Dublin to Kilkenny & Waterford Day Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore Kilkenny's medieval streets
- Visit the historic Kilkenny Castle
- Discover the art of crystal making at Waterford
- Enjoy scenic views of County Tipperary
- Experience Ireland's rich cultural heritage
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip transportation from Dublin
- Guided tours of Kilkenny Castle and House of Waterford Crystal
- Free time to explore Kilkenny's medieval streets
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
We arrive in Kilkenny at 09:00 – known as the Marble City and situated on the river Nore. Kilkenny is a beautiful small Irish city. Most buildings are built of black limestone, thus the name the Marble City. Kilkenny is dominated by its castle, the front gate of which is our meeting point (or as directed by your host). There are several nice pubs that serve food: 'Paris Texas' on High Street and 'Langton’s' on John Street Lower both have a nice atmosphere and do great food. Further up High Street is the Church of Ireland Cathedral of St Canice. This beautiful cathedral dates from the 13th century and, after the reformation in 1539, became Anglican. It is well worth a visit (even if it is closed) for photographs, etc.
From Kilkenny, the tour continues to Waterford – a Viking city on the banks of the River Suir (pronounced shure). A visit to the new Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre is included in your tour, where you will see craftsmen engaged in the traditional tasks of blowing and cutting the world-famous crystal glass.
Meeting point
Start Location
Heuston Station, Saint James, Dublin, Ireland
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour operates on specific days; verify availability for your preferred date.
- Confirm the departure time and location in Dublin to ensure timely arrival.
- Be aware that the tour includes walking; consider your comfort with this activity.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring Kilkenny's cobblestone streets.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and historic sites.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly for the day's conditions.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- Check in at 7:00AM! Train departs at 7:20am & it does not wait. Our yellow check-in stand is located close to the Customer Service Desk at Heuston Station where our representative will be waiting for you in their BRIGHT yellow jacket!
- WHEELCHAIR POLICY: Our tours are a combination of train and luxury coach and include a moderate level of physical activity, such as short walks to meeting points etc. Unfortunately even the most modern luxury coaches (buses) are not wheelchair friendly, thus our tours are not suitable for those with mobility issues, and regretfully walkers, wheelchairs and mobility scooters cannot be accommodated on our tours.
- Children U16 cannot book independently. They must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times.
Traveler reviews
Waterford factory Kilkenny walk
Private car tour of Kilkenny just Factory Waterford no Castle tour Kilkenny disappointed!!!
Exceptional White Glove Service!
Our group of 3 were the only participants on this tour so we had a guide, Paddy, all to ourselves. Paddy was knowledgeable of the towns we visited and kept us on schedule. He was helpful and went above and beyond to make our experience feel “first class.” Kilkenny Castle and the town was lovely and definitely worth a visit. We visited during the off season to avoid the crowds. Highly recommend this tour company if you are looking for train travel and a private guide.
Felt like a VIP
Great tour, no doubt. Paddy, our guide went above and beyond to help my wife and I see some extra things outside of the scheduled tour. We were treated like VIPs the entire time and saw some amazing things. Highly recommend!
Waterford Was Worth It.
We finally made it to the one place that my wife has always wanted to visit and that was to the Waterford Crystal Factory. A beautiful place and was worth it. Kilkenny Castle seemed like an afterthought but was just beautiful; but seeing the Waterford factory caped off a beautiful place to visit. Finally.
Kilkenney and Waterford
Our guide was fantastic! On the train before each stop we were given a review of the itinerary. In Kilkenny, he made sure taxi rides were availavle to and from the castle for anyone having difficulty with the 15 minute walk. He helped my mother who ended up needing a taxi on the way back and we appreciated it so much. On the train on the way back to Dublin our guide confirmed each group had a transfer plan back to their accomodations and was available to help if needed. Not only did we receive bits of history from our guide along the way but we also felt well looked after during the excursion. Highly recommend.