The Castles & Culture of Ireland

Arriving in Dublin today, you will have the opportunity to explore solo before joining your group. In the afternoon you may check in to your central hotel. From here you can explore the city- it’s a short walk to Trinity College, Christchurch Cathedral and a host of other attractions. 

Check in and unwind at your hotel located in the heart of Georgian Dublin steps away from Merrion Square, The Davenport is one of Dublin’s most iconic luxury 4* hotels.

This evening we will meet the group and our trip leader and guide for welcome drinks. Together we will head out into the city for dinner at one of Dublin’s favorite restaurants.

Overnight The Davenport Hotel

Your guide will lead you on a short walking tour of the capital city this morning before meeting a curator at The Little Museum of Dublin. This eclectic collection of artifacts showcases the city’s unique social and cultural heritage and provides a great introduction to the real Dublin.

We’ll make a pitstop for lunch at a traditional Irish pub.

Your Dublin exploration culminates in a tour of the Guinness Storehouse where you will enjoy an exclusive tasting with a Guinness expert and learn to pour your own perfect pint. We will recommend some of our favorite spots for dinner this evening.

Departing the city this morning, we will drive through Ireland’s rolling green midlands. We will stop on the way at The Rock of Cashel where we will explore the medieval castle and gothic chapel in this historic site that dates back millennia.

After lunch we’ll arrive and then check into our 5* Relais & Chateaux hotel in the charming town of Kenmare. Here you will enjoy a 60-minute treatment in their award-winning spa before joining the group for dinner in their brasserie.

Overnight Sheen Falls Lodge

We’ll be on our merry way after breakfast driving along the wild Kerry Coast following the road south where we’ll find the Ring of Kerry. 

Here we will meet up with a local forger at a remote beach. Together we will walk the shore, uncovering native superfoods including the seaweed that grows abundantly in the Atlantic’s pristine waters. Later you will join up for a seashore feast, prepared by Kerry-Ann who combines modern flavors with the best of local produce and your foraged favorites.

Back at the hotel for some rest and relation, then feel free to enjoy dinner in town this evening at a restaurant of your choosing.

Killarney National Park is the jewel in Kerry’s crown. Our adventure takes us into the heart of the park itself today as we journey northwards. Visit Muckross House on the shores of Lough Leane and enjoy a tour on the lake in a traditional boat, soaking up the marvelous views across some of Ireland’s highest mountains. 

We will stop in the quaint Adare village where you’ll have time to browse local craft boutiques.

Overnight Gregans Castle Hotel

We’ll start our day with a hands-on workshop at The Burren Perfumery. A women-owned and run venture that draws inspiration from the region’s unique rocky landscape, and the wildflowers that grow there.

After a traditional afternoon tea at your hotel, you will visit the iconic Cliffs of Moher. Here you will have the chance to take a short walk away from the crowds. Your guide will introduce you to the myriads of seabirds that nest in the rocky crevices while you absorb the panoramic views before dinner and traditional music in a pub in tiny Doolin village. Fiddling’ Irish style will surely get you clapping and singing along with the locals!

Our final destination on this epic exploration of Ireland’s west coast is the bohemian city of Galway. The best way to get to know the city is through the eyes of a local so we have arranged a wonderful culinary walking tour of Galway that brings the city to life. 

Continuing the gastronomic theme (Galway is renowned for its exceptional cuisine) tonight’s final night dinner is in one of the city’s best Michelin starred restaurants before converging on one of the city’s many lively, music-filled pubs. 

Overnight Glenlo Abbey

We will return to Dublin by lunchtime today. Where you will have the option to be dropped at the airport directly or finish your trip in the city. Plan to fly out at 3pm or after that day or the next.