Scenic Ireland - Classic Group

Soul-stirring landscapes of rugged cliffs and rolling hills, the 'Emerald Isle' has lured the most curious of travelers for centuries. Get your bearings and discover Dublin’s past and present on an insightful orientation tour with your Local Expert past the Georgian Squares and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Hear stories of Ireland's largest church dating back to the 1100s, gain all the insights learning how Jonathan Swift was once installed as Dean and ultimately laid to rest. After an afternoon celebrating the icons of scenic Ireland, embrace its fine cuisine over a Welcome Dinner.

A tall pint and a history dating back to 1759. Learn the story behind the name at the Guinness Storehouse where you’ll sip your way through history, starting with when the founder, Arthur Guinness, signed a 9,000-year lease on St. James’s Gate Brewery in Dublin. After an enlightening morning, arrive in the medieval city of Kilkenny, with its majestic castle and river walk. Browse the medieval mile showcasing the hub of Ireland’s arts and crafts scene along its narrow lanes on an orientation. Visit Kilkenny Castle, founded after the Norman conquest of Ireland and rebuilt, extended and adapted over 800 years.

Blarney Castle conjures up images of the centuries-old castle, the Witch's Kitchen and Wishing Steps gardens and, of course, the infamous stone – said to bestow the 'gift of the gab' upon whoever kisses it. Take your turn at giving it a peck knowing that the stone was sourced from 330-million year-old limestone. Next, head to Killarney, gateway to the famous Ring of Kerry, that has been welcoming travelers who appreciate the spectacular scenery of woodlands and lakes, for over 250 years. Delve into the insights on an orientation with your Travel Director and relive the highlights of the day over a Dine Around evening of local cuisine.

This morning, take in Killarney with Insight Choice. Choose to join a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys. Alternatively, admire incredible scenery on a gentle hike with a Local Expert along the lake shore and past the grounds of the 15th Century Ross Castle. Famous for its 'forty shades of green,' the Ring of Kerry has inspired writers and poets for centuries. Drink in the beauty of the coastal drive lined with beaches, colorful seaside villages and views of the Atlantic Ocean.

All aboard Ferry Tarbert to Killimer bringing you to an up-close-and-personal encounter with the towering Cliffs of Moher. Take in views of the Clare Coast and the pounding Atlantic, where puffins find sanctuary in its nooks and crannies. Gain insights into the cliffs’ geology and history before driving through the rocky landscape of the Burren to Galway Bay. On an orientation tour, your Travel Director then shows you all the sights and insights of Galway such as the Lynch Memorial, Church of St. Nicholas, Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President, John F. Kennedy. After an afternoon option to join a Galway Walking Tour, conclude your day with dinner out at a local restaurant hosting live music.

Ireland’s cultural center and the festival capital of Ireland, Galway hosts 122 festivals per year. One might say the city’s artistic side is reflected in actor Peter O’Toole, who has a strong connection with Galway. O’Toole claimed that he was born in Galway before being taken to England as a baby and built a house outside Clifden in the county. You’ll feel Galway’s fun, bohemian vibe come to life over your free day at leisure to discover this bustling port city. Curate your time joining an Optional Experience to the iconic Aran Islands, a must-see of scenic Ireland.

The seaside town of Westport will charm any traveler. Your Local Expert leads you on a culinary walk for a tasting of the local favorites and to learn about the town's heritage - from its settlement 5,000 years ago to today. The town is famous for its sustainability and Westport House - a heritage home museum celebrating 300 years of Irish heritage, a quaint stone bridge, Rockfleet Castle and Burrishoole Abbey tied to the 16th-century pirate queen Grace O’ Malley. Meaning “abounding in shells,” the town of Sligo will enchant the most curious of travelers. An orientation tour introduces you to the charms of the town, followed by an Optional Experience Sligo Drive along the scenic shores of Sligo Bay.

Embark on an insightful MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to Rosses Point, a small maritime village near the intriguing town of Sligo under the guidance of a Local Expert and maritime archaeologist. With the afternoon free in Sligo, take the opportunity for an in-depth look at one of the historic houses, museums or the Yeats memorial building. The Yeats Building in the heart of Sligo is a gathering space for literary culture and the arts. Its permanent Yeats exhibition and contemporary exhibitions and give you local insights into this land that was an inspiration for Yeats.

Depart Sligo this morning to conclude your scenic Ireland tour in Dublin. Your journey finishes with a memorable Farewell Dinner.

Your journey comes to an end after breakfast.  Departure transfers arrive at Dublin airport at 07:00, 09:00 and 10:30.