The Best of Ireland

Rocky coasts, animated pubs, a storied past, and endless green hills – where else but Ireland? Experience the country like never before, visiting the traditional sites you’d expect as well as a few off-the-beaten-path spots you couldn’t find on your own. Connect with the locals, connect with your roots, and connect with the Emerald Isle.

Arrive in Dublin, a city rich with layered history and lively culture. With no planned activities today, the time is yours to explore independently. This evening, meet your fellow travelers and toast the start of your journey with dinner at a local restaurant.

Join a local expert on a walk through Dublin’s lively streets, gaining insight into the historic places and modern culture of this eclectic city. After free time for lunch, delve into stories of Irish emigration. Follow in the footsteps of those who fled the famine as you board the Jeanie Johnston, a replica museum ship. At EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, trace the history of how more than 10 million people left Ireland over the centuries and its influence on the world. The evening is yours to explore on your own.

This morning, cross the border into Northern Ireland and enjoy a visit to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, Northern Ireland’s royal residence. Afterward, it’s on to Belfast, a buzzing capital city. Kick it off by meeting up with local foodies for a culinary walking tour, enjoying Belfast’s flavors as you explore the city. After checking into your hotel, the rest of the evening is yours to further immerse yourself in Belfast’s vibrant scene.

Start your day with a visit to the farmhouse home of a local in Killinchy. After a hands-on lesson in making your own soda bread, be treated to a lunch with homegrown produce from the farmhouse garden. This afternoon, enjoy free time to discover Belfast at your leisure.

Visit the ethereal Giant’s Causeway, walking in the footsteps of mythical legends. Marvel at the hexagonal basalt slabs, that according to legend, were formed by gargantuan beasts crossing the crashing waves. Next, make your way to Derry, a growing artistic and cultural hub. On a guided walking tour, delve into the complex history of this city once gripped by the conflict known as the Troubles. Later on, arrive in the pretty town of Donegal and gather for dinner tonight.

Set out to explore the Wild Atlantic Way. Visit the Slieve League Cliffs, offering stunning views over the Sligo Mountains and Donegal Bay. Three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher, these iconic cliffs are amongst the highest and most scenic in Europe. Then, take in the beauty of Killybegs, Ireland’s largest fishing port, on a short harbor cruise before finishing the day back in Donegal.

This morning, meet the Lowry family, owners of the Blessingbourne Estate. Get a peek inside the private living quarters of Blessingbourne House and hear how this wonderful property has been passed through generations of the same family, all whilst enjoying their Irish hospitality. Enjoy free time for lunch upon arriving in Enniskillen, a charming island town. This afternoon, visit a local gin distillery on the banks Lough Erne and discover how this family business has grown into an integral part of the local community.

Arrive in Sligo, the place that inspired poet W.B. Yeats. Visit the 13th century abbey and take some time to explore the local shops and eateries. Continue the journey to Galway, a lively city of medieval relics and modern flair. Tonight, dinner is at a local pub.

The day is yours. Perhaps you’ll pop into a pub for a drink with the locals, or peruse one of the city’s many museums, or go shopping along bustling Quay Street. Consider taking an optional tour to Kylemore Abbey, where you’ll drive through Connemara National Park before embarking on a tour of the monastery.

Peek into Irish culture at a sheep farm, where you’ll watch a sheepdog herding demonstration and meet the friendly canine workers. Next, visit Bunratty Folk Park, a living history museum in County Clare, which recreates a 19th-century Irish village including farmhouses, shops, and streets, all brought to life by costumed characters and demonstrations. Later, arrive in the vibrant city of Cork, famous for its riverside walks and 18th-century English Market.

This morning, meet a local guide to explore Cork, Ireland’s second city, on a three-hour walking tour showing off its mix of historic architecture, bustling markets, and scenic waterways. After lunch at a garden café, experience an Impact Moment with a visit to Nano Nagle Place. During a guided tour, learn about how this important school empowers people through education, inclusion, and spiritual engagement, and wander the site’s walled gardens and award-winning museum.

Today, enjoy a lunch at a traditional Irish pub, owned by the same family for 200 years. Listen to stories about the family ancestors, and the social role that pubs play within rural communities. Afterwards, watch a hurling demonstration, a traditional sport of Ireland, with the opportunity to participate yourself! Continue to Kilkenny, one of Ireland’s most charming cities.

This morning, it’s your choice! Enjoy a leisurely day to explore the town and Kilkenny Castle on your own -OR- travel just outside of town to the ruins of Jerpoint Abbey, a Cistercian abbey founded in the 12th century. You will also attend a captivating demonstration at a family-owned glass company and learn about the important role Kilkenny plays in Irish design and craftsmanship. No matter what activities fill your day, come together in the evening for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Sláinte!

Wish the Emerald Isle goodbye as you depart for home.