Welcome to Ireland
Begin your Irish adventure as you travel to Maynooth in County Kildare and arrive at Carton House, your home for the night. Enjoy a historical tour of the estate and get a captivating glimpse into the legacy of its residents. Later, join your fellow travelers for dinner at your hotel.
Heritage Farming meets Brewing & Killarney Countryside
Head into County Laois and meet David Walsh, the owner of Ballykilcavan Farm & Brewery for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. For over 300 years and 13 generations, his family have worked this farm, which also supports his sustainable brewery. You’ll take a tour to learn about the passion that spurred this journey of sustainability, the home-grown story of the beer and its ingredients that you’ll taste. Then, onwards to Killarney, to take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage called a jaunting car and learn about the nature, history and lore of the National Park.
Waterfalls & wide-open views
Today you’ll take a scenic hike through Killarney National Park with a Local Specialist. Starting at the 70ft-high Torc Waterfall, you’ll walk through meadowland and forested path to Muckross House. Next, you’ll embark on a day of discovery around the Ring of Kerry, learning about the history, geography and legends of this picturesque peninsula that has inspired writers and artists for centuries.
Monoliths, Music & a Majestic Castle
Today you head north in the Shannon Region to visit the majestic Cliffs of Moher. These must-see natural masterpieces tower over 700ft (214m) above the Atlantic Ocean and are set within a UNESCO Global Geopark. Journey onwards to enjoy an afternoon of music, laughter and food at Doolin Music House where you’ll learn Irish tunes and the humors of pub culture from your host Christy and his friends. Tonight, arrive at Dromoland Castle hotel and enjoy an evening of elegance and indulgent fine dining at the Earl of Thomond restaurant.
Gourmet Galway & on to Westport
Today enjoy a leisurely morning relaxing at Dromoland Castle and exploring the grounds before heading to Galway to get to know this lively coastal town on a Galway Food Tour with an enigmatic Local Specialist. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you’ll walk the cobblestoned streets and meet local artisanal producers and restaurateurs while sampling dishes, ingredients and produce.
Wonderful Westport & Island Exploration
After breakfast, you’ll join a Local Specialist on a Westport Walking Tour to explore this beautiful heritage town known for its colorful, charming buildings and famous tales of bravery and pirate lore. Then, explore the beautiful Achill Island before returning for dinner at your hotel.
Distillery Delights & on to Derry~Londonderry
Today, take an immersive dive into craft spirits at The Shed Distillery, home to the famous Gunpowder Irish Gin. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you’ll discover the inner workings of a distillery that blends tradition and heritage with contemporary innovation and a flair for exciting flavor profiles. Afterwards, you’ll venture onwards to Derry~Londonderry and enjoy another MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on a walking tour with a Local Specialist. You’ll walk its ancient streets, explore charming courtyards and travel along the famous city walls, learning about the city’s fascinating stories and complex history.
Captivating Causeway, Farm Fun and on to Belfast
Head to Glenshane Country Farm to learn about life as a shepherd and watch skilled sheepdogs herd sheep. Then, journey along the incredible Antrim Coast to the majestic Giant’s Causeway. On an unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, meet Mark Rodgers, a passionate Local Specialist who channels the spirit of the seanchaí (Irish storyteller) on an insightful walking tour that explores the myths, magic and majesty of this breathtaking coastal landmark. Continue to Belfast, Northern Ireland’s capital.
Discover Brilliant Belfast
Meet a Local Specialist for a city tour of Belfast’s landmarks. Next, take an extraordinary journey into the past at Titanic Belfast, a museum built on the slips where the fated ship was constructed. Experience the development of the ship, its impact on Belfast and the tragedy of its sinking. This evening you’ll travel around the city and explore its pub culture, finishing with a hearty classic fish and chips dinner, done up proper.
Royal Residence & a Captivating Cathedral
Today you leave Northern Ireland, but not before making a short drive to visit Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. Delve into pivotal diplomatic history on a tour or take a relaxing walk in 100 acres of beautiful grounds. Continue south to Dublin and upon arrival, visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Take in this stunning work of gothic architecture and the recently restored Lady Chapel that dates back 1270.
Discover Dynamic Dublin
Enjoy a tour of the city’s highlights before heading to EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum. Explore 20 interactive galleries which chart the tales of triumph and adventure of poets, politicians, rebels and rogues who were among 9 million people who left Ireland to form communities around the world. After, enjoy a lunch at a local pub. The rest of the day is free.
Goodbye Ireland
Head to the airport for your return journey home.