Ireland's Icons

Soul-stirring landscapes of rugged cliffs and rolling hills, the 'Emerald Isle' has lured the most curious of travelers for centuries. Begin your journey at Powerscourt Gardens for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Across 47 acres, its sweeping terraces, ornamental lakes and over 200 varieties of trees and shrubs has earned its status as one of the most beautiful gardens in Ireland and the 3rd Best Garden in the world by National Geographic. This evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner.

Accommodation: Camden Court, Dublin
Meals: Dinner

History dating back to the 1100s awaits as you join a Local Expert on a Dublin city tour to visit St. Patrick's Cathedral. Here at Ireland's largest church, gain all the insights learning how Irish author Jonathan Swift was once installed as Dean and ultimately laid to rest. With rest of the day at leisure, stroll along Grafton Street and see its lively performers, stop for a pint of the 'Black Stuff' in Temple Bar or relax in St. Stephen's Green. Or, join an Optional Experience of food and fun at a Dublin Dinner and Cabaret.

Accommodation: Camden Court, Dublin
Meals: Breakfast

Embark on an excursion to get up close and personal with Ireland's thoroughbred industry at the Irish National Stud. Next up is Cork, a fusion of castles, gardens and foodie havens will enchant curious travelers like you. Your Travel Director orients you to the sights, sounds and flavors from the circa-18th century English Market lined with local cheeses, fresh seafood and handmade chocolate to Cork City Gaol, a museum offering insight into Cork’s history. Cork is also home to the biggest jazz festival in Ireland. With the evening at leisure, take in the city’s musical culture joining an Optional Experience of Irish entertainment with local musicians including a hearty pub dinner.

Accommodation: The Kingsley, Cork
Meals: Breakfast

Today's Insight Choice gets you up close and personal to one of the icons of Ireland, Blarney Castle, the Witch's Kitchen and Wishing Steps gardens and, of course, the infamous stone – said to bestow the 'gift of the gab' upon whoever kisses it. Or, go beyond the castle and don’t miss the chance to amble the 1,500-acre grounds. After your visit to the stone or stroll through the grounds, head west to Killarney ushering you into the beauty of the Ring of Kerry. Tonight’s Dine-Around invites you to enjoy your pick of Irish specialties. Then finish your day with an Optional Experience of traditional Irish song, music, and dance.

Accommodation: Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa, Killarney
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Famous for its 'forty shades of green,' the Ring of Kerry has inspired writers and poets for centuries. Drink in the beauty of the coastal drive lined with beaches, colorful seaside villages and views of the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll be astounded by even more icons of Ireland as you venture inland to a mountainous region dotted with lakes and green woodlands. Enhance your discovery over an Optional Experience Jaunting Cart Ride through Bourn-Vincent National Park. Upon arrival back in Killarney, end your day with a decadent three-course dinner infused with Irish flavors.

Accommodation: Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa, Killarney
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Begin the day with a ferry crossing before arriving at the towering Cliffs of Moher. Perched at 700-feet, take in views of the Clare Coast and the pounding Atlantic, where colonies of puffins make their homes. The area is home to Guillemot and Razorbills, Peregrine Falcon, Kittiwake and Fulmar as well as endangered bird species including Choughs. Full of fascinating insights, make your way through the rocky landscape of the Burren to Galway Bay.

Accommodation: Radisson Red Galway
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Ireland’s cultural center and the festival capital of Ireland, Galway hosts 122 festivals per year. One might say the city’s artistic side is reflected in actor Peter O’Toole, who has a strong connection with Galway. O’Toole claimed that he was born in Galway before being taken to England as a baby and built a house outside Clifden in the county. You’ll feel Galway’s fun, bohemian vibe come to life over an orientation tour. Your Travel Director introduces you to the sights including Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President, John F. Kennedy. With the rest of the day at leisure, continue to explore this bustling port city on your own or join an optional Galway Waking Tour with pub dinner.

Accommodation: Radisson Red Galway
Meals: Breakfast

Leave Galway behind and venture into Connemara, a region defined by granite peaks, peat bogs and the Irish language still spoken in many communities. At Lough Corrib, Ireland’s second largest lake, board a cruise to learn about its 365 islands, some of which hold monastic ruins dating back to the 6th century. Visit Kylemore Abbey, built in 1868 by a wealthy merchant for his wife, now home to Benedictine nuns. This evening, dine and stay at the 19th-century Abbeyglen Castle Hotel, overlooking Clifden Bay.

Accommodation: Abbeyglen Castle, Clifden
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Journey east to Athlone, a strategic crossing on the River Shannon since medieval times. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the town—perhaps step inside Athlone Castle, which dates to the 13th century, or visit Sean’s Bar, reputedly Ireland’s oldest pub with origins as early as AD 900. Alternatively, join an Optional Experience and cruise the Shannon in a Viking-style boat, learning about the town’s riverfront history. Later, return to Dublin for your final evening. You’ll have time for some last-minute shopping on Grafton Street or one final Guinness in a traditional pub, before gathering with your fellow travelers for a memorable dinner to reflect on your journey through Ireland.

Accommodation: Camden Court, Dublin
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

As the curtain falls on a memorable journey with new friends, we say a fond slán go fóill to Dublin and the 'Emerald Isle'.

Meals: Breakfast