Irish Cities, Landscapes & 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 met and transferred to your hotel by your private chauffeur. This afternoon, your voyage of discovery begins with a tour of Ireland’s capital city. Visit stately St. Patrick’s Cathedral, tour Dublin’s Georgian squares with their brightly colored doors, and walk the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College to see the ornate 8th-century Book of Kells.

Travel to the Boyne Valley in County Meath. This river valley was the cradle of Irish civilization, and it supported a sophisticated society in Neolithic times. Get ready for some ancient Irish history when you stop at the Bru-na-Boinne Centre to visit one of the Megalithic Passage Tombs at Newgrange or Knowth. Visit the stunning Slane Castle, set in the middle of a 1,500-acre estate, that has been a family home since 1701. Next, tour the Slane Whiskey Distillery where you are taken through their heritage room, barley room, cooperage, and maturation warehouse before a final stop to view the pot stills and production areas that includes a tasting of course!

Stop to visit Powerscourt Estate’s glorious formal gardens. The superb blend of sweeping terraces, fine statuary, ornamental lakes, rambling walks, and walled gardens are a magnificent sight to behold. Next, 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. Enjoy a night in the intimate Cliff House Hotel with dinner in their Michelin star restaurant for a quaint and cozy evening.

Your day starts with a visit to Blarney Castle, home to the magical stone that gives the gift of eloquence for a kiss. This timeless tradition is yours to participate in today. Stroll through the castle’s grounds full of gardens, arboretums, and waterways. If you dare, enter the Poison Garden – just don’t touch the plants! Then continue on to the charming town of Killarney.

Admire the breathtaking scenery of rugged landscapes and crashing seas along the famous Ring of Kerry, 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 up 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. Then on to bask in the royal glow of Dromoland Castle, one of the most luxurious castle hotels in Ireland.

You will be transferred to Shannon Airport where your vacation ends. Slán go fóill – goodbye until we meet again.