Upon landing in the Emerald Isle, we will be met by our favorite Irish driver/guide and board our deluxe, private motorcoach to journey south through the exquisite landscape toward County Tipperary. After a short break to refresh from our flight, we will stop for a visit at Holy Cross Abbey. This place of pilgrimage has a fascinating history, with pilgrims having traveled here for eight centuries to venerate the relic after which the abbey and surrounding villages are named – a piece of the True Cross of Christ's crucifixion! Today, this working parish church is a peaceful landmark and a place for quiet contemplation and historical discovery. Stand in awe of the holy relic and marvel at the building's ornate stonework. The chancel is possibly the finest piece of fifteenth-century architecture in the country, and the abbey houses one of the only surviving medieval wall paintings in Ireland. We will then continue on to Cork for a two-night stay at the beautiful 4-star Clayton Hotel in the heart of the city overlooking the River Lee. Time will be available to freshen up before a delightful welcome dinner to get acquainted with our traveling companions.

(Dinner included)

Enjoy our hotel’s filling Irish breakfast before we depart for the charming village of Kinsale tucked neatly into an Irish harbor. We’ll walk through the narrow streets of this quaint, Old-World seaport and enjoy the spectacular coastal scenery and small shops and eateries. Then we are off to the Old Jameson Distillery in Midleton. Our guide will show us the machinery and tools used in the past, the giant waterwheel which once powered the machinery and still turns today, and the largest pot still in the world. After an introduction to the distilling process, we will have the opportunity to taste this world-famous libation! With the taste of delicious Irish whiskey on our lips, we’ll  head back to Cork for an evening at leisure.

(Breakfast included)

After breakfast we’ll say goodbye to Cork and begin the day’s sightseeing as we make our way toward Killarney. A visit to Ireland would not be complete without a stop at Blarney Castle. We will follow in the footsteps of countless world leaders, literary giants, and movie stars as we climb the stairs to kiss the famous Blarney Stone that promises the gift of gab or eloquence...whichever you prefer!  The gardens at the castle are gorgeous and a wonderful alternative for those who wish to skip the climb to the castle ramparts. Afterward, we will enjoy a little retail therapy at the nearby Woollen Mills where traditional Irish wares such as Belleek, Waterford Crystal, Celtic jewelry, and woolen knitwear await. Our day will come to an end in the fun-loving town of Killarney as we check in to our accommodations at the 4.5-star Great Southern Killarney Hotel for the next two nights. A lovely dinner will be served at this beautiful property located in the heart of this charming town.

(Breakfast and dinner included) 

Today’s tour will have us exploring the Irish countryside and the sites at the beginning of the Ring of Kerry. A stop in Kenmare will offer the chance to wander through this quaint town or walk the short distance to the ancient Stone Circle. Known locally as the Shrubberies, this ring of large stones with a boulder burial monument at the center is one of the largest in southwest Ireland. A delightful lunch overlooking a peaceful and quiet Atlantic inlet will begin our afternoon, followed by a visit to a traditional working sheep farm. The farm is run by a father and son and has been in the family for 150 years. These accomplished shepherds will show us some varieties of sheep that are raised in Ireland and also demonstrate how they move their flocks with well-trained sheep dogs. Next up is Killarney National Park and the gardens of Muckross House. Here we will hop aboard one of Killarney’s famed horse-drawn jaunting carts for a breathtaking ride along the sparkling Lakes of Killarney. Once back in Killarney, the evening is yours to explore and have dinner on your own. Within walking distance of our hotel there are dozens of fun Irish restaurants to try and countless pubs with great food and lively music! For those who are interested, an optional Celtic dance show experience is being offered this evening. It’s a marvelous presentation on the Riverdance style of dancing!

(Breakfast and lunch included)

We depart Killarney after breakfast this morning, heading north to ferry across the Shannon Estuary and then along the craggy coastline for a stop at the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher. Here we will witness the incredible 700-foot wall of rock that rises from the Atlantic Ocean and stand high on the cliffs to catch a glimpse of the jaw-dropping view that has inspired artists, musicians, and poets for generations. We’ll then head to the 4-star Galmont Hotel and Spa in Galway for the next two nights and settle in before dinner overlooking the lake.

(Breakfast and dinner included)

Today's touring is all about the island of Inis Mór, which we will reach by ferry. Translated to “Big Island,” Inis Mor is the largest and most popular of the Aran Islands and famous for its flowing fields divided by winding stone walls. Life on the Aran Islands can be traced back to 4000 BC, as evidenced by the neolithic tombs and ancient Christian and Celtic ruins such as Don Aonghasa found here. This is also one of the last places in Ireland that have preserved the Irish language! As we return to Galway, we will take the Cliffs of Moher ferry to take in the stunning cliffs from a unique perspective. Keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of the puffins diving in the surrounding waters at incredible speeds! The remainder of the day is yours to relax, take a stroll through the city, and have dinner on your own.

(Breakfast included)

Relax on the short, yet scenic, journey north to Ashford Castle, once owned by the Guinness family. It was on these historic grounds that John Ford filmed The Quiet Man, starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. After an elegant afternoon tea, we will meet the falconer at Ashford for a “Hawk Walk” on the castle grounds to learn how to feed these stunning creatures, call them to our gloved arms, and send them off again! Memories will also be made at Lough Eske, the lovely castle where we will spend the next two nights. Tucked into the magnificent green lands of the Irish countryside, this splendid 5-star castle hotel is waiting for our arrival. A repeated winner of the World’s Best Luxury Country Hotel, Lough Eske offers a unique touch of well-deserved luxury in a storybook setting. The evening is yours to have dinner on your own, relax, or take a leisurely stroll around the castle.

(Breakfast and afternoon tea included)

Today you are free to do as you wish! Lough Eske offers easy access to golf, fishing, lakeside strolls, horseback riding on the beach or forest trails, and the slower-paced charms of Irish village life. The hotel can help you arrange activities such as the famous “Bluestack walkway,” visiting a WWII crash site in the Bluestack Mountains, walking the Wild Atlantic Way, wildlife watching, and much more. Bikes are available to rent at Lough Eske with many great trails around the lake and through the mountains. Join us for a short trip to the nearby Belleek Pottery or take advantage of the shuttle to indulge in a little shopping time in Donegal, including a visit to a Donegal weaver for some fine-crafted, hand-woven tweed products. If you’d like to simply enjoy a quiet day, spend time at the hotel exploring the magical grounds or relaxing in the wonderful spa. Be sure to pack your swimsuit! This evening our group will enjoy dinner in an elegant setting.

(Breakfast and dinner included)

Say goodbye to our lovely castle as we head to Dublin for a panoramic overview tour of the city before checking in to the centrally located 4-star Riu Gresham Hotel. Dinner this evening is on your own at one of the dozen great eateries located right outside our door!

(Breakfast included)

After breakfast we will make our way to Trinity College for a glimpse of the famed Book of Kells. Up next is Baggot Street for a visit to the Sisters of Mercy to tour the house and explore the work of our college’s foundress, Catherine McAuley. Afterward, enjoy time on your own for lunch and to take in one of Ireland’s premium museums or do a little shopping. Our hotel is perfectly located to allow for a leisurely walk to Dublin’s top museums and many wonderful restaurants and shops. This evening our group will gather for a delightful farewell dinner planned as a very special experience!

(Breakfast and dinner included)

We will transfer to the airport after breakfast for our flight home.

(Breakfast included)