The Irish Rover – Going Solo

We catch the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin and continue onwards to our hotel in Enniscorthy, our base for the next five nights.

The Irish Rover – Going Solo

This morning, we make our way to the charming town of Kilkenny. Discover the famous Medieval Mile, which captures 800 years of history with its award-winning museum, impressive castle, delightful Rothe Gardens and St Canice’s round tower, one of three climbable towers in Ireland. The riverside walks and traditional pubs are not to be missed too.

The Irish Rover – Going Solo

The medieval city of Dublin awaits. Once Europe’s fifth-largest city with a history that stretches back over a thousand years, Dublin is now one of the most vibrant cities in the world with museums, art galleries, wonderful architecture and numerous friendly pubs serving up the perfect pint of Guinness. We also have the option to join a guided tour of the city to get to know Dublin’s wonderful architecture and fascinating past.

The Irish Rover – Going Solo

Enjoy a day at leisure today, exploring the historic town of Enniscorthy and relaxing at our welcoming hotel, or choose to join an optional excursion. Ireland’s history is brought to life at our first stop, the Dunbrody Famine Ship at New Ross. On a guided tour, we learn about the bravery of Irish people onboard an authentic replica of an 1840s emigrant boat, complete with costumed performers, insightful displays and details of their harrowing journey. After weeks spent dangerously crossing the Atlantic, the emigrants arrived in North America and made up a quarter of the population in Boston, New York City, Philadelphia and Baltimore by 1850. Our second stop is the charming county town of Wexford on the mouth of the picturesque River Slaney. There are plenty of fascinating sights to discover, from the well-preserved ancient West Gate Tower to the beautiful ruined Selskar Abbey, which stands on the site where the first Anglo-Irish peace treaty was signed. Take the opportunity to wander through the narrow streets or enjoy true Irish hospitality in the many pubs and restaurants.

The Irish Rover – Going Solo

Our first stop today is Glendalough, often referred to as the Valley of the Two Lakes and an early medieval monastic settlement founded in the 6th century by St Kevin, a hermit priest who sought solitude in its serene surroundings. Find out more at the visitor centre before taking in the sights, including the Round Tower, which stands at 30 metres tall and served as a refuge for monks during Viking raids, plus the remains of the cathedral, several churches and ancient stone crosses.

We then head into the Wicklow Mountains National Park, which covers 20,000 hectares of stunning mountain scenery with vast sweeps of heather-clad moorland, hills, bogland, deep glacial valleys and lakes. The mountains are also home to a variety of wildlife habitats. Driving up the Wicklow Gap, we enjoy a photo stop before continuing to Avoca, the filming location of the popular TV series Ballykissangel. Located in County Wicklow with the picturesque Avoca River running through its heart, the town offers charming streets lined with quaint shops and cosy pubs, along with Avoca Handweavers, one of Ireland’s oldest working mills, where you may wish to explore traditional crafts and purchase beautifully made knitwear and textiles.

The Irish Rover – Going Solo

We check out of our hotel very early to catch the ferry back to Holyhead; therefore a voucher will be provided to enjoy breakfast on board. On arrival in Holyhead, we continue our journey home.

Explore medieval Kilkenny along the Medieval Mile linking St Canice’s Cathedral and Kilkenny Castle. Wander past merchant townhouses, craft workshops and inviting pubs, and pause in the tranquil Rothe House & Garden.

Trace 800 years of history shaped by Norman lords and the Butler dynasty as limestone lanes meet river views. Seek out St Canice’s round tower and the graceful bridges over the Nore to pause for photos and reflection.

Experience Dublin at your own pace, tracing the River Liffey from elegant Georgian squares to the lanes of Temple Bar. Cross the Ha’penny Bridge, admire the General Post Office on O’Connell Street, and step into bookish calm on the cobbles of Trinity College.

From Viking longphort to literary capital, the city’s stories surface in statues, pubs and streetscapes. Follow the music, sample a perfectly poured stout, and soak in the city atmosphere at your own rhythm.

Discover Glendalough Monastic City, where stone churches sit between dark lakes and pines. See the slender Round Tower, cathedral ruins and early crosses while the valley’s stillness deepens the sense of place.

Travel through the Wicklow Mountains National Park, with heather moorland, peat bogs and sweeping glacial valleys. A scenic pause at the Wicklow Gap reveals lofty views before reaching Avoca, home to the colourful looms of Avoca Handweavers and cosy streets from Ballykissangel.

Taste Ireland at Treacy’s Hotel during a hands-on cooking demonstration of homestyle dishes such as soda bread, colcannon and slow-braised stew. Fresh herbs, butter and toasted grain notes set a warm, appetising scene for sampling.

Learn the etiquette of the two-part pour in a Guinness pulling session, perfecting the creamy head and timing that define the nation’s stout. Chat with your hosts, compare techniques and enjoy the easy rhythm of good craic.

Unwind each night with live entertainment in the cosy hotel bar, where traditional Irish music fills the room with fiddle tunes, bodhrán beats and singalong choruses.

Settle into a corner as storytellers and ballads weave local legends and modern wit. Expect friendly banter, spontaneous clapping, a step or two of dancing, and that warm sense of good craic.

Savour a traditional Irish buffet at the hotel, featuring hearty regional dishes such as beef-and-Guinness stew, colcannon, smoked salmon, farmhouse cheeses and warm soda bread.

Recipes honour seasonal produce and family-style cooking, served in a relaxed setting that encourages conversation and second helpings. One evening typically showcases this feast, celebrating Ireland’s welcoming, home-from-home hospitality.

Join a guided panoramic tour to connect Dublin’s districts and stories with expert commentary. Take in dignified Georgian squares, the spires of St Patrick’s Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral, the Custom House and sweeping Phoenix Park.

Hear how Viking Dyflin grew into a modern creative capital as your guide weaves literature, politics and humour into the streetscape. Optional experience at additional cost (£19pp), bookable on tour, complementing your Dublin visit.

Step aboard the Dunbrody Famine Ship in New Ross for a guided tour with evocative costumed performers. Walk through cramped steerage quarters and hear accounts of Atlantic crossings that reshaped lives and cities across North America.

Continue to historic Wexford to wander narrow streets, the stout West Gate Tower and atmospheric Selskar Abbey. Optional excursion at additional cost (£25pp), bookable on tour, with time to enjoy cafés, boutiques and the riverside setting.