Day 1
Upon arrival at Dublin International Airport, you are met and transferred to your accommodations in Dublin.
ACCOMMODATION: The Merrion Hotel
Travel with your private party on this Luxury Tailor Made Journey, departing when you choose and with expert local guides leading the way; you can even customize the itinerary to your interests.
Experience the perfect mix of Ireland's soul-stirring scenery, essential city sightseeing and small-town charm. Explore the coastal roads of the Ring of Kerry and County Clare; discover Dublin's cultural gems; and stroll among the thatched cottages of charming Adare, enjoying some of Ireland's most exclusive accommodations along the way.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
- Explore Ireland's beautiful landscapes, charming cities and historic sites as you journey from lively Dublin south toward Killarney, then back north through County Clare and Galway, capping your journey off with two luxurious evenings at Adare Manor
- Delve into Irish history at Trinity College's Library and the former monastic community of Glendalough
- Gain insider access with a private tour of the House of Waterford Crystal, witnessing the skilled hands of its elite craftspeople at work
- Survey some of Ireland's most inspiring coastal scenery as your driver traverses the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula, stopping at the sites that interest you most
- Take in the pulse-quickening vistas of the Cliffs of Moher and the haunting moonscapes of the Burren as you wind your way through County Clare
- Enjoy stays in some of Ireland's most celebrated accommodations, including the Merrion in Dublin and elegant, five-star Hayfield Manor
Upon arrival at Dublin International Airport, you are met and transferred to your accommodations in Dublin.
ACCOMMODATION: The Merrion Hotel
Join your local guide for a tour of the Irish capital. At Trinity College, discover the antiquarian texts of the Long Room Library, including the eighth-century Book of Kells — an exquisitely detailed example of early Irish manuscript illumination. Continue to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s largest church, built near the famous well where St. Patrick is said to have baptized converts.
ACCOMMODATION: The Merrion Hotel
MEALS: Breakfast
Today, embark on an excursion to the Wicklow Mountains. Cross the moorlands to Glendalough, a former monastic community dating back to the Dark Ages. View the ruins of the churches and a perfectly preserved round tower.
On the way back to Dublin, stop at the renowned Powerscourt Gardens. From the terrace, admire the postcard-worthy panorama that leads to Sugarloaf Mountain. Inside the house, view an interpretation of the gardens’ design.
ACCOMMODATION: The Merrion Hotel
MEALS: Breakfast
Journey overland to Waterford City, where you explore the Waterford Crystal Factory. This is the largest cut-glass factory in the world, producing many fine commemorative pieces every year. Discover the various processes involved from mold-making to engraving, watching master craftsmen plying their trade. Continue on to your hotel in Cork.
ACCOMMODATION: Hayfield Manor
MEALS: Breakfast
Today, get to know Cork, the Republic of Ireland's second largest city. Discover its renowned university area in the city’s heart as well as St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, an impressive example of Gothic Revival architecture.
Visit the English Market, one of the finest examples of a covered food market in Europe. Browse the stalls and wonderful displays of traditional Cork fare interspersed with exotic imported goods.
Continue from Cork to Blarney Castle, one of the most iconic sites in Ireland. You may wish to make the challenging ascent to the parapet of this ruined tower house reach the Blarney Stone, said to bestow the "gift of the gab" on all who kiss it.
ACCOMMODATION: Hayfield Manor
MEALS: Breakfast
Journey around the Beara Peninsula, a long promontory that is part of the region known as West Cork, a leading center for the artisanal cheeses that grace many of the finest cheeseboards in European restaurants. With its proximity to the sea, this area is an important area for fishing, as you will learn on a stop in Castletownbere, the leading port in Ireland for white fish.
Later, at Glengarriff, you may have time to board a small boat that takes you to Garinish Island, home to the famous sub-tropical gardens of Ilnacullin. Admire its Italian-style garden that includes a wide variety of shrubs and plants cultivated by taking advantage of the warming influence of the Gulf Stream. Then, proceed to Killarney, where you check in to your hotel.
ACCOMMODATION: The Europe Hotel & Resort
MEALS: Breakfast
Today, experience one of the world’s most celebrated coastal drives: the Ring of Kerry. Hug the shoreline of the Iveragh Peninsula as you pass through mountains and moorlands to the Ring of Skellig, a less-frequented scenic route of steep passes and dramatic overlooks. Next, climb a hill affording the highest vantage of the route, a vista spanning the Skellig Islands, Dingle Peninsula, Blasket Islands and the rugged inland mountains.
ACCOMMODATION: The Europe Hotel & Resort
MEALS: Breakfast
This morning, take in more spectacular coastal views as you follow the shores of the Dingle Peninsula. Pass through the long-established fishing community of Dingle to join the Slea Head Drive. This clifftop route reaches out to the westernmost tip of the mainland, affording breathtaking views of the Blasket Islands. Pause at the Blasket Islands Heritage Center to learn about the fascinating culture and heritage of this Gaelic-speaking region. Continuing back to your hotel, pass Mount Brandon, one of Ireland’s highest peaks.
ACCOMMODATION: The Europe Hotel & Resort
MEALS: Breakfast
Head inland this morning, making your first stop in Adare, a charming village of thatched cottages, antique shops and cafés. Continue into the town of Limerick and peruse the Hunt Museum’s collection of antiquities, including Neolithic flints and Bronze Age weapons. Next, visit Bunratty Castle, a grand 15th-century tower house boasting a collection of medieval tapestries. Later, check in to Adare Manor for an evening at leisure.
ACCOMMODATION: Adare Manor
MEALS: Breakfast
Today, head northward along the coast to sample some of Ireland’s most iconic scenery. First, venture out to the towering Cliffs of Moher. Soaring up to 700 feet and spanning five miles, this dramatic vista is sure to quicken even the steadiest of pulses.
Then, traverse the Burren, a lunar-like karst landscape rich in archaeological and geological treasures. Time permitting, continue up the coastal road to Galway, a lively port town with an avant-garde culture. Return south to your accommodations later in the evening.
ACCOMMODATION: Adare Manor
MEALS: Breakfast
Transfer to Shannon Airport where you will be assisted with check-in for your international departure.
End of the trip!
MEALS: Breakfast
- This is a guide itinerary and can be modified to suit. It is subject to availability and price at the time of booking. Other conditions may apply -
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