3-Day South East Ireland Tour: Blarney Castle | Cork | Wicklow Mountains | Glendalough**Visit to Jameson Whiskey Distillery in Midleton**

Departing Dublin you travel south towards Cork through the lush farming counties of Kildare, Laois and Tipperary. You make a short stop in the heritage town of Cahir to see the ruins of its abbey and impressive castle on a nearby island in the River Suir. We'll then continue on to Blarney on the outskirts of Cork. Here you have time to visit the castle, explore the woodland walks and mystical Rock Close as well as visiting the village of Blarney itself - a good place for lunch and a bit of shopping. There may even be the chance to kiss the famous Blarney Stone although in peak season there can be a very long queue! Later, we take a short drive to the charming village of Midleton, home to the Jameson Whiskey Distillery, where you can join one of the distillery tours, learn about the rich heritage of the distillery and hear the tales of the people who have made Jameson's one of Ireland's favorite whiskeys. In the afternoon you will explore the beautiful coastline of West Cork with its historic villages, beautiful beaches, inlets and tiny coves. You will end the day in the fishing village of Kinsale - your overnight stop. The town is famous for its food and you have a free evening to explore the narrow streets filled with lively traditional pubs and restaurants.

Today is spent exploring some of the highlights of the South East starting with the historic port of Cobh - the major departure point for Irish emigration through the 19th and 20th centuries as well as the last port of call of the Titanic on its ill-fated maiden voyage. From here you continue east towards Waterford along what is known as the Copper Coast - a UNESCO Geopark with beautiful scenery and a fascinating history. You will make a stop in one of the coastal towns for lunch before arriving in Waterford - Ireland's oldest city, founded by the Vikings in the 9th Century. Here you have the chance to visit the famous Waterford Crystal factory or perhaps one of the excellent museums or just explore the Viking Triangle yourself on foot. In the late afternoon you depart Waterford and travel north to Kilkenny, a bustling city with a fine castle and park, riverside walks, the National Craft Centre and plenty pubs and restaurants. Voted Ireland’s friendliest city this will be your overnight stop.

You have a couple of hours free to explore the city center before you depart Kilkenny for the Wicklow Mountains. This area contains some of Ireland’s highest peaks and most impressive valleys. The mountains are mainly made of granite and the deep valleys have been carved out by glaciers. One of the most impressive areas is around Glendalough (Valley of the Lakes) where you have the choice of taking one of the beautiful walking trails or exploring the ruins of a 6th century monastery with its famous round tower. After a couple of hours here you continue on the last section of the tour - travelling through the heart of the Wicklow Mountains National Park and crossing the famous Sally Gap before descending the short distance back to Dublin.