Kilkenny and Waterford Day Trip from Dublin: Castles, Medieval Streets and Crystal

Kilkenny and Waterford are two of the most historic cities in Ireland's Ancient East, and they sit on the same road south from Dublin. Together they make a full, rewarding day out: a medieval castle, cathedral and streets in the morning, and Viking history and crystal in the afternoon.

The day at a glance

• Route: Dublin → Kilkenny → Waterford → Dublin
• Length: plan for 10 to 13 hours door to door, depending on your stops
• Price: from €695 for up to 3 people in a Mercedes S-Class, per vehicle
• Included: private driver, waiting time, parking and tolls, bottled water and Wi-Fi

Morning: Kilkenny

Kilkenny is about 1 hour 30 minutes from Dublin. Start at Kilkenny Castle and its gardens beside the River Nore, then walk the Medieval Mile through the old town to St Canice's Cathedral. The streets are full of small shops, cafés and traditional pubs, so this is a good place for an early lunch.

Afternoon: Waterford

Continue south to Waterford, often called Ireland's oldest city. Visit the House of Waterford Crystal to see how the famous crystal is made, then explore the Viking Triangle with the Medieval Museum and Reginald's Tower. Your driver waits while you explore, then takes you back to Dublin in the evening.

Prices for the day

• Mercedes S-Class (up to 3 people): €695
• Comfortable people carrier (up to 7 people): €795
• Mercedes V-Class with individual captain seats (up to 6 people): €895

Entry tickets, meals and a guide are not included, so you are free to choose what you visit. Full details are on the Waterford & Kilkenny day trip page.

Tips for the day

• Start early, especially between November and February, when daylight ends in the late afternoon.
• Check opening times and book Waterford Crystal tours in advance, as times change with the season.
• Wear comfortable shoes: both cities are best explored on foot.
• Prefer to stay overnight? Book a one-way transfer to Kilkenny or Waterford instead.

More day trips from Dublin

If you enjoy castles, look at our Kilkenny Castle and Rock of Cashel day trip or the Rock of Cashel guide. All of our routes are listed on the private day trips page.

Book your day trip

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