Mainly 2–3-night stays in each location. Comfortable travel days with numerous stops. Requires 1-3 miles of walking per day that might involve some uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones and stairs.
Welcome to Dublin. Meet your Travel Director at 2:00pm for an orientation tour with a Local Expert that brings to life Dublin’s architectural treasures and history, stretching back more than 1,000 years. Travel along the River Liffey, see Custom House, Guinness Storehouse, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. See the 9th century Book of Kells and enjoy a walk through the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College. Back at your hotel, join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner with drinks and the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a pleasant evening of dinner and wine.
Depart Dublin, and pass the famous Curragh Racecourse and green meadows where many of the finest Irish racehorses are bred. Driving south, stop to see the spectacular Rock of Cashel, crowned with medieval buildings that dominate the flat countryside for miles around. Then on to explore Blarney with Insight Choice. Choose to visit Blarney Castle and kiss the magical stone to ensure a lifetime of eloquence. Alternatively, meet a senior gardener for a tour of Blarney Gardens. Head to Killarney, where you may fancy a ‘pint of porter.' This town on the lakes is famous for its lively pubs so in the evening why not join in the ‘craic’?
In the morning, marvel at spectacular mountain and sea views as you travel the road that winds around the beautiful Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the Ring of Kerry. Meet John for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit his family-run seaweed farm to learn about sustainable farming practices that protect the wild Irish Atlantic coasts.
Cross the Shannon Estuary by ferry and enter County Clare. Stop at the Exhibition Center and enjoy a walk along the Cliffs of Moher, raised approximately 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic waves. Then travel north across the Burren, a suddenly stark and barren landscape, scarred with interesting limestone creases. Journey to Galway, the City of the Tribes, and visit the last Cathedral built in Ireland. Take in the scenery from your hotel which is spectatuarly set on the - maybe change to 'Wild Atlantic Way at Galway Bay.
Embark on a superb exploration of the Connemara National Park and see a wonderland of rivers, lakes and silent hills. Explore Connemara with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the magnificent, turreted Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and visit one of Ireland’s oldest oyster farms for a tasting. Learn about their commitment to biodiversity and work promoting sustainable packaging.
Sitting on the edge of Lough Corrib and nestled on the border of County Galway and County Mayo, is the delightful Cong. You may recognise much of the town as it was used as the location in the 1952 film, 'The Quiet Man.' With free time to explore this quintessential Irish village, see the statue of the lead characters played by John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara, and the ruins of the Medieval Cong Abbey. Then a short drive down the road leads you to Ashford Castle, the highlight of your travels. As you arrive a lone piper escorts you over the drawbridge. Your exquisite hotel provides a romantic backdrop in superior surroundings, offering both relaxation and comfort. There are many opportunities to explore the vast estate, pamper yourself at the spa, or get to know the hawks and woodland surroundings at the hotel's falconry school. Dining at Ashford Castle ranks among the finest culinary experiences in the world. Creative cooking, locally sourced ingredients and an innovative menu await at your Celebration Dinner. Gentlemen, a jacket is required.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the morning and perhaps a stroll on the estate? Then cross the midlands to Dublin where the rest of the day is free for independent activities and maybe some last minute shopping.
Your journey comes to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Dublin airport.
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Gaelic Roots (Available on Day 2)The origins of Irish culture spring to life over a tour de force of traditional Irish song, music and dance at this Gaelic Roots show. Using traditional instruments, Irish dance and time-honored folk songs, this energetic show will have you tapping your feet and singing along. You’ll treasure experiencing the 2,000-year-old Gaelic culture over an evening out.
Adult Price: €37 Celtic Steps (Available on Day 2)Enjoy a spectacular evening of Irish music, song and dance performed by champion dancers and musicians and showcasing the music of Kerry and beyond. Beginning with as Irish Classic, ‘Siúil a Rún,’ thought to have originated in the 1800’s, the traditional Irish song tells a bittersweet tale of a woman lamenting her lover after his decision to embark on a military career. The performance then shifts to a series of fast and lively Irish reels with the introduction of the Celtic Steps Dance Troop followed by the waltz and energetic jig.
Adult Price: €43 Jaunting Car Ride (Available on Day 3)Experience the best of the Irish countryside on a traditional pony and trap ride through the beautiful Bourn-Vincent National Park. Formerly known as the Muckross Estate, this area became Ireland's first National Park in 1932. In 1981, the park was designated by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve, part of a network of natural areas which have conservation, research, education and training as primary objectives. During your journey, your Local Specialist shares insightful anecdotes about the area and Ireland.
Adult Price: €28 Medieval City Walk With Pub Supper (Available on Day 5)Uncover more sights and insights of Galway joining your Local Expert for an informative stroll. Dine this in one of Galway's best-loved taverns where traditional pub favorites may include Irish salmon, seafood chowder, colcannon, shepherd’s pie and lamb stew. Sip on a pint on this up close and personal night out with West of Ireland traditional musicians.
Adult Price: €64 Lough Corrib Cruise (Available on Day 6)Step aboard and embark on a journey through time with one of our local historians, often the captain. Cruise on the Republic of Ireland's largest lake, reputed to have an island for every day of the year. Leaving Lisloughrey, where passenger steamboats once operated, you'll experience breathtaking scenery and hear the history and folklore of the lake. Returning, the landscape will unfold before our eyes before arriving at Ashford Castle.
Adult Price: €31 Dublin Dinner and Drive (Available on Day 7)We'll enjoy a scenic drive through the leafy outskirts of Dublin, continuing South along Dublin Bay, viewing the changing eras of architecture en route. Then, it's fine cuisine with a glass of wine in one of Dublin’s well-known stylish restaurants.
Adult Price: €77 Dinner & Cabaret (Available on Day 7)Ireland conjures of images of hearty meals and toe-tapping entertainment. Indulge in a bit of both over an evening of fine food and fun as Ireland’s history unfolds with comedy, song and dance. Get in the spirit joining in the show, elevated with a healthy dose of Irish humor. Enhance your evening sipping on an after-dinner Irish coffee.
Adult Price: €89