Kilkenny City & Wicklow Mountains - Wild Rover Tours

Wild Rover Tours one day tour. Travel to the Medieval Capital of Ireland -the City of Kilkenny. Explore the famous 12th Century Kilkenny Castle majestically located on the banks of the River Nore. Kilkenny is the craft capital of Ireland, visit the famous Kilkenny Art and design centre and appreciate the tradition of arts and crafts. See some of the most recognised artists in Ireland at work in the courtyard, Goldsmiths, Sculptors, Painters etc. Or Stroll around Kilkenny's narrow cobbled streets and why not visit Ireland's oldest brewery, Saint Frances Brewery founded in the 14th Century. Rothe House is a magnificent example of a wealthy silk merchants house built in 1594. The house contains multiple medieval exhibits and priceless Viking artefacts. The medieval gardens are kept to period, with examples of the era such as Gortahok cabbage and blood of the Boyne apples. Lunch in any of the many bistro's and artisan cafes. While in Kilkenny City you have the option of combining a visit to the historical Dunmore Caves, a place where myth & history blend. Dunmore is the site of the worst Viking massacre in Irish history (928AD) Explore the cave and its exhibits which are packed with many treasures and archaeological finds. The guides make it a magical experience, on some occasions there is a live tin whistle rendition in the bowels of the cave. Visit to the caves is optional but cost is included in your tour ticket price. After lunch the tour travels through the county of Carlow into the wild and rugged Wicklow Mountains. The landscape will change from lush green pasture with gentle valleys to the dramatic and breathtaking ancient glacial valleys of the Wicklow Gap. Feast your eyes on the spectacular countryside and its scenic treasures, mountains, native plants and wildlife, a photographer's dream. The Wicklow Gap's scenery is the most varied on the island of Ireland, journeying through the countryside where famous movies such as Braveheart and PS I Love You were filmed, enjoy a 15 minute stop for a stroll and photographic opportunities on top of the Wicklow Mountains overlooking the glens and valleys. Continuing over the Mountains the tour arrives at the world famous heritage site of Glendalough meaning-Glen of two lakes. This monastic site dates from 600AD. It was the centre of learning and from where Christianity was re-introduced to northern and central Europe after what was known as the dark ages. Saint Kevin founded a monastery here and much of the original architecture remains, such as St Kevin's Kitchen, Church and Round Tower, the tower was constructed as shelter for the Monks and their Latin manuscripts from marauding Vikings. Glendalough could be the reason that Ireland is known as 'The land of Saints and Scholars'. Departing Glendalough the tour passes through Roundwood, the highest village in Ireland, and Sugarloaf Mountain. Be entertained by your tour guide with storytelling and traditional Irish music. 6pm arrival in Dublin