Day 1: Welcome to the Emerald Isle
Step into the world of James Joyce and Oscar Wilde as you wander the lyrical streets of Dublin, your gateway to Ireland’s iconic attractions. After a leisurely morning, meet a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour featuring Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and the elegant Georgian Squares. Enjoy some Irish craic this evening with your Travel Director and fellow travellers over dinner.
Day 2: Onward to Limerick
We head to Galway, known as the 'City of Tribes', where you'll admire its stone cathedral along the Corrib River and have free time to explore its charming façades. Next, immerse yourself in Irish heritage at Bunratty Castle and its Folk Park, a living history museum showcasing life in 18th and 19th-century Ireland. Continue to Limerick for an orientation tour, taking in views of the impressive 13th-century King John's Castle by the River Shannon.
Day 3: Discover the Cliffs of Moher and Head to Killarney
Leaving Limerick, we stop at the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher along the famous ‘Wild Atlantic Way’. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a Local Specialist to fully appreciate this stunning landscape. On a clear day, gaze out towards the Aran Islands. Explore the interactive visitor center, where the story of this UNESCO-listed natural wonder unfolds. Afterward, enjoy a scenic drive to Killarney, crossing the Shannon Estuary by ferry. This colourful town will be your home for the next two nights.
Day 4: Scenic Ring of Kerry
Embark on a journey around the spectacular Ring of Kerry, where emerald hills, historic stone villages, and vibrant blue seas create a breathtaking backdrop. Visit Daniel O'Connell's Cahirciveen, Moll's Gap, and the Black Valley, famous for being the last area in Ireland to receive electricity and phone services. You may also opt for a visit to Muckross House and its stunning gardens, set against a backdrop of majestic oak-clad mountains, azaleas, and rhododendrons. The 19th-century house features remarkable furniture and artwork, including a portrait of King James VI, for whom Shakespeare penned Macbeth.
Day 5: Explore Blarney and Travel to Waterford
Cross the rugged Kerry Mountains to Blarney Castle, where you can kiss the stone and gain the 'gift of the gab.' In the afternoon, arrive in Waterford, where you can enjoy the local culture with an optional folk experience featuring traditional Irish music and hospitality. Return to your hotel for a delightful group dinner.
Day 6: Through County Wicklow to Dublin
Immerse yourself in culture at the House of Waterford Crystal, where you'll witness master craftsmen creating exquisite glass pieces. Next, stop in New Ross to see the monument dedicated to John F. Kennedy, who visited his ancestral hometown in 1963. Tour the three-masted famine ship Dunbrody to learn about the tragic fate of Irish emigrants during the potato famine of the 1800s. Continue through County Wexford and the lush landscapes of County Wicklow, stopping at Glenealy Farmhouse for dinner with the Fulvio family during your Be My Guest experience before heading back to Dublin.
Day 7: Farewell Ireland
As your journey through the 'Emerald Isle' comes to a close, it's time to say a heartfelt slán abhaile to your fellow travellers.