The Heart of Ireland 2027

Céad mile fáilte—a hundred-thousand welcomes! Free time. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel
Dinner

Ireland’s Capital City The morning’s orientation drive in the “Fair City” includes statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Oscar Wilde’s Trinity College. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy this vibrant city. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS “In Dublin’s fair city where girls are so pretty,” you’ll also find great personality and charm. The charisma of Dubliners and the bounty of pubs here is matched only by the gorgeous Georgian Squares, 12th-century St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Trinity College
Breakfast

Hit the Sliotar! A unique start to the day! Learn about [LF] hurling, one of Ireland’s native Gaelic games, and maybe take a shot at the goalposts yourself. Relax with a coffee after this fun experience. On to the “Marble City” of Kilkenny, to enjoy one of Ireland’s most quaint towns. Consider a visit to its 800-year-old castle or enjoy its active arts and crafts scene. Overnight is in Waterford, a stronghold founded by Danish Vikings. (B,D) 122 mi / 196 km LOCAL FAVORITE CULTURE & TRADITION Hurling is a game of stick (caman) and ball (sliotar), recognized as being the oldest and fastest field sport in the world, going back 3,000 years. Today it is played around the world but is an integral part of Irish life and culture. Hear all about it from an expert and take the opportunity to give it a go!
Breakfast Dinner

Spend your day your way in Waterford Explore Waterford with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions. THE VIKING TRIANGLE Join a Local Guide in Waterford for a walk through Ireland¿s oldest city where two cathedrals, four national monuments, and eleven centuries of rogues and rascals add up to a trifecta of tales in the Viking Triangle. Hear engaging stories of extraordinary characters, delivered in witty, entertaining style by a master storyteller. CRYSTAL CLEAR The city of Waterford is synonymous with the luxury crystal manufacture that bears its name. Visit the House of Waterford Crystal for a fascinating tour featuring the molding room, and glass-blowing, cutting, and engraving departments to witness the highly skilled master craftsmen creating exquisite Waterford Crystal. Afterwards, visit Blarney, renowned for its magical Kissing Stone. Take the opportunity to walk up to the castle or shop for traditional Irish handicrafts. You’ll have some free time on arriving in Rosscarbery. (B,D) 125 mi / 202 km
Breakfast Dinner

Island Life An exciting excursion awaits today! Visit the village of Baltimore, whose heritage revolves around sailing and fishing. From there, board your ferry to [LF] Cape Clear Island. In the company of one of the islanders, learn about the lives of its 110 inhabitants. (B) 57 mi / 91 km LOCAL FAVORITE A FERRY GOOD DAY Cape Clear Island is just 3 miles long by 1 mile wide. Situated 8 miles off the coast of West Cork, it is the southernmost inhabited part of Ireland with its own distinct culture and history. An islander guide will talk about life on the island as you take a stroll from North to South Harbour. On the ferry journey to and from Cape Clear, watch for whales, leatherback turtles, dolphins, and even sharks. A truly memorable experience!
Breakfast

A Jaunting Good Time The breathtaking beauty of Ireland awaits with a panoramic drive around part of Ireland’s spectacular southwestern peninsula, the Ring of Kerry. In Killarney, experience a horse-drawn jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park, before discovering more of this popular town. Stop in quaint Adare to view its pretty thatched cottages, before arriving in Limerick. (B) 139 mi / 224 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS County Kerry is home to the exquisite natural beauty of a rugged and mountainous expanse in Killarney National Park. A horse-drawn jaunting car ride is a great way to experience this natural wonderland, including the 3,300-foot MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland. Nestled at the foot of these mountains, the Lakes of Killarney’s shores and woodlands share this magical place with waterfalls and dramatic skies above Ross Castle
Breakfast

Sheep and Scones At the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, rising 668 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, step on to the edge of the world to admire awe-inspiring views. Visit Rathbaun Farm and [LF] try your hand at scone baking, learn from the farmer about sheep shearing and herding before enjoying coffee and your homemade scones. Continue to Galway, a popular seaside destination with a buzzing center of colorful shops and a busy café culture. (B,D) 165 mi / 266 km LOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Someone’s in the kitchen in Rathbaun Farm, just outside of Galway. You can don an apron and whip up your own delicious home-made scones, served with fresh preserves and whipped cream. Learn about the long-time tradition of sheep farming in this beautiful Irish landscape
Breakfast Dinner

Whiskey and Waters First today is a visit to Ahascragh distillery, Ireland’s first zero emissions distillery. Enjoy lunch at a local pub in the picturesque village of Shannonbridge. Return to Birr this afternoon where you’ll have plenty of free time to experience this designated Irish Heritage town. (B,L) 63 mi / 102 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT WHISKEY GALORE! Ahascragh Distillery a historic old mill building has been brought back to life by careful restoration to become Ireland’s first zero emissions distillery, powered completely by renewable energy and cutting-edge technology. On your guided tour you’ll hear all about their award-winning passion for sustainability, from the heat pump technology to sustainable packaging, heritage preservation and community engagement. And the whiskey’s good too!
BreakfastLunch

The Winner’s Circle Hit your stride this morning with a trip to Ireland’s horse-racing country! Enjoy a visit to the Irish National Stud in Kildare, whose thoroughbreds command respect on the racecourses of the world. Return to Dublin to enjoy free time in the fair city. (B) 98 mi / 157 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION The Irish National Stud is home to the long tradition of Ireland’s love of horses. This horse breeding facility in County Kildare, considered the beating heart of Ireland's thoroughbred industry, continues to inspire all who visit. Hear about some of the world’s most magnificent champion stallions that have made racing history since the turn of the 20th century
Breakfast

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)