Corners of Southern Ireland (Southbound)

Historic and full of character, Dublin is where we'll meet the group and begin our adventure. This evening is an opportunity to get to know one another over a delicious welcome dinner.

After breakfast, we'll hit the road to our first stop: County Kildare, where we've an appointment with the Irish National Stud. After being treated to a private tour, we'll continue south to Ireland's oldest city: Waterford. Dating back to Viking times, Waterford has over 1,000 years' worth of history to explore. This evening will see us checking into our hotel in Waterford, before gathering for an included dinner.

This morning we'll gain a fascinating insight into how the city's world-famous crystal is made on a visit to the House of Waterford Crystal. We'll then move on to the charming waterfront town of Cobh – the departure point for the last 123 passengers who boarded the Titanic. You'll notice poignant markers of this as you make your way around. We'll then continue to the medieval town of Kinsale, where coastal views, cosy pubs and brightly coloured houses await us.

We'll begin this morning with a walking tour of Kinsale's cobbled streets with a local guide. Bearings established, you'll be free to seek out the town's hidden treasures at your own pace before we make our way to Molly Gallivan's Cottage – which, at first glance, appears to be an unassuming farmhouse. But there's more to it than first meets the eye! More than 200 years ago, Mrs Gallivan supported her seven children by brewing illicit whiskey – and her home was, in fact, a clandestine pub. We'll learn stories of the enterprising Mrs Gallivan's antics before travelling onwards to Killarney.

This morning will see us begin our journey around the awe-inspiring Ring of Kerry. Our first stop: the Skellig Experience, where we'll gain a fascinating insight into the lives of the early Christian monks that once broke bread at the Skellig Michael monastery. When we return to Killarney, the evening will be ours to relax and reflect on the day's adventures.

Today we'll travel north to one of Ireland's most iconic natural wonders: the magnificent Cliffs of Moher. Standing at the edge of these dramatic cliffs – whose rugged rockface was formed over 300 million years ago – is a truly breathtaking experience. The keen-eyed among us may even spot a resident puffin or two.

After an invigorating afternoon, we'll travel to the charming town of Ennis, where we'll enjoy an orientation walk through its character-filled avenues, hearing enthralling myths, mysteries and tales of rebellions and riots. This evening we'll savour our final dinner together as a group.

After breakfast, we'll depart Ennis and make our way to the award-winning gardens of Birr Castle Demesne. Take some time to wander around the grounds and admire the awe-inspiring science and engineering that has been invested in creating such a unique residence. Then it's on to cosmopolitan Dublin – where we'll say our goodbyes.