Ireland's Ancient East

Day 1: Ferry to Rosslare & Wexford

Sail Fishguard–Rosslare (Stena, around 3½ hours) or Pembroke–Rosslare (Irish Ferries, around 4 hours). Explore the Hook Peninsula — Hook Lighthouse is one of the world's oldest working lighthouses.

Don't miss: Hook Lighthouse

One of the world's oldest working lighthouses — guarding the tip of the Hook Peninsula for over 800 years. Climb the tower for sweeping views over the sea.

Where to stay

• The Norman View Campervan Park — Fethard-on-Sea, Co. Wexford
• Duncannon Holiday Park — Duncannon, Co. Wexford
• Bannow Bay Seaside Farm Camping Aire — Bannow Bay, Co. Wexford

Day 2: Wicklow & Glendalough

North to the Wicklow Mountains: the sixth-century monastic city of Glendalough in its glacial valley, and the gardens and waterfall at Powerscourt.

Don't miss: Glendalough

A 6th-century monastic city set deep in a glacial valley — its round tower, ruined churches and two dark lakes make it the magical heart of Wicklow.

Where to stay

• Derrybawn Mountain Lodge — Glendalough, Co. Wicklow
• River Valley Caravan and Camping Park — Redcross, Co. Wicklow
• Wolohans Caravan and Camping Park — Wicklow, Co. Wicklow

Day 3: Medieval Kilkenny

Ireland's best-preserved medieval city — Kilkenny Castle, the Medieval Mile and the atmospheric ruins of Jerpoint Abbey nearby.

Don't miss: Kilkenny Castle

Ireland's best-preserved medieval city is crowned by this riverside castle — seat of the Butler dynasty for 600 years, with grand gardens and a picture gallery.

Where to stay

• Farm Cottage Lets — Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny
• Paddy's Bar — Carrigeen, Co. Kilkenny
• Powers The Pot Caravan and Camping Park — Comeragh Mountains, Co. Waterford

Day 4: Cashel & Waterford

The spectacular Rock of Cashel and nearby Cahir Castle, then the Viking city of Waterford — the Viking Triangle and the famous crystal.

Don't miss: Rock of Cashel

A dramatic limestone outcrop crowned with a medieval cathedral, round tower and Cormac's Chapel — Tipperary's unforgettable skyline, once seat of the Kings of Munster.

Where to stay

• The Apple Camping and Caravan Park — Cahir, Co. Tipperary
• The Getaway — Dungarvan, Co. Waterford
• Dunmore East Holiday Park — Dunmore East, Co. Waterford

Day 5: Back to the ferry

An easy run back to Rosslare for the ferry to Pembrokeshire. The Republic uses the euro and drives on the left, just like home.