DEPART THE UNITED STATES

Depart your hometown and take an overnight flight across the Atlantic

DUBLIN ARRIVAL 

After landing at Dublin Airport, complete customs and immigration formalities.  Check-in to your hotel and settle into your room.  The rest of the afternoon and evening is yours to enjoy as you see fit! 

Overnight: Grand Canal Hotel or similar

DUBLIN 

Dublin's attractions are as diverse as they are plentiful: from the 11th-century Christ Church Cathedral to the Leprechaun Museum, this city has a wide selection to offer. The plethora of literary pubs have earned its status as one of just five UNESCO Cities of Literature on the planet. You can raise a pint to writers like James Joyce and Bram Stoker, or explore the life and works of poet WB Yeats at the National Library.

Overnight: Grand Canal Hotel or similar

CLIFFS OF MOHER

After breakfast, meet our guide to begin our tour of the Wild Atlantic Way.  Today we’re aiming for Galway. The City of the Tribes nestles on the Atlantic Ocean and makes for an atmospheric and buzzy urban experience. Expect live music performances on the streets, diverse shops and tasty food options. Spot black-hulled, red-sailed Hooker boats and picturesque Dunguaire Castle in the village of Kinvara, on Galway Bay. Next is the bewitching beauty of the Burren region, with its limestone landscape, and uniquely rich flora. Marvel at the Poulnabrone Dolmen, one of Ireland’s great archaeological treasures. It’s older than the pyramids! Our last stop today is the world famous Cliffs of Moher - hold on to your hat! These majestic 700ft high sea cliffs have the power to dazzle. 

Overnight: Armada Hotel, Spanish Point, Clare

CASTLE STAY & SHEEP FARM

After breakfast we continue along the south exploring Clare and Kerry.  Start your day with two optional tour options: 1) guided boat trip and tour of historic Scattery Island or 2) enjoy a scenic tour through the spectacular Loop Head peninsula. Then it's off to Kerry! Take a ferry across the mouth of the Shannon – the longest river in Ireland. Keep an eye out for dolphins as we arrive in "The Kingdom" of Kerry. After moving onward from Tralee, Kerry’s largest town and home to the famous Rose of Tralee Festival (along with a beautiful rose garden), meet some local residents: sheep! Visit a working Irish sheep farm with charming old-style cottages for a live sheepdog demo and a guided farm tour.  Tonight, feel like royalty at Ballyseede Castle tonight.

Overnight: Ballyseede Castle Hotel, Ballyseede, Kerry

RING OF KERRY & SKELLIG ISLANDS

Today is your chance to experience the Ring of Kerry on the Iveragh peninsula and Ireland’s island treasures; the Skelligs. Take an optional guided boat trip around both Skellig Islands to experience seabirds and amazing history or remain on dry land visiting the Skellig Experience to learn all about Ireland's unique island treasures. There’s time for an optional visit to Derrynane, historic home to Daniel O’Connell. Afterwards ramble through dunes of golden sands on Derrynane beach or hunt for fairies in local woodland. We’ll hit Kenmare in the early evening. Catch an authentic performance of traditional Irish music and outstanding local food in this lively town’s many pubs and restaurants. 

Overnight: Coachman’s Townhouse, Kenmare, Kerry

KILLARNEY NATIONAL PARK

Wander the winding streets of colorful Kenmare this morning, with free time to drift between cafés, art galleries and craft shops. Pass over one of Ireland's most scenic roads at Moll's Gap. Gaze down at the beautiful lakes of Killarney from Ladies View, so-named for the time Queen Victoria's ladies-in-waiting stopped here to grab a selfie in 1861. Pay a visit to the stunning Killarney National Park where you can take an optional horse-drawn carriage ride.  Your experience in Killarney National Park may include: sightings of rare red deer herds in native oak forest, 19th century Muckross House and gardens, a short walk to scenic Torc Waterfall, and idyllic lakeside and mountain views 

Overnight: Gougane Barra Hotel or West Cork Hotel, Skibbereen, Cork

HISTORIC HOUSE TOUR & ANCIENT MONUMENTS

Visit stately Bantry House, one of the few grand Irish homes still in private hands; owned by the same family since the 18th century.  Next, imagine mysterious Celtic rituals at Drombeg Stone Circle. No one truly knows what these circles were for - Astrology? Sacrifice? Aliens? Dancing? Let your imagination run wild!  Then, it's back to the coast we go (seafood fans rejoice!), to explore the picture perfect town of Kinsale.  Step back in time to relive bloody battles of the past with a self-guided tour of the dramatic star-shaped Charles Fort, located at the edge of the ocean near Kinsale. Enjoy a local menu of vibrant restaurants, atmospheric pubs and abundant craft shops in the unofficial gourmet capital of Ireland. 

Overnight: Actons Hotel, Kinsale, Cork

FREE DAY IN IRELAND’S GOURMET PARADISE, KINSALE
Today is yours to design. Relax with quality downtime to recharge and soak up Kinsale’s charms. Stroll around the town’s winding streets, browsing art galleries and craft shops, or engage in some delicious cultural activities. For example, embark on an optional walking food tour of Kinsale visiting four different restaurants with exclusive tasting of locally sourced dishes. Whiskey enthusiasts can experience a guided tasting in an authentic Irish pub - the 18th century Folk House Venue. Whatever shenanigans you get up to in Kinsale, don’t miss a traditional music session, normally performed live in pubs. 

Overnight: Actons Hotel, Kinsale, Cork

KISS THE BLARNEY STONE

It’s time to — hygienically — kiss the famous Blarney Stone to gain the gift o’ the gab. Afterwards, explore the lush, landscaped gardens of Blarney Castle. Then visit Cahir Castle, one of Ireland’s largest medieval fortresses. The castle has served as a Hollywood film set with stars such as Richard Burton, Liam Neeson, Dev Patel and Matt Damon gracing it over the years. Tour the banqueting hall and try to spot a 400 year old cannonball lodged in the walls. This evening we return to Dublin between 5-6pm.
Overnight: Grand Canal Hotel or Similar

FLY HOME

Today make your way to the airport for your flight home.  Not ready to leave? Extend your stay in Ireland (or continue your journey onwards - Scotland, England, and Iceland are easy to reach)!