Ireland’s Ancient East · A Signature Journey · 8 Days

From Dublin’s storied streets to the monastic silence of Glendalough and the wild light of Hook Head — an unhurried journey through Ireland’s Ancient East.

“

To walk the land is to listen to its stories. A journey should never be rushed — there is a quiet summons beneath the noise of ordinary life, an invitation to step away from the expected paths, to slow down, and to let the ancient landscape speak to your soul.

”

Dr. Phil Brennan

This is not mere sightseeing. Over eight days, we travel the length of Ireland’s Ancient East — a landscape layered with five thousand years of story — blending soft outdoor adventure, deep early medieval heritage, local storytelling, and traditional music into one profound, unhurried experience.

Dún Laoghaire

The Royal Marine Hotel on Dublin Bay — seaside calm, a welcome dinner, companions gathering.

Dublin

A day immersed in the capital’s layered past. At Kilmainham Gaol, we walk the corridors that held the leaders of the 1916 Rising and trace Ireland’s long road to independence. At Trinity College Library, an expert guide brings the Book of Kells to life — timed access means we see this revered illuminated manuscript without the crowds.

Make your way through the Guinness Storehouse gates located in the heart of St James’s Gate, in Dublin City. Explore seven floors of the Guinness Storehouse building, which was once the fermentation plant of the brewery. 

The Shannon · Offaly

Today we journey to the ancient crossroads of Ireland — by water. Sailing the reed-lined Shannon towards Clonmacnoise, you arrive as monks and pilgrims did through the centuries, the round towers rising slowly from the horizon. Founded by St. Ciarán in 544, this vast monastic city was once one of Europe’s great centres of learning, and among its weathered high crosses and cathedral ruins we uncover the stories of the scribes who kept the flame of literacy burning through the Dark Ages.

The afternoon brings a different kind of craft: the Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery Experience, where we walk the still house floor, visit the Secret Snug amid 50,000 maturing barrels, and even blend and bottle a whiskey of our own.

Wicklow

We begin where the mountains hold the silence. In the glacial valley of Glendalough, we walk the Derrybawn Loop along the lower mountain slopes, the old monastic city and its magnificent 30-metre round tower below us, before descending through shaded woods past Poulanass Waterfall to the lower lake. Here, between the two lakes, we take a moment of quiet reflection — connecting with a peace that has anchored this valley for over 1,500 years.

There’s something about Glendalough… something beyond words. It stays with you long after the walking is over. In the afternoon we visit Powerscourt Gardens & Waterfall — voted among the world’s top three gardens by National Geographic — before arriving at the award-winning Ashdown Park Hotel in Gorey, our home for the rest of the journey.

THE HOOK PENINSULA · CO. WEXFORD

Where the land meets the wild Atlantic waves stands Hook Lighthouse — the oldest operational lighthouse in the world. Long before the 800-year-old stone tower was raised, 5th-century monks led by the Welsh saint Dubhán kept a beacon fire burning on these rugged cliffs to guide mariners safely home. We climb the 115 steps, hear the stories, and take lunch overlooking the sea. There is no rush here.

For the adventurous, the afternoon offers sea-cave kayaking along one of Ireland’s most spectacular stretches of coastline; for those who prefer land beneath their feet, a guided walk from Baginbun Beach over the headland to Carnivan Bay. Only do what is best for you! We round out the day among the woodland walks of Tintern Abbey and the fairytale estate of Johnstown Castle.

FERNS · CO. WEXFORD

In the year 580 AD, St. Aidan crossed the Irish Sea from Wales to Wexford — followed, legend has it, by St. David’s bees, who refused three times to be left behind. At Ferns, the ancient capital of Leinster, we wander the abbey ruins and high crosses where early Celtic monasticism met the arrival of the Normans, and visit St. Mogue’s Well, whose crystal waters are said to have curative powers.

Then the pace softens: the Hayden family welcome us to their ancestral farm — the international ‘Vineyard’ of Baileys Irish Cream. We lunch in the Orchard Centre, meet the 200 ‘Baileys Ladies’, try our hand at hurling with local players, and finish with a barbecue on the farm and a taste of the magic formula itself.

THE BARROW VALLEY · KILKENNY

Through the centuries, pilgrims walked the banks of the River Barrow en route to Waterford before setting sail for Spain and the Camino de Santiago. Today we follow them: a captivating 7km riverside stroll from Graiguenamanagh — the ‘Village of the Monks’ — to St. Mullins, where local historian Pat Murphy shares the story of St. Moling’s 7th-century monastic settlement, and Blanchfield’s Irish Pub shares its unique hospitality.

At Duiske Abbey, the finest of Ireland’s medieval Cistercian abbeys, we discover how the monks pioneered textile making here 800 years ago — a craft still alive today at the Cushendale Woollen Mills, where the Cushen family walk us through every stage from fleece to fabric. The afternoon is yours in Kilkenny, Ireland’s medieval capital, before we gather for a culture night of traditional music and dance and our gala dinner.

DEPARTURE

After a final leisurely breakfast, we transfer you to the airport. You’ll leave with a camera full of photographs — but more than that, you’ll carry the quiet of Glendalough, the salt wind of Hook Head, and the welcome of the people you’ve met along the way. The Celtic way stays with you.

Lou · Florida, USA · Sept 2025 — 5.0 across 100+ Google reviews

• Staying in 4 Star Ashdown Park Hotel, Wexford
• Celtic story and song
• Breakfast, lunch & dinner each day
• Sea kayaking off the Wexford coastline
• Local guides and coach transfers daily
• Traditional Irish music and so much more

All you need is taken care of:
guiding, accommodation, meals and transfers