Capitals & Landscapes of the Emerald Isle
Itinerary
Get to know the musical and literary heritage of Dublin and head to Galway known for its traditional pubs and folk music. Admire the beauty of Connemara and the scenery of Killarney National Park. Stop in Limerick and experience stunning landscapes of the Ring of Kerry. Visit the seaport city of Waterford and cross the border into Northern Ireland to trace the legacy of the Titanic in Belfast.
1st Day: US – Night on board
Arrive at your US departure airport ready to board a flight to Dublin, the Irish capital. Night on board.*
* If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
2nd Day: Dublin
Arrive at Dublin airport, meet your driver and transfer to the hotel. Once settled, spend the rest of the day exploring the Irish capital at your leisure. Why not take a stroll along the banks of the River Liffey to admire the city’s diverse architecture or head straight to the vibrant Temple Bar area to enjoy the cosy atmosphere of Dublin’s best pubs and eateries. A number of venues in the area hold regular live music performances so be sure to catch one of these for an unforgettable start to your journey through Ireland. Overnight stay in Dublin.
3rd Day: Dublin – Athlone – Galway
Breakfast at the hotel. Leave the capital behind today as you travel to the town of Athlone, which sits on the River Shannon in the center of the county. Take a panoramic tour of Athlone to see its impressive 13th-century castle and historic streets. After some time at your leisure, continue to Galway a port city on Ireland’s west coast, where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic Ocean. Visit the city center, learn about its history and explore Eyre Square, a popular meeting spot surrounded by shops and traditional pubs, many of which still offer traditional Irish folk music shows. Overnight stay in Galway.
4th Day: Galway – Connemmara – Galway
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart towards Connemara National Park, a beautiful cultural region, situated in County Galway. Connemara is known for its strong connection to traditional Irish culture and immaculate landscapes. Admire the rolling countryside, home to wild Connemara ponies. After a day of exploring the rich landscapes of rural Ireland, return to your hotel in Galway and enjoy the evening at your leisure. Overnight stay in Galway.
5th Day: Galway – Limerick – Killarney
Breakfast at the hotel. Discover one of the most iconic landscapes in Ireland: the stunning Cliffs of Moher! Stretching along the coastline for around 14-kilometers, these dramatic sea cliffs overlook the wild waters of the Atlantic. Set off towards Country Kerry, stopping along the way in Limerick, one of the oldest and most important cities in Ireland, dating back to the 12th-century. Afterwards, continue to the southwest of Ireland and into County Kerry, home to the beautiful scenery of the Killarney National Park. Transfer to the hotel and overnight stay in Kerry.
6th Day: Killarney – Ring of Kerry – Youghal
Breakfast at the hotel. Explore the Ring of Kerry today, an area of immense natural beauty, glistening lakes and dramatic coastlines, home to incredible beaches and charming seaside villages. In the afternoon, head towards Cork, known as the culinary capital of Ireland and famed for its fantastic food market. It’s also home to brilliant museums and art galleries and the legendary Shandon Bells. Overnight stay in Youghal.
7th Day: Cork – Waterford – Kilkenny – Dublin
Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the journey back to Dublin, stopping along the way at the seaport city of Waterford, the oldest city in Ireland. Waterford is famed for its Viking heritage and ancient walled old town. Continue to the medieval town of Kilkenny with its cobblestoned streets and imposing St. Canices Cathedral. After some time at your leisure, continue towards the capital, crossing through Glendalough and the beautiful Wicklow Mountains. Arrive in Dublin and enjoy the evening at your leisure, hitting the bars or revisiting your favorite sights. Overnight stay in Dublin.
8th Day: Dublin
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy a walking tour of Dublin. Explore the most emblematic sights and get to know the history of this wonderful capital. Pass by famous Trinity College, the oldest university in Ireland and whose library is home to the legendary Book of Kells. Continue to the Temple Bar area, the cultural center of Dublin and home to colorful pubs which host live Irish music and dance performances. Learn the legend of the Ha’Penny Bridge over the River Liffey and stroll past Dublin Castle, the seat of British Rule in Ireland for over 700 years. Continue past Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s largest church and named after the beloved patron Saint of Ireland. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy your last moments in Dublin at your leisure. Why not pay a visit to the Jameson Whiskey Distillery, or the famous Guinness Storehouse to learn all about the “black stuff”. Overnight stay in Dublin.
9th Day: Dublin – Belfast
Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated, leave Dublin behind as you cross the border into Northern Ireland headed for the capital of Belfast. Famed as the birthplace of the Titanic, Belfast is rich in historic sights. From the legendary Harland and Wolff shipyard to the striking Victorian-era architecture of the city center, discover Belfast on a city tour. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure before checking in to your hotel and spending the evening enjoying Belfast’s famous nightlife in its trendy bars and restaurants. Overnight stay in Belfast.
10th Day: Belfast
Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day exploring Belfast at your leisure. The city was deeply affected by The Troubles in the second half of the 20th-century and there are a number of museums and historic sights to visit where you can trace the turbulent events of this era. Other places to discover in Belfast include the colourful St. George’s Market and the striking early 20th-century St. Anne’s Cathedral. Overnight stay in Belfast.
11th Day: Belfast – US
Breakfast at the hotel. Sadly,it’s time to bring your journey through Ireland and Northern Ireland to an end. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip.