All South East Ireland Tours & Excursions in 2026

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This ticket gives you admission to one of the largest collections of plants in the world. Wander through the grounds of an 18th-century estate like the Congreve family once did. Families will be delighted with the seasonal activity trails and woodland playground. After the tour pop into the Stables Café for a coffee or lite bite.

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.

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.

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.

Learn about Waterford City’s history, heritage, and archaeology during this small-group walking tour. Explore the city on foot to see top landmarks including the House of Waterford Crystal, Reginald’s Tower, Christ Church Cathedral, and the Clock Tower. Hear stories about Waterford’s Viking history and wander through the 10th-century Viking quarter. Maximize time in Waterford City with a guided stroll.

Discover Ireland's rich heritage through silver at the Irish Silver Museum in Waterford. The Irish Silver Museum is an intimate and personal collection of silver treasures from Ireland. From the Vikings to the Victorians, your collection has been created by Ireland’s virtuoso craftsmen over the course of a millennium. The collection offers a rare opportunity to step back in time and explore the fascinating story of Ireland through its magnificent silver treasures. Highlights include the Waterford Kite Brooch, a sword granted to the city by Edward IV, silver owned by Jonathan Swift, and commemorative pieces from Ireland's significant military conflicts. Some of these objects in the museum feature the names and arms of their owners or unusual decorations and features – but all of them tell a story. This intimate museum offers a self-guided experience, allowing you to delve into the stories behind each piece at your own pace.

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.

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

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

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.

Curious about the lesser-known stories of Kilkenny? Starting with the very first steps of this playful walk, you’ll experience the thrill and beauty of discovery. Location-based riddles will show you the way to our favourite local places, including quiet courtyards, forgotten stories and cute hidden spots we’ll keep secret... for now! Fun fact: this trail was created by our local creator. - Explore Kilkenny during this interactive and fun discovery walk - Learn about the history and local stories of the city centre in a playful way - Solve 16 location-based riddles to unlock directions to your next stop along the route - See popular sights like Kytelers inn and the Kilkenny castle from a different angle and discover hidden local spots This discovery walk is an educational and fun activity for friends, couples, families with kids, curious locals, visitors, and team building.

Step inside a reconstructed Viking house for a virtual reality experience that is the first of its kind. Located in the heart of Waterford’s Viking Triangle, this immersive adventure transports you back over 1,000 years to when the Norse first settled Ireland’s oldest city. Explore daily life through cutting-edge 3D technology, meet costumed characters, and discover Viking history from inside an authentic timber house built within the ruins of a 13th-century friary.

Explore the medieval charm of Kilkenny on a private walking tour led by a friendly local guide who brings the city’s history and character to life! Wander through winding streets, bustling squares, and hidden corners as you uncover the stories, culture, and everyday life that make this Irish city so special. Whether you choose a short 2-hour stroll or a full 6-hour exploration, your guide will tailor the experience to your interests, sharing local insights, secret spots, and authentic Kilkenny moments along the way. Experience the city like a true local and enjoy a personalized journey at your own pace.

Discover the rich history of Cahir on this engaging walking tour that takes you through its most significant sites. Begin at St Pauls Anglican Church , built by John Nash architect to the regent King George. Visit Erasmus Smith school another John Nash building. Visit the Granary, linen and flax production in the 1800s. The town square with its imposing architecture, plaque to Crimean Bob, Venetian water fountain and Bianconis coach travels. See the site of the shop that sold tickets for the Titantic. Pass by the Castle and the Quaker mills that brought prosperity to the town. Stroll along the Mall , the Ha Ha, and immerse yourself in local tales. End your journey by the River Suir, surrounded by stunning Georgian homes and engaging stories of the past.

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.

Choose your own itinerary on this private, customized tour of the Southeast from Waterford. You and your private group will enjoy personalized attention and plenty of chances to ask questions as you travel via air-conditioned transportation.

Step inside Mount Congreve House & travel back to 1775 in this immersive, character-led experience. As silver glints in the afternoon light & order is restored, guests are guided through the rituals of dining by Thomasina Whitcombe, the estate’s senior stewardess—precise, watchful, & said by some never to have truly left service! Mount Congreve was the last house in Ireland to employ liveried servants, & within the Large Drawing Room—adorned with rare Chinese wallpaper & fine Irish silver—every gesture matters: who is seated, who serves, and what remains unspoken. The experience continues with a gentle walk to the Walled Gardens, the productive heart of the estate that sustained the household, where formality gives way to soil & season. Set within the world-renowned Mount Congreve Gardens, this is a cultural storytelling experience rather than a horticultural tour. Duration: ~60 min Includes: In-character guided tour & full-day garden access Weather: Moves fully indoors if required

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.