Ireland: Charming Villages, Traditional Tales & Hiking the Dingle Peninsula

Rolling hills speckled with picturesque villages, and a unique culture featuring a vibrant undercurrent of myths and music, the Emerald Isle will not disappoint. Say hello to Dublin before being whisked away, moving deeper into the its lush, green heart. You’ll stop at the Rock of Cashel before readying your sea legs for a ferry ride to Spike Island where you’ll be regaled in tales told by a local storyteller. Travel from Dublin to Cashel this morning. Witness the striking monument silhouetted against the sky, proudly standing since the 13th century. Stand where laymen once stood, in archways lined with centuries old frescoes, and imagine how life used to be in this incredible complex. Continue on to Cobh for lunch, then board the ferry for Spike Island, an important piece of Irish history, having served as a prison and military fortress. Said to be Ireland’s Alcatraz, Spike Island hosted thousands of prisoners before hosting thousands of likeminded tourists, eager to learn of its complicated history. Enjoy free time on the island before returning to the mainland for an optional dinner in the evening.

Included Experiences

• Rock of Cashel Visit: Rock of Cashel is set out on a dramatic outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale. Possessing major historic significance this place also houses the most impressive cluster of medieval buildings in Ireland.
• Ferry: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
• Spike Island Visit: Experience a trip through 1300 years of Irish history on a trip to Spike Island off the coast of Cork. Learn about the island’s history and experience beautiful nature in a wild Irish setting. The island’s unique and Irish history has included monks, monasteries, rioters and redcoats, captains, convicts, sinners, and saints. The island today holds the 200 year old Fort Mitchel, a star shaped Fortress that became a prison with over 2300 prisoners—there has never been a larger prison in Ireland or Britain before or since—a monastery, and modern museum spaces. Enjoy a guided tour of the island with a storyteller. Learn about the island’s monastic, military, penal, and social past. There will be Included free time to explore the fort’s atmospheric prison cells, impressive military fortifications, and internal passages on your own. There’s also time to wander the nature and walking trails in the area. You can choose between the 20-minute ‘Glacis Walk’ around the fortress with stunning harbor views, or the ‘Ring of Spike’ walking trail, a 45-minute walk to see the abandoned buildings with spectacular views along the coastline.

Set off on a scenic journey through some of Ireland’s most picturesque towns and villages, travelling from the heart of County Cork into County Kerry, and down the rugged Beara Peninsula. Once again witnessing all that gives the Emerald Isle its name, lush farmland, rolling hills, and the dramatic coastline overlooking the Atlantic, where every turn will provide another glimpse into quaint villages and sheer natural beauty. Travel to Bantry and stroll through the charming town centre and admire beautiful views of Bantry Bay. Next, visit Glengarriff, a quaint village nestled between the lush woodlands and striking coastal scenery. Continue on to Castletown-Bearhaven, a lively fishing town with a waterfront perfect for strolling and finding a place for lunch. Onward to Eyeries where you’ll find colourful houses and tranquil streets, then finish the day on the coast of Kenmare Bay to check into the hotel and enjoy a delicious dinner.

Let your interests and energy levels guide you today as you discover the seascape and rugged shoreline of Kenmare Bay on your terms. Choose between 2 water-based activities, either paddling along the coast in a sea kayak or exploring the inlets and coves on a boat tour. Whichever option you choose will reward you with incredible views and bring you closer to the natural beauty of this remarkable part of the country. Choose to go sea kayaking with a local guide or take a boat trip along the shores of Kenmare Bay to soak in the scenery and look for marine life. Later, travel to the town of Kenmare for lunch at the Tom Crean brewery, named after the Irish Antarctic explorer. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon free to explore Kenmare or return to the hotel and enjoy the property's pools, trails and views of the ocean.

Included Experiences

• Sea Kayaking Excursion or Scenic Boat Ride: Option 1: Embark on a guided sea kayaking adventure, exploring the pristine coastline and hidden coves while spotting local wildlife. This activity offers an immersive experience of the rugged Irish seascape. Option 2: Enjoy a scenic boat trip along the coast, offering spectacular views of Kenmare Bay and chances to observe marine life in their natural habitat.

The views along the Ring of Kerry are spectacular and iconically Irish as you make your way to Killarney. Killarney National Park is famous for glassy lakes, historic castles and mansions, and rugged mountain landscapes with emerald woodlands. A hiker’s paradise when looking to be surrounded by unparalleled views. Today you will experience both the local history at the Muckross House, and the tranquil nature hiking to Torc waterfall. Travel along the Ring of Kerry to the Muckross House, a beautifully preserved 19th century mansion located in the heart of Killarney National Park, then head out on foot to hike through the lush woodlands toward the cascading Torc waterfall. Loop back around for lunch and free time for exploration in Killarney. Travel onward to Dingle where you’ll settle in the for the night.

Included Experiences

• Muckross House Visit: Land at Muckross House and explore the spectacular gardens. The house was built in the 19th century for the politician Henry Arthur Herbert and his wife Mary Balfour Herbert, a painter. Queen Victoria came to visit the Muckross House in 1861, to honor her arrival the Herberts commissioned the extensive gardens that cover the grounds.
• Muckross House & Torc Waterfall Hike: Hike through lush woodlands and enjoy the views of the stunning Torc Waterfall. The word Torc translates to "Wild Boar" and the falls were named Torc after local legends. They're a beautiful landmark and made for a satisfying goal post for this easy going hike. Largely flat and well maintained, this hike is suitable for most ages and fitness levels.

The Dingle Peninsula is said to be home to the most scenic drive in the world. The Slea Head Drive takes you along the awe-inspiring coastline where you’ll witness steep cliffs and rocky shores broken up by sandy beaches, the landscape composed of soothing greens and crisp blues. As you can imagine, this area is also a popular hiking route for adventure seekers looking to immerse themselves in the impressive landscape. Enjoy the scenic drive along the coastal road to Reilig Dhún Chaoin. After arriving, you’ll walk to Blasket Island Interpretive Centre where you’ll hike a coastal loop trail called Lub na Cille with a local guide. Return to the Blasket Centre for lunch, then travel back to Dingle for a free evening and optional dinner out with the group.

Included Experiences

• Slea Head Drive: Drive along one of the most scenic drives in the world - The Slea Head Drive - with views of the horseshoe shaped Ventry Beach and the Skellig Islands, the wild Atlantic and The Blasket island archipelago.
• Reilig Dhún Chaoin to Blasket island Interpretative Centre Walk: Take a scenic walk from Reilig Dhún Chaoin to the Blasket Island Interpretative Centre with a knowledgeable local guide. Immerse yourself in breathtaking coastal views and rich cultural insights. There will be a broad range of subjects covered from Irish folklore, mythology, ancient history, history, pop and culture.
• Lub na Cille Hike: This trail offers stunning vistas over the Atlantic Ocean and the iconic Blasket Islands, with dramatic cliffs, lush hillsides, and expansive skies creating a truly immersive experience. Along the way, you'll feel the unique blend of Ireland's natural beauty and cultural heritage, with quiet moments to pause and absorb the landscape that has inspired generations of storytellers and locals alike.

Leave County Kerry behind and cross over into County Limerick, stopping in the charming village of Adare. The Irish government has designated Adare a heritage town due to its religious and medieval history, having been founded in the 13th century. It is considered Ireland’s “prettiest village” with thatched roof cottages and the River Maigue. Later, travel to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, a 15th century fortress located in County Clare. Bunratty translates to “mouth of the Ratty River”, a fitting name given its proximity to the Shannon Estuary. Travel northeast from Dingle to the picturesque town of Adare and enjoy some free time to explore. Continue to Bunrutty Castle where you can immerse yourself in the region’s rich history then drive to Ennis to settle into the hotel and enjoy an included dinner with the group.

Included Experiences

• Bunratty Castle & Folk Park Visit: Enjoy entrance into Bunratty Castle and spend time on your own visiting the historical grounds, known as the most complete and authentic castle in all of Ireland. The land on which Bunratty Castle has been built used to be a Viking trading camp in 970. Learn how the lords and ladies of this castle lived during times of bravery and battles, while taking in the views of the idyllic County Clare countryside.
• Free Time: Explore Adare as you wish with free time. This historic village offers a blend of scenic beauty and heritage, perfect for a peaceful stroll or cultural exploration. Keep an eye out for the Adare Manor, a stunning manor house set amid lush greenery.

The capital of the County Clare, Ennis is a historic town originating in the 13th century, boasting a close proximity to both Inisheer and the Cliffs of Moher, which are ideal for exploring by bike and on foot. Inisheer is the smallest of the three Aran Islands located in Galway Bay, a comfortable ferry ride from Doolin Port and the Cliffs of Moher. The towering sea cliffs are believed to house otherworldly creatures, overlooking the formidable Atlantic. Travel from Dingle to Doolin Port and catch the ferry to the island of Inisheer. Set off on a bike tour to explore the sights then meet with a local islander to share tea and scones and learn about everyday life on the island. After returning to the mainland, join a local guide for a visit to the iconic and beautiful Cliffs of Moher. Travel back to Ennis for a farewell dinner with live traditional music and a final night out with the group.

Included Experiences

• Ferry: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
• Bike tour of Inisheer: A bike tour of Inisheer takes you on a delightful journey through quiet lanes, ancient stone walls, and turquoise waters. Cycle past historic landmarks like O'Brien's Castle and the Plassey Shipwreck, all while soaking in the island’s charming, scenic atmosphere.
• Tea & Scones: Connect with a local Islander over tea and scones. Learn about island life and better understand what makes this area so unique.
• Cliffs of Moher Walk: Visiting the Cliffs of Moher offers breathtaking views of towering sea cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean, with dramatic landscapes that showcase Ireland’s rugged beauty.

The adventure finishes today, and you can depart at any time.

Included Experiences

• Departure Day: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.