Monday 30th September – Thursday 10th October 2024
Picturesque coastal towns and villages, green pastoral fields, soaring cliffs, wild barren landscapes, the crash of the ocean, the laugh of a local. Ireland is romantic, and authentic, a home away from home where both old and modern seem to cohabit seamlessly on a small island in the middle of the sea. Packed with history and tradition your days are spent exploring Ireland’s famous and off-the-beaten-track sites of natural, cultural, and ancient interest. A world-renowned food scene means your evenings are spent dining in style and with the promise of a pub just around the corner, music and laughter are never far away. Your trip to Ireland will surprise and delight you but the people of Ireland will stay with you, long after your journey has taken you home.
Arriving in Ireland today, a private transfer will pick you up from the airport and whisk you into the city to your 5-star hotel. Check-in is at 3pm however feel free to leave your bags, freshen up, or have a bite to eat. You have no experiences booked today, so you can get some rest after your overnight flight before the adventure starts tomorrow! If you do want to get out and see some sights, we’ll provide plenty of recommendations for your time in the city.
Booking ref: 34788770
Overnight: Dublin | The Westbury Hotel
Room Type: x1 Classic King
Meals Included: None
Supplier: Dublin Chauffeurs
Pick Up Location: Arrivals Hall Dublin Airport | Pick Up Time: 09:45 | Approx Duration: 53 mins
Phone: +353 (0)87 233 8396
Justin or one of his drivers will meet you at arrivals at Dublin airport. Please don’t be alarmed if you are delayed, they have your flight details.
We recommend grabbing lunch at your hotel. You have a complimentary €100 food and beverage voucher.
National Gallery of Ireland At the corner of Merrion Square West and Clare Street, the recently renovated National Gallery is a treasure trove of permanent and temporary art exhibitions. Highlights include Ireland’s National Portrait Collection, the Yeats Archive and stained glass by Harry Clarke.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral As the largest cathedral and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Ireland, Saint Patrick’s has been at the heart of Dublin and Ireland’s history and culture for over 800 years.
Dublin Castle Constructed in the early thirteenth century on the site of a Viking settlement, Dublin Castle served for centuries as the headquarters of the English, and later British, administration in Ireland.
Please check the opening hours for the dates you’ll be visiting.
We recommend The Winding Stair, Sole Seafood & Grill or The Boxty House (a modern take on traditional Irish food).
For pubs, we recommend Doheny & Nesbitt’s, The Hairy Lemon or No Name.
Head out in the morning to enjoy a walking tour with a private guide through this vibrant capital city, with its mix of 1,000 years of architecture from the mediaeval to Georgian to modern. See the Georgian-style Merrion Square, lush St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin Castle, and O’Connell Street, the site of the ‘1916 Uprising’ that led to Ireland’s independence in 1922. Your guide is also a historian who will bring the city to life with colourful tales of life in the city in times gone by. Later on, you’ll delve into the history of Dublin. For over 100 years Kilmainham Gaol held thousands of men, women, and children for crimes that ranged from minor offenses to being involved in some of the most momentous events in Irish history. You’ll discover the stories of people held here as ordinary criminals alongside those who fought for Irish independence.
Overnight: Dublin | The Westbury Hotel
Room Type: x1 Classic King
Meals Included: Breakfast
Activity: Dublin Historical Walking Tour
Start Location: The Westbury Hotel | Start Time: 10:00
Phone: +353 (0)87 688 9412 | Website: https://historicaltours.ie/
Activity: Kilmainham Gaol
Start Location: Kilmainham Gaol Museum
Phone: +353 1 4535984 | Website: https://www.kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie/
Kilmainham Gaol: Location.
We recommend Bambino or Nancy Hands.
We recommend BANG Restaurant & Wine Bar, One Pico or Etto.
This morning you’ll visit some of Dublin’s most historic sights, starting with a tour of Trinity College and Book of Kells. Your guided Trinity tour will take you around the campus, discovering some of the secrets and famous pupils who graced its halls and quads before making your way to the Old Library for an audio tour of the Book of Kells with its new immersive digital experience. Later, you’ll make your way to 14 Henrietta Street, a social history museum of Dublin life, connecting the history of urban life over 300 years to the stories of the people who called this place home. Work began on the street in the 1720s when houses were built as homes for Dublin’s wealthiest families. By 1911 over 850 people lived on the street, over 100 of those in one house – 14 Henrietta Street. End your time in Dublin with dinner at one of the city’s many award-winning restaurants before ending the night in a cosy pub.
Overnight: Dublin | The Westbury Hotel
Room Type: x1 Classic King
Meals Included: Breakfast
Activity: Trinity College Dublin / Book of Kells
Start Location: Trinity College | Start Time: 10:00
Phone: +353 (0)1 896 1000 | Website: https://www.visittrinity.ie/book-now/
Activity: Henrietta Street Museum
Start Location: 14 Henrietta Street
Phone: +353 1 524 0383 | Website: https://14henriettastreet.ie/
The GPO The GPO Museum is an immersive, interactive and engaging experience telling the story of the 1916 Easter Rising and Modern Irish History.
The Jeanie Johnston One million Irish people fled Ireland during the famine. 2,500 took a gruelling voyage on the Jeanie Johnston. Take a journey back in time, get an insight into life on board a Famine ship and hear the stories of the people who made the arduous voyage.
Marsh’s Library Marsh’s Library is a beautifully preserved library of the early Enlightenment. It was built with money provided by Archbishop Narcissus Marsh, an academic and book lover with a strong belief in the public utility of education and learning.
Please check the opening hours for the dates you’ll be visiting.
We recommend Bunsen or The Lucky Tortoise.
We recommend Delahunt, Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud or Matt The Threshers.
This morning you’ll pick up your rental car in the city centre and make your way to the medieval town of Kilkenny – certainly one of our best-kept secrets! An artsy, colourful town, Kilkenny is home to local artists such as ceramics and other hand-made crafts found in the craft village. Probably the most impressive sight in town is Kilkenny Castle. One of the most fascinating castles in Ireland, you’ll take a guided tour to learn about the massive restoration process behind the castle, following clues back through the years to restore the castle to its former glory. As the hometown of Smithwick’s beer, you’ll certainly have to enjoy some of the local brews.
Booking ref: 386169
Overnight: Kilkenny | The Pembroke Hotel
Room Type: x1 Castle View King
Meals Included: Breakfast
Car Rental Company: Enterprise (Car Rental) Ireland
Booking Reference: 1567285055
Pick Up Location: Enterprise Car & Van Rental - St Stephen's Green | Pick Up Time: 10:00
Phone: (01) 844 5848
Enterprise Car & Van Rental – St Stephen’s Green: Location.
Dublin to Kilkenny: Driving Route.
Activity: Kilkenny Castle Tour
Start Location: Kilkenny Castle | Start Time: 12:00
Phone: +353 (0)56 770 4100 | Website: https://kilkennycastle.ie/
Kilkenny Castle: Location.
We recommend or Sullivan’s Taproom or Aroi.
We recommend Zuni Restaurant or Truffles Restaurant & Wine Bar.
You’ll travel south today and into Waterford, a city with a strong mediaeval heritage. You will join a local for a private walking tour of the city. As you stroll around the Viking Triangle you will step back in time and walk through a millennium of history. From ancient Ireland to the arrival of Regnall the Viking, the Norman invasion, and the marriage of Strongbow and Aoife, and how it changed the course of history for the next 800 years. You will also visit the world-famous Waterford Crystal Factory where you’ll enjoy an exclusive private tour and indulge in a delicious afternoon tea onsite.
Overnight: Kilkenny | The Pembroke Hotel
Room Type: x1 Castle View King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Killkenny to Waterford: Driving Route.
Activity: Afternoon Tea at Waterford Crystal
Start Location: House of Waterford | Start Time: 12:00
Booking Reference: 31239711
Phone: +353 51 317000 | Website: https://www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com/
Waterford Crystal: Location.
Activity: Private Tour of Waterford Crystal
Start Location: House of Waterford | Start Time: 14:45
Phone: +353 51 317000 | Website: https://www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com/
Activity: Private Walking Tour in Waterford
Guide: Deirdre Woodbyrne
Start Location: House of Waterford Crystal | Start Time: 16:15
Phone: +353 89 430 6967
We recommend Butcher Restaurant or Petronella.
Checking out of your hotel this morning, say goodbye to Kilkenny as you make your way further west to Kenmare. Your first port of call is Blarney where you will visit the castle and kiss the Blarney Stone. The building is actually a tower house, a type of fortification built by Gaelic lords and the Anglo-Irish between the 15th and 17th centuries. There are 60 acres of garden surrounding and you’ll have lots of time to explore. Continue on to Sheen Falls, situated amidst the majestic landscapes of the Ring of Kerry. You are free to spend time onsite and partake in the many activities Sheen Falls has to offer. Relax at the spa, enjoy some clay pigeon shooting or falconry, book a tee time, or try your hand at fishing.
Booking ref: 046876
Overnight: Kenmare | Sheen Falls Lodge
Room Type: x1 Deluxe Room
Meals Included: Breakfast
Kilkenny to Kenmare via Blarney: Driving Route.
Activity: Blarney Castle & Gardens
Start Location: Blarney Castle
Booking Reference: 45444
Phone: +353 (0)21 438 5252 | Website: https://blarneycastle.ie/
We recommend The Falls at your hotel.
In the southwest of County Kerry is an expanse of rugged, mountainous country that sweeps down to the world-famous Lakes of Killarney. Here, stretching across 10,000 hectares, lies Killarney National Park, with its unforgettable combination of mountains, lakes, woodland and waterfalls. Take a tour of the famed Killarney Lakes with Dux, your Kerryman skipper who has been sailing these lakes since he was a child with his family. Alighting back on solid land, hear about the legend of O’Donoghue and his snow-white horse with a guided tour of the medieval tower house at Ross Castle. Enjoy some free time to explore the colourful Killarney town before heading back to Sheen Falls for the evening.
Overnight: Kenmare | Sheen Falls Lodge
Room Type: x1 Deluxe Room
Meals Included: Breakfast
Kenmare to Killarney: Driving Route.
Activity: Private Boat Tour Killarney
Start Location: Front Pier (located at the front of Ross Castle) | Start Time: 10:30
Phone: +353 (0)87 269 4646 | Website: https://gapofdunloetraditionalboattours.com/
Activity: Public Ross Castle Tour
Start Location: Ross Castle | Start Time: 12:30
Phone: +353 (0)64 663 5851 | Website: https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/ross-castle/
We recommend No. 35 or The Horseshoe.
As you make your way into the southern part of the Ring of Kerry, the landscape becomes wilder and more rugged. At a secluded bay, meet a true Irish gent, local foraging expert and storyteller who will take you on a wander along the shoreline learning about life on Ireland’s West Coast. Have a toast and enjoy some seaweed nibbles including the flavoursome Duilleasc and Nori, the famous sushi roll wrapping. Afterward, we’ll recommend some of the best-known spots along the Ring of Kerry, a route that covers the perimeter of the Iveragh Peninsula’s stunning coastline, beaches, mountains, and hidden lakes. See the highlights but also the hidden gems that make this scenic route truly unforgettable.
Overnight: Kenmare | Sheen Falls Lodge
Room Type: x1 Deluxe Room
Meals Included: Breakfast
Kenmare to Caherdaniel: Driving Route.
Ladies View A breathtaking view of moorland, mountains and lakes – and great pit stop for some photos!
Kenmare Stone Circle Built during the Bronze Age, this monument is one of the largest stone circles in south West Ireland and is 3,000 years old.
Derrynane House The ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell, lawyer, politician and statesman, and one of the great figures in modern Irish history.
Derrynane Beach Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and just south of the village of Caherdaniel.
Kells Bay House & Gardens Kells Bay is one of Ireland’s most spectacular settings, and the scenery offers a wonderful backdrop to Kells Bay Gardens. Known locally as the ‘Jewel on the Ring,’ the Gardens cover just over 17 hectares, containing a large collection of sub-tropical plants.
We recommend The Strawberry Field, Davitts Restaurant or P.F. McCarthy’s.
Activity: Seaweed Foraging
Start Location: Atlantic Irish Seaweed (Derrynane Pier) | Start Time: 15:30
Phone: +353 (0)86 106 2110 | Website: https://www.atlanticirishseaweed.com/
We recommend The Lime Tree or Mulcahy’s Restaurant.
As you make your way north through Kerry, we’ll recommend a great beach walk along one of Kerry’s best-kept secret coastlines, as well as a few other great stops to make a leisurely day of it. We recommend taking a shortcut via the Shannon River Ferry – keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine wildlife as you cross! End your day at Ireland’s most famous cliffs, the Cliffs of Moher, enjoying a walk along the dramatic cliff edge on a background of coastal panoramas. The area is teeming with wildlife and 20 different species of birds, including puffins, make this area their home. We recommend a stop in the village of Doolin, famous for its traditional music scene. Stop for a fish n’ chips lunch in a historic stone cottage before heading to your hotel – an 18th-century manor house in the heart of The Burren.
Booking ref: 032615
Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Gregans Castle
Room Type: x1 Premier Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast
Kenmare to Ballyvaughan via Cliffs of Moher: Driving Route.
Ballybunion Beach Known for its beach, seaside cliff walks, and wildlife – enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Bunratty Castle Visit the acclaimed 15th-century castle, originally a Viking trading camp.
Moher Cottage The perfect pit stop for a coffee, snacks and gifts en route to the Cliffs.
Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre You can book online or when you arrive at the carpark. Note: This can be very busy all year round, but if you walk along the Cliffs the crowds will get thinner.
We recommend The Ivy Cottage in Doolin.
We recommend the restaurant at your hotel. Alternatively, we recommend the Homestead Cottage or The Roadside Tavern (driving required).
The Burren’s rocky alien landscape is said to be the inspiration for Middle Earth in JRR Tolkien’s world-famous Lord of the Rings trilogy – as you explore this region today you’ll see why! Today you will pay a visit to a charming, locally-owned goat farm for an immersive tour and tasting. Meet and feed the tribe, visit the milking parlour, and learn about the history of goat farming in Ireland and the traditional methods used to care for them and produce award-winning goat cheese. You’ll witness the cheese-making process firsthand and enjoy a tasting of their full range of Irish cheeses, right there on the farm! We’ll give you all the recommended stops to conclude your day; from botanical perfumeries to stone forts, cosy pubs, and local artisans.
Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Gregans Castle
Room Type: x1 Premier Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast
Gregans to St. Tola: Driving Route.
Activity: Premium Private tour of St. Tola's
Start Location: St. Tola Goat Cheese Farm | Start Time: 11:30
Phone: +353 65 683 6633 | Website: https://www.st-tola.ie/
The Burren Smokehouse Take a guided or self-guided tour of the visitor centre, a stimulating home to the story of Irish smoked salmon creation, a haven to explore other local food producers, and a rich source of fascinating Irish mythology.
The Burren Perfumery The Burren Perfumery is a small, west of Ireland-based company making cosmetics and perfumes inspired by the landscape. It’s the oldest perfumery in Ireland!
Caherconnell Sheepdog Demonstrations Watch the collies showcase their skills in daily herding demonstrations. Take a tour of the 1,000-year-old fort, perfectly preserved.
Ailwee Burren Experience One of the oldest caves in Ireland, stroll through beautiful caverns, over bridged chasms, under weird formations, and alongside a thunderous waterfall.
We recommend Monks in Ballyvaughan.
This morning, its time to make your way back to the airport and drop off your rental car in time for your flight home. We hope your time in Ireland was memorable and we look forward to welcoming you to our shores once again.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Gregans to Dublin Airport: Driving Route.
Car Rental Company: Enterprise (Car Rental) Ireland
Booking Reference: 1567285055
Drop Off Location: Enterprise Car Hire - Dublin Airport | Drop Off Time: 11:00
Phone: (01) 844 5848
Balfe Street |
Dublin |
Co. Dublin |
D02 CH66 |
Ireland
Phone: +353 (0)1 679 1122
Web: doylecollection.com/hotels
Patrick Street |
Kilkenny |
Co. Kilkenny |
R95 E40W |
Ireland
Phone: +353 (0)56 778 3500
Web: pembrokekilkenny.com
Kenmare |
Kenmare |
Kerry |
V93 HR27 |
Ireland
Phone: +353 (0)64 664 1600
Web: sheenfallslodge.ie
Gregans Castle Hotel |
Ballyvaughan |
Co. Clare |
H91 CF60 |
Ireland
Phone: +353 (0)65 707 7005
Web: gregans.ie
Monday 30th September – Thursday 10th October 2024
