Diane's trip to Ireland

Diane, Janis, James & Carrie

Thursday 17th October – Wednesday 23rd October 2024

Number of Travellers: 4
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

Overview

This seven-day trip to Ireland offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and exploration. Starting in Dublin, the journey begins with an introduction to the vibrant capital city. On the second day, you’ll visit iconic landmarks like Trinity College, home to the famous Book of Kells, and experience a tour of the Guinness Storehouse. Day three takes you to the medieval city of Kilkenny, known for its rich history and charm. The following day, you’ll explore the picturesque coastal town of Cobh. From Cork, you’ll head to Galway on day five, with a free morning to explore Galway and Dublin on day six before departing on the final day.

Highlights

  • Exploring Dublin
  • Medieval Kilkenny
  • Cobh's Coastal Beauty
  • Galway’s Vibrant Culture

Day by Day

Day 1 - Thursday 17th October - Arrive in Dublin

This morning you will arrive in Ireland’s capital, Dublin. A private transfer will pick you up at arrivals and take you to your 4-star hotel in the city centre. Check-in is at 3 pm 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! Fancy getting out and seeing some sights, we’ll provide plenty of recommendations for your time in the city.

This evening, enjoy dinner at one of Dublin’s many award-winning restaurants before ending the night in a cosy pub.

Overnight: Dublin 2 | The Alex Hotel
Room Type: x2 classic king

Day 1 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Dublin Chauffeurs
Pick Up Location: Dublin Airport
Phone: +353 (0)87 233 8396

Justin or one of his drivers will meet you at arrivals. They will have a sign with your name on it. Please don’t be alarmed if you are delayed as they have your flight number.

Day 1 - Lunch Details Read More +

We recommend Bambino or Nancy Hands.

Day 1 - Suggested Stops - Dublin City Read More +

EPIC Museum You won’t find leprechauns or pots of gold here, but you will discover that what it means to be Irish expands far beyond the borders of Ireland through the stories of Irish emigrants who became scientists, politicians, poets, artists and even outlaws all over the world.

Kilmainham Gaol For over 100 years Kilmainham Gaol held thousands of men, women and children for crimes that ranged from minor offences to being involved in some of the most momentous events in Irish history.

Dublin Castle Constructed in the early thirteenth century on the site of a Viking settlement, Dublin Castle served for centuries as the headquarters of English, and later British, administration in Ireland.

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.

Dublinia See Dublin from a new perspective as you travel back to the heart of the old city at Christchurch. Walk where Vikings walked, find out about Dublin’s rich past and even climb an original Medieval tower.

14 Henrietta Street When you enter 14 Henrietta Street you’ll experience over 300 years of city life in the walls of one address. By connecting to the personal stories of those who called 14 Henrietta Street home, the building’s hidden histories are revealed. See the house, hear its stories and discover the layers of Dublin history within its walls.

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.

Day 1 - Dinner Details Read More +

Day 2 - Friday 18th October - Trinity College, The Book of Kells & The Guinness Storehouse

This morning, explore some of Dublin’s most iconic sights, starting with a tour of Trinity College and the Book of Kells. Your group-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.

Enjoy a local pub lunch before spending your afternoon in the company of a local guide and historian, on a fascinating walking tour 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 and Fitzwilliam Square, 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.

Overnight: Dublin 2 | The Alex Hotel
Room Type: x2 classic king

Day 2 - Book of Kells Experience Read More +

Activity: Book of Kells Experience

Start Location: Trinity College | Start Time: 09:30
Phone: +353 (0)1 896 1000 | Website: https://www.visittrinity.ie/book-now/

Start Point: Location.

Day 2 - Historical Walking Tour Read More +

Activity: Historical Walking Tour

Start Location: TBC | Start Time: 11:30
Phone: +353 (0)87 688 9412 | Website: https://historicaltours.ie/

Day 2 - Lunch Details Read More +

We recommend Bunsen or The Lucky Tortoise. There is also a restaurant at The Guinness Storehouse if you would prefer to dine there after your tour.

Day 2 - Visit to Guinness Storehouse Read More +

Activity: Visit to Guinness Storehouse

Start Location: Guinness Storehouse | Start Time: 15:00
Phone: +353 (0)1 408 4800 | Website: https://www.guinness-storehouse.com/en/home

Guinness Storehouse: Location.

Day 2 - Dinner Details Read More +

Day 3 - Saturday 19th October - Medieval Kilkenny

Collect your rental car this morning and leave the hustle and bustle of Dublin and begin your journey south, to Ireland’s original capital, Cork.

On route, you will stop in the mediaeval city of Kilkenny and the iconic Kilkenny Castle, a fortress dating back to the 12th century. Immerse yourself in its rich history as you wander through the beautifully preserved rooms and explore the magnificent gardens.

Afterwards, take some time to wander around Kilkenny’s picturesque streets, lined with colourful buildings, quaint shops, and inviting cafes. Enjoy a leisurely lunch in one of the local eateries, sampling some of Kilkenny’s delicious cuisine. Once you’ve had your fill of this historic gem, continue your journey to Cork, where more adventures await you.

Overnight: Cork | Hayfield Manor
Room Type: x2 superior double

Day 3 - Directions Read More +

Dublin to Cork via Kilkenny: Driving Route.

Day 3 - Guided Tour of Kilkenny Castle Read More +

Activity: Guided Tour of Kilkenny Castle

Start Location: Kilkenny Castle | Start Time: 11:00
Phone: +353 (0)56 770 4100 | Website: https://www.kilkennycastle.ie/

Day 3 - Lunch Details Read More +

Day 3 - Dinner Details Read More +

We recommend Orchids Restaurant at your hotel, Gallaghers or Greenes Restaurant in Cork City.

Day 4 - Sunday 20th October - Explore Cobh

The nearby town of Cobh is cemented in history as the last port in which the ill-fated Titanic docked before embarking on its maiden journey to America. Formally called Queenstown, Cobh today has many attractions and not just for Titanic enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in Cobh’s colourful history with entry to Cobh Heritage Centre included and learn the stories of those from the area whose lives were forever changed.

Overnight: Cork | Hayfield Manor
Room Type: x2 superior double

Day 4 - Directions Read More +

Cork to Cobh: Driving Route.

Day 4 - Lunch Details Read More +

Day 4 - Dinner Details Read More +

Day 5 - Monday 21st October - Cork to Galway

You have a long transfer ahead of you today as you leave Cork City and make your way north to Galway.

To break up your journey and make the most of your transfer day we recommend stopping at Blarney Castle and Gardens. To kiss the famous Blarney Stone, is to gain the gift of eloquence Stroll around the stunning gardens and rich history of this iconic landmark. It’s a perfect blend of captivating folklore and breathtaking scenery that truly captures the spirit of Ireland.

This evening enjoy a unique Irish Dancing Experience & Whiskey Tasting in a local pub in Galway. A fantastic interactive introduction to Irish music.

Overnight: Galway | The Hardiman Hotel
Room Type: x2 deluxe double

Day 5 - Directions Read More +

Cork to Galway via Blarney: Driving Route.

Day 5 - Visit Blarney Castle Read More +

Activity: Visit Blarney Castle

Start Location: Blarney Castle
Phone: +353 (0)21 438 5252 | Website: https://blarneycastle.ie/

Day 5 - Whiskey Tasting & Irish Dancing Read More +

Activity: Whiskey Tasting & Irish Dancing

Start Location: TBC
Phone: +353 (0)86 733 2885 | Website: https://galwayfoodtours.com/

Day 5 - Dinner Details Read More +

We recommend Ard Bia or Sangria, both in the city centre. For a late night music session head to The Quays.

 

Our favourite pubs in the city are O’Connells, Tigh Neachtain, and The Dew Drop Inn.

Day 6 - Tuesday 22nd October - Free Morning in Galway & Dublin

Known as the ‘town of the tribes’ Galway has a small centre of cobblestone streets and colourful storefronts, it’s vibrant, fun, and cosmopolitan. What better way to spend a morning than wandering around and soaking up the atmosphere?

Enjoy a local lunch before hitting the road and heading back to Dublin, where you will drop off your rental car and enjoy your final night in Ireland.

Overnight: Dublin 2 | The Alex Hotel
Room Type: x2 king rooms

Day 6 - Lunch Details Read More +

We recommend McDonaghs or Kai Restaurant. For something different, try Murphy’s ice cream, we recommend the Irish soda bread flavour!

Day 6 - Directions Read More +

Galway to Dublin: Driving Route.

Day 6 - Dinner Details Read More +

Day 7 - Wednesday 23rd October - Depart

This morning, a private transfer will drop you back at Dublin Airport for your onward flight. We hope your time in Ireland has been memorable and we look forward to welcoming you to our shores once again.

Day 7 - Transfer Details Read More +

Trip Details

Important Contact Numbers Read More
Wilderness Ireland Office | 9:00am – 5:30pm

EU: +353 (0)91 457 898
US: 844 235 6240


Out of Office Hours | 5:30pm – 9:00am

+353 (0)86 873 7223


Emergency Services

999

Important Additional Information Read More
  • General Guide Ireland General Info - PDF: View Now
  • Eat | See | Stay - Eat Stay See Dublin - PDF: View Now
  • Eat | See | Stay - Eat See Stay Cork - PDF: View Now
  • Eat | See | Stay - Eat See Stay Galway - PDF: View Now
  • On Call Number - PDF: View Now

Get in Touch


Accommodation

The Alex Hotel

2 Fenian Street | Dublin 2 | Dublin |
Ireland
Phone: +353 (0)1 607 3700
Web: thealexhotel.ie

Hayfield Manor

Perrott Avenue, College Road | Cork | Co. Cork |
T12 HT97 | Ireland
Phone: +353 21 4845900
Web: hayfieldmanor.ie

The Hardiman Hotel

Eyre Square | Galway | Galway |
H91 NFD2 | Ireland
Phone: +33 91 64041
Web: thehardiman.ie