8-Nights Ireland: Legends of the Emerald Isle - Small Group Journeys

Fronting the River Liffey on Ireland’s eastern coast, the cosmopolitan capital of Dublin complements its wealth of history with an unabashed wit and verve that define its irresistible personality. Stately public buildings, grand scholarly enclaves, cobbled boulevards and spacious squares teem with a diversity that proudly heralds Dublin’s status as a bustling global sophisticate. Tonight, gather for a welcome dinner.

Begin with a privately led exploration of Trinity College, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I. View the legendary Book of Kells, one of the finest illuminated medieval manuscripts in existence. Discover more of the city with your expert guide, followed by free time this afternoon to relax or explore on your own.

Travel south to the heart of County Kilkenny, a living, breathing time capsule of rolling green pastures, winding rivers, medieval towns, Norman castles and meandering back roads flanked by mossy stone walls. Visit a family-owned country pub, meet the owner and his family, and receive a hands-on introduction to the national Irish sport of hurling. Listen to a seannachi (traditional storyteller) spin tales and play music, eat a hearty lunch and learn how to pull a pint of Guinness for a full-on classic Irish pub experience.

Enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.

• Sample Classic Irish Whiskeys on a premium tour and tasting at Jameson’s Old Midleton Distillery.
• Enjoy a Guided Coastal Walk on the cliffs around the scenic fishing village of Ballycotton.
  
• Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre and peruse the English Market in Cork.

Later, dine at Ballymaloe House, one of Ireland’s culinary treasures.

Drive Ireland’s wild southern shore through rugged West Cork to meet a sixth-generation Irish storyteller and join this colorful raconteur for a ferry ride to Whiddy Island. Listen as he leads you on a personally narrated tour of the island and its history, and then stop at a pub for lunch and a pint. Ferry back to the mainland and proceed to your hotel in Kenmare. Ideally positioned for explorations of the Ring of Kerry and the Beara Peninsula, Kenmare blends 18th-century roots with a modern array of boutiques, cafés and restaurants.

Cross through postcard-perfect Killarney National Park en route to the town of Killarney. Ride in a traditional jaunting car for a closer look at the park’s natural beauty. Then, set out on the famed Ring of Kerry for a breathtaking coastal drive, where every turn in the road reveals new and ever-more-stunning vistas. Set atop cliffs that overlook the Atlantic, the ring circuits the Iveragh Peninsula from Killarney to Dingle Bay and beyond. Pause to peruse local handicrafts in the Gap of Dunloe, a ruggedly beautiful valley formed by glaciers.

Make a personal connection to Ireland when you visit a traditional family farm. Hear about rural life here from family members, and then join them for a homecooked farm lunch, on this A&K-exclusive experience. Afterward, in the heart of County Limerick, stop in Adare, often voted Ireland’s most beautiful village for its charming thatched-roof cottages and quintessentially Irish atmosphere. Then proceed to your majestic hotel.

Journey to busy Galway, gateway to western Ireland, and then on to small, coastal Clarinbridge, where a special tasting introduces you to the quintessential pairing of Guinness stout with fresh Galway Bay oysters. Then drive the coast of County Clare, stopping to stand atop the soaring Cliffs of Moher, stark rugged expanses jutting straight up from the Atlantic and covered by a quilt of rich green farmland. Tonight, join your fellow guests for an elegant farewell dinner.

After breakfast, take your private transfer to the airport for your departing flight.