Tour overview

The Republic of Ireland occupies most of the island of Ireland, off the coast of England and Wales. Its capital, Dublin, is the birthplace of writers like Oscar Wilde, and home of Guinness beer. The 9th-century Book of Kells and other illustrated manuscripts are on show in Dublin’s Trinity College Library. Dubbed the “Emerald Isle” for its lush landscape, the country is dotted with castles like medieval Cahir Castle.

CLIFFS OF MOHER - First day

Meet & Greet

Meet your Driver Guide in the arrivals hall Shannon Airport and transfer to Trump International Doonbeg.

Cliffs of Moher & The Burren

Travel to Doolin in County Clare to take a Ferry for an unrivalled view across the vast wilderness along the Cliffs of Moher a world unchanged since the pre-Celtic times

Afternoon spent in the The Burren a region of County Clare in the southwest of Ireland. It’s a karst landscape of bedrock incorporating a vast cracked pavement of glacial-era limestone, with cliffs and caves, fossils, rock formations and archaeological sites. On the Atlantic coast, the precipitous Cliffs of Moher are home to thousands of seabirds, including puffins. A Great area for walkers from 30mins to 3 hrs.
Terrain : Can be uneven and quite steep in places.Nearby Doolin village is a renowned centre for traditional Irish music.

Bill O Brien Ferry Doolin

Cliffs Of Moher
Liscannor, CLARE, IE

Overnight Local 4* Hotel

KILLARNEY - Second day

SLEA HEAD ON THE DINGLE PENINSULA

The Slea Head Drive - Slí Cheann Sléibhe

Slea Head Drive, one of Ireland’s most scenic routes, takes you on a journey through historic sites, Irish speaking villages, famous Hollywood film locations with close up views of the world renowned Blasket Islands and distant views of the Skellig Islands on the south western horizon.

The Slea Head Drive (Slí Cheann Sléibhe) is a circular route, forming part of the Wild Atlantic Way, beginning and ending in Dingle, that takes in a large number of attractions and stunning views on the western end of the Dingle Peninsula. The route is clearly labelled by road signs throughout its length. The Slea Head Route is most enjoyable when done slowly over a number of hours or days allowing time for the many interesting stops and detours along the way. A minimum of a half-day should be set aside for the journey.

Blasket Island Centre

With stunning views of the wild Atlantic coast and islands at the halfway point of the Slea Head Drive, the Blasket Centre is a fascinating heritage and cultural centre/ museum, honouring the unique community who lived on the remote Blasket Islands until their evacuation in 1953.The Blasket Centre tells the story of island life, subsistence fishing and farming, traditional life including modes of work and transport, home life, housing and entertainment. The Centre details the community’s struggle for existence, their language and culture, and the extraordinary literary legacy they left behind- classics such as The Islandman, Twenty Years A-Growing, and Peig. Their story is told using a variety of means – exhibitions, interactive displays, artefacts, audio visual presentations and artworks. Visible from the Centre is Great Blasket Island. Tours of the deserted village on the island are also available.

Killarney

After a relaxing afternoon we drive to Killarney 1hr drive & check in at your town centre hotel

Overnight in the Town of Killarney

DINGLE - Third day

Wild Atlantic Way to Dingle

Today we travel along the Wild Atlantic Way visiting the Wonderful Cliffs of Kilkee and the amazing Bridges of Ross on route to Dingle we take a short ferry 20min across the River Shannon to County Kerry passing through many towns & villages on route to Dingle

Dingle

One of the highlights of the Wild Atlantic Way, the Dingle Peninsula (Corca Dhuibhne) culminates in the Irish mainland's westernmost point. In the shadow of sacred Mt Brandon, a maze of fuchsia-fringed boreens (country lanes) weaves together an ancient landscape of prehistoric ring forts and beehive huts, early Christian chapels, crosses and holy wells, picturesque hamlets and abandoned villages.

But it's where the land meets the ocean – whether in a welter of wave-pounded rocks, or where the surf laps secluded, sandy coves – that Dingle's beauty truly reveals itself.

Centred on charming Dingle town, the peninsula has long been a beacon for those of an alternative bent, attracting artists, craftspeople, musicians and idiosyncratic characters who can be found in workshops, museums, festivals and unforgettable trad sessions throughout Dingle's tiny settlements.

Out of the Blue Restaurant

Dingle is also one of my favourite places to eat fish — specifically from the excellent Reel takeaway if I want proper chips and crispy batter, or from Out of the Blue (OOTB) in the harbour if I’m feeling a bit more posh.

The menu in OOTB changes daily and has the following boasts: ‘No Chips, Nothing Frozen, Always Fresh or Alive… if there is no fish available we don’t open!’. which is seldom to Never

Overnight at one of the many excellent Guest Houses in the town

KILLARNEY - Fourth days

Killarney Lakes Boat Trip & Gap of Dunloe

For 250 years, the Killarney Day Tour has been the most famous visitor excursion in Ireland. Mountains, lakes, woodland & legend in scenery that has no equal worldwide.

The Gap of Dunloe day tour is a journey which encompasses Killarney’s entire National Park. During the tour, passengers will see such sights as the Kate Kearney’s Cottage, the Gap of Dunloe, the Old Weir Bridge and Ross Castle.

Travel through the world famous glacial valley that is the Gap of Dunloe. Horse and carriage transport is available to rent (extra payable directly to the ponyman) when you arrive at Kate Kearney’s Cottage. Alternatively, you can walk through the ‘Gap’.

Boat transport through the National Park with one of our experienced Boat Drivers. The boat tour brings you through the 3 lakes and 2 rivers of the National Park. A guided tour by the driver full of folklore and legends will ensure a memorable day for all ages

Gap of Dunloe
Gap of Dunloe, County Kerry, IE

Ross Castle
Ross Rd, Killarney, KERRY, IE

Muckross House Tour

This nineteenth century Victorian mansion is set against the stunning beauty of Killarney National Park. The house stands close to the shores of Muckross Lake, one of Killarney's three lakes, famed world wide for their splendour and beauty. As a focal point within Killarney National Park, Muckross House is the ideal base from which to explore this landscape.

Muckross House was built for Henry Arthur Herbert and his wife, the water-colourist Mary Balfour Herbert. This was actually the fourth house that successive generations of the Herbert family had occupied at Muckross over a period of almost two hundred years. William Burn, the well-known Scottish architect, was responsible for its design. Building commenced in 1839 and was completed in 1843.

Rhododrendrons in bloom during the month of May, Muckross Gardens.Originally it was intended that Muckross House should be a larger, more ornate, structure. The plans for a bigger servants' wing, stable block, orangery and summer-house, are believed to have been altered at Mary's request. Today the principal rooms are furnished in period style and portray the elegant lifestyle of the nineteenth century landowning class. In the basement, one can imagine the busy bustle of the servants as they went about their daily chores.

A wonderful glimpse into bygone years .

Muckross House
Kerry

Dinner Rozzers Restaurant Killee House

Rozzers Restaurant is truly a must-visit dining experience when in Killarney. Head Chef Paul O'Gorman and his team have carved out an enviable reputation for the sheer quality of the food they produce to a consistently high standard. Geraldine and Michael and all their wonderful staff will go the extra mile to provide their guests with a memorable night out.

Celtic Steps

Killarney’s famed beauty has been attracting visitors for centuries and the scenic splendour of Killarney National Park continues to draw people in their thousands each year. Evening entertainment in Killarney town has also evolved over the years. After a refreshing day in the open air enjoying the sights, it’s nice to relax and unwind as the evening draws in. The Celtic Steps show has established itself as a firm favourite in the entertainment options available in Killarney. It is is a wonderful showcase of traditional Irish music, song and dance that is a great way to round off a day in Killarney.

My first experience of Celtic Steps was last summer on a beautiful sunny evening. A ‘milestone’ birthday was being marked so dinner and a show was the plan. We strolled down Ross Road in Killarney as we digested the early bird meal we had just had in town. The last of the day’s sun was fading behind the mountains framing the Killarney Racecourse. We were looking forward to a good evening’s entertainment and we weren’t to be disappointed. Celtic Steps is a great showcase of the best of traditional Irish music, song and dance and is a lovely way to spend an evening in Killarney

Overnight Killarney

Kerry Dark Sky Reserve

Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve sits on the Iveragh Peninsula, home to nearly 4,000 residents, and incorporates approximately 700 square km of territory along the Wild Atlantic Way tourism trail. Its location between the Kerry Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean provides some natural protection against light pollution.

The night sky has captivated the people of Ireland for millennia. Nearly 6,000 years ago, the Neolithic inhabitants of the Iveragh Peninsula built stone monuments incorporating alignments to track cycles of the Sun, Moon, and stars. According to some experts, ancient Ogham-language inscriptions found in the region may depict celestial observations.

TRAVELLING FROM KERRY TO CORK - Fifth days

Kenmare

Today we visit the most photographed village of Kenmare a haven of tranquility, gourmet food, breaththtaking scenery in one of the most natural, unspoilt environments in Europe. Cradled in the heart of Kenmare Bay, the picturesque town of Kenmare is the perfect location from which to discover the South West of Ireland, linking the internationally famous Ring of Kerry with the rugged Ring of Beara in County Cork.

Kenmare
Kenmare, County Kerry, IE

Beara

After an enjoyable visit to Kenmare we to travel across Healy Pass a mountain pass at an elevation of 334 metres (1,095 ft) above the sea level located in the Beara peninsula, in the Caha mountain range. It’s one of the Ireland's greatest drives.

The pass, also named Bealach Scairt in Irish, is traversed by the serpentine R574. The road is truly wild. There is little traffic and the mountain landscape is breathtaking. The road over the pass is a very nice and scenic serpentine road that winds through the mountains at the west coast of Ireland. Well worth a visit!
The drive is definitely worth it. Don’t forget your camera! It's difficult to drive around Beara and not want to take lots of panoramic shots! The road winds through a desolate, otherworldly landscape, passing between two of the highest summits in the Caha mountain range.
The weather on this zone is harsh and highly unpredictable and it does not take much time for the bright sun shine to change over to moderate to heavy fog. Caution required when traversing and the area is subject to fog and mist in the early morning and late evening.
The road has serpentine turns, is asphalted and very narrow. The pass was named for Time Michael Healy, a politician from Cork who served as the first governor general of the Irish Free State.

Healy Pass
R574, County Cork, IE

Glengarriff
County Cork, IE

Blarney Castle & Gardens

Blarney Castle, as viewed by the visitor today, is the third to have been erected on this site. The first building in the tenth century was a wooden structure. Around 1210 A.D. this was replaced by a stone structure which had the entrance some twenty feet above the ground on the north face. This building was demolished for foundations. In 1446 the third castle was built by Dermot McCarthy, King of Munster of which the keep still remains standing.

Built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland's greatest chieftans, Cormac MacCarthy, and has been attracting attention ever since. Over the last few hundred years, millions have flocked to Blarney making it a world landmark and one of Ireland's greatest treasures.

Now that might have something to do with the Blarney Stone, the legendary Stone of Eloquence, found at the top of our tower. Kiss it and you'll never again be lost for words

Blarney Castle Gardens where there is a lot more than meets the eye. Take your time to make a journey through diverse surroundings from tranquil to serene, to mystical and magical places.

From the top of the Castle you can take in the wonderful views of over 60 acres of sprawling parklands which include gardens, avenues, arboretums and waterways.

Find a touch of danger entwined with the beauty, as you look out for one of the few Poison Gardens in Ireland. We hope you enjoy your visit to the gardens where you will find, the beauty is ever changing with the seasons,so that no visit will ever be the sam.

Kinsale

The picturesque yachting harbour of Kinsale (Cionn tSáile) is one of many colourful gems strung along the coastline of County Cork. Narrow, winding streets lined with galleries and gift shops, lively bars and superb restaurants, and a handsome natural harbour filled with yachts and guarded by a huge 17th-century fortress make it an engrossing place an Hour or Two.

Overnight Cork City Centre Hotel

DUBLIN - Sixth days

Rock of Cashel

Travelling along country roads to the village of Cashel in County Tipperary home of the former Kings of Ireland where a visit to the one of Ireland’s most spectacular castles perched on the top of a hill dating from the 11th & 12th century. The Rock of Cashel was the traditional seat of the kings of Munster for several hundred years prior to the Norman invasion. In 1101, the King of Munster, Muirchertach Ua Briain, donated his fortress on the Rock to the Church. The picturesque complex has a character of its own and is one of the most remarkable collections of Celtic art and medieval architecture to be found anywhere in Europe.

The Rock of Cashel
Cashel, County Tipperary, IE

National Stud & Japanese Gardens

The Irish National Stud’s Japanese Gardens, renowned throughout the world and the finest of their kind in Europe, are far more than simply a treat for the eye. They also provide comfort to the soul, achieving exactly the objective that was set out when the gardens were created between 1906 and 1910. Devised by Colonel William Hall Walker, a wealthy Scotsman from a famous brewing family, the gardens were laid out by Japanese master horticulturist Tassa Eida and his son Minoru. Their aim was, through trees, plants, flowers, lawns, rocks and water, to symbolise the ‘Life of Man’. That plan was executed to perfection and Eida’s legacy is now admired by the 120,000 visitors who soak up the peace of the gardens every year.

That plan was executed to perfection and Eida’s legacy is now admired by the 120,000 visitors who soak up the peace of the gardens every year. Very much representative of Japanese gardens from the early 20th century, Eida’s work traces the journey of a soul from oblivion to eternity and portrays the human experience of its embodiment as it journeys by paths of its own choice through life. Birth, childhood, marriage, parenthood, old age, death and the afterlife are all brought to mind as the gardens, a seamless mixture of Eastern and Western cultures, are explored.

Matt the Thresher Dinner

Seafood Bar And Grill

Matt the Thresher is a bright stylish seafood restaurant with a fully licenced bar located in the city centre, within the heart of Georgian Dublin, between Fitzwilliam Square and Merrion Square only a short stroll from St. Stephens Green.

We specialise in fresh wild Irish seafood but we have an extensive menu with something to suit all requirements. Matt’s has a grand bar boasting a full range of local and international beers & whiskeys, a fine cocktail menu along with a well-sourced comprehensive wine list.

Overnight Dublin City 4* Hotel

DUBLIN - Seventh Days

Dublin Walking Tour 09.30 (Additional Charge)

Meet your walking guide in the lobby of your hotel to start your City tour with a visit to Trinity College 3rd oldest university in the World & the Book of Kells the four Gospels of the New Testament. A visit to St Patricks Cathedral one of two Church of Ireland Cathedrals in Dublin dating from 1191.

In just over 2 hours, this Fáilte Ireland-approved, award-winning and entertaining walking tour, , explores the main features of Irish history - Dublin's development, the influence of the American and French Revolutions, the Potato Famine, the Great War and the 1916 Rising, the War of Independence, the Northern conflict and Ireland today.

Brazen Head Pub

Lunch at Irelands oldest pub The Brazen Head dating from 1198 In fact there has been a hostelry here since 1198. The present building was built in 1754 as a coaching inn. However The Brazen Head appears in documents as far back as 1653. An advertisement from the 1750’s reads “Christopher Quinn of The Brazen Head in Bridge Street has fitted said house with neat accommodations and commodious cellars for said business”

Kilmainham Gaol Advance Booking Required

Kilmainham Gaol opened in 1796 as the new County Gaol for Dublin. It closed its doors in 1924.

Today the building symbolises the tradition of militant and constitutional nationalism from the rebellion of 1798 to the Irish Civil War of 1922-23. Leaders of the rebellions of 1798, 1803, 1848,1867 and 1916 were detained and in some cases executed here. Many members of the Irish Republican movement during the Anglo-Irish War (1919-21) were also detained in Kilmainham Gaol, guarded by British troops. Names such as Henry Joy McCracken, Robert Emmet, Anne Devlin, Charles Stewart Parnell and the leaders of 1916 will always be associated with the building. It should not be forgotten however that, as a county gaol, Kilmainham held thousands of ordinary men, women and children. Their crimes ranged from petty offences such as stealing food to more serious crimes such as murder or rape. Convicts from many parts of Ireland were held here for long periods waiting to be transported to Australia.

Kilmainham Gaol Museum
Inchicore Road, Dublin, DUBLIN, IE, 8

Dinner Peploes Restaurant

A little bit of our history…

Peploe’s story is the culmination of a long-held ambition for owner, Barry Canny, to open an accessible, affordable bistro reflecting his personal passion for simple good food, fine wine and art.

The building dates from the 1760’s and is classic Georgian Dublin. It was a rather ambitious project that Mr Canny embarked upon to develop the basement location as it housed an 18 tonne steel door and is a listed building. 2 years and 350 tonnes of concrete later Peploe’s opened its doors on the 19th of November 2003 to an incredible buzz of interest.

As the restaurant is named after the renowned Scottish Colourist, Samuel John Peploe, reproductions of his artwork and that of the other Scottish Colourists (commissioned from young Irish artists) adorn the walls. In a touch of style, these are framed with original 19th century frames sourced in London.

The motivation was to give Dublin an informal yet sophisticated bistro, serving great wine and classic dishes at affordable prices. 12 years on, Peploe’s is considered ‘the’place to eat at anytime of the afternoon or evening.

Our dining room…

The décor has the feel of a long established, stylish gentleman’s club, with comfortable leather chairs and reclaimed oak-panelled floor and walls. The dining room is colourful and atmospheric with an amusing mural running the length of the dining room wall.

Peploe’s opens from 12midday to 12 midnight seven days a week with a wine list of over 164 fine wines from Europe including 24 by the glass. Lunch is served until 6.15pm, serving such dishes such as Handmade Crab Tortellini or Lamb Kidneys. A wonderful full dinner menu is served from 6pm every day, reservations are essential. Last orders in the restaurant are at 10.30pm.

Tepmple Bar

The Temple Bar is located in the heart of Dublin and close to all the main attractions. If it’s a traditional Irish Pub you are after, look no further than the Temple Bar.

Hard to believe that in the middle of this hectic area, there is a peaceful outdoor haven, where you can enjoy the atmosphere of the bar, in the sunshine or rain, out in the fresh air of Dublin.

A genuinely warm welcome, backed by first-rate modern service, is the hallmark of this friendly spot in Dublin.

Whether you are alone or with a group of friends, the craic is fantastic and you will feel thoroughly at home at the Temple Bar. Overseas and out of town visitors will find the staff to be a valuable mine of information on Dublin's history and haunts.

Boasting Traditional Irish Music Pub of the Year from 2002 to 2012, The Temple Bar prides itself with fine Live Music Sessions every day and bring together a fine sample of talented musicians from around the country.

If you want a quick bite to eat before you head off to do the sights of Dublin, drop in and grab a sandwich and refreshments.

Overnight Dublin City Centre 4* Hotel

Merrion Hotel Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Free Time to enjoy Afternoon tea at this Wonderful Hotel

ART TEA AT THE MERRION

We think our art collection is good enough to eat...

‘Art Tea’ at The Merrion 5 star hotel is the most lavish afternoon tea in Dublin. Treat yourself to a slice of 19th- or 20th-century art served on fine china with miniature sweet creations inspired by the work of J.B Yeats, William Scott, Louis Le Brocquy and others.

The gracious surroundings of The Merrion’s Drawing Rooms are the perfect place to relax for an afternoon with a selection of delectable treats, accompanied by teas and coffees selected by our in-house tea masters and barista, while browsing through a complimentary copy of The Merrion art collection catalogue.

Dublin Airport Meet & Greet

Meet your Driver in the the Arrivals hall Dublin Airport for transfer to your hotel

Additional estimated costs which you may incur in Ireland

Entrance fee to visitor sites average cost €6 & €10 euro, Major visitor attractions like Guinness & Jameson whiskey & Teeling Distillery are around €14 to €25 per person

Three Hour Walking Tour €275 Excellent Guided Tour

All State run museums in Ireland are free entry

Lunch costs between €7 & €15 per person

Dinner in a good restaurant around € 40/55 per person depending on the wine’s chosen

Michelin Star or High End Restaurants €100 pp

Gratuity in Restaurants is between 15% & 20% depending on service additional for exceptional service

There is no gratuity in public houses (just leave loose change on table)

Drink prices vary between establishments hotels will charge between €5 & €7 per pint spirits between €7 & €10 whereas public houses will vary a lot put somewhat less expensive

Driver/Guide Gratuity recommended at €25/€30 per person per day at your discretion, should you receive exceptional service please tip accordingly.

HOME - Heigth days

Dublin Airport time TBC

Transfer to Dublin Airport

US Airport Check In

Should you be flying direct to the USA from either Dublin or Shannon you are requested to Check in Three Hours prior to your scheduled departure as US customs is performed prior to boarding which avoids delays at your arrival airport in the US

If you are flying to another European Country or Britian you are requested to check in One Hour Thirty Minutes before your scheduled departure

INFORMATION & DOCUMENTS

Important Information

The dates are only for the purposes of giving options you may choose the dates & the number of days you wish to visit we will then put a revised itinerary together to suit your desired vacation

All hotels mentioned in this itinerary are subject to availability at time of booking

All hotels include Breakfast including Vegetarian/Vegan option

Nothing in this itinerary is laid in stone and may be changed at any time even while on vacation in Ireland all tours are at the clients own pace each day

Once the itinerary & Hotels are agreed we will require a 15% deposit on invoice non refundable and the Final payment invoice will be issued 60 Days in advance of arrival in Ireland for immediate payment

Payments may be made by Bank Transfer or by Credit/Debit Card

Credit/Debit card payments incur an additional 3.5% credit card charge

Bank Transfers additional €25

We advise all travelers to take out personal travel insurance locally with your own insurance company/broker