Holidays in Wicklow & Ireland's Ancient East | Absolute Escapes

Journey Through Time in Ireland’s Ancient East

Embark on an extraordinary journey through time in Ireland’s Ancient East. Here, you’ll unravel a rich tapestry of Irish history that spans an astonishing 5,000 years, where myths and legends come to life amidst the backdrop of medieval towns, rolling hills, and serene waters. With a huge selection of attractions, ranging from Neolithic sites to magnificent castles, your adventure knows no bounds.

At the heart of this captivating region lies County Wicklow, nestled just south of Dublin. Its picturesque green glens, majestic mountains, and glistening lakes form a walker’s paradise. Aptly named the ‘Garden of Ireland‘, this region invites you to immerse yourself in its breathtaking landscapes along the Wicklow Way, Ireland’s first waymarked trail. As you explore this ancient land, you’ll encounter ruined settlements and be captivated by the famous Glenmalure Valley.

Explore stunning landscapes and historic gems with our Dublin & Ireland’s Ancient East self-drive tour. Starting in Ireland’s bustling capital, you’ll explore the Wicklow Mountains National Park and the cultural gem of Kilkenny.

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Wicklow Way

£925

Walking Holidays

86 miles / 138 km

Grand Irish Road Trip

£2260

Self-Drive Holidays

Highlights of Ireland

£1355

Self-Drive Holidays

Dublin & Ireland’s Ancient East

£1180

Self-Drive Holidays

Walkers looking out at Glendalough

Lough Tay, Wicklow

Powerscourt Waterfall

Powerscourt House and Gardens near Enniskerry

Wicklow Mountains with a dusting of snow in springtime

Absolute Escapes clients walking the Wicklow Way

Glendalough monastic settlement founded in the 6th century by St Kevin

Blooming heather in the Wicklow Mountains

Two walkers on the Wicklow Way

Beautiful Lough Dan in the Wicklow Mountains

Wicklow Way

From £925pp

Walking Holidays

Distance 86 miles / 138 km

Duration 7 - 10 Nights

Experience the spectacular scenery of County Wicklow: 'The Garden of Ireland'
Soak up the Irish way of life in historic villages and towns along the trail
Visit Glendalough - a 6th century Monastic city nestled in a tranquil glen

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Cliffs of Moher, Co. Galway

Ross Castle in Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry

Clifden Sky Road, Co. Galway

Belfast City Hall at dusk, Northern Ireland

Skellig Islands, Co. Kerry

McHugh's Bar in Belfast, Northern Ireland

Gurteen Beach, Co. Galway (credit - Big Smoke Studio, Tourism Ireland)

Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry (credit - Fáilte Ireland)

Giant's Causeway, County Antrim, Northern Ireland

Jaunting cart tour, Killarney National Park, Co Kerry (credit - Hu O'Reilly, Fáilte Ireland)

Grand Irish Road Trip

From £2260pp

Self-Drive Holidays

Duration 17 Nights

Dublin, Ireland’s vibrant capital
Galway, one of Ireland's most picturesque and musical cities
The Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

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Rock of Cashel, Co Tipperary (credit - Fáilte Ireland)

Ross Castle in Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry

Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare (credit - Tourism Ireland)

Glendalough Monastic City, Co Wicklow (credit - Fáilte Ireland)

Kilkenny Castle

Muckross House and Gardens, Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry

Ha'penny Bridge, Dublin

River Nore, Kilkenny

Temple Bar, Dublin

Coastal road on the Dingle Peninsula, Co. Kerry

Highlights of Ireland

From £1355pp

Self-Drive Holidays

Duration 9 Nights

Discover Trinity College and the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin
Explore the wonderful Ring of Kerry and Killarney National Park
Galway, one of Ireland's most picturesque and musical cities

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Glendalough Monastic City, Co Wicklow (credit - Fáilte Ireland)

Cahir Castle, Cahir, Co Tipperary (credit - Tipperary Tourism)

Guinness Storehouse in Dublin

Killiney Beach, near Dublin

National Museum of Ireland, Dublin

Newgrange, Brú na Bóinne, Co Meath (credit - Fáilte Ireland)

River Nore, Kilkenny

Exploring Wicklow Mountains National Park

St Canice's Cathedral, Kilkenny (credit - Tourism Ireland)

Annestown Beach, Copper Coast, Co Waterford (credit - Fáilte Ireland)

Dublin & Ireland’s Ancient East

From £1180pp

Self-Drive Holidays

Duration 8 Nights

Dublin’s Temple Bar, Trinity College and the Guinness Storehouse
The stunning Wicklow Mountains National Park
Kilkenny Castle and Ireland’s Medieval Mile

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Why travel with Absolute Escapes?

Andy and Sheila, founders of Absolute Escapes, on the Isle of Skye – highlighting our personal, founder-led approach to tailor-made holidays.

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Daisy, a travel specialist at Absolute Escapes, symbolising our first-hand local knowledge and expert holiday planning across the UK & Ireland.

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Tailor-Made Experience:

Every aspect of your holiday is
perfectly handcrafted for you.

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because the details matter.

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Mix walking, driving, and train travel
to build a holiday that’s truly unique.

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awards, and decades of experience.

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Your booking is safe with us, backed
by robust financial safeguards.

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are available 24/7.

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We create award-winning holidays rooted in local knowledge. Enquire now for expert advice and a bespoke itinerary tailored just for you.

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