Ireland at Leisure

Dublin offers a fine introduction to the Emerald Isle. See Georgian mansions, the beautiful Trinity College, Dublin Castle and other highlights on a city tour. Next, visit EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum for a captivating exploration of the Irish diaspora. Tonight enjoy dinner at your hotel with your fellow guests.

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel. Enjoy the scenic drive through the heart of Ireland to lively Galway, called the “City of the Tribes.” Stop at the Ahascragh Distillery. Explore Ireland’s first zero energy emissions distillery, built within a revived 19th-century mill, and immerse in the art of whiskey and gin production from grain to glass. Tonight enjoy dinner together with your fellow guests.

Experience a call-back to ancient Ireland as you travel through Gaelic-speaking Connemara and then board a ferry to visit the Aran Islands. Explore the island’s cliffs, beaches, and wall-lined paths, and learn about the historic buildings and Iron and Bronze Age forts that dot the landscapes. Tonight you’ll stay in Galway, with dinner on your own.

Head into County Clare and visit the must-see Cliffs of Moher towering over 700 feet above the Atlantic. Today on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, join energetic Local Specialist Ollie for a hike through coastal trails from the nearby town of Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center. Take in panoramic views and learn about the natural history of the area on your walk. After, onwards to Killarney and discover the National Park on a jaunting car ride – a traditional horse drawn carriage.

Learn about the history, geography, myth and legends of the famous Ring of Kerry as you traverse the spectacular winding route. Stop in Caherdaniel and meet a Local Specialist for a foraging journey along the shore. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, learn about the seaweed's environmental importance, health benefits and more. Tonight, return to Killarney and enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Today you head to Glengarriff for an immersive discovery of native edible botanicals that grow wild and carpet this corner of the Wild Atlantic Way. Join your Local Specialist Kloe, for a mini foraging tour full of fresh flavors and aromas, followed by a selection of wild teas and sweet treats around a campfire. Next, enjoy the scenery as you board a local boat for the short journey to Garnish Island and explore the exotic gardens.

Built nearly 600 years ago, Blarney Castle is an icon of the Ireland. Relax in the tranquility of the beautiful gardens before climbing the steps of the castle itself to kiss the famous Blarney Stone and gain the gift of eloquence. Later, discover the highlights of Cork’s 1500-year history during a unique dining experience. Enjoy live music, quirky characters, local humor and learn to speak ‘Cork.’

Head into Ireland’s Golden Vale and stop at the Rock of Cashel. Sitting majestically atop a high limestone outcrop, the site was originally the seat of the kings of Munster and is home to the only surviving Romanesque frescoes in Ireland. Next, head to the medieval Kilkenny. Trace the footsteps of Normans, monks, knights, merchants and an infamous witch on an award-winning private walking tour before continuing to Dublin. This evening, dine at your hotel.

At St. Patrick’s Cathedral, take in the stunning gothic architecture and stop at the Lives Remembered exhibition and its tree sculpture in memory of World War I. If your visit is during school term time, you may be lucky enough to witness a choir performance in the recently restored Lady Chapel. Next, head to the Guinness Storehouse and embark on an interactive, sensory extravaganza through 250 years of brewing history. Visit the tasting rooms, learn to pour the perfect pint and enjoy panoramic city views at the Gravity Bar. Enjoy lunch at a local pub as you bid farewell to your newfound friends.

Time to bid farewell to your newfound friends as your trip comes to an end.