Day 1 – Dublin, Wicklow Mountains & Kilkenny

Start Time: 9:00am

Pick-up Location: Outside the main entrance of Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin, Upper O'Connell Street.

Suggested Hotels Before Your Tour: Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin, Academy Plaza Hotel, Cassidys Hotel and Holiday Inn Express Dublin City Centre are all within walking distance of the pick-up location.

Our Irish adventure begins with a short introductory tour of Dublin before travelling south through the beautiful Wicklow Mountains.

Along the way, we'll stop to admire Lough Tay, also known as Guinness Lake, before continuing to Glendalough. Here, you'll have time to explore the historic 6th-century monastic site and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the surrounding valley.

We then travel to the medieval city of Kilkenny, where you'll have time to settle into your hotel and enjoy an evening exploring its historic streets, restaurants and traditional Irish pubs.

Optional Evening

Enjoy riverside dining at the Kilkenny River Court Hotel or visit the lively Left Bank. For traditional Irish hospitality and live music, Matt the Miller's and Kyteler's Inn are among the suggested local favourites.

Accommodation: Kilkenny River Court Hotel, Kilkenny City.

Day 2 – Kilkenny Castle, Blarney Castle & Cobh

We begin with a tour of Kilkenny Castle, a magnificent landmark with over 800 years of history. Once home to the powerful Butler family, the castle combines its medieval origins with elegant Victorian interiors. Explore its beautifully furnished rooms, impressive Picture Gallery and surrounding parklands.

We then travel south to Blarney Castle & Gardens in County Cork. Discover this historic 15th-century fortress, once home to the MacCarthy family. Those who wish can climb the castle steps to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone, said to bestow the famous "gift of the gab". There will also be time to explore the beautiful gardens and peaceful pathways.

Our journey continues to the colourful harbour town of Cobh, the Titanic's final port of call. Visit the Titanic Experience Cobh, located in the original White Star Line Ticket Office, and discover the moving stories of passengers who boarded the famous ship in April 1912.

Afterwards, settle into your waterfront hotel and enjoy an evening exploring Cobh.

Optional Evening

Enjoy waterfront dining at Jacob's Ladder in the WatersEdge Hotel or visit Titanic Bar & Grill overlooking Cork Harbour. For a traditional Irish pub atmosphere and possible live music, The Rob Roy Bar and Kelly's Bar are among the suggested local favourites.

Accommodation: WatersEdge Hotel, Cobh, County Cork.

Day 3 – Gougane Barra, Caha Pass & Killarney National Park

Today, we journey through the spectacular mountain scenery of Cork and Kerry, stopping along the way to enjoy the views and take photographs.

Our first highlight is Gougane Barra, a peaceful lakeside setting associated with St Finbarr, whose monastic settlement dates back to the 6th century. Its picturesque island church and surrounding mountains make this a memorable stop.

We continue through charming towns and villages before crossing the dramatic Caha Pass, passing through tunnels carved into the mountains. Our route brings us to the colourful town of Kenmare before climbing towards Moll's Gap, with sweeping views across Kerry's rugged landscape.

From here, we descend through Killarney National Park, enjoying its magnificent mountains, ancient woodlands and beautiful lakes as we make our way to Killarney.

After settling into your accommodation, the evening is yours to explore the town's welcoming restaurants and lively traditional pubs.

Optional Evening

Enjoy traditional Irish cuisine at Bricín Restaurant or visit The Laurels Pub & Restaurant for a relaxed evening meal. For live music and a lively atmosphere, The Danny Mann and Reidy's are among the suggested local favourites.

Accommodation: Castle Lodge Guest House, Killarney, County Kerry.

Day 4 – Dingle Peninsula & Slea Head Drive

Today, we explore the spectacular Dingle Peninsula, following the scenic Slea Head Drive through rugged coastal landscapes, sandy beaches and traditional villages, with plenty of opportunities to stop and capture the breathtaking scenery.

Highlights include Dunquin Pier, famous for its winding pathway and stunning views towards the Blasket Islands, and Gallarus Oratory, a remarkable early Christian stone building.

Enjoy free time in the colourful town of Dingle, where you can wander its charming streets, browse local craft shops or relax over lunch in one of the town's welcoming cafés and restaurants.

We then return to Killarney, where the evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Optional Evening

Discover more of Killarney's dining and entertainment, with options including Treyvaud's Restaurant for an evening meal or Paddy Sheehan's Bar for traditional Irish hospitality and possible live music.

Accommodation: Castle Lodge Guest House, Killarney, County Kerry.

Day 5 – Adare Village, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

After a relaxing morning in Killarney, we travel through the beautiful countryside of County Kerry and Limerick, passing through charming towns and villages along the way.

We'll stop in the picturesque village of Adare, famous for its traditional thatched cottages and historic buildings, where there will be time for a refreshment break.

Our journey continues to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, where you'll enjoy a guided tour of the impressive 15th-century castle before stepping back in time to experience life in 19th-century Ireland.

Explore the traditional cottages, farmhouses and village shops, discovering the customs, traditions and everyday lives of generations past.

We then continue to the historic town of Ennis in County Clare, where you'll settle into your hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Optional Evening

Enjoy dinner at Legends Restaurant in the Temple Gate Hotel or visit Brogan's Bar & Restaurant for traditional Irish food. For live Irish music and a welcoming atmosphere, Cruises Bar and Knox's Pub are among the suggested local favourites.

Accommodation: Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis, County Clare.

Day 6 – The Burren, Wild Atlantic Way & Galway

Departing Ennis, we explore the remarkable Burren region, where sweeping limestone pavements, ancient stone walls and pockets of greenery create a landscape unlike anywhere else in Ireland.

Our journey takes us through the Burren National Park before following part of the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way coastal route, with opportunities to stop, admire the scenery and take photographs.

We then continue to Galway, a vibrant city renowned for its colourful streets, lively music scene and welcoming atmosphere.

After settling into your hotel, enjoy free time to explore the historic Latin Quarter, browse independent shops or take a stroll towards the famous Spanish Arch.

The evening is yours to discover Galway's welcoming restaurants, traditional pubs and lively atmosphere.

Optional Evening

Enjoy dinner at The Kings Head or Ard Bia at Nimmos, near the Spanish Arch. For traditional Irish music and a lively atmosphere, The Quays and Tig Cóilí are among the suggested local favourites.

Accommodation: The Victoria Hotel, Galway City.

Day 7 – Connemara, Cong & Kylemore Abbey

Today, we explore the spectacular scenery of Connemara, travelling through a landscape of rugged mountains, peaceful lakes and traditional Irish villages.

We visit the charming village of Cong, famous as a filming location for the 1952 classic The Quiet Man. Enjoy time to wander its picturesque streets and explore the atmospheric ruins of Cong Abbey.

Our journey continues to Kylemore Abbey, beautifully situated beside a tranquil lake beneath a dramatic mountain backdrop. Explore the historic abbey, discover its fascinating history and enjoy the magnificent grounds.

Continuing our scenic Connemara loop, we stop at the Sky Road viewing point near Clifden, where breathtaking views stretch across the Atlantic coastline, offshore islands and surrounding countryside.

We then return to Galway for another evening to explore the city at your leisure.

Optional Evening

Discover more of Galway's excellent dining and entertainment, with options including Brasserie on the Corner for locally sourced steak and seafood or The Kings Head for a lively atmosphere and live music.

Accommodation: The Victoria Hotel, Galway City.

Day 8 – Galway, Seán's Bar & Kilbeggan Distillery

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Galway, with free time to wander its colourful streets, browse the shops or relax over coffee before we begin our journey east.

We travel to Athlone to visit Seán's Bar, renowned as Ireland's oldest pub, with a history dating back over 1,100 years. Soak up its distinctive character and enjoy a taste of Irish hospitality in this historic setting.

Our next stop is Kilbeggan Distillery, where a guided tour introduces you to the traditions and craftsmanship of Irish whiskey-making. Discover its fascinating distilling heritage and round off your visit with a whiskey tasting.

We then return to Dublin, where our eight-day adventure comes to an end. It's time to say farewell, taking home wonderful memories, new friendships and stories of Ireland to share.

Optional Evening in Dublin

If you're staying in Dublin after the tour, enjoy a meal at The Church Café Bar & Restaurant or The Winding Stair. For traditional Irish music, The Celt and The Cobblestone are among the suggested venues where you can experience Dublin's lively pub atmosphere.

Accommodation Notice: Accommodation is subject to availability and may change. Where necessary, alternative accommodation of a similar standard will be provided.

Optional Evening Recommendations: Restaurants, pubs and live music venues are suggestions for your free time and are not included in the tour price. Opening hours and entertainment schedules may vary. Booking ahead is recommended, particularly for evening meals and groups.