Free cancellation up to 48 hours in advance

The Normandy of Ireland Tour

Price: €750 up to 7 persons

Note: Start times are flexible and can be agreed directly with John.

Kilkenny Tours For History Buffs

Our Kilkenny City Tour is themed around the 800-year long history of the English conquest and colonisation of Ireland. With most Irish people speaking English today and the majority having at least some English ancestry mixed with their Gaelic ancestry, this tour aims to help you to understand how it is possible to be both proud Irish and proud of the English elements of your heritage.

Overview
Details

Travelling south of Dublin we travel through the area that was most strongly colonised by Norman Knights in the 12th century. We visit the ancient medieval city of Kilkenny Ireland’s best preserved medieval city with its great palace/fortress of Kilkenny Castle. Learn about the evolution of the English language in Ireland and the long history of the English influence in Ireland. Entrance Fees to attractions can be paid by the client on the day or in advance by arrangement. Duration 8 hours plus

Price
€750

No. of People
1-7

Duration
8 Hours

The Normandy of Ireland Tour

Private tour for up to 7 guests

One fixed price covers your full private group, whether there are 1 or 7 guests. The vehicle and guide are reserved exclusively for you.

Flexible start times

Tours usually begin between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Select 9:00 a.m. when booking and share your preferred time at checkout.

Duration: Approximately 7 hours.

Cancellation Policy: Day tours and shore excursions can be cancelled free of charge up to 48 hours before departure. Cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable. Multi-day tours have separate cancellation terms due to advance accommodation and supplier costs. Please review our full cancellation policy before booking.

What Our Clients Say

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 59 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Flytwister 
 
 
 
 Verified Dublin Deluxe
We spent two wonderful days with John touring the sights of Dublin and Malahide castle. His knowledge and professionalism were ideal for our group and we enjoyed the convenience and comfort of his van. Highly recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Tanar2016 
 
 
 
 Verified Magical day in the Wicklow Mountains
My husband and I spent a wonderful day in the Wicklow Mountains with John ending when he dropped us off at the international ferry port of Rosslare. He knows all the most beautiful and interesting spots as well as the local stories and folklore. The depth and width of his knowledge across many disciplines is remarkable. I am sorry that time didn't permit a stop at the Powercourt Gardens but hope to do that on our next visit to Dublin. Glendalough was a huge highlight - very moving to be among those ancient ruins and to learn about its long history as a place of pilgrimage. Definitely not to be missed. There is also nearby an excellent restaurant for an enjoyable stop if you are so inclined. We learned a great deal on this trip and thoroughly enjoyed John's company. Above all, he is devoted to his clients' welfare and enjoyment of the trip. Anyone who has him as their guide is in for a wonderful experience.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Jerry G 
 
 
 
 Verified Extremely educational and enjoyable
John was an excellent tour guide. He has a unique combination of historical, political, geographical, and botanical expertise which resulted in a very educational and enjoyable day!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   559ttaylor 
 
 
 
 Verified Tours of Dublin region
John is the ultimate gentleman and is a walking encyclopedia. We had a great time and will certainly use him again.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Donald D 
 
 
 
 Verified I had a fantastic day tour of the Boyne Valley and Newgrange with John. John was incredibly knowledgeable and engaging, bringing the rich history of the area to life with fascinating stories and insights. His passion for Irish heritage was evident throughout the tour, and he made the experience both educational and enjoyable. From the ancient passage tomb at Newgrange to the scenic beauty of the Boyne Valley, every stop was well-planned and thoughtfully presented. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the region who would like a tour with an expert with strong historical knowledge .
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Tina d 
 
 
 
 Verified A Day in the Life
We had a wonderful day with John visiting some of the haunts where our ancestors likely spent their days and nights in the southern part of Dublin. John worked with us ahead of the tour, tailoring it to the specific sites where our progenitors lived and worshiped, where they were married, and where they are buried. He was able to arrange for us to meet the warm and welcoming people caring for the parishes family members were born into....which was a highlight of our entire time in Ireland. In the afternoon we drove into the countryside to visit a place our great uncles and aunts hung out in their youth, stopping for lunch at a traditional pub (Johnnie Fox's) that we never would have found otherwise. We truly had a wonderful day; thank you John!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Chris R 
 
 
 
 Verified Look no further - 5 stars
Priceless two weeks in Ireland. The perfect mix of knowledge, wit and charm - look no further. We learned loads and would do it all over again! Thank you John for showing us your Ireland!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   bwnj 
 
 
 
 Verified John was amazing. Planned two wonderful days. Took the time to research my ancestors.
We were with John for two days. He took the time to research my family tree and planned a stop to where they likely lived in the 1850s. He is full of knowledge and it was a pleasure to meet him.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Neal H 
 
 
 
 Verified An Experience of a Lifetime! Thank you, Mr. Ducie!
The history, the culture, architecture, nature, the essence of Ireland...John knows it all and taught us with infectious passion and enthusiasm. Over the span of a week and a bit, he guided my family and I across the island, from Dublin to Kilkenny, Killarney and Adare, the Boyne Valley and Wicklow Mountains, and the old family stomping grounds of Cahersiveen and Rathvilly on truly one of the greatest vacation experiences of my life! Can't wait to return to the Emerald Isle!

Client Reviews

The tour of Kilkenny was no exception. A beautiful medieval town filled with amazing historical structures with stories that only John can recount to place you there when these events were occurring.

Carl Driscoll

We appreciated his kindness and enjoyed the history lessons through Kilkenny City.

Alex H

I especially appreciated our stop at St. Canice's in Kilkenny, as it would've been a little harder for me to get there on my own.

Sandy Z

John is an absolute Gem! We were picked up and given a fantastic personal tour.

Brian M

John's knowledge of Irish history is extraordinary. He added so much to what we were seeing.

Terrance B

John is a walking encyclopedia of history and brought deep historical context to everything we saw.

Ralph P

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