Overview
Itinerary
Begin your Irish journey by exploring Dublin on a private walking tour through the heart of the city's history, exploring areas beyond the most-often traveled streets to learn its secrets. Next, visit the Little Museum of Dublin for a guided tour of this unique, Georgian-era building filled with curated artifacts, art and other items, all donated by the people of Dublin to tell the deeply personal and personable story of the city. This evening you'll join your fellow travelers for dinner at a local pub. (D) Stay: The Davenport
Embark on a Dublin city tour taking in the highlights and hidden gems of this vibrant city. You'll see the Customs House on the River Liffey, Trinity College, Dublin Castle, City Hall, Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Next, visit the Guinness Storehouse, an interactive multi-story sensory extravaganza in the heart of the city. Discover 250 years of Guinness history, visit the tasting rooms and learn to pour the perfect pint before completing your visit atop the Gravity Bar for panoramic city views. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B)
Today you venture through Ireland's Golden Vale, first stopping for a private tour of Blarney Castle. Atop the castle walls is the famed Blarney Stone, where legend says that if you stretch back and kiss it, you'll inherit the ‘gift of the gab'. Don't forget to explore the beautiful gardens and grounds of the castle before heading to Cork. While here, criss-cross the city's bridges and see the medieval Old Town, the university, City Hall and Shandon Bells before some free time to perhaps visit the famed English Market. (B) Stay: Montenotte
Head to the beautiful coastal town of Kinsale. Ireland's gourmet capital is renowned for seafood that pairs beautifully with the salty sea air. Bring your appetite and enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on a food tour that showcases a diverse range of culinary treats. Then, arrive in beautiful Killarney and experience an evening of traditional Irish culture and local flavors at Kate Kearney's Irish Night. Tonight you'll stay at the Great Southern Killarney, a famous Victorian-era hotel. (B/L/D) Stay: Great Southern Killarney
Head out for an unforgettable day on Ireland's Ring of Kerry. This picturesque peninsula brims with history, geography, myths and legends across its iconic landscapes. In Caherdaniel, meet a Local Specialist for the Deluxe Coastal Seaweed Experience — a guided foraging journey along the shore where you'll learn about edible seaweeds and their health benefits. Focusing on sustainability and environmental appreciation, this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience connects you with nature in a memorable way, offering insights into Ireland's rich marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems. Later, enjoy a free evening to explore the charms of Killarney. (B)
Head into County Clare and visit the Cliffs of Moher for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience that is a must for nature lovers. Join energetic Local Specialist Ollie for a hike through coastal trails and green paths from nearby Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center. Listen to fascinating stories about the area while taking in stunning panoramic views of Doolin, the Aran Islands and the Cliffs themselves.
Continue to Galway and explore its labyrinthine cobbled streets and colorful shop facades before heading to the awe-inspiring Ashford Castle. This iconic 13th-century 5-star castle hotel was once home to the Guinness family and offers guests every modern luxury. After settling in, cross the bridge to Cullen's at the Cottage for dinner. (B/D) Stay: Ashford Castle, Cong
Explore the glorious estate at your leisure where you could enjoy an activity such as falconry, horseback riding, afternoon tea or a session at the spa. Later, venture through Connemara to Kylemore Abbey. Learn of its romantic history and visit the Victorian walled gardens. Tonight, dress for the occasion at an indulgent dinner in Ashford's George V Dining Room, named after his visit in 1905. (B/D)
After a late checkout, depart Ashford Castle and head into County Offaly, stopping to explore the once-thriving monastic site of Clonmacnoise, taking in ruins of a cathedral, round towers, high crosses, a church and over 700 graveslabs before heading to Dublin for your final evening. (B) Stay: The Alex
Say a fond ‘slán abhaile' to your fellow travelers as you close the curtain on an unforgettable journey through Ireland. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Dublin: Curated from the donated collections of the people of Dublin, the Little Museum of Dublin tells the story of the city through its most venerable historians: the capital's people. Housed in a classic Georgian building near St. Stephen's Green, the Little Museum offers up a personal and personable journey through rare items and paraphernalia that surprises, delights, captivates and intrigues guests of all ages.
- Visit Little Museum of Dublin, Blarney Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, Kylemore Abbey, ruins of Clonmacnoise
- See The Magical Ring of Kerry
- Explore the heart of Dublin, landmarks of Galway
- Dublin: A Local Specialist will take you through the heart of the city, exploring Dublin on foot. With an emphasis on visiting areas less traveled, expect expert insight on parts of Dublin which are rarely experienced by the average walking tour.
- Dublin: Visit the Guinness Storehouse to see how the world's most famous stout is created then enjoy the distinctive taste of a perfectly chilled pint of Guinness.
- Kylemore: With a striking Victorian Walled Garden and turreted church, Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey is a sight to behold. Dig into the Abbey's history, discovering how it was founded in 1920 for Benedictine Nuns who fled Belgium in World War I.
- Explore the ruins of Clonmacnoise, a once-thriving monastic site founded by St. Ciarán in the 6th century. The site features a cathedral, two round towers, high crosses, churches, and Europe's largest collection of early Christian graveslabs. Clonmacnoise is the burial place of many high kings, including Rory O'Connor, the last high king of Ireland.
Iconic Experience
- Dublin: A Local Specialist will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House.
- Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone, the famous stone of eloquence, are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. Take your turn at giving it a peck knowing that the stone was sourced from 330-million-year-old limestone.
- Galway: Explore the historic heart of Galway. See landmarks such as the Spanish Arch and the cathedral or perhaps admire the distinctive Claddagh rings.
Make Travel Matter®
- Kinsale: Taste your way through enchanting Kinsale, County Cork, with an epic showcase of culinary treats. Renowned for the seafood that pairs so beautifully with the salty sea air and riverside views of the River Bandon, you'll be taken on a tour through the metaphorical belly of the town. Take a gentle, guided stroll through colorful Kinsale where you'll meet charming locals and food producers alike, stop at various eateries and restaurants, and learn about the food and people of this striking town. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
- Ring of Kerry:
- Cliffs of Moher: A hike from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher offers a unique perspective most visitors miss. Join Local Specialist Ollie along the cliff walk for stunning views of Doolin, the Aran Islands and the cliffs themselves. Along the way, he'll share fascinating stories and point out the most picturesque spots. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
- Taste The famous stout at Guinness Storehouse, culinary treats of Kinsale,
- Dublin: Enjoy a relaxing first night while you dine together with your fellow guests. An authentic local pub creates the perfect atmosphere for the excitement that is to come in the following days.
- Killarney: Experience traditional Irish culture at Kate Kearney's Cottage in County Kerry. Enjoy a warm welcome and a hearty, home-cooked meal featuring local ingredients. The evening unfolds with live performances from local musicians playing traditional Irish instruments and skilled Irish dancers. Join in the fun, clapping along and learning dance steps.
- Cong: Feast on a delicious meal of local ingredients in the charming setting of Cullen's at the Cottage on the Ashford Castle estate.
- Ashford Castle: Dine on delicious Farm-to-Table fare in a stylish setting at the iconic George V Dining Room, features crystal chandeliers, ornate ceilings, and plush furnishings. The regal yet intimate ambiance sets the stage for a memorable meal.
- Dining Summary: 8 Breakfasts (B), 1 Lunch (L), 4 Dinners (D)
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
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Brendan Vacations Ireland & Scotland (2025-27)
Dates & Pricing
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Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Brendan Vacations. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
