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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. Get up close and personal with the Viking warlords in a replica Viking

house, at the world’s first Viking Virtual Reality 3D Adventure – King of the Vikings.

Allow 2 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 costumed afternoon tea at the

Athenaeum House Hotel

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 Museum

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

Medieval Mile Museum. Set in the 13th century St Mary’s church, hear the stories of the wealthy merchants who ruled Kilkenny

between 1200 and 1650.

Allow 2 hours for this experience

If you have more time:

Make your way to

Irish

National Heritage Park .

This outdoor museum depicts 9000 years bringing

you on an unforgettable journey through Ireland’s past and experience stories, sights and sounds that shaped Ireland.

Allow 45 minutes for this experience

Overnight & Dinner

Kilkenny

DAY 3

Setting the tone perfectly for today is a tour of

Huntington Castle and Gardens

, to one of Ireland’s hidden treasures. Built in

1625, this fascinating Castle is still lived in by the descendants of the original builders.

Allow 1 hour for this experience

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

77

Irish National Heritage Park, Co.Wexford

Reginald’s Tower, Co.Waterford