Ireland·August 8 - 15 2025

The Castles & Culture of Ireland

Explore Ireland’s highlights from the wild Atlantic west coast to the rolling green of her hidden heartlands on this VERY VIP tour.

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Overview

This Irish romp through the friendliest country in Europe is the for the lady who prefers a bit of elegance in life. We'll start our adventure in Ireland, where medieval castles, ancient abbeys, and heartwarming villages await. Enjoy the lively rhythms of traditional music in spirited pubs and take in the stunning views in Ireland’s celebrated national parks. From the majestic Cliffs of Moher to the lush landscapes of Kerry, every stop invites you to explore Ireland's well-known and hidden treasures. Discover the changing scenery and connect with locals whose warmth makes every interaction memorable. Each night, unwind in distinctive hotels that beautifully combine historical elegance with contemporary comfort. Experience a blend of culture and relaxing escape. This tailored Irish adventure offers a perfect mix of charm and sophistication, promising memories that will last a lifetime! Join us! This is not just a tour—it’s a journey packed with culture, hospitality, and unforgettable scenery, all set in the greenest and most charming country in Europe.

Highlights

Meet inspiring local women as you travel along Ireland’s west coast

Meet inspiring local women as you travel along Ireland’s west coast

Relish a Michelin Star meal

Relish a Michelin Star meal

Explore two of Ireland’s National Parks- Killarney & The Burren

Explore two of Ireland’s National Parks- Killarney & The Burren

Clap along to Irish pub music

Clap along to Irish pub music

Forage for your lunch with a local expert on the wild Kerry coast

Forage for your lunch with a local expert on the wild Kerry coast

Soak up Irish history and culture in charming towns and villages

Soak up Irish history and culture in charming towns and villages

Experience the famous Cliffs of Moher

Experience the famous Cliffs of Moher

Partake in an Irish Dance Experience and get your groove on

Partake in an Irish Dance Experience and get your groove on

Itinerary

Here's a day-by-day itinerary of the trip.

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Hapennybridge

Dublin

Day 1: Friday, August 8th, 2025

Welcome to vibrant Dublin! You'll have time to explore on your own when you arrive. In the afternoon, check into The Mont Hotel,  a chic retreat in the city’s heart, just steps from iconic landmarks like St. Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street. in the city's heart. The hotel is a short walk to Trinity College, Christchurch Cathedral, and several other attractions so you can easily enjoy the city on your own.

For those of you arriving a day early check out our optional "Seminar on the street" - a two hour Dublin city and historical tour. 

Later today, we'll meet in the hotel lobby to get to know each other, after which we’ll take a short walk to one of Dublin’s favorite restaurants to enjoy the best of local cuisine.

After dinner, we'll return to our hotel for the night.

Included

Dinner

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Dublin

Day 2: Saturday, August 9th, 2025

Our day kicks off with a delightful breakfast at the hotel, fueling us for a morning of discovery. We’ll head to 14 Henrietta Street, a captivating social history museum that traces Dublin’s journey from its Georgian roots to the era of tenements. Here, we’ll explore over 300 years of urban life, weaving together the rich tapestry of stories from the people who made this place their home.

Following our museum visit, we’ll share a relaxed lunch at a traditional Irish pub, enjoying the warm ambiance and hearty cuisine.

In the afternoon, we'll explore the architectural splendor of Trinity College, marveling at the intricate details of the world-famous Book of Kells. As the evening approaches, we’ll guide you to some of our favorite local restaurants for dinner, perfectly rounding off our day in Dublin.

Included

Breakfast - Lunch

Not Included

Dinner

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Kenmare

Day 3: Sunday, August 10th, 2025

This morning, we'll leave the city on a scenic four-hour drive through Ireland’s lush green midlands. Along the way, we’ll pause at The Rock of Cashel, exploring its medieval castle and gothic chapel. The castle is steeped in history spanning millennia.

We'll stop for a leisurely lunch before checking into our luxurious 5-star hotel in the quaint town of Kenmare. Unwind with a 60-minute treatment at the award-winning spa, rejuvenating before our evening meal.

We’ll gather for dinner in the hotel’s brasserie for exquisite cuisine in a relaxed setting. Our night concludes with a peaceful stay at Sheen Falls Lodge.

Included

Spa treatment

All Meals

seaweed

The Kerry Coast

Day 4: Monday, August 11th, 2025

After breakfast, we'll set off along the wild Kerry Coast, following the road south towards the famed Ring of Kerry. 

Our journey takes us to a secluded beach where we’ll meet with a local forager. Together, we'll stroll along the shore, discovering native superfoods like seaweed, thriving in the Atlantic’s pristine waters.

Lunch awaits at the charming tearooms of Derrynane House. Afterward, we’ll take the opportunity to explore the boutiques and galleries of Kenmare. We’ll enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea on our return to the hotel.

Dinner is in town this evening, where you can choose from a variety of local restaurants.

Our day ends back at Sheen Falls Lodge, where we’ll spend the night.

Included

Breakfast-Lunch

Not Included

Dinner

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Killarney National Park

Day 5: Tuesday, August 12th, 2025

Today, our adventure takes us to the heart of Killarney National Park, the jewel of Kerry. We'll head north, stopping at the historic Muckross House on the shores of Lough Leane. We'll take on a traditional boat tour, soaking in the stunning views of Ireland’s towering mountains.

Afterward, we’ll drive for about 3.5 hours to the picturesque village of Adare. You’ll have time to wander through the village and explore its charming craft boutiques.

Our day concludes with a restful night at Gregans Castle Hotel, nestled in the serene surroundings.

Included

All Meals

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The Iconic Cliffs of Moher

Day 6: Wednesday, August 13th, 2025

Our day starts with a hearty breakfast, followed by a creative morning at The Burren Perfumery. This women-owned business is inspired by the region's distinctive rocky landscapes and wildflowers. We're about to discover the art of perfume-making, capturing the essence of the natural beauty surrounding us.

Later in the afternoon, we'll head to the iconic Cliffs of Moher. Stepping away from the crowds, your guide will lead a short walk to introduce us to the myriad seabirds nesting in the rocky crevices, while we take in the sweeping panoramic views.

Tonight’s agenda features dinner and traditional music in a charming pub in the tiny village of Doolin. Prepare for an evening filled with lively Irish fiddling that will have you singing along with the locals!

Included

All Meals

Workshop

pub

Galway

Day 7: Thursday, August 14th, 2025

We'll start our day with breakfast, setting the stage for our final exploration along Ireland’s west coast to the bohemian city of Galway, just a 1.5-hour drive north. The best way to experience this vibrant city is through the eyes of a local, so we've arranged a walking tour that brings the city to life.

After a delicious lunch, we’ll dive into an engaging Irish Dancing Experience, where we’ll explore various styles such as Step Dancing (think Riverdance), Sean Nós Dancing (the traditional style), and Céilí/Set Dancing (a lively group dance). Led by a skilled instructor, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Irish dance, music, and culture. You’ll leave with unforgettable memories and a big smile on your face! 

Galway is celebrated for its exceptional cuisine, and tonight’s dinner at one of the city’s premier Michelin-starred restaurants will be a culinary highlight. After dinner, we’ll dive into the local culture by visiting one of Galway’s lively, music-filled pubs.

We'll end our day with a restful night at our centrally located hotel, The Hardiman Hotel, located on the famous Eyre Square since 1852 and just a few minutes walk to the pier. 

Included

Irish Dancing Experience

All Meals

Galway Walking Tour

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Dublin

Day 8: Friday, August 14th, 2025

We'll return to Dublin by lunchtime today. We can drop you directly at the airport or you can finish your trip in the city. Plan to fly out at 3 pm or after on that day or the next.

Included

Breakfast

You'll Be Staying Here

The Mont Hotel

The Mont Hotel

The Mont Hotel in Dublin is a chic retreat in the city’s heart, just steps from iconic landmarks like St. Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street. With stylish accommodations and a vibrant atmosphere, it’s perfect for both relaxation and exploration. With attractions like Dublin Castle and the Temple Bar district nearby, The Mont is your ideal base for experiencing the city’s rich culture and nightlife! 

Sheen Falls Lodge

Sheen Falls Lodge

Sheen Falls Lodge is a haven nestled in the stunning Irish countryside, just outside Kenmare. Surrounded by lush landscapes and cascading falls, this exquisite hotel offers elegant accommodations and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Every view is picturesque.  Sheen Falls Lodge is the perfect base for immersing yourself in the natural beauty and rich heritage of the region. 

Gregans Castle Hotel

Gregans Castle Hotel

Gregans Castle Hotel is a stunning 18th century manor located on Ireland's west coast. Rumor has it J.R.R Tolkien was inspired by the hotel and the scenery when writing Lord of the Rings.

The Hardiman Hotel

The Hardiman Hotel

The Hardiman Hotel in Galway is a beautifully restored 19th-century property that blends classic elegance with modern comforts. Centrally located near Eyre Square, it offers easy access to attractions, shops, and the vibrant cultural scene. Guests can enjoy upscale accommodations, fine dining, and a welcoming atmosphere, making it the perfect base for exploring the charm of Galway and its surroundings.  

Hosts

Fionnuala Kennedy - Trip Guide & Local Expert

Fionnuala Kennedy - Trip Guide & Local Expert

Fionnuala Kennedy will lead this trip. For her, days spent in the wilds of Ireland are about immersion in the surroundings. She loves being up high where she can read the landscape. Knowing what to look for can reveal so many stories of human lives past, glaciers and oceans long gone, and wildlife very much alive. She loves to interpret these stories. She has worked for years in outdoor education and as an archaeological guide, which has led to a fascination with Ireland's history, heritage, and folklore, something which only deepens with time. Then, there’s history and botany and geology and astronomy. Along the way, Fionnuala has had an assortment of other jobs, from growing trees and vegetables to teaching music at schools and playing tunes in McLynns Pub in Sligo on Friday nights.



Price

Private Room

Private Room

Everyone gets their own fabulous room!

FROM$9,995

Shared Room

Shared Room

Share a room with a friend or family member

FROM$8,995

Add Ons

Includes one night at The Mont Hotel with breakfast

Includes one night at The Mont Hotel with breakfast

Arrive in Ireland before the trip starts to help with jet lag.

PRICE$499.00

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Private Arrival Airport Transfer

Private Arrival Airport Transfer

We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to The Mont Hotel

PRICE$200.00

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Optional Pre-Trip history tour of Dublin on August 7th

Optional Pre-Trip history tour of Dublin on August 7th

In just two hours, this award-winning 'seminar on the street,' led by history post-graduates, covers key events in Irish history—from Dublin’s development and the impacts of the American and French Revolutions to the Potato Famine, the Great War, and the 1916 Rising. The tour includes notable sites like Trinity College, Temple Bar, Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin Castle, and Leinster House, offering insights into Ireland's past and its post-Brexit future....
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PRICE$169.00

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Jump into Ireland

Ireland

A small island with a memorable punch, Ireland's breathtaking landscapes and friendly, welcoming people leave visitors floored. You'll want to go back for more.

Ireland

What's Included

What's Included

All meals except when noted

Two glasses of wine or beer with dinner

All excursions and entry fees

A GG2W Facilitator and an experienced Irish guide

All in country transport in our own private vehicle

Welcome & Farewell drinks

One Spa service at the Sheen Falls Lodge

Roundtrip international airfare to Ireland

Additional wine, beer, or spirits beyond what is offered at meals

All personal souvenirs or additional spa services

Meals not mentioned in the inclusions

Travel and Medical Insurance (required)

Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions

Gratuities for the trip guide

Airport Transfers

Reviews

"This is my second GG2theWorld trip - went to France last year. This year’s trip was to Ireland, and I absolutely loved it! The trips are extremely well planned, the hotels are wonderful, and you don’t just “see” things - you also experience them. We hiked with a forager along the sea coast, we participated in a perfumery workshop, we explored Galway with a food tour, and more. The group was small, friendly, and great, the guide was knowledgeable and personable, and you always felt that you were being taken care of. I am a very independent person, but have to admit that I LOVED not having to make decisions. I learned a lot, ate in wonderful places, saw things that many tourists don’t see, and met a variety of interesting people."

Lynne G, Aug 2023 on Trip Advisor

"I had a wonderful experience traveling to Ireland with Girls Guide to the World. It was my first time traveling solo, and it was so nice and stress free to have everything planned out. I made friends quickly with my traveling companions. I loved the hotels we stayed at and restaurants we dined at. We had a local guide who was phenomenal! We learned so much from her. We went to places and did things that I would not have known about if I had planned a trip on my own. I definitely will be traveling with Girls Guide again."

Donna, Aug 2023 on Trip Advisor

FAQs

You should fly into Dublin International Airport.

If you are traveling across an ocean to get to Ireland, you may want to consider arriving a day early. That way you'll have time to relax and get acclimated to the local time zone. If not arrive before 8:00 am on Day 1.

We will have a zoom call about 6 weeks before the trip starts to discuss all that information and give you a packing list. Here is a great website that we love that will help you with packing and travel trips. 

The weather in Ireland should be in the low to mid 60's. Even in the summer, don't be surprised if there are grey skies and rain showers. You might need a rain jacket.

Inquire about this trip

The Castles & Culture of Ireland

Ireland· August 8 - 15 2025· 7 nights

FROM$9,995/pp