WEEK IN IRELAND
Irish eyes are smiling at some of the Emerald Isle’s most intriguing places, from sophisticated cities to small towns throughout the quintessential Irish countryside…
Discover scenic wonders in the Burren, at the Cliffs of Moher and in the lush Wicklow Hills… stay in a majestic castle hotel and an elegant manor house steeped in history and countryside charms… tour, taste, dine, and dance… enjoy a private recital at a grand Cork cathedral… explore Glendalough with a local guide, visit Blarney Castle and earn the gift of gab… and discover all things Irish on a week well spent!
TRIP INCLUSIONS
Journey off the beaten path, from lunar-like landscapes of The Burren to the lush Wicklow Hills
- Private recital at Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral in Cork
- Two nights at Dromoland Castle, one of the world’s most famous castle hotels
- Guided visit through Glendalough to see the ruins of a 6th-century monastic settlement
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted
- 15 meals, service charges, gratuities to local guides, admission fees, taxes and porterage
TRIP ITINERARY
DAY 1: Tour begins: 6:00 PM, 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. Please note: Airline schedules and arrival airport details may fluctuate; ask at time of booking.
Meals: Dinner
Hotel: Dromoland Castle
DAY 2: Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, and 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 Ennis; return to Dromoland Castle for a day spent as you please.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Dromoland Castle
DAY 3: A bit of Blarney and a concert in Cork
Your travels take you 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Hayfield Manor Hotel
DAY 4: A trip to Kinsale and exploring Cork
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.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Hayfield Manor Hotel
DAY 5: Ballyknocken Cookery School then 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection
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.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection
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!
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection
DAY 8: Homeward bound
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.
Meals: Breakfast
At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:
- Tour Name and Departure Date
- Traveler’s Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport
- Passport copy – First page
- Traveler’s Address
- Email Address
- Traveler’s Phone Number
- Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
- Purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
Call to find out more about the initial deposit requirements and cancellation policy.
TOUR MAP
