Our one-week Ireland travel adventure includes some of the Emerald Isle's most intriguing places, from sophisticated cities to small towns throughout the quintessential Irish countryside. Attend a private recital at a cathedral in Cork, and a private tour, tasting and dinner with traditional Irish entertainment at Teeling Whiskey in Dublin. Explore the ruins of 6th-century Glendalough with a local guide, and see the Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle and the Book of Kells. And enjoy multiple-night stays in one of Ireland's finest castle hotels (Dromoland Castle), a country manor (Hayfield Manor Hotel) and a Dublin landmark (The Shelbourne Dublin, A Renaissance Hotel). A week in Ireland is... a week well spent!
Highlights
Day 1 | Shannon-Cead Mile Failte |
Day 2 | Cliffs of Moher-The Burren |
Day 3 | Blarney-Cork |
Day 4 | Kinsale-Cork |
Day 5 | Waterford-Dublin |
Day 6-8 | Dublin |
Day 1: Shannon-Cead Mile Failte
Your Ireland travel adventure begins: 6:00 PM at Dromoland Castle. A transfer is included from Shannon Airport to Dromoland Castle, your royal home for two nights. Join us this evening for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner in the castle.
Hotel: Dromoland Castle
Day 2: The magnificent Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, and a day at an Irish castle
Make your way today through The Burren, an eerie landscape of limestone outcrops, en route to the Cliffs of Moher. Over five miles long and towering up to 660 feet, the cliffs reign unrivaled over the Atlantic Ocean coastline, offering amazing views. Sample a taste of country life during lunch in Burren; return to Dromoland Castle for a day spent as you please.
Hotel: Dromoland Castle
Day 3: A bit of Blarney and a concert in Cork
Your Ireland travel continues to County Cork today for a two-night stay in an elegant manor house hotel and an in-depth discovery of all things Irish – including a visit to legendary Blarney Castle; get ready to pucker up for the “gift of gab” if you climb its ramparts to kiss the magical stone. After time to explore Blarney's castle and village and enjoy lunch on your own, continue on to Cork and the Hayfield Manor Hotel, your stately home for the next two nights. This evening, you’re invited to a private recital at St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral before returning for dinner at your hotel.
Hotel: Hayfield Manor Hotel
Day 4: A trip to Kinsale and discovering Cork as you please
This morning, head out from your manor house accommodations to coastal Kinsale, where you'll visit historic Charles Fort, one of the finest examples of a 17th-century fortification in Ireland; spend some time exploring and have lunch on your own in this lovely harborside village. Return to Cork for an afternoon spent exploring the city as you wish. Dinner tonight is à la carte at your leisure at one of the hotel's fine restaurants.
Hotel: Hayfield Manor Hotel
Day 5: Ballyknocken Cookery School then Dublin, then on to Dublin
Today you are in for a tasty treat! This morning, drive to Ballyknocken for a stop at the Ballyknocken Cookery School. Nestled between lush herb, vegetable and fruit gardens, Ballyknocken House and Cookery School is the fulfilled dream of Wicklow native and Irish celebrity chef, Catherine Fulvio. Discover an infectious passion for good food (using fresh & quality ingredients) and develop new skills during a culinary experience with one of the school's tutors. Drive to your hotel in Dublin and get ready for an Irish evening experience tonight.
Hotel: The Shelbourne Dublin, A Renaissance Hotel
Day 6: A day well spent in Dublin's fair city
Experience an in-depth introduction to Dublin on a sightseeing tour that includes lively O'Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and beautiful parks. This afternoon, take some time to enjoy the city as you wish, perhaps wandering along eclectic Grafton Street, strolling along the River Liffey, exploring St. Stephen's Green (on which your hotel is situated), or experiencing the grandeur of Merrion Square; laid back and laden with charm, Dublin is small, compact and made for walking. Have dinner on your own tonight; Dublin restaurants – of which there are many to choose from close to your hotel – and Irish cuisine have earned high marks on the European culinary scene.
Hotel: The Shelbourne Dublin, A Renaissance Hotel
Day 7: Glendalough, the Wicklow hills & Dublin
Extend your Ireland travel outside Dublin into the hills of Wicklow to the monastic settlement of Glendalough, founded in the 6th century, via Tauck's scenic Yellow Roads. Most of the ruins and sites date from the 10th century and are remarkably preserved; see some of the most significant ones on a guided tour. Return to Dublin midday for more time to explore this legendary city at your leisure. Please join us tonight for a farewell reception followed by dinner at your stately hotel on St. Stephen's Green; your Irish eyes will be smiling as you celebrate the new friendships you've made and the fun you've had on the Emerald Isle!
Hotel: The Shelbourne Dublin, A Renaissance Hotel
Day 8: Depart for home
Tour ends: Dublin. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection to Dublin Airport; allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in.
Contact Going Places Travel for availability and prices.
Prices are based on double occupancy for travel in off peak season. Prices are subject to availability and vary by date. Airfare is not included.
TOUR CODE: TK