US - Dublin, Ireland

Depart from your home city and fly overnight to the capital city of Dublin. 

Arrive in Dublin, Ireland

Arrive on Sunday in the afternoon and meet our Irish tour guide who will be with us for our whole tour. We’ll have a city panorama tour from the bus to get acquainted with the city as we arrive at our hotel to rest from travel. We will meet tonight for a welcome dinner to get acquainted with our traveling group. In your free time, you can take a 10 min walk to the world-famous Temple Bar and 5 min to St Stephen's Green.

Rock of Cashel to Waterford Coast

Today we drive south inland to see the historic Rock of Cashel, a spectacular group of Medieval buildings set on an outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale. Including the 12th-century Round Tower, High Cross, and Romanesque Chapel, a 13th-century Gothic cathedral, a 15th-century Castle and the restored Hall of the Vicars Choral. After a beautiful morning, we will have a lunch break before continuing to the coastal town of Waterford which is renowned for its exquisite crystal production. During your visit to Waterford, explore the town, learn about its rich history, and take the opportunity to shop for the famous Waterford Crystal. We’ll enjoy dinner together this evening after checking into our hotel for the night.

Blarney Castle to Tralee

After breakfast this morning we continue our discovery of Ireland by traveling to the historic Blarney Village and historic Blarney Castle. We’ll explore the beautiful gardens with enough time to kiss the famous stone, which is said to bestow the gift of eternal eloquence on those lucky enough to do so. There is also time for a little shopping before we finish driving across the island to the scenic town of Tralee on the west coast for our 2-night stay with dinner at the hotel. 

The Ring of Kerry, Killarney National Park, Muckross House, and Gardens,.

The beauty of this green land will be apparent today as we visit Muckross House and Gardens which represent the focal point and nucleus of Killarney National Park. This is Ireland's oldest National Park, and it includes the world-famous Lakes of Killarney, as well as the mountains and woodlands that surround them. This nineteenth-century Victorian mansion is set against the stunning beauty of Killarney National Park. The house stands close to the shores of Muckross Lake, one of Killarney's three lakes, famed worldwide for its splendor and beauty. Today the principal rooms of Muckross House are furnished in period style and portray the elegant lifestyle of the nineteenth-century landowning class. In the basement, one can imagine the busy bustle of the servants as they went about their daily chores. 

Cliffs of Moher with Ferry Ride, The Burren National Park

Our day begins with a ferry ride across the majestic River Shannon from Tarbert to Kilrush. After arriving on the other side of the river, we continue our journey to the world-famous Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland's most breathtaking natural wonders. The cliffs, towering at over 700 feet at their highest point, stretch for 4 miles along the Atlantic Ocean in County Clare. We’ll explore the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center, which provides valuable information about the cliffs and their geological and natural significance. We take in the awe-inspiring views of the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, and The Twelve Pins from the vantage point of the Cliffs of Moher. This afternoon we will visit the Burren National Park, a vast expanse of limestone lakes, cliffs, and a unique lunar-like landscape. This area is known for its walking trails, woodlands, and diverse wildlife, including otters, minks, and lizards. We continue the journey traveling through the beautiful Irish landscape to enjoy scenic views of the Maum Turk Mountains in Connemara and Loop Head to the south where we arrive at Galway, a vibrant city on the west coast of Ireland. Check in to your hotel, where you will stay for the next two nights. Tonight, we enjoy dinner together at the hotel. 

Connemara National Park, Kylemore Abbey, and Rathbaun Farm

We will also visit Kylemore Abbey and Garden. Kylemore Abbey was built in tandem with Kylemore Castle in the late 17th Century by wealthy businessman Mitchell Henry and his wife. You will visit the restored rooms of the Abbey and learn about its history and tales of tragedy and romance. Enjoy the peaceful and elegant atmosphere of the beautiful Gothic Church and Explore the 6-acre Victorian Walled Garden with its magnificent, restored buildings. This afternoon we will enjoy a farmhouse visit at the Rathbaun Farm. Here will be enchanted by its 250-year-old thatched cottage, turf fire, and original stonewalls. Time spent here gives a glimpse into the daily workings of a sheep farm with plenty of time to see the animals, feed the lambs, talk to the family, and explore the farmyard. You will be welcomed into the cottage for some true Irish hospitality – home-baked and freshly prepared scones, freshly whipped Irish cream, and preserves along with tea or coffee. Tonight, we will overnight at a beautiful hotel overlooking the Trim Castle and enjoy a lovely dinner and evening in.

Clonmacnoise Abbey to Dublin

Today we travel from Galway East back towards Dublin, but not without a last amazing day in the countryside. We will visit Clonmacnoise Abbey, an early Christian site founded by St. Ciarán in the mid-6th century on the eastern bank of the River Shannon. The site includes the ruins of a cathedral, seven churches (10th -13th century), two round towers, three high crosses and the largest collection of early Christian grave slabs in Western Europe. The original high crosses and a selection of grave slabs are on display in the visitor center. The long and varied history of Clonmacnoise is recounted in an audiovisual presentation shown in the visitor center. There are also exhibitions that deal with the flora, fauna and landscape of the region. We end our day with a perfect blend of historic culture and scenic beauty by Trim Castle on the bank of the River Boyne. This castle, the largest Anglo-Norman fortification in Ireland will be the backdrop at our hotel tonight. We will check in and enjoy a wonderful dinner together. 

Dublin City and Irish Dance Dinner Show

Today we leave the country and arrive back in the bustling city of Dublin. As one of the most walkable cities in Europe, wonderful sites await you such as St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Trinity College, and the beautiful St Stephens Green to name a few. We will enjoy a morning bus/walking tour of the city getting an idea of the great sites to see. We will check into our hotel for the night, drop our bags and the afternoon is yours to explore. Our guide will have a list of easily walkable destinations to see or the best places to stop for those last few souvenirs. Tonight, as we prepare to say goodbye to Ireland, our last evening will be filled with Irish dance and lore at a local show to celebrate all that Ireland has shown and taught us over our week together exploring the amazing Emerald Isle.  

Dublin to USA.

Today we say goodbye to the Emerald Isle and depart our hotel after a free morning to the airport for our flights back home with memories to last a lifetime.