Epic Landscapes, Cities & Castles

Welcome to Dublin, the starting point for your grand adventure through the Emerald Isle! Here you’ll venture to see historic sights and modern marvels. Upon arrival, you will be transferred privately to your city centre hotel. Meet your Local Host who will settle you in with the warmest of welcomes. This afternoon, your voyage of discovery begins when you join a Local Specialist who will proudly share the riches of Ireland’s capital city on your own private walking tour. See Dublin’s Georgian squares with their brightly colored doors and walk the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College.

Your luxury car rental will be dropped to your hotel. First up visit Glendalough, the ‘Valley of the Two Lakes,’ famous for its early monastic ruins and scenic setting. Be sure to find St. Kevin’s cross. Legend holds that those who can wrap their arms around it will receive their wish. Perhaps the luck of the Irish will be on your side. Onto Waterford with colorful terrace houses, cafés, and bars overlooking the quayside. Watch the master craftsmen of the House of Waterford Crystal as they create delicate works of art on your private tour with a Local Specialist. Enjoy a night in the intimate Cliff House Hotel with dinner in their Michelin star restaurant for a quaint and cozy evening.

Start your day with stunning walk along the Ardmore cliff. Next a visit to Blarney Castle, home to the magical stone that gives the gift of eloquence for a kiss. Stroll through the castle’s grounds and gardens, arboretums, and waterways, on your private adventure with the estates head gardener. If you dare, enter the Poison Garden – just don’t touch the plants! Then continue to the charming town of Killarney.

Admire the breath-taking scenery of rugged landscapes and crashing seas along the famous Ring of Kerry on a day tour, and delight in traditional Irish life as you stop in quaint villages along the way. You’ll be mesmerized by this unspoiled land that has inspired artists and poets for centuries. Returning to Killarney, the rest of your day is free. 

Visit the Cliffs of Moher, rising to 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic waves and stretching 5 miles along the coast. Perhaps visit the interpretive center, a huge, domed, underground building with images, exhibits, and displays, a delight for young and old alike. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience is a natural masterpiece set against the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean and is part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Burren Geopark. Then on to bask in the royal glow of Dromoland Castle, one of the most luxurious castle hotels in Ireland. Participate in the ancient art of Falconry as you stroll through this stunning estate. 

Enjoy a leisurely Dromoland breakfast and some time on the estate before heading back to Dublin. Visit the Pearse Lyons distillery for a Legacy Tasting Experience including a guided tour of the site, taking in St. James’s graveyard, distillery and four tastings, which include Pearse Original, Distiller’s Choice, Founders Choice, a 12-year- old single malt, their limited-edition sherry cask, Cooper’s Select. This tour also includes a special tasting of their Pearse Five-Year-Old Single Malt. What a way to end your trip. 

Drop your car off at Dublin Airport where your vacation ends. Slán go fóill – goodbye until we meet again.