Ancient East Heritage Trails: South East Ireland Tours

At Hurling Tours Ireland, we provide a unique cultural Irish experience for visitors. Established in the home of hurling, Kilkenny, we give guests an opportunity to fully immerse themselves in Irish culture, by attempting our most ancient sport, hurling. Hurling is a game steeped in tradition and history, played with a passion and intensity that is unmatched in any other sport. Our hurling experience in Freshford gives visitors the opportunity to experience this sport in a tradional Irish pub in the heart of the village. Here we give visitors a presentation information them of the history and rules of Hurling. We have had visitors from many different nationalities and backgrounds fall in love with Hurling and the culture it creates in Ireland. Visitors from Canada, USA and Australia even promising to join a GAA Club when they return home, it is never too late to try new things and why not the sport that is at the heart of Irish culture and community.

This amazing tour departs from the reception desk at the Medieval Mile Museum where you also have all day access to. Our local expert guides will take you on a 75 minute stroll along the ancient streets of Kilkenny, returning to the museum along the High Street. Note: We have hand held audio sets so you can hear our guide speaking a little louder as you walk through the bustling streets.

Take a boat tour to see Hook Lighthouse from the Sea! We will take you on a breath-taking guided boat tour of the Waterford and Wexford Coastline, where you will enjoy tales of Vikings and smugglers as well as meeting first hand some of the marine life that we share the coast with.If you are lucky, you will see dolphins and seals, and plenty of sea birds. The Waterford and Wexford coast is steeped in Maritime History, you will hear where the term 'By Hook or by Crooke' came from, how in 1645 Irish rebels fought and sank the flagship of the English Navy, still lying today beneath the sands. Visit a sea cave where ancient people brought the bones of their dead to enable their passage to the other world, and to top your tour off, some high speed manoeuvres in our Rigid Inflatable Boat - 'Vadrefjord' Boat tour - approximately 1 hour on the water, a safety brief is mandatory prior to boarding. Arrive 30 minutes before your tour time to allow for equipment allocation and safety brief.

Located at the tip of the Hook Peninsula in County Wexford in Ireland's Ancient East, the Hook Lighthouse is the oldest operational lighthouse in the world, and has marked the entrance to Waterford Harbour for over 800 years. Enjoy a 45-minute guided tour of this purpose-built, fully operational lighthouse. The visitor center features a gift shop, an art workshop, exhibits and a café. The Hook Lighthouse truly is one of a kind. This shared guided tour is available for groups of no more than 5.

Discover the story of Medieval Kilkenny by starting your visit of the city in this museum. The building was once a church and now is a museum with artefacts and stories of long ago. Listen to stories on our audios or read all about the history of Kilkenny's Medieval times. Chat to our friendly expert guides who will guide you on your journey.

'The Irish Experience' offers you an amazing Sea Cave Kayaking Experience along the visually stunning South East coastline of Ireland, taking in the best Atlantic Ocean location of Ireland’s Ancient East. The visually stunning area around The Hook Peninsula is steeped in jaw dropping history, rich heritage and diverse wildlife. This impressive coastline packed with hidden gems including; towering sea cliffs, hidden golden sandy beaches, coves, cracks and crevasses which comprise of an impressive variety of Sea Caves including one of the most impressive examples of a natural Sea Cave you will ever see or have the pleasure to paddle inside. • 3 hour (2.5 hours on the water approx)  • Fully Guided Sea Kayaking Experience • Local Guide  • Small Group Experience  • Snack and Drink Included

Experience the world’s first Viking virtual reality 3D adventure inside a replica of a Viking house. You might even meet a real-life Viking or two! Visitors will learn about the Viking history of the city through a memorable virtual reality experience. This activity is suitable for all visitors over the age of 8 years old.

Step inside the model of the amazing "Pugin Room" and experience the history of Lismore Town through Augmented Reality. Glimpse inside the 12th Century Lismore Castle via a 360 degree view.

Kilkenny is known as the Marble city because of its distinctive black marble. We start this tour at Kilkenny Castle which was founded after the Norman conquest of Ireland. The castle has been rebuilt to suit the needs of its inhabitants. Continuing with our visit, we will head to the city centre, right in the midpoint of the Medieval Mile where Rothe House and Gardens are located (This attraction on Monday will be replaced by St. Canice´s Cathedral) Kyteler’s Inn is a public house located in the heart of medieval Kilkenny Butter Slip is the most picturesque of Kilkenny’s narrow medieval corridors Our next and final stop: House of Waterford Crystal, is a luxury crystal manufacture where authentic and masterful crystal pieces come to life PLEASE NOTE: WALKING INVOLVED MISSING YOU ALREADY!!

At Hurling Tours Ireland, we provide a unique cultural Irish experience for visitors. Established in the home of hurling, Kilkenny, we give guests an opportunity to fully immerse themselves in Irish culture, by attempting our most ancient sport, hurling. Hurling is a game steeped in tradition and history, played with a passion and intensity that is unmatched in any other sport. Our hurling experience in Freshford gives visitors the opportunity to experience this sport in a tradional Irish pub in the heart of the village. Here we give visitors a presentation information them of the history and rules of Hurling. We have had visitors from many different nationalities and backgrounds fall in love with Hurling and the culture it creates in Ireland. Visitors from Canada, USA and Australia even promising to join a GAA Club when they return home, it is never too late to try new things and why not the sport that is at the heart of Irish culture and community.

During the lockdowns of 2020/21 many people rediscovered the outdoors once more, how often do you get the opportunity to walk a woodlands with a lifelong pagan who is also a trained Seanachaí (traditional storyteller) and professional Guide! This walk can be what you want it to be, a fascinating ramble giving you some unique insights and tricks to use in the future. Or an opportunity to learn more about Pagan Ireland, and how you can draw some of the ancient traditions and practices into your life. Or perhaps you simply want to know whats safe to eat should your tummy start to rumble on a Sunday walk in your local parklands! From Ghosts to foraging, from bushskills to paganism, there's something for everyone and I can promise there's no other tour like it! And you can even bring your dog and the tour finishes with a refreshing bottle of Sparkling Nettle Drink from the multiple award-winning brand WILDAbout. Made from 100% organic nettles and made just 20 minutes away!

Walk in the footsteps of history in the company of an expert local guide as you discover the rich heritage of picturesque Lismore town. Hear about the Blackwater Valley Special Area of Conservation and Lismore’s Celtic origins, the monastic foundation in 636AD that led to it becoming an immense centre of learning in the 8th Century. From Viking invasions and Norman settlements, gain insights into the historic Lismore Castle and the famous people who resided there including Fred Astaire and John F. Kennedy. Then, marvel at the beauty of Carthage’s Cathedral that has remained a site of worship for over 1500 years.

️‍♂️ Get Ready to Escape Craggy Island – If You Can! Only at Lismore Heritage Centre Step into the hilarious and mysterious world of Craggy Island with this one-of-a-kind escape room experience at the Lismore Heritage Centre! Inspired by the chaotic charm of Father Ted, this interactive adventure challenges you and your friends to solve puzzles, crack codes, and escape the madness in under 60 minutes. Can you outwit the madness of Dougal, Mrs. Doyle, and Father Jack… or will you be stuck on Craggy Island forever? Perfect for: Groups of friends & families Tourists looking for something uniquely Irish Fans of Father Ted Team building & hen/stag parties Groups: 2–6 players Duration: 60 minutes Bookings: Essential – spots fill fast! Fun for ages 12+ Lismore Heritage Centre, Lismore, Co. Waterford

Enjoy a private, exclusive tour with your own local guide. Embark on an enchanting journey through Kilkenny, where each step tells a story of love and legend. Kilkenny romantic tour invites you to explore the city’s most romantic sites, from the historic halls of Kilkenny Castle to the mystical paths of Butterslip. Experience the artistic soul of the city at the Butler Gallery and reflect at the Great War Memorial, each location weaving into a tapestry of rich cultural heritage. With St. Canice’s Cathedral and its panoramic views as a highlight, this tour not only reveals the secrets of Kilkenny's past but places you at the heart of its narratives. Join us to uncover the tales of ancient romances and legendary feats that make Kilkenny a timeless city of love.

Specialist tailor made tours for groups of up to 7 people, perfect for friends, families or corporate groups. Putting the customer at the heart of the itinerary we will work with you to design your tour. You will experience the best destinations in Ireland. Combine your must-see destinations with off-the-beaten track recommendations to create the most memorable Irish experience.   Design your tour with your guide to include the very best the South East has to offer.