Dublin to Kilkenny and Waterford: Private, guided tour
Private tour with a local expert
9h 15mRound tripPrivate group
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About your trip
Leave Dublin for a day to explore Kilkenny and Waterford in one seamless day trip. Starting in Kilkenny, youāll explore a castle and stroll medieval streets. Then, youāll head to Waterford to learn about the areaās world-famous crystal craft and visit the Viking Triangle.
Exclusively yours: A premium experience for your group only
Insider insight: Local tips and stories you wonāt find online
Perfect balance: Expert guidance with freedom to explore
Ideal for all travelers: Families, friends, or solo adventurers
What to expect
Your day trip begins wherever you are
Meet your guide right where you prefer in Dublin whenever suits you best. No time wasted getting to the pickup point, grab your bag and start your trip right away.Discover more with local expertise
Your guide is both your expert behind the wheel and knowledgeable host throughout the day. Theyāll manage the dayās itinerary, share stories and local knowledge, and make each moment along the route feel richer. At every stop, theyāre by your side.Guided experience with space to explore
After picking you up from your accommodation in Dublin, your guide will take you to your stops, helping you make the most of your time by guiding you through the attractions that best match your interests. They'll provide helpful orientation and insights, staying with you or giving you space to explore as you prefer. You'll spend your time exactly how you want, creating an unforgettable day that's uniquely yours.
Perfect for any private group
Whether you're traveling solo, as a family with kids, or as a large group, this service is tailored for your comfort and flexibility. It's the ideal option especially if you have limited time or a busy schedule.Good to know
- Two-way private car transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Personalized pickup and drop-off
- Private professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Complimentary bottled water
- Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
- Attraction admission details specified in the itinerary section below
- Official guided tours inside attractions in Kilkenny and Waterford can be purchased separately - inform us in advance for itinerary planning
From ā¬232
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotalā¬696
Your trip at a glance
Your trip at a glance
Start in Dublin
You choose the pickup spot.
1
Kilkenny
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 2 h 30 min - admission not included
Explore Kilkenny, full of medieval charm and home to Irelandās oldest brewery.
In Kilkenny, you can meander the preserved cobbled streets and learn more about the cityās rich history along the medieval mile. Be sure to take photos outside of the magnificent Kilkenny Castle, and visit St. Maryās Medieval Mile Museum for insight into the areaās archaeological heritage. Then, climb the round tower at St. Caniceās Cathedral for unmatched views across the city. Finish the day with a visit to Smithwicks, Irelandās oldest brewery. A 45-minute tour of the brewery and a pint of the ale start at 20 euros, with tickets best booked online in advance: https://www.smithwicksexperience.com/tickets
2
Waterford
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 2 h 30 min - admission not included
Visit Waterford, a former legend of crystal production, and learn more about the areaās Viking history.
Waterford is famous for its former significance in the glass-making industry. Crystal was manufactured here from 1783 all the way until 2009, creating a lasting legacy. Visitors can learn more about the history of this industry and even visit the Irish Handmade Glass Company to peruse traditional blown glass souvenirs. Visitors also enjoy spending time exploring the Viking Triangle, named for the thousand-year-old Viking walls that used to enclose the area. The most famous building in the Triangle is Reginaldās Tower, the oldest urban civic building in the country. Here, visitors can learn more about the way Vikings shaped Irelandās culture and heritage.
Back to Dublin
Weāll take you back to your starting point.
Duration of the stops can be changed upon request after booking
Have questions or need help?Contact our Customer Support. We are available 24/7
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Know more about your day trip
While many attractions accept walk-ins, it is a good idea to book popular experiences in advance. For the Smithwicks Brewery Experience in Kilkenny, tickets can be reserved at smithwicksexperience.com from around EUR 20 per person. For Reginald's Tower and other sites in Waterford's Viking Triangle, check the individual attraction websites for the latest pricing and availability.
Kilkenny is around 70 miles (113 km) from Dublin (about 1 hour 30 minutes by car), and Waterford is a further 52 km from Kilkenny (roughly 45 minutes). The full round trip, including both stops, is approximately 9 hours 15 minutes, giving you around 2.5 hours at each city.
This is an excellent choice for first-time visitors, as it covers two of Ireland's most historically rich cities in a single day. Kilkenny offers a well-preserved medieval city center, while Waterford is the country's oldest city and home to an impressive concentration of Viking and Norman heritage. Having a knowledgeable guide makes the experience especially rewarding.
Key highlights in Kilkenny include a walk along the medieval mile, a stop outside Kilkenny Castle, a visit to St. Mary's Medieval Mile Museum, and a climb to the top of the round tower at St. Canice's Cathedral. If time allows, your guide can point you in the direction of the Smithwicks Experience for a taste of Ireland's oldest brewery.
Waterford is internationally known for its glassmaking tradition, which dates to 1783. While the original Waterford Crystal factory closed in 2009, the craft lives on through the Irish Handmade Glass Company in the city, where you can browse and purchase traditional blown glass souvenirs. The House of Waterford Crystal visitor center also continues to tell the story of this celebrated industry.
The Viking Triangle is the historic heart of Waterford city, named for the ancient Viking walls that once enclosed the area. It is home to some of Ireland's oldest urban landmarks, including Reginald's Tower, the oldest civic building in the country, as well as several museums that cover Waterford's Viking and medieval heritage. It is very walkable and makes for a fascinating few hours of exploration.
Both cities are great to visit year-round. Summer brings longer days and more outdoor activity, while spring and autumn offer a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. Winter can be cool and occasionally rainy, but both Kilkenny and Waterford have plenty of indoor attractions to enjoy, and the historic streets tend to be far less crowded outside of peak season.
This trip includes a private driver-guide who accompanies you at each stop, providing orientation and local context throughout the day. Unlike a standard transfer where the driver waits in the vehicle, your guide actively helps you navigate the attractions and shares knowledge of the area, while still giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
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