Icons of Ireland

Welcome to Dublin, Ireland's picturesque capital and birthplace of the famous Guinness beer. Situated on the eastern coast, where the Liffey River meets the sea, Dublin boasts welcoming and amiable locals who eagerly embrace visitors with open arms.

We don't want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don't, we recommend you arrive at your starting destination by 3.00pm.

We'll join our fellow travellers and our tour director for a brief orientation this afternoon, walking by the General Post Office and the Liffey River, before making our way to the Temple Bar district for our welcome dinner.

Be transported back to medieval times when we travel to Kilkenny this afternoon. The city is home to narrow streets and historic buildings, a vibrant restaurant and pub scene, and friendly locals.

We'll start our day in Dublin learning about the city's fascinating history and traditions. We tour Trinity College, dating back to the late 16th century and home to an impressive list of alumni including Bram Stoker, Oscar Wilde and Jonathon Swift. Inside Trinity College's renowned library, we'll see its most prized possession, the Book of Kells. We'll also explore the fascinating Dublin Castle.

Later, we'll continue to Kilkenny, where we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Compact and cosmopolitan, Cork is Ireland's second largest city. Situated on an island in the River Lee, the vibrant city's narrow streets are bursting at the seams with traditional pubs, boutique shops, welcoming laid-back locals and more.

This morning we'll visit the stunning Kilkenny Castle, taking time to wander through the impressive Rose Garden and surrounding grounds. Built in the thirteenth century, Kilkenny Castle originally served as a defensive castle, due to its location close to the River Nore and several important trade routes. Continuously occupied until 1967, it was sold to the local council for a staggering £50! After that, we will proceed to Thomastown and explore Jerpoint Abbey, which was established in 1180. The abbey is renowned for its charming location and the remarkable stone carvings adorning its walls.

We will then proceed towards Cork, passing through the picturesque harborside town of Cobh. There, we will take a break to stretch our legs and have some free time. Upon arriving in Cork later in the evening, you'll have the rest of the night to enjoy at your leisure.

Today we take the time to explore Ireland's remarkable natural scenery as we embark on a journey to the coastal town of Glengarriff. From there, we'll board a ferry to reach the enchanting Garnish Island. During the ferry ride, we'll make a stop near the seal islands, hoping to catch glimpses of the local seals in their natural habitat.

Afterwards, we'll head towards Muckross and the idyllic Killarney National Park. Home to Ireland's largest forest of oak trees, Killarney National Park is situated in over 10,000 hectares of pristine, rolling countryside. This afternoon, we'll enjoy a stroll through the national park to the scenic Torc Waterfall before returning to Cork.

Challenging Day: Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

Today's destination is Limerick, a city nestled along the banks of the River Shannon, with the magnificent King John's Castle gracing its surroundings. Limerick has a rich history, believed to have been settled by the Vikings as early as 922 AD. However, in modern times, the city is renowned for its captivating Georgian architecture and is famously recognised as the backdrop for Frank McCourt's acclaimed book, "Angela's Ashes."

Prior to our departure for Limerick, we will embark on a walking tour this morning to explore the numerous highlights that Cork has to offer. The city's relaxed and laid-back atmosphere makes it a perfect place to discover on foot. During the tour, we will visit the English Markets, St. Patrick's Street, Fitzgerald's Park, the Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral, and the Butter Museum, immersing ourselves in the charm and beauty of Cork's landmarks.

Special Experience: Enjoy 'My Book of Flowers' afternoon tea at Cork's Imperial Hotel, inspired by Grace Kelly's beloved flowers. A delightful floral treat for everyone. Following the afternoon tea, we'll proceed to Limerick and explore the city with a welcoming orientation tour upon arrival.

We'll make our way to Galway today, located on the breathtaking west coast, where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic Ocean. Galway boasts a lively music and arts scene, complemented by historic buildings and traces of its medieval history.

Our day will begin with a scenic cruise along the waterways of the River Shannon and Lough Derg Lake, followed by a delightful lunch.

The afternoon is a highlight of any trip to Ireland as we drive to Clare to see the famous Cliffs of Moher and the visitor centre. These majestic cliffs, towering over 200 meters from the seabed, present a breathtaking and rugged sight along the extensive coastline.

Later, we travel onwards to the vibrant city of Galway.

Challenging Day: Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

Today holds a splendid day of exploration, commencing with a walking tour of Galway. We will uncover the city's proud heritage and vibrant culture as we venture to several fascinating landmarks. Our journey will take us through the captivating Eyre Square, the historical Lynches Castle, the charming Quay Street, and the iconic Spanish Arch, each telling a tale of Galway's past. We'll also visit the Galway City Museum and explore the graceful Church of St. Nicholas, which stands as a testament to the city's religious significance. We'll then visit Galway's local markets, known for its fresh cheeses and seafood.

We'll enjoy the remainder of our afternoon at leisure to explore more of the city at our own pace.

We'll journey back to Dublin today, stopping in Kildare to visit the Irish National Stud and Gardens. Owned by the government, the Stud is a thoroughbred horse breeding facility that was established in 1946 and produces some of the most magnificent horses to be found in all of Europe. The Japanese gardens attached to the Stud are also believed to be the finest example of its kind in Europe and a wander around the property is an exercise in peace and serenity.

Special Experience: Explore the renowned Jameson Whiskey Distillery. Delight in a captivating distillery tour and finish with a tipple of this Irish staple, whiskey. This evening we'll enjoy a lovely farewell dinner at a local restaurant, complete with storytelling and traditional music.

Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning, when we'll say a fond farewell to the beautiful country of Ireland and our newfound friends.