Failte Ireland Buyers Guide for Group and FIT Organisers

DAY 2

Start your day inWaterford city. Often referred to as “Ireland’s oldest city”,Waterford was founded by Norse invaders in 914AD. In

its Viking Triangle of historic monuments, you can trace the city’s past within the fascinating trio of

Waterford Treasures ,

including

the Medieval Museum, Reginald’s Tower and Bishop’s Palace.

Allow 1½ hours for this experience

Walking around, you’re likely to notice a “blaa” or two. Part of the city’s history, it’s thought that these tasty bread rolls were

introduced by the Huguenots in the 17th century. Enjoy refreshments at the

Bodega Restaurant andWine Bar

before hitting the

road to New Ross.

Perched on the River Barrow, New Ross is a small but bustling place, anchored by the

Dunbrody Famine Ship ,

a replica of an 1840s

emigrant vessel. Step on board to uncover the truly emotional history of Ireland’s emigrant past.

Allow 1 hour for this experience

Travel north to County Kilkenny, following the scenic route through the Nore Valley. Now you’re into beautiful terrain studded with

pretty villages, such as Thomastown and Bennettsbridge. Close by are the grounds of Mount Juliet, with its exquisite parkland golf

course, fishing, archery and horse trails, as well as refreshments in The Manor House.

Continue to Kilkenny City, as well as its lively nightlife, great restaurants and traditional old pubs, Kilkenny’s star is the

Medieval Mile

– hear tales of witch trials, almshouses and besieged castles as you tour this city at a leisurely pace.

Allow 2 hours for this experience

If you have more time:

Make your way to

Hook Head and Lighthouse

– the amazing lighthouse is over 800 years old and is the

oldest intact operational lighthouse in the world, with knock-out views of the sea.

Allow 45 minutes for this experience

Overnight & Dinner

Wexford

DAY 3

Setting the tone perfectly for today’s trail is a gentle wander around 5,000 plants and flowers in Carlow’s stunning 19th century

Robinsonian-style

Altamont Gardens .

Allow 45 minutes for this experience

This verdant theme is followed through as you continue on to the “Garden of Ireland”, whereWicklow’s hills bloom with beautiful

greens flecked with purple heather. But first, the town of Wicklow and its somewhat brutal tales from the early 18th century at

Wicklow Gaol .

Among them stories of convicts transported fromWicklow to Australia, sometimes just for the crime of stealing

bread.

Allow 1 hour for this experience

From these so-called “Gates of Hell” back to the heart of Wicklow serenity in

Glendalough ,

famed for its two lakes and spiritual

atmosphere. At the monastic village, cast your mind back to what Glendalough must have been like in its heyday – when it was

a retreat for peace-seeking monks. St Kevin first came here in the 6th century, and you get the sense that the landscape hasn’t

changed much since then.Walk to the water’s edge at the Upper Lake, before heading to the fern-green hills around Poulanass

waterfall, which cascades gently over mossy rocks. Back in the road, pass through the villages of Laragh, Annanoe and Roundwood

and weave down towards Enniskerry.

Allow 1½ hours for this experience