Explore Ireland

12 Days

This tour of Ireland has something for everyone. Beautiful landscapes and natural beauty characterize the Counties of Wicklow, Kerry, Galway and Donegal- with each destination offering its visitors mountains, glens, lovely lakes or wild coastlines. Literary enthusiasts will see the countryside that inspired the poetry of William Butler Yeats as well as the lively city of Dublin, which inspired so many of Ireland’s literary giants. Group members wanting to shop will have opportunities to purchase regional specialties such as Waterford Crystal Factory and items from rustic, woolen mill towns. As your group tours medieval monasteries and castles throughout the country, learn the fascinating history of Ireland including the Ancient Celtic civilization, the Viking and later British invasions, and the massive 19th century emigration caused by the Great Famine.

Highlights

Kiss the Blarney Stone
Shop for treasures at the Blarney Woolen Mills
Tour the Ring of Kerry
View the famous Cliffs of Moher

Itinerary Details

Day 1 - 2

1 Night

Dublin

Dublin, the vibrant capital city on Ireland’s east coast, is abundant with history, culture, and modern charm. The city's cultural quarter is a rich with historic walking trails, medieval castles, and ancient cathedrals. Stroll through the cobbled streets of Temple Bar, renowned for its lively atmosphere, traditional pubs, and eclectic mix of street performers. Discover Dublin Castle, a historic complex that has served as a royal residence, military stronghold, and government center since the 13th century. The city’s historical depth is further highlighted by landmarks such as the 12th-century Christ Church Cathedral and the 1191-founded St. Patrick’s Cathedral, where Jonathan Swift once served as Dean. For a taste of Dublin’s modernity, the Docklands area stands out with its sleek architecture and burgeoning tech industry, reflecting the city’s evolution into a hub of innovation. Dublin’s green spaces offer a refreshing escape, with expansive parks like Phoenix Park—one of the largest enclosed public parks in Europe—providing a serene setting for leisurely walks. Visitors can explore historic markets like Moore Street or indulge in Dublin’s dynamic food scene, which features everything from fresh seafood to gourmet whiskey tastings. The Guinness Storehouse is a must-visit, where guests can explore the history of Ireland’s most famous stout through interactive exhibits and enjoy panoramic city views from the Gravity Bar. Dublin also boasts a thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries and live music venues ensuring there is always something to experience. From its rich historical sites to its modern attractions, Dublin offers a compelling blend of old-world charm and contemporary energy.

Included activities

Day 1: Arrive in Dublin

Upon arrival clear immigration, baggage claim & customs and then meet your group's driver-guide in the arrivals hall for a transfer to the hotel by private coach. An island country located to the west of the United Kingdom and continental Europe, Ireland's charming capital city of Dublin is one of Europe's most loved destinations - and now you'll see why. En route to the hotel, the driver-guide will provide a panoramic tour of the city's top attractions. After check-in and time to relax (or begin sightseeing) the group will have a welcome dinner in the hotel's restaurant this evening.

Day 2 - 3

1 Night

Waterford

Included activities

Day 2: Arrive in Waterford

After breakfast in the hotel and check-out, the group will depart Dublin and travel south to the city of Waterford. Along the way, the driver-guide will take the group through Enniskerry, a secluded hillside village that serves as the gateway to County Wicklow (often called the Garden of Ireland) and through the mountains via Roundwood, the highest village in Ireland. We'll stop in Glendalough, a scenic glen between two lakes that once held St. Kevin's 6th-century monastic city. After viewing the ruined churches, round tower and Celtic crosses, the group can hear Glendalough's story inside The Visitors Centre After the visit, another stop will be made this afternoon in Wexford, an ancient town with rich Viking/Norman traditions. Begin an unforgettable journey through 9000 years of Irish history at the Irish National Heritage Park. From here the group will press on to its overnight accommodations in Waterford. If time permits, take time before dinner to begin exploring its lovely streets.

Day 3 - 5

2 Nights

Killarney

Discover Killarney, a vibrant town on the edge of its namesake national park in southwestern Ireland. Here, outdoor enthusiasts can hike woodland tracks to Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain, dive into waterfalls or kayak on crystal clear lakes. Killarney is also an ideal base for exploring the Kerry Way trails and the scenic Ring of Kerry. Cycling enthusiasts are also in for a treat with panoramic mountain views through the Gap of Dunloe. Spot herds of native red deer while exploring historical attractions on local jaunting-car rides. At Muckross House and Farms, visitors can see traditional Irish farming first-hand, or admire the 15th-century Ross Castle. There are also world-class spas where you can relax after golfing, horse racing, or fly fishing.

Included activities

Day 3: Arrive in Killarney

After breakfast in the hotel and check-out, this morning the group will journey to Cobh, the 19th century exit point for many Irish emigrants. From 1848 until 1950, over 6 million adults and children emigrated from Ireland, and over 2.5 million of them departed from Cobh. Visit the Victorian railway station's "Queenstown Story," which tells the story of this exodus from Ireland. Next we travel on to the village of Blarney to visit the Blarney Castle, an impressive baronial mansion with formal gardens and woodland walks. Here you can see its fabled stone, which gives the gift of eloquence with a kiss! There is time for you to go to the famous Blarney Woolen Mills, where you can buy everything from Irish sweaters to Waterford Crystal. Enjoy scenic views as we proceed west to Killarney, our base city for the next two nights.

Day 4:

After breakfast the group will depart with its driver-guide on a tour of the Ring of Kerry, a postcard panorama of mountains, lakes, valleys, seacoast bog land and colorful villages. One of the most impressive inclusions on the Ring of Kerry is the Macgillycuddy's Reeks mountain range, with its Carrauntoohill peak being the highest in all of Ireland. The Ring of Kerry offers a rich diversity of wildlife and flora that has evolved due to its unique location on the Gulf Stream. Returning to the city of Killarney, we'll stop in Killarney National Park on our way back if time permits. The evening is free in Killarney.

Day 5 - 6

1 Night

Limerick

Included activities

Day 5: Arrive in Limerick

After breakfast and check-out, the group will travel to Limerick this morning with a stop in the picturesque village of Adare, considered to be the prettiest village in Ireland with its thatched cottages. Continuing north, stop and tour Bunratty, famous for its 15th century castle & park, to learn about the Ireland of Medieval times. Proceed to the city of Limerick for check-in, free time and later on this evening – dinner in the hotel's restaurant.

Day 6 - 8

2 Nights

Galway

From the picturesque Atlantic coastline to Connemara National Park's rocky terrain, County Galway in western Ireland boasts breathtaking landscapes. Visitors can hike the Twelve Bens mountain range, cruise in pristine lakes, and witness picture-postcard farmlands. Discover cliffside castle ruins, fishermen cottages, and the romantic Kylemore Abbey. Irish festivities occur around the year in medieval towns and the symbolic Claddagh ring. Galway city, located on the River Corrib midway along the Wild Atlantic Way, is an ideal base for excursions. Its traditional music, vibrant nightlife, artisanal cafes and quaint pubs keep it lively. Offshore, the Aran Islands offer stunning natural beauty, heritage sites like Dún Aonghasa, and distinct Gaelic culture.

Included activities

Day 6: Arrive in Galway

After breakfast and check-out, the group will travel to Galway with sightseeing en route. Drive through the winding streets of Ennis, the setting of an impressive 13th century friary. See the famed and dramatic Cliffs of Moher, rising 700 ft. above the Atlantic Ocean. Then drive north through the bare limestone region known as the Burren to Ballyvaughan, where the Burren Exposure complex tells the story of its unique landscape and flora. Stop at Rathbaun Farm in County Galway for a tour of this working farm followed by tea & scones. Next, arrive in Galway, City of Tribes, which is the capital of the West of Ireland. Visit the Galway Cathedral & the Church of St Nicholas, where Columbus is reputed to have prayed before sailing to America. Our next 2 nights are at an abbey converted into a wonderful 4-star hotel.

Day 7:

Relax this morning at your hotel before we depart for the wild and scenic coast of the Connemara district. Here the mountains of Galway & Mayo drop down to meet the rugged coastline. Stop at the famous Knock Shrine. On the 21st of August 1879, Our Lady, St. Joseph & St. John the Evangelist appeared at the south gable of Knock Parish Church. Fifteen people, young & old witnessed the apparition. This afternoon return to your hotel & enjoy Galway's quaint city highlights. Consider visiting the Spanish Arch, Eyre Square, or the Galway Crystal Heritage Center. Dinner in the hotel's restaurant is included tonight.

Day 8 - 10

2 Nights

Enniskillen

Included activities

Day 8: Arrive in Enniskillen

After breakfast and check-out, this morning the group will head northeast to Sligo, the homeland of poet William Butler Yeats. We visit his quiet churchyard grave at Drumcliffe. We then continue through the villages and towns of County Donegal. The area offers a rugged beauty and mystique that you are unlikely to find anywhere else in the world. Donegal Town itself is regarded as a town of great historical interest, for it was the family seat of the O'Donnells, chieftains of Tirconaill in 1474. Enjoy the rest of the day in the peaceful surroundings of the Manor House Hotel as we cross into Northern Ireland near Enniskillen.

Day 9:

The first outing this morning is a leisurely cruise on the lovely lake around Devenish Island to view its early monastic ruins. Ballycassidy is on the north of Devenish Island on the eastern shore of the lake. The ruins of a monastery, two churches, an oratory and one of the finest round towers in Ireland occupy a sloping hillside on the southeast tip of Devenish. St. Molaise founded a monastery on Devenish Island. The story is told that St. Molaise, resting from his labors, listened spellbound to bird song that was the Holy Spirit communicating. The reverie lasted a hundred years, and when St. Molaise looked around after the interval, the monastery had been built.

Day 10 - 12

2 Nights

Dublin

Included activities

Day 10: Arrive in Dublin

After breakfast and check-out, today we follow the road south to Dublin. Along the way we make little stops in small villages along the way. One such village, Lisburn, is famous for its Irish Linen Centre. Continue to Armagh, the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland and home of two St. Patrick Cathedrals and a heritage center devoted to Ireland's patron saint. As we arrive later in the afternoon to Dublin, we'll check in then head out for a festive and lively dinner at Abbey Tavern. The food is delicious and the traditional Irish music is top class – a blend of fiddles, concertinas, tin whistles, pipes, spoons and lots of hand clapping.

Day 11:

Street-side cafes and pubs are always buzzing with animated conversations and it is interesting to note that it was in many of these same cafes and pubs that the literary giants such as Joyce, Kavanagh and O'Casey discussed the topics of the day over a thick creamy pint of Guinness. In the city there are a variety of museums, art galleries and visitor attractions to suit every taste. You can ask your driver-guide to point out the off-the-beaten-track areas of Dublin, or you can find yourself immersed in shopping in the best shops in the country. Tonight join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner, where you can trade the Irish limericks you have learned over a pint of Guinness.

Day 12:

After breakfast and check-out, the will travel to Dublin Airport for its return flight to the US.

Inclusions

Includes

Explore the monastic history and Celtic crosses of beautiful Glendalough
Explore Yeats' country
Enjoy traditional Irish music night at Abbey Tavern
Accommodations: Dublin 3 nights, Killarney 2 nights, Galway 2 nights, Enniskillen 2 nights, Waterford 1 night, Limerick 1 night
Meals: Continental breakfast daily. Lunch and dinner as noted in itinerary
Ground transportation via air conditioned luxury coach
English speaking assistants and guides
Admission tickets as outlined in itinerary