The Castles & Culture of Ireland

Arriving in Dublin today, you'll have an opportunity to explore solo before joining the group. In the afternoon, you may check in to your central hotel. Explore the city from here. The hotel is a short walk to Trinity College, Christchurch Cathedral and several other attractions. 

Check in and unwind at your hotel in the heart of Georgian Dublin, steps away from Merrion Square. The Davenport is one of Dublin’s most iconic luxury 4* hotels.

This evening, we'll meet the group and our trip leader and guide for welcome drinks. Afterward, we'll head into the city for dinner at one of Dublin’s favorite restaurants.

Overnight The Davenport Hotel

Your guide will lead you on a short walking tour of the capital city this morning before meeting a curator at The Little Museum of Dublin. This eclectic collection of artifacts showcases the city’s unique social and cultural heritage. It provides a great introduction to the real Dublin.

We’ll make a pitstop for lunch at a traditional Irish pub.

Your Dublin exploration culminates in a tour of the iconic Trinity College, where you will see the world-famous Book of Kells. We'll recommend some of our favorite spots for dinner this evening.

Departing the city this morning, we'll drive for 4 hours through Ireland’s rolling green midlands. We'll stop at The Rock of Cashel to explore the medieval castle and gothic chapel in this historic site that dates back millennia.

After lunch, check into our 5* hotel in the charming town of Kenmare. Enjoy a 60-minute treatment in the award-winning spa before joining the group for dinner in the brasserie.

Overnight Sheen Falls Lodge

We’ll be on our merry way after breakfast, driving along the wild Kerry Coast as we follow the road south to find the Ring of Kerry. 

Here, we'll meet with a local forger at a remote beach. We'll walk the shore, uncovering native superfoods, including the seaweed that grows abundantly in the Atlantic’s pristine waters. 

You will join together for lunch in the tearooms at Derrynane House, before the opportunity to explore Kenmare’s boutiques and galleries and afternoon tea back at your hotel.  Enjoy dinner in town this evening in a restaurant of your choosing. 

Tonight, we will be staying at Sheen Falls Lodge.

Killarney National Park is the jewel in Kerry’s crown. Our adventure takes us into the park's heart today as we journey north. Visit Muckross House on the shores of Lough Leane and enjoy a tour of the lake in a traditional boat, soaking up the marvelous views across some of Ireland’s highest mountains. 

We'll drive for 3.5 hours and stop at the charming village of Adare, where you can explore local craft boutiques.

Overnight Gregans Castle Hotel

We’ll start our day with a hands-on workshop at The Burren Perfumery. A women-owned and run venture that draws inspiration from the region’s unique rocky landscape and the wildflowers that grow there.

Later in the afternoon, we'll visit the iconic Cliffs of Moher. Here, you'll have the chance to take a short walk away from the crowds. Your guide will introduce you to the myriads of seabirds that nest in the rocky crevices while you absorb the panoramic views. 

Dinner and traditional music in a pub in tiny Doolin village is on tonight's agenda. Fiddling Irish style will have you singing along with the locals!

Our final destination on this epic exploration of Ireland’s west coast is the bohemian city of Galway, a 1.5-hour drive north. The best way to get to know the city is through the eyes of a local. So, we've arranged a wonderful culinary walking tour of Galway. The tour brings the city to life. 

Galway is renowned for its exceptional cuisine, and tonight’s final dinner is at Kai, one of the city’s best restaurants. After dinner, we'll converge into one of Galway's many lively, music-filled pubs. 

Overnight at The Galmont

We'll return to Dublin by lunch today. We can drop you directly at the airport or you can finish your trip in the city. Plan to fly out at 3pm or after that day or the next.