September 23-30, 2024

Day 1. Fly to Dublin!

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Day 2. Arrive in the late morning to Dublin. Next, enjoy a panoramic tour of Dublin before stopping for lunch. After lunch, visit St. Patrick Cathedral. St Patrick's Cathedral is one of Ireland’s most visited sites - and one of the few remaining buildings from medieval Dublin. Today, a stroll around its remarkable interiors takes visitors on a captivating historical adventure. St Patrick’s offers a unique glimpse into Dublin’s fascinating past. Next, transfer to your hotel. 

 

Day 3. Today you will visit Dublina, a historical recreation (or living history) museum and visitor attraction in Dublin, Ireland, focusing on the Viking and Medieval history of the city. Dublinia is located in a part of Dublin's Christ Church Cathedral, known as the Synod hall. The exhibition was opened in 1993, and was redeveloped in 2010 at a cost of €2 million. The museum attracts over 125,000 visitors per Annum. Next up is Trinity College. Trinity College opposite the former Irish Houses of Parliament attracts over two million visitors each year - and as you stroll around the cobblestone squares, wander its magnificent library and feast your eyes upon the world-famous Book of Kells, it’s easy to see why! Enjoy a free afternoon and lunch at leisure. This evening, if you have elected, transfer to the Merry Plougboy Irish Music Pub for dinner & a show. (B)

 

Day 4. This morning travel to Cork and see the Rock of Cashel. This fortress is home to a spectacular collection of medieval buildings set atop a dramatic outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale at the heart of Tipperary. A quick five-minute walk from the town centre up to the Rock, a ramble around this extraordinary site is a real treat for the history lover. Explore the fabulous 12th-century round tower, the oldest surviving building on the Rock; discover the replica of St Patrick’s Cross.

 

Next visit, Blarney Castle sits impressively amongst 60 beautiful acres of stunning gardens and sweeping valleys. Most people visit here to plant a kiss on the legendary Blarney stone - according to ancient superstition, puckering up on the 330-million-year-old limestone is said to bestow the kisser with the ‘gift of the gab’, aka a pretty good way with words. Tempted? Reaching the stone involves a steep climb up a narrow spiral staircase, and once you reach the top, you bend backwards over a very, very high drop to kiss the stone - don’t worry, there’s a strategically placed safety grill and supervisor on hand to prevent your untimely death. Is it worth it? If you find yourself dazzling friends and colleagues with a newfound way with words, then probably, and for the craic, definitely! (B)

 

Day 5. This morning, visit the iconic Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of Moher is a breathtaking natural wonder located on the west coast of Ireland. With towering sea cliffs that reach up to 214 meters above the Atlantic Ocean, the Cliffs of Moher offer visitors stunning views of the rugged Irish coastline. Next, head over to Caherconnel Stone Fort. This location has always had a strong tradition of training sheepdogs at Caherconnell and John and the current farmer has maintained this tradition for over 50 years. Taking place on the natural terrain of the Burren and behind the fort, our sheepdog experience is interactive and fun. The demos take place in a covered, sheltered area and include introductions to the selection of rare sheep breeds which are preserved at Caherconnell.  (B)

 

Day 6. Nestled on the tranquil shores of the Pollacapall Lough, the stunning Kylemore Abbey is a glorious 19th-century dwelling built in 1868 as a private home for wealthy English doctor and businessman Mitchel Henry who spent his honeymoon in Connemara and (understandably) fell in the love with the place. The ground-floor rooms are open to visitors, including the magnificent Welcome Room and Kitchen scullery, and the beautifully restored period rooms. There’s also the highly enjoyable Visitor Experience that does a wonderful job of bringing the story of Kylemore to life. Don’t miss the extraordinary Neo-Gothic Church Mitchell Henry had built for his wife Margaret, and the mausoleum where the couple were buried together, before heading off to explore the utterly enchanting six-acres Victorian Walled Gardens which displays plants only from the Victorian era - an unmissable treat for the green-fingered! Next, go to the Sheep and Wool Centre for a demonstration. (B)

 

Day 7. Today, you transfer back to Dublin. On the way back, you will have a photo stop at Coosan Point & Creaghduff. Enjoy lunch at leisure and a free afternoon in Dublin. (B)

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Day 8. This morning, transfer to the airport for your flights back home. Thanks for traveling with us! (B)