medieval Mile, and Grace's Castle; hear about real-life events such as the plague, the witch trials, and ghastly murders; and listen to spooky tales of ghosts and spirits that haunt Kytlers Inn, Shee Alms House, and the Castle.

If you're keen to understand Irish history beyond the modern day, then a visit to Waterford Treasures: Medieval Museum is a must. As Ireland’s only purpose-built medieval museum, it houses artefacts you simply won't find anywhere else. Marvel at some of Europe’s rarest medieval treasures, and gain a deeper insight into a fascinating period of time. As you explore, enjoy an immersive and engaging experience you won't get from a history book alone.

This private tour takes you to several of Waterford’s most famous attractions, including Kilkenny Castle, Rothe House and Garden, Kyteler’s Inn, the House of Waterford Crystal, and more. This is a private tour, and you’ll have your own personal guide and transport. No need to hassle with groups, and you can tour at your own pace.

Get away from the hustle and bustle, and immerse yourself in nature, with a visit to County Waterford’s Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens. Named in honor of the Irish journalist Patrick Lafcadio Hearn, who spent many years in Japan, the gardens trace the story of his life: from its classic Victorian Garden up to the traditional Japanese Gardens. Secure your admission in advance, and choose between a self-guided or guided tour.

This amazing tour departs from the reception desk at the Medieval Mile Museum where you also have all day access to. Our local expert guides will take you on a 75 minute stroll along the ancient streets of Kilkenny, returning to the museum along the High Street. Note: We have hand held audio sets so you can hear our guide speaking a little louder as you walk through the bustling streets.

Stroll the Medieval Mile and hear stories of Kilkenny on this guided small-group walking tour. The Medieval Mile is a trail that runs through the center of Kilkenny from the 13th-century St Canice’s Cathedral to the Anglo-Norman castle. Listen to quirky tales of medieval life including witches, merchants, and bishops, and learn why yew trees grow in the graveyards.

Go behind the scenes and gain a better understanding of the time and work that goes into crystal making on this tour of the House of Waterford Crystal factory. Your guide explains the step-by-step process of crystal making, as you wander the rooms where different techniques are used along the way. Meet a few of the high-end crystal makers, and visit the retail store where you can explore one of the world’s largest displays of Waterford Crystals.

Discover many of Kilkenny’s best-known landmarks—and listen to your guide’s rousing tales from the city’s long history—on this small-group walking tour. Pick between morning and afternoon tour times, and set off right from Kilkenny Castle. As you explore the narrow, centuries-old streets, you’ll discover city highlights like the Tholsel, Rothe House, and more—and will hear stories about witches, medieval life, and local legends.

Few travelers leave Ireland without sampling some local brews, but this small-group tour offers an experience beyond the pub. Go behind the scenes at Smithwick's in Kilkenny and embark on a journey that reveals the craft and history behind one of Ireland's best-known ales. Taste four different ales and try your hand at mastering the perfect pour.

Waterford was founded by Vikings. They chose this river for a reason, and once you're on the water you'll see exactly why. Sail past Reginald's Tower, the oldest civic building in Ireland, past Malcolmson's shipyard, down Canada Street where emigrants once boarded for Newfoundland, and out to Waterford Castle before turning back through the estuary. Your guide brings it all to life, the Norse settlers who built the city, the Normans who took it, Cromwell's siege, the quieter stories from two World Wars that most visitors never hear. Highlights - Reginald's Tower, Ireland's oldest civic building - Malcolmson's Neptune Shipyard - Canada Street, where emigrants boarded for Newfoundland - Waterford Castle and Little Island - Viking, Norman, Cromwellian and World War history - Wildlife and biodiversity of the River Suir Estuary

Immerse yourself in 800 years of Irish history with a tour of the Medieval Mile Museum in Kilkenny. Explore a 13th century church and graveyard with a local guide who shares stories about knights, princesses, the Black Death, and the Ten Tribes of Kilkenny. Learn about recent discoveries by archaeologists and take a stroll through a spooky graveyard.

Kilkenny town is a cultural treasure with a diverse food scene which will leave you spoilt for choice. Wander through quirky medieval streets and alleys to explore this colorful and unique town with a local, knowledgeable guide to learn about fighting cats, the clash of the ash, and feudal kings. Enjoy mouth-watering local food samples washed down with a glass of Smithwicks, the oldest ale in Ireland brewed in the heart of Kilkenny town.

The history of hurling in Ireland dates back centuries and many consider this fast-paced field sport Ireland’s national game. Immerse yourself in the ancient sport during your time in Kilkenny and learn the basics during this experience that takes place in a traditional Irish pub. Receive a fascinating presentation on hurling's history and rules and gain a deeper appreciation for Irish culture.

We are going to start our great journey visiting Rock of Cashel known as well as Cashel of the Kings. You will find out about the different roles Rock Cashel has played through history. This is a fantastic site which is home to the ruins of a great Celtic Cathedral. Our next stop will be Kilkenny known as the Marble city because of its distinctive black marble. Do you know people from Kilkenny are often referred to as “cats” … We will visit as self guide Cahir castle, one of Ireland´s largest castle Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile with narrow streetscapes, its well -preserved historical buildings and landmarks. An easily walkable city worth visiting

Get your bearings and uncover a side to Waterford you might otherwise miss on this historical walking tour of the city —covering everything from the Viking to the Victorian era. Follow your guide through the ancient Irish city, and learn 1,000 years of history. Pass by several national monuments, including Bishop’s Palace, Thomas Francis Meagher’s 33 The Mall, Reginald's Tower, and Greyfriars, a medieval Franciscan friary. Gain insight into Ireland’s storied past and learn of the invasions, battles, and victories that shaped the country. Admire archaeological treasures from past centuries and trace Ireland’s architecture through the generations.

Discover the rich history of horology at the Irish Museum of Time, nestled in Waterford's Viking Triangle. This captivating museum, set within a stunning Gothic-style church, showcases the world's oldest Irish-made timepieces alongside exquisite international collections. Marvel at remarkable grandfather clocks, table clocks, and watches while exploring the craftsmanship of timepiece makers from the 17th century onward. Don't miss the new Black Forest cuckoo clock exhibit, featuring hundreds of unique pieces that highlight the artistry and engineering of this iconic craft.

We are life time paddlers, sharing our passion, incorporating fun, learning and awareness of river and its surrounds . Our customers get personal attention and feel very safe and love our tours which are adapted to peoples energy and ability. You will paddle double kayaks up and back down through Kilkenny and see historical buildings which dominate the the City skyline. The tour can include white water paddling over a weir, playing in the rapids if that is of interest. If you prefer to stay dry, that's your choice of course and we do provide over-trousers to keep you pretty dry. If you prefer, one of our guides can paddle the double kayak with you for extra stability to ensure that we maximise your enjoyment and safety. Visual highlights include Kilkenny Castle, The Tholsel, St Francis Abbey, the old home of Smithwick's Brewery and St Canice's Cathedral. Hear about the importance of the Nore to Kilkenny and its milling history for centuries.

At Hurling Tours Ireland, we provide a unique cultural Irish experience for visitors. Established in the home of hurling, Kilkenny, we give guests an opportunity to fully immerse themselves in Irish culture, by attempting our most ancient sport, hurling. Hurling is a game steeped in tradition and history, played with a passion and intensity that is unmatched in any other sport. Our hurling experience in Freshford gives visitors the opportunity to experience this sport in a tradional Irish pub in the heart of the village. Here we give visitors a presentation information them of the history and rules of Hurling. We have had visitors from many different nationalities and backgrounds fall in love with Hurling and the culture it creates in Ireland. Visitors from Canada, USA and Australia even promising to join a GAA Club when they return home, it is never too late to try new things and why not the sport that is at the heart of Irish culture and community.