The Castles & Culture of Ireland

Welcome to vibrant Dublin! You'll have time to explore on your own when you arrive.

Hop into a taxi at the airport, they're plentiful and safe, and head to The Mont Hotel. This stylish retreat is only a few steps from famous sites like St. Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street. It’s within walking distance of Trinity College, Christchurch Cathedral, and other popular attractions, making it easy to explore the city at your leisure 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 we'll coordinate on August 13th. 

Later today, we'll gather in the hotel lobby to introduce ourselves, then go for a quick walk to a popular Dublin restaurant to savor the local cuisine.

After dinner, we'll return to our hotel for the night and rest in anticipation of the adventures ahead. 

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. 

Dinner will be on your own tonight, so you have some free time to explore the city. We'll be happy to point you in the direction of some fantastic local food, and maybe you can even wander over for a pint at the iconic Temple Bar.

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, Sheen Falls Lodge, in the quaint town of Kenmare. 

We'll enjoy afternoon tea followed by a luxe treatment in their award-winning spa. What better way to unwind and relax after a day of travel?

To round out the day, we’ll gather for dinner in the hotel’s brasserie for exquisite, local cuisine in a relaxed setting. 

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 that are 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.

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 enjoy a peaceful night's rest. 

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 head out 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, filled with historic thatched-roof houses. You’ll have time to wander through the town and explore its charming craft boutiques.

Our drive continues north towards Limerick, passing by numerous castles nestled within the countryside. Our destination tonight is Gregan's Castle Hotel, an 18th-century manor hotel with meticulously tended gardens and sweeping views of Galway Bay. 

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'll 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, our 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!

We'll head back to Gregans Castle Hotel tonight to rest. 

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. 

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, we’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Irish dance, music, and culture. We’ll each leave with unforgettable memories and a big smile on our faces! 

Take some time to wander the charming streets of Galway, perhaps popping into a shop or two to browse the local crafts. After about an hour of free time, we'll reconvene and head over to check in at The Glenlo Abbey Hotel. You'll fall in love with this beautiful 18th-century manor house turned 5-star hotel. 

Galway is known for its outstanding cuisine, and tonight, we’ll dine at one of the city's best restaurants: Kai. Before we settle in for this Michelin-recommended meal, we’ll stop by a local pub to enjoy a pre-dinner pint while we enjoy the lively sounds of Irish Trad music.

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