Journeys: Iconic Ireland
9 days, Dublin to Dublin
Itinerary
Day 1Dublin
Arrive at any time.
We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this lively city. There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
Please note that due to space restrictions aboard our transportation, there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. We recommend bringing an additional daypack for essentials and everyday items. Please visit the "What to take" section on the Trip details tab for more information.
Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Stay City Dublin City Centre (or similar)
Day 2Dublin
Set out this morning to explore Trinity College Dublin, founded in 1592. Visit its famed library and view the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript dating to the ninth century. Enjoy free time this afternoon to explore the city's Medieval Quarter, visit St. Patrick's Cathedral, set foot in Dublin Castle, or tour a whiskey distillery. In the evening, dine on Irish fare, accompanied by storytelling and traditional music, in a traditional Irish pub.
Visit to Trinity College (Book of Kells)
Step into the halls of Trinity College Dublin, founded in 1592, to visit the Book of Kells Exhibition and the historic Long Library. Written in the 9th century, the Book of Kells is a richly illustrated document (inscribed in Latin) of the four Gospels in the New Testament. Widely considered Ireland's greatest cultural treasure, it's one of the world’s most famous medieval manuscripts. Continue to the Long Library, a soaring room filled with over 200,000 books, including the library's oldest collections. A must-visit for book lovers, it's also known for its appearance in Harry Potter movies.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Dinner and a Tale or Two
Step inside a traditional Irish pub for an enthralling evening of storytelling, food, drink, and warm company. Settle in for a three-course dinner with classic fare such as beef and Guinness stew in an intimate candlelit setting. Enjoy the sounds of traditional Irish music as you dine. Then, between courses, let your hosts captivate you with magical tales of Ireland's past, providing insight into the culture, folklore, and traditions passed down from generation to generation.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Dublin, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like exploring Temple Bar, whisky tasting at the Jameson Distillery, or discover the eerie history of Kilmainham Gaol prison. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Jameson Distillery Visit
22EUR per personCan you taste the differences between Scotch, American, and Jameson Irish Whiskey? Take a visit to the original Jameson Distillery in Smithfield Dublin, operating since 1780. Learn about, and experience the taste and smells of this iconic whiskey recipe. Walk away proudly with your shiny Jameson Whiskey Tasting certificate.
Dublin Castle
Opt to explore alone or take a guided tour of Dublin Castle. Historically served as the headquarters of English and British administrations, the Castle is part of the current government complex.
St. Patrick's Cathedral
8EUR per personVisit the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland. Founded in 1191, a walk around these breathtaking grounds will give you a glimpse into 800 years of history.
Accommodation
Stay City Dublin City Centre (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 3Cork
Travel to the charming city of Cork and set out on an orientation walk; then spend the rest of the day exploring the city on your own. Choose to visit the Cork County Gaol—a former prison—or learn about the voyage of the Titanic in the original ticket office of the White Star Line. Wander the stalls at the historic English Market or settle into a pub for a locally brewed pint of Murphy’s Irish Stout.
Cork is known for its many universities, theatres, art schools and general diversity and culture. With many immigrants settling in this inviting city, it's easy to find different types of foods, shops and cafés lining the streets.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Cork Orientation Walk
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs.
Free Time
There's lots to see and do in Cork. Get out and explore!
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
English Market
FreeEstablished in 1788, the English Market in Cork is a vast and eclectic covered food market filled with longstanding family-run stalls. Get in with the local hustle and bustle.
Cork County Gaol
10EUR per personOnce a prison constructed in the 1820s, the Cork County Gaol is now a coveted part of University College of Cork. Take an audio tour of the grounds to learn more about the tumultuous history of this building.
Titanic Experience Visit
10EUR per personLocated in the original offices of the White Star Line, share the experience of the 123 passengers to sail on Titanic. The museum uses an audio-visual tour to recreate the journey of passengers getting ready for the epic journey, then examines how the ship sank and why.
Accommodation
Leonardo Hotel Cork (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Blarney/Killarney
Begin the day with a visit to Blarney Castle, built nearly 600 years ago and now one of the most iconic sights in Ireland. Climb a flight of steps to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone, a ritual said to grant the gift of the gab. Continue to Killarney for an afternoon spent tasting whiskey and chocolate with a local expert. In the evening, opt to enjoy a traditional Celtic dance performance.
The lovely town of Killarney bristles with history, culture and stunning natural beauty. Located on the shores of Lough Leane, adjacent to Killarney National Park, it is surrounded by rolling green hills, lakes and forests.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Blarney Castle and Blarney Stone Visit
Visit Blarney Castle, one of the most famous sights in Ireland built nearly 600 years ago. Enter to find the "Stone of Eloquence", better known as the Blarney Stone, at the top of the tower. You'll need to lean over a railing and hang upside down for a moment to kiss the stone - a worthy price for the gift of gab!
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Whiskey and Chocolate Tasting
Once the most favoured spirit in the world, Irish whiskey is once again gaining popularity with distilleries opening up all over the country. Discover the unique characteristics of this spirit with a tasting of four distinct Irish whiskeys. Challenge your tastebuds with a sensory perception quiz and learn which chocolates are best paired with each style of the spirit.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Celtic Steps Dance Performance
32.50EUR per personSpend an evening immersed in Irish music and dance at the world-famous Celtic Steps show. Watch the country's best dancers, musicians and performers take to the stage with a truly unforgettable blend of traditional and modern Irish dance, accompanied by live music.
Accommodation
Scotts Hotel Killarney (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Killarney
Set out on a full-day excursion around the famed Ring of Kerry, considered one of Ireland’s most scenic drives. Take in stunning views of the Iveragh Peninsula’s windswept coast and lush, wild forests. View historic castles, churches, and seaside villages before returning to Killarney for a night at leisure.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Ring of Kerry Day Excursion
Experience Ireland's incredible natural beauty, scenic landscapes and glimpses of everyday life as we drive along the famous Ring of Kerry. Our journey starts in Killarney, home to Ireland's first national park and many historic sites. Continue to the picturesque villages of Kenmare and Sneem before reaching the coastal towns of Caherdaniel and Waterville, where Charlie Chaplin loved to holiday. Get a feel for traditional Irish culture in Ballinskelligs, where locals speak Gaelic, and Portmagee, where colourful houses line the docks and visitors set off for Skelligs Rock. Continue along the coast to Glenbeigh, "the jewel of Kerry", and stop by historic Killorglin and Beaufort before returning to Killarney.
Accommodation
Scotts Hotel Killarney (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Galway
This morning, head to the stunning Cliffs of Moher and board a boat for a coastal cruise. Enjoy exceptional views of one of Ireland’s most well-known natural wonders from water level, In the months of May to early July, you might spot puffins along the cliffs. After the cruise, explore the Cliffs' visitor centre before continuing to Galway, a historic harbor city on Ireland's west coast. As the gateway to the Galway Gaeltacht, one of the country's last Irish-speaking regions, Galway offers a unique blend of culture and history.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Cliffs of Moher Cruise
View the majestic Cliffs of Moher and experience this natural wonder from an equally powerful vantage point - the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Board a 1.5hr long cruise and sit back to observe the cliffs as they continue for 8km, offering incredible panoramic views of its jagged, rocky landscapes. See caves shaped by centuries of crashing waves, the Aran Islands in the distance, and birds and other wildlife who call these windswept shores their home.
Cliffs of Moher Visitors' Centre
Stop by the Visitors' Centre to enjoy a self-guided tour of The Cliffs Exhibition, a multi-sensory journey into the fascinating Cliffs of Moher.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Western Hotel Galway (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Cliffs of Moher/Galway
Set on a guided walking tour of Galway, delving into the history of conquest that has shaped Irish culture, and getting a taste of the city’s reputation as a hub for art and music. Enjoy a free afternoon exploring the local arts scene or wandering historic streets.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Walking Tour of Galway City
Enjoy a guided walking tour through the medieval heart of Galway. Visit Eyre Square to uncover its fascinating history from the city's early days to modern times. Walk past parts of the original Town Wall first built over 800 years ago. Head to Lynch's Castle and the Memorial Window and learn about an infamous local legend. Visit the Galway Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas, a place where Christopher Columbus stopped on his way to the new world.
Accommodation
Western Hotel Galway (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Dublin
Return to Dublin this morning and enjoy a free afternoon to explore Ireland's dynamic capital. Stroll among the colorful gardens of St. Stephen's Green, pop into historic pubs in Temple Bar, or view the famed bog bodies housed in the National Museum of Ireland. Opt to visit the Guinness Storehouse for insights into the history of beer and a taste of their famed stout, then gather for an optional farewell dinner with your group at a local restaurant.
Free Time
Enjoy our last free evening in lively Dublin.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Guinness Storehouse Visit
29EUR per personHave you ever wanted to see a glass atrium shaped in the form of a pint of Guinness? Here's your chance. Visit the Guinness Storehouse and learn about the history of Ireland's most famous beer, and how this dry stout it is brewed.
Temple Bar Area Visit
FreeImmerse yourself in the Temple Bar area, known as Dublin's Cultural Quarter. Shop around at the weekend markets, grab a pint at the pub, and dine in in the area's vast and diverse cuisine options. Then go back at night and experience this area really come to life.
Accommodation
Stay City Dublin City Centre (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Dublin
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.