Tastes and Thrills of Ireland

Welcome to Ireland! Dublin is the starting place for your grand adventure. Travel to Trinity College and see the famous Book of Kells, a hand-illuminated manuscript of the Gospels.  Afterwards, visit the Guinness Storehouse to enjoy a Guinness Connoisseur Experience delving deeper into the origins and tastes of Guinness- Sláinte! 

Venture out to Dublin’s doorstep and visit one of the world’s great gardens at Powerscourt. A pioneer in sustainability, nature-centered initiatives, experiences and communications, this is a place where nature thrives and is protected for the enjoyment of everyone. Stunning in every season, there are many hidden treasures to uncover here, from the ornate Italian gardens to the formal walks of Rose and Kitchen Gardens. Afterwards, head over to the Powerscourt Distillery & Visitor Centre for a brief introduction to the history of Irish whiskey. Learn, taste and savor their award-winning Fercullen Whiskey in the relaxing lounge.

A day of outdoor adventure and a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience begins on the banks of the river Suir on the Waterford Greenway. Join your hosts for the day, Phil and Elaine for a hot drink and scone before heading to the Comeragh Mountains. Take a leisurely walk to Mahon Falls where views of sheep, mountains, rocky hillsides and rolling waters converge in one timeless kaleidoscope of vista and color. Afterwards, enjoy traditional hearty Irish fare at Kierseys pub, then end your journey by cycling the most panoramic part of the Waterford Greenway, taking in the magical Durrow tunnel. Relax this evening in the splendor of Castlemartyr and reward your activities by dining in the Michelin star restaurant, Terre.

Meet your Local Specialist and head out on a Cork City Ramble, Cork more commonly known in Ireland as ‘The People’s Republic’, is a vibrant, inviting city that is full of local charming characters, delicious artisan food, history and culture. Gain a deeper insight into this exquisite city and its proud people. Known to be one of the most historically interesting urban walks in Ireland, learn of the waterways that run beneath the city streets, the Huguenot Quarter, the colorful and bustling markets, museums and characters that belong to Ireland’s delightful second capital city.

Visit Blarney Castle, built nearly six hundred years ago. Kiss the famous Blarney Stone and wander through this iconic spot and the beautiful gardens on your private adventure with the estate’s Gardener. Continue to the charming town of Killarney and enjoy the culinary excellence and the finest locally sourced seasonal produce and regional specialties at Herbert Restaurant, Cahernane.

Travel the road that winds around the beautiful Iveragh Peninsula, better known as ‘The Ring of Kerry’ to see the rugged landscapes and crashing seas that have inspired writers and poets for centuries. Stop along the way in Caherdaniel Village to discover the seaweed bounty thriving on the shoreline.  On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, learn how to forage, find and sustainably harvest these Super foods then feast on a range of tasty sea veggies, certainly worth a try.

Travel to the Cliffs of Moher, rising up to 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic, these breathtaking cliffs are undoubtedly one of the most stunning views in Ireland. Next, it’s on to the limestone paradise known as The Burren for another MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Meet locals, Bronagh and Cathal 5th generation farmers working very passionately in this unique area of conservation. Get to know the family, explore the farm and enjoy a rustic picnic. Later, head to Galway, known for its amazing café and bar scene – where traditional Irish music performances often spill out onto the streets.

Enjoy another MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on a fabulous culinary walking tour of Galway with a Local Specialist, meet artisan producers and sample everything from cheese to strawberry tarts.  

Travel the coast road through Connemara and several Gaeltacht (Gaelic Speaking) villages, to the Connemara Archipelago, a series of islands linked by bridges and narrow causeways. Dating back to the 1800s, the bridges were constructed by local people to connect the various islands with the mainland. The area has astounding rugged beauty and a very rich culture and heritage. Stop by the village of Lettermullen which is the most westerly of the islands is home to the Seaweed Centre which is the only museum dedicated to seaweed which grows in abundance along the West coast of Ireland.

Following morning refreshments, partake in a workshop involving traditional craft conducted by a local islander. A traditional lunch will be served with an emphasis on seafood and local produce. In the afternoon, partake in a coastal walk and visit the deserted private island of Crappagh and home to an array of wildlife and flora. With commanding views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands, you will experience first hand the sheer rugged beauty and wildness of the landscape on this  MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience while listening to the many stories as told by your local guide.

After a leisurely breakfast venture into the Hidden Heartlands to visit the ancient Clonmacnoise Monastic Site dating back to 545 AD. After, stop in Athlone for a pint at Sean’s Bar, the oldest pub in Ireland before returning to Dublin, where the rest of your day is at leisure.

You are transferred to the Dublin airport for your return flight home.