Welcome to Dublin, Ireland’s vibrant and historic capital, and the birthplace of the world-famous Guinness beer. Set on Ireland’s east coast at the mouth of the River Liffey, Dublin is a city that seamlessly blends centuries of history with a lively, modern energy! Originally founded as a Viking settlement over 1,000 years ago, it has grown into a cultural hub known for its Georgian architecture, literary heritage and thriving pub culture. Home to writers such as James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and W.B. Yeats, Dublin has long been recognised as a UNESCO City of Literature, where storytelling is a part of everyday life. Dublin is also celebrated for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, with locals known for their friendliness, humour and love of conversation — making it one of Europe’s most inviting capitals. From its elegant Georgian squares and historic landmarks to its bustling streets filled with music, pubs and cafés, the city offers a unique mix of old-world charm and contemporary vibrancy. We don’t want you to miss out on a single moment of your Irish adventure, so we recommend that you arrive at your starting destination by 3:00pm. After meeting our fellow travellers and tour director for a welcome drink, we’ll enjoy a brief introduction to the city and take a stroll along South George’s Street, before making our way to the Temple Bar district for a welcome dinner. Today involves approximately 1.5 hours of walking.

We start our day in the heart of Dublin, where stories of the city’s rich history and unique traditions come to life around every corner. Our first stop this morning is a visit to the prestigious Trinity College, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I and one of the seven “ancient universities” of Britain and Ireland. Within its historic grounds, we’ll follow in the footsteps of renowned literary figures such as Bram Stoker, Oscar Wilde and Jonathan Swift. Then inside the world-famous Old Library, we’ll wander through the breathtaking Long Room, lined with towering oak shelves that feature over 200,000 of the library’s oldest books, before viewing its most treasured masterpiece — the beautifully illuminated Book of Kells, an extraordinary 9th century manuscript that is considered one of Ireland’s greatest cultural treasures. We’ll then make our way to Dublin Castle, nestled in the heart of the city’s historic centre. Its story stretches back to the Viking Age, with the original fortress built in the 13th century. For more than 700 years, it served as the centre of British rule in Ireland, taking on many roles over the centuries — from military fortress and prison to treasury and court of law. After being destroyed by a fire and rebuilt in the 17th century, the Dublin Castle we see today is a striking government complex and an important venue for state ceremonies. While here, we’ll explore the magnificent State Apartments and the beautiful Chapel Royal. Later on, we journey on to the medieval city of Kilkenny, a charming destination known for its well-preserved heritage, winding laneways and striking architecture. Despite its historic feel, Kilkenny has a lively modern spirit, with a thriving arts scene and cosy pubs. This evening, we’ll settle in to enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, soaking up the atmosphere of this vibrant Irish city. Today involves approximately 3 hours of walking. Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

This morning our eyes are set on basking in the beauty of Kilkenny Castle, taking time to wander through the impressive estate and beautifully maintained grounds. Built in the 13th century, Kilkenny Castle originally served as a strategic defensive stronghold due to its position along important trade routes. It was the primary residence of the prominent Butler family for around 600 years and remained occupied until 1967 when it was famously sold to the local council for just £50, where it was then carefully restored and opened to the public. Our adventure then takes us to the charming village of Thomastown, set along the banks of the River Nore. Here we’ll visit Jerpoint Abbey, founded in 1180 and considered one of Ireland’s best Cistercian ruins. Once a thriving monastic settlement, the abbey is especially known for its remarkable Romanesque and Gothic stone carvings, including intricately detailed tombs and figures that offer a fascinating glimpse into medieval religious life. Next, we have time to explore the impressive site of Kells Priory one of the largest and well-preserved medieval monastic complexes in Ireland that dates back to 1193. We’ll be able to explore many of its intact remains, living quarters and churches. Continuing on, we pass through Dungarvan and Youghal — the filming location of Moby Dick — before stopping in the picturesque harborside town of Cobh. Here, we will take a break to stretch our legs and have some free time. You may like to explore its thriving restaurant scene and the picture worthy ‘Deck of Cards’ — a string of brightly coloured houses perched near the seaside. Did you know, Cobh (previously known as Queenstown) was the final port of call for the Titanic, before it embarked on its maiden journey across the North Atlantic Ocean. We arrive in Cork, Ireland’s second largest city, later in the evening. Situated on an island in the River Lee, the vibrant city’s narrow streets are bursting at the seams with traditional pubs, boutique shops, welcoming laid-back locals and more. You'll have the rest of the night to enjoy at leisure here. Today involves approximately 2.5 hours of walking. Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.

Don’t forget your camera today as we take the time to explore Ireland’s remarkable natural scenery, embarking on a winding journey to the coastal town of Glengarriff. From there, we’ll board a boat for a short crossing to the enchanting Garnish Island, set within the sheltered waters of Glengarriff Harbour in Bantry Bay. While on the water, we'll make a stop near the seal islands, hoping to catch glimpses of the local seals in their natural habitat. If we’re really lucky, we may even see Glengarriff’s White Tailed Sea Eagles, which have a wingspan of nearly 2.5 metres! Disembarking on Garnish Island, we’ll have some time to explore the scenery and the renowned Bryce House — set on a large property, the gardens here are a spectacular sight. Back on the mainland, we enjoy a scenic trip over the Cork and Kerry Mountains to the quaint and tranquil town of Kenmare. Renowned for its gourmet food scene, we have a brief stop here to grab a bite to eat, and if you’re a seafood fan, we recommend trying the chowder! After lunch, we’ll head towards Muckross and the idyllic Killarney National Park, an official Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO and a true nature lover’s dream. Home to Ireland’s largest forest of oak trees, Killarney National Park is situated in over 10,000 hectares and is a heavenly combination of stunning mountains, lakes, woodland and waterfalls. This afternoon, we’ll enjoy a stroll through the National Park, stopping to view the scenic Torc Waterfall and explore the grounds of the Muckross House Estate, before returning to Cork. Today involves approximately 2 hours of walking across uneven ground. Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.

It’s time to explore more of Cork this morning, discovering the numerous highlights the city has to offer, and with a laid-back atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to discover on foot. During our walking tour, we will visit the English Markets, a great place to grab your morning coffee, Saint Patrick's Street and Fitzgerald's Park. Our sightseeing continues as we immerse ourselves in some of Cork’s most fascinating landmarks, delving into the local history at the Butter Museum and listening to all the intriguing stories about the Saint Fin Barres Cathedral and its eccentric builder, William Burges. Later on, we’ll enjoy an incredible afternoon tea at Cork’s famous Imperial Hotel. This iconic location was established back in 1813 and was initially used to house city merchants, until 1816 when it became open to the public as a hotel. The Imperial Hotel boasts a long list of historical figures who have enjoyed the hotels atmosphere, a few including Frederick Douglass, Charles Dickens and Grace Kelly! Following our delicious afternoon tea, we'll proceed to Limerick, a city nestled along the banks of the River Shannon, with the magnificent King John's Castle gracing its surroundings. Limerick has a rich history and is believed to have been settled by the Vikings in as early as 922 AD. However, in modern times, the city is renowned for its captivating Georgian architecture and is famously recognised as the backdrop for Frank McCourt's acclaimed book, "Angela's Ashes." Upon arrival, we’ll explore the city with an orientation tour. Today involves approximately 4 hours of walking. Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.

With a later start this morning, we’ll have plenty of time to relax and recharge, before making our way to the departure point for our cruise on the River Shannon.

Special Experience

Enjoy a scenic cruise along the waterways of the River Shannon and Lough Derg Lake, followed by lunch at a local restaurant on the banks of the lake.

As we glide through this peaceful inland waterway, we’ll pass rolling green hills, wooded shorelines, quiet islands and charming waterside villages, gaining a different perspective of Ireland’s rural landscapes. After our cruise, we’ll enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the lake, taking more time to bask in the tranquil views!

This afternoon brings one of Ireland’s true highlights as we journey into County Clare to marvel at the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. Rising over 200 metres above the Atlantic Ocean, these dramatic cliffs stretch for around eight kilometres and offer some of the most awe-inspiring coastal views in the country. On a clear day, you may even spot the Aran Islands in the distance across Galway Bay.

Later, we’ll travel onwards to the vibrant city of Galway, taking the stunning coastal road. Our route takes us through the remarkable Burren, a UNESCO-recognised limestone landscape known for its rare flora, rocky pavements and sweeping coastal vistas, with time to pause and take in the scenery along the way and perhaps getting a glimpse of the 3 Aran Islands.

Today involves approximately 1 hour of walking across uneven ground.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Our day kicks off with a guided walking tour of Galway this morning, a vibrant harbour city on Ireland’s west coast where the River Corrib meets Galway Bay and flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Often described as the country’s cultural capital, Galway is renowned for its energetic arts scene, year-round festivals, traditional Irish music and strong Gaelic-speaking heritage, giving it a uniquely authentic and creative atmosphere. Once a small medieval trading port, it grew into a major hub of commerce and seafaring, and today blends its historic character with a youthful, bohemian spirit shaped by its large student population and thriving local arts community. As we explore, we’ll pass through Eyre Square, the city’s central gathering place, before viewing Lynch’s Castle, a well-preserved medieval townhouse that reflects Galway’s former merchant wealth. We continue along the lively Quay Street, known for its colourful storefronts, traditional pubs and street performers, before reaching the iconic Spanish Arch, a surviving section of the 16th century city walls that once protected Galway’s busy port. We’ll also wander past the Church of Saint Nicholas, the largest medieval parish church still in use in Ireland, famously linked to the legend that Christopher Columbus prayed here before setting sail across the Atlantic. After our tour, the remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure — whether that’s exploring the city’s colourful Latin Quarter, browsing artisan shops, enjoying fresh seafood along the waterfront, or simply soaking up Galway’s famously welcoming and energetic atmosphere. Today involves approximately 2 hours of walking.

This morning we tour the enchanting Kylemore Abbey, beautifully set against the dramatic backdrop of mountains and lakes. Once a grand Victorian castle built in the 1860s, it later became a Benedictine monastery and remains one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks. We’ll explore its beautifully restored period rooms and hear stories of love, tragedy, resilience and devotion that have shaped its history. We’ll also have time to wander through the tranquil Victorian Walled Gardens, originally created for the Mitchell Henry family. We continue our journey to the remarkable Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, recognised as the oldest and one of the most significant concentrations of Neolithic tombs in Ireland. Dating back nearly 6,000 years — predating the Egyptian pyramids — this extraordinary site contains over 35 passage tombs spread across the landscape. As we explore, we’ll gain fascinating insight into the beliefs, burial rituals and daily lives of Ireland’s earliest settlers. Our touring for the day finishes in Sligo, a charming coastal seaport town on Ireland’s rugged west coast, framed by mountains, beaches and rolling countryside. Its Gaelic name, Sligeach, translates to “abounding in shells,” a nod to the wealth of shellfish found in its river and estuary. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. Today involves approximately 2 hours of walking. Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Our day begins with a short walking tour through the charming streets of Sligo, where we delve into the town's rich history and cultural heritage. We’ll then make our way to the tranquil Drumcliffe Church and visit the final resting place of one of Ireland's most celebrated literary figures, W.B. Yeats. Our next stop is Belleek Pottery, Ireland’s oldest working fine china pottery. Established in 1857, Belleek Pottery has become one of Ireland’s most famous brands. We’ll then visit the Stone Fort of Grianán of Aileach, an ancient hillfort atop Greenan Mountain which is believed to have been constructed during the 6th or 7th century CE. We’ll explore the fort which once served as the seat of the Kingdom of Ailech and enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Continuing on to Londonderry/Derry, our first port of call is visiting the Museum of Free Derry, a fascinating exhibition that delves into the civil rights movement of the 1960s, and the infamous Bloody Sunday. The museum narrates the events leading up to Bloody Sunday, its aftermath, and the subsequent Operation Motorman, which aimed to regain control of nationalist areas. This afternoon we’ll enjoy a walking tour, exploring the city walls, before checking into our hotel for the night. Today involves approximately 2 hours of walking. Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.

We depart this morning, first visiting Benone Beach Viewpoint for a photo stop, where sweeping coastal views stretch across kilometres of golden sand backed by rolling dunes and dramatic cliffs — a perfect introduction to Northern Ireland’s rugged shoreline.

Special Experience

Step back in time with a tour of the 400-year-old Bushmills whiskey distillery, where we’ll savour a taste of this iconic Irish whiskey.

The oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world, Bushmills has been crafting its renowned spirit since 1608. Here, we’ll discover the techniques that have been carefully preserved and passed down through generations, from malted barley to maturation in oak casks. As we explore the historic working distillery, we’ll learn how tradition and craftsmanship combine to produce its distinctive smooth flavour, before enjoying the chance to sample a drop of this celebrated Irish whiskey.

Our next stop is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Giant’s Causeway, a remarkable natural wonder on the north coast of Northern Ireland. According to local legend, this breathtaking natural formation was shaped by giants. Comprised of approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the Giant’s Causeway was formed by an ancient volcanic fissure eruption around 50 to 60 million years ago, during the Palaeocene Epoch. As we explore, we'll marvel at the tops of the columns, forming a mesmerising pattern of stepping stones that lead us to the cliff edge and out into the sea.

Our journey then takes us to Belfast, a city with a rich history, standing proudly on the banks of the River Lagan. From the early presence of the Vikings as early as 922 AD to its present-day identity, Belfast has undergone a remarkable evolution. While its past is marked by shipyards and linen mills, today it boasts a captivating ensemble of Georgian architecture that graces its streets. Once a centre of conflict, Belfast now symbolises resilience and transformation.

Today involves approximately 2 hours of walking.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.

This morning we’ll have the chance to immerse ourselves in the vibrant city of Belfast with a tour, getting a chance to look at landmarks such as the Grand Opera House and City Hall, as well as the Peace Walls — powerful reminders of the city’s complex history, which once divided communities but now increasingly stand as symbols of reconciliation and change. We’ll then head to the Titanic Museum, a striking, star-shaped museum that stands proudly at the head of the slipway where the Titanic was built, charting the history of Belfast and the story of the ill-fated ship. After diving into the history of the Titanic, we make the journey to Hillsborough, home to the royal residence which is now the official residence of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. After our tour, we’ll enjoy some free time to explore the amazing gardens. They have been developed since the 1760s and offer an intriguing mix of formal gardens, woodland and meadows. Make sure to check out the unique ‘Walled Garden’, a site that historically used to produce fruit, vegetables and flowers for the castle! Tonight, we’ll enjoy a delicious farewell dinner at a local restaurant, reminiscing on all the memories we’ve made on tour together. Today involves approximately 3 hours of walking.

Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning, when we’ll say a fond farewell to Ireland and our newfound friends.