Excursion Rural ireland and jerpoint abbey tour at Waterford

Discover the pastoral beauty and history of the Irish countryside during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion to the 12th-century Jerpoint Abbey.

Waterford, River Arrigle and Jerpoint Abbey

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to Jerpoint Abbey. En route, your picturesque route traverses the rich farmland of County Kilkenny. Nestled on the banks of the River Arrigle, Jerpoint Abbey is a 12th-century Cistercian monastery. Its expansive grounds contain a well-preserved series of ruins that paint a vivid picture of monastic life. Upon arrival at Jerpoint Abbey, take a guided walking tour. Along the way, see the gardens, watermill, granary, large kitchen, a number of stone carvings depicting the saints, and intricately-designed, rounded archways. The precision and attention-to-detail in the architecture is truly inspiring.

Jerpoint Abbey Transepts, Chancel, East Window, and Central Tower

The oldest sections of Jerpoint Abbey are the Irish-Romanesque transepts and chancel. The east window dates from the 14th century, and the magnificent central tower was added in the 15th century. You may opt to climb the stairs for a magnificent panoramic view. The restored cloister bears carvings of knights and ladies, bishops and dragons, and even a man with a stomach ache, echoing a drawing found on a medieval manuscript. Legend has it that a ruined church just to the east of Jerpoint Abbey is the final resting place of Saint Nicholas, the man who inspired Santa Claus.

Thomastown, Inistioge, and Nore and Barrow River Valleys

Next, re-board your coach for a splendid orientation drive through Thomastown and on to Inistioge, an enchanting Irish village nestled on the banks of the River Nore. A photo stop is made here to capture the idyllic scene of a stone-arched bridge spanning the gently flowing river. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier. En route, take in lovely views of the Nore and Barrow river valleys and countryside.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, at time over uneven surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, four steps at the entrance to Jerpoint Abbey and 15 steps inside the venue. It is suitable for guests who utilise a wheelchair who can embark and disembark the coach via the coach steps however parts of the Abbey Ruins will be inaccessible. Guests are advised to wear warm, layered clothing and a waterproof jacket or coat with flat, closed-toe and non-slip walking shoes, and bring an umbrella from the ship. Due to the local climate, most of the coaches are air-cooled.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Waterford, County Kilkenny, River Arrigle, Jerpoint Abbey, Central Tower, Cloister, Thomastown, Inistioge Village, River Nore, Barrow and Nore River Valleys