Authentic Local Experiences:
- Stay in some of Ireland’s most lavish and storied castle and manor house accommodations.
- Master the art of baking fluffy, golden scones in a baking lesson at Ballyknocken Cookery School, owned by celebrity chef Catherine Fulvio.
- Interact with powerful birds of prey under expert guidance at Russborough House, meeting eagles, owls, hawks, and falcons.
Dining Experiences:
- 8 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L) and 6 dinners (D)
Trip Highlights:
- Ballyknocken Cookery School, House & Farm
- Cahir Castle
- Cliffs of Moher
- Irish National Stud
- Jameson Bow Street Distillery
- Jaunting Car Ride in Killarney
- Kilkenny Castle
- Kinsale Walking Tour
- Little Museum of Dublin
- Russborough House and Falconry
- Sheepdog Demonstration
Hotels:
- The Shelbourne Dublin or Fitzwilliam Hotel, Dublin (2)
- Lyrath Estate Hotel & Spa, Kilkenny (1)
- Hayfield Manor Hotel, Cork (1)
- The Europe Hotel & Resort, Killarney (2)
- Dromoland Castle Hotel, Newmarket- on-Fergus (1)
- The College Green Hotel, Dublin (1)
day
1
Walking Tour, Little Museum of Dublin, and The Shelbourne
Your tour departs from your luxury hotel on St Stephen’s Green in the heart of Dublin at 2:00 PM. You’ll stay at the Shelbourne, a focal point of Dublin’s political and social life for centuries. Meet your tour director and take a walking tour of Dublin with a local guide, seeing its grand architecture, historic pubs, and bustling streets. Finish at the Little Museum of Dublin. Located in an elegant Georgian townhouse, this award-winning, ‘people’s museum’ tells the fascinating story of the city’s history with humor and hospitality. Return to your hotel mere steps away for a welcome drink with your group before dining independently.
day
2
Jameson Bow St. Distillery & Roly’s Bistro
Visit the Jameson Bow St. Distillery in the historic Smithfield area of Dublin. Choose from a selection of Jameson signature serves and hear stories about the company since its founding in 1780. Savor a tasting of three whiskeys from the Jameson portfolio, then visit their maturation warehouse for a tasting straight from a barrel. For lunch you’ll visit one of Dublin’s most popular restaurants, Roly’s Bistro, which has been serving traditional European cuisine in its upscale Ballsbridge neighborhood since 1992. The afternoon is free to explore as you wish. (B, L)
day
3
Ballyknocken Cookery School, Russborough House, Birds of Prey & Lyrath Estate
Take part in a heartwarming baking experience at Ballyknocken Cookery School, located on a scenic farm in County Wicklow owned by celebrity chef Catherine Fulvio. You’ll master the art of traditional Irish scone-making. Next, tour Russborough House, one of Ireland’s most beautiful Georgian homes. See its collection of precious art ranging from the Renaissance to the 20th century, and then an exhilarating encounter awaits: a falconry demonstration, where you can interact with powerful birds of prey under expert guidance. You’ll dine this evening at Lyrath Estate Hotel & Spa in the small city of Kilkenny, known as the medieval heart of Ireland. This enchanting hotel features a 17th-century manor house and a modern extension in a wonderful blend of old and new. (B, D)
day
4
Kilkenny Castle, Mikey Ryan’s Bar, Cahir Castle & Hayfield Manor
Tour the beautifully restored Kilkenny Castle and discover glorious 17th-century tapestries, family portraits, and sumptuous furnishings that reflect the lifestyle of the powerful Butler family who once resided there. Continue to lunch at Mikey Ryan’s Bar at Cashel Palace Hotel, enjoying local flavors and seasonal produce at this welcoming, historic pub. In the afternoon, explore the impressive Cahir Castle, one of Ireland’s largest and best-preserved castles, renowned for its strategic location and fascinating history. Dine this evening at Hayfield Manor, your welcoming and luxurious manor-house hotel steps from the heart of Cork City. (B, L, D)
day
5
Kinsale Tour, Killarney Jaunting Car Ride, Rozzers Restaurant & Europe Hotel
Explore the colorful coastal town of Kinsale, famed as Ireland’s gourmet capital and a haven for art lovers. Discover the port’s pivotal role in Irish history with a local guide and hear how it was once the scene of a battle with the Spanish Armada. Travel on to the friendly town of Killarney for a classic jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park to the scenic ruins of Ross Castle. The Europe Hotel & Resort, sublimely set amid the panoramic vistas of this area of legendary beauty, is your home for the next two nights. Dine at the award-winning Rozzers Restaurant in the Killeen House Hotel. (B, D)
day
6
Ring of Kerry Highlights, Kenmare & Sheepdog Demonstration
Enjoy a leisurely morning before going on a drive to see highlights of Ireland’s most popular coastal drive, the Ring of Kerry. Take in rugged ocean views and serene mountain vistas, stopping in the friendly village of Kenmare with time for exploration and an independent lunch. Next, visit a sheep farm to watch expert dogs demonstrate their skills as they cooperate with the farmer to mind their flock. Back at your hotel, your evening will begin with a demonstration of the art of cocktail-making. Savor your choice of cocktails before dining with your group. (B, D)
day
7
Cliffs of Moher & Dromoland Castle
Drive north to cross the Shannon River on a ferry to visit the spectacular beauty of the Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700 feet above the Atlantic surf. Behold the breathtaking panoramic views and stroll along the cliff-top walk. Travel on to the majestic Dromoland Castle Hotel. This fairytale castle was the ancestral home of the O’Briens, whose lineage traces back to Brian Boru, one of Ireland’s last High Kings. Relax in the elegant surroundings and then sip a drink before a delicious dinner of award-winning cuisine in the oak-paneled dining room. (B, D)
day
8
Irish National Stud & Gardens, Merry Ploughboy & College Green Hotel
Make your way back to Dublin for your farewell evening. Along the way, your first stop will be the home of equine royalty, The Irish National Stud in County Kildare. Here you’ll see impeccably bred stallions alongside protective mares, frolicking foals, and athletic yearlings‚ and get an up-close experience with them. Stroll around the delightful grounds to explore St Fiachra’s Garden and the Japanese Gardens. In the evening, dine on Irish specialties at the Merry Ploughboy Gastro Pub while enjoying a lively show of traditional Irish songs and step-dancing. Spend your last night at the College Green Hotel in the heart of Dublin. This luxurious modern hotel is housed in architectural gems that once housed the headquarters of three separate banks. (B, D)
day
9
Tour Ends in Dublin
Your tour ends after breakfast. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner>Have Questions? Email Us
