Majestic Ireland

Welcome to Ireland! You will be met at the airport by your Private Chauffeur and driven to your hotel. Join your Local Specialist for a Dublin city walking tour where you will discover some of Dublin's main attractions and hidden gems. As a city, Dublin is 2,000 years old – with stories spanning from the daring arrival of early settlers through to the struggle for independence during the last 100 years. Then onto Trinity College and cross the cobbled courtyard to the Old Library with its world-treasure, the Book of Kells, a hand-illuminated manuscript of the Gospels. 

Heading south from Dublin, your first stop today will be a guided tour of the monastic ruins at Glendalough. Established by St. Kevin in the 6th century, this was once a famous place of learning, inhabited by thousands of students from Ireland, Britain, and Europe. One of Europe's finest examples of round tower architecture can be found here, as well as a cathedral, stone churches, and decorated crosses. Continue south to the Viking town of Waterford, now world-renowned for its exquisite crystal. A guided tour of the House of Waterford Crystal factory awaits. Its wares are coveted by connoisseurs and collectors alike, and you'll have the chance to browse through the extensive showrooms and perhaps purchase a memento of your own. Finally, travel to Cork for your overnight stay. 

Today's sightseeing starts in the picturesque village of Blarney with historic Blarney Castle. The famous Blarney stone is set in the wall below the battlements high atop the castle, and to kiss it one must lean backwards from the parapet walk! It's worth the trouble however - legend holds that the stone imparts the gift of eloquence for that kiss. Then take in the natural beauty of the 400 acres of parkland, including an unusual garden laid out in 1759 on what is believed to be a Druid site, with huge boulders and a sacrificial altar. Next, stop at The Cobh Heritage Centre to discover how over 2.5 million people emigrated from this historic port between 1848 to 1950. You'll also gain insight into the Titanic and the Lusitania, both ships having strong ties to Queenstown, as Cobh was once named. At your leisure, continue to Killarney and have a free evening to explore on your own.

Get ready for a day of outstanding scenery and fun! Start with a trip along the road that winds around the beautiful Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the "Ring of Kerry." One of the most magical places in Ireland, where, mountains, valleys, lakes, and sea blend into a landscape that is often breath-taking beyond words. Take as much time as you wish to see all the highlights and snap pictures. Revel in the spectacular Irish landscape with an experienced Local Specialist as you hike your way to hidden gems in the unspoilt countryside. Take in the glorious views across the Three Lakes of Killarney, Muckross House and the highest mountains in Ireland. By taking part in this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience you are helping preserve local traditions and protecting the natural heritage of the area. Then you might want to spend some time in Killarney and enjoy "the town on the lakes." It is renowned for its lively pubs and open, cheerful atmosphere, full of what the Irish call "craic."  

Travel to the Cliffs of Moher, rising to 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic waves and stretching 5 miles along the coast. A visit to the interpretive centre, a huge, domed, underground building with images, exhibits, displays, and experiences, will delight young and old alike. Later you will enjoy a unique experience at the Burren Farm. This guided experience takes place in one of the most distinctive UNESCO designated landscapes in Europe with your own regional tourist guide and fifth generation Burren farmer, Cathal. This tour will take you through this privately owned 500-acre farm in the Burren National Park with informative commentary. By taking part in this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience you will support small scale farmer interactions and sustainable food experiences while helping improve, protect, and conserve wildlife and the natural ecosystems of the Burren National Park. Then on to bask in the royal glow of Dromoland Castle. This baronial castle has ties to the High King of Ireland as far back as the 11th century. Today it is one of the most luxurious castle hotels in Ireland. Stroll the extensive grounds, go for a horseback ride, pamper yourself with a spa treatment - all this and more is available at this majestic estate

Your elegant adventure continues as you travel to Cong and Ashford Castle. Approaching the castle grounds, stop for a two-hour cruise on Lough Corrib. As you glide through the lake's waters, stop for a visit to Inchagoill Island, home to some fascinating ancient monastic ruins. Then it's on to Ashford Castle, built in the 13th century and once home to the Guinness family.

Venture out into Connemara, a wild land of rocky mountains, sparkling brooks, and rushing rivers. Your chauffeur will take you to favorite towns and historic sites at your leisure. Visit lakeside Kylemore Abbey, a castellated neo-Gothic mansion, built as a family home and now occupied by an Irish Benedictine community of nuns. It's all at your fingertips with your chauffeur leading the way.

Crossing the midlands en route to Dublin, stop at Clonmacnoise, an early Christian site founded by St. Ciarán in the mid-6th century. Here you'll find the ruins of a cathedral, seven churches (10th-13th century), two round towers, three high crosses, and the largest collection of early Christian grave slabs in Western Europe. After your explorations, continue to Dublin to do some last-minute shopping, a bit of sightseeing, or perhaps just raise a pint in a spirited pub.

All good things must come to an end, and the time has come for you to bid farewell to Ireland and your chauffeur as you are transferred to Dublin airport where your vacation concludes. Safe travels!