Vacation Overview
Tour Details
Ireland At LeisureThe Emerald Isle’s incredible west reveals its treasures on this Small Group Tour, while the history, mystery and ancient heart of the east immerses you in its tales. From the heights of the towering Cliffs of Moher to the medieval walls of Kilkenny, the Aran Islands to Blarney Castle, this is an illuminating journey you’ll always remember.
Dining Summary- 5 Dinner (D)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
What's Included- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Must-see Highlights- Explore the heart of Dublin, Killarney National Park on a jaunting car
- Visit the EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum, Galway, the Aran Islands, the Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, St. Patrick's Cathredral
- Scenic Drives Relax and admire the views as you travel along the Ring of Kerry.
- See the Rock of Cashel
Authentic Dining- Taste craft spirits at Ahascragh Distillery, native edible botanicals with a forager, The famous stout at Guinness Storehouse
- Cork: Discover the highlights of Cork's 1500-year history and become acquainted with the county’s roster of historic characters, their humor and the quirks of the local language. Enjoy local food and drinks served up with live music and plenty of personality as you engage with the actors. Leave with a warm feeling and a new skill, having learned to speak 'Cork'.
- Dublin: Venture to a local pub to toast your unforgettable travels over lunch. Sláinte!
Iconic Experience- Dublin: A Local Specialist will show you Dublin’s elegant Georgian squares, O’Connell Street and the Custom House.
- Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone, the famous stone of eloquence, are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. Take your turn at giving it a peck knowing that the stone was sourced from 330-million-year-old limestone.
Top Rated Highlights- Dublin: Embark on an interactive discovery of the 70 million people who claim Irish ancestry at EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum. Throughout 20 rooms divided per topic, learn about the Irish experience and the timeline of Ireland’s history told through the personal stories of emigrants. The sights and insights range from learning a special Irish dance to reading the letters of past emigrants, to tracing your family name going back generations.
- Ahascragh: Ahascragh Distillery is Ireland’s first zero-emissions distillery. Built within a revived 19th-century mill, it is an authentic destination for whiskey and gin enthusiasts, as well as anyone interested in history, tradition and craftsmanship.
- Aran Islands: A visit to the Aran Islands is a small trip through time. Filled with archeological importance and heritage sights like Ireland’s smallest chapel and Iron and Bronze age forts, as well as the famed home of the iconic Aran Sweaters, the Aran Islands are a place you can immerse in Ireland’s historic culture.
- Cashel: See the Rock of Cashel where St. Patrick preached.
- Kilkenny: As you weave through picturesque medieval streets, the story unfolds, revealing incredible landmarks like Kilkenny Castle, Rothe House, St. Canice’s Cathedral, and the 9th-century Round Tower. You'll also hear tales of the greatest knight who ever lived and the notorious Kilkenny witch. The real magic lies in the refreshing blend of history, compelling stories, culture, fascinating fun facts, and, of course, plenty of Shenanigans.
- Dublin: History and famous figures. St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the few buildings left from medieval Dublin. It is also on this site where St. Patrick reputedly baptized the local Celtic chieftains in the 5th century. The cathedral was later built between 1191 and 1270 and has come to be famous for its choir, also Ireland’s oldest. The cathedral’s burial site of author Jonathan Swift is one of approximately 700 burials on the site.
- Dublin: Visit the Guinness Storehouse to see how the world’s most famous stout is created, then enjoy the distinctive taste of a perfectly chilled pint of Guinness.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®- Cliffs of Moher: Take a guided hike along the coastal trail from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher for a different perspective on one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks. Walk through limestone landscapes with views of the Atlantic, Aran Islands and cliff edge. Along the way, learn about the region’s geology, ecology and folklore before finishing at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
- Ring of Kerry: Meet John and Kerryann Fitzgerald at Derrynane for an insightful walk along the Wild Atlantic Way coastline, where seaweed, marine life and the rhythms of the shore reveal the richness of this fragile ecosystem and the importance of protecting it for generations to come. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainability Goal 14: Life Below Water.
Brendan Experiences- Killarney: Settle into a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car and explore Killarney with one of the local jarveys who know these lanes by heart.
- Glengarriff: Nestled in temperate Glengarriff, West Cork, Esk Mountain offers an immersive, interactive and delicious opportunity to taste the incredible native edible botanicals that carpet this corner of the Wild Atlantic Way. Led by fo
Daily Itinerary
Brendan Vacations: Ireland at Leisure
Day 1 - Fáilte to Ireland
Dublin offers a fine introduction to the Emerald Isle. See Georgian mansions, the beautiful Trinity College, Dublin Castle and other highlights on a city tour. Next, visit EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum for a captivating exploration of the Irish diaspora. Tonight enjoy dinner at your hotel with your fellow guests.
Accommodations: Herbert Park
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 - Onwards to Galway
Start your day with breakfast at your hotel. Enjoy the scenic drive through the heart of Ireland to lively Galway, called the “City of the Tribes.” Stop at the Ahascragh Distillery. Explore Ireland’s first zero energy emissions distillery, built within a revived 19th-century mill, and immerse in the art of whiskey and gin production from grain to glass. Tonight enjoy dinner together with your fellow guests.
Accommodations: Ardilaun
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Sail to the Aran Islands
Experience a call-back to ancient Ireland as you travel through Gaelic-speaking Connemara and then board a ferry to visit the Aran Islands. Explore the island’s cliffs, beaches, and wall-lined paths, and learn about the historic buildings and Iron and Bronze Age forts that dot the landscapes. Tonight you’ll stay in Galway, with dinner on your own.
Accommodations: Ardilaun
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 - Admire the Cliffs of Moher and on to Killarney
Head into County Clare and visit the must-see Cliffs of Moher towering over 700 feet above the Atlantic. Today on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, join energetic Local Specialist Ollie for a hike through coastal trails from the nearby town of Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center. Take in panoramic views and learn about the natural history of the area on your walk. After, onwards to Killarney and discover the National Park on a jaunting car ride – a traditional horse drawn carriage.
Accommodations: Killarney Royal
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 - A Day on the Ring of Kerry
Learn about the history, geography, myth and legends of the famous Ring of Kerry as you traverse the spectacular winding route. Stop in Caherdaniel and meet a Local Specialist for a foraging journey along the shore. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, learn about the seaweed's environmental importance, health benefits and more. Tonight, return to Killarney and enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Accommodations: Killarney Royal
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - Through the Wild Atlantic Way to Cork
Today you head to Glengarriff for an immersive discovery of native edible botanicals that grow wild and carpet this corner of the Wild Atlantic Way. Join your Local Specialist Kloe, for a mini foraging tour full of fresh flavors and aromas, followed by a selection of wild teas and sweet treats around a campfire. Next, enjoy the scenery as you board a local boat for the short journey to Garnish Island and explore the exotic gardens.
Accommodations: Imperial
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 - A Day in County Cork
Built nearly 600 years ago, Blarney Castle is an icon of the Ireland. Relax in the tranquility of the beautiful gardens before climbing the steps of the castle itself to kiss the famous Blarney Stone and gain the gift of eloquence. Later, discover the highlights of Cork’s 1500-year history during a unique dining experience. Enjoy live music, quirky characters, local humor and learn to speak ‘Cork.’
Accommodations: Imperial
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 - Journey to Dublin
Head into Ireland’s Golden Vale and stop at the Rock of Cashel. Sitting majestically atop a high limestone outcrop, the site was originally the seat of the kings of Munster and is home to the only surviving Romanesque frescoes in Ireland. Next, head to the medieval Kilkenny. Trace the footsteps of Normans, monks, knights, merchants and an infamous witch on an award-winning private walking tour before continuing to Dublin. This evening, dine at your hotel.
Accommodations: Herbert Park
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 - Admire Dublin's Iconic Sights
At St. Patrick’s Cathedral, take in the stunning gothic architecture and stop at the Lives Remembered exhibition and its tree sculpture in memory of World War I. If your visit is during school term time, you may be lucky enough to witness a choir performance in the recently restored Lady Chapel. Next, head to the Guinness Storehouse and embark on an interactive, sensory extravaganza through 250 years of brewing history. Visit the tasting rooms, learn to pour the perfect pint and enjoy panoramic city views at the Gravity Bar. Enjoy lunch at a local pub as you bid farewell to your newfound friends.
Accommodations: Herbert Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10 - Farewell Ireland
Time to bid farewell to your newfound friends as your trip comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast