Ireland Family Journey: Castles, Folklore & Gaelic Traditions Tour with 6 Reviews by G Adventures

9 daysDuration

Group TourJoin a group of travelers

20 peopleMaximum group size

6 - 100 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Dublin, Ireland

Ends

Limerick, Ireland

Highlights

Embark on a history-fueled treasure hunt through Dublin discovering the city’s most fascinating sites along the way.

Visit the iconic Rock of Cashel and delve into the history of the most remarkable cluster of medieval buildings in all of Ireland.

Channel your inner warrior in a day of traditional Gaelic games including Gaelic football hurling and handball.

Learn traditional forms of Irish dance under the guidance of a professional dancer.

Marvel at the spectacle and majesty of the famed Cliffs of Moher learning about the cliff’s geology folklore and wildlife on a walking tour.

Itinerary

Ireland’s magic comes alive on this nine-day family journey, perfect for those eager to experience castles, folklore, and Gaelic traditions together. Travel from Dublin to Limerick, tracing a route through Cork and the breathtaking Ring of Kerry. Marvel at the Cliffs of Moher, explore the mystical Inisheer Island, and wander the storied halls of Bunratty Castle and the Rock of Cashel. This tour seamlessly weaves Ireland’s vibrant storytelling and rich history into every day, ensuring both young and adult travelers are captivated. The standout feature? A dynamic blend of hands-on cultural experiences and natural wonders, making this trip an ideal introduction to Ireland’s legendary landscapes and heritage.

day 1 - Dublin

Welcome to Dublin–your arrival transfer to the hotel is included. Check in and get excited to meet your fellow travelers during a welcome meeting this evening where all families can bond before the Journey ahead.

Accomodation:Staycity Tivoli Dublin (or similar)

Included Activity:Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr

day 2 - Dublin

Your Day begins with a treasure history hunt through Dublin with the whole family! The entire city center is your playing field: clues on your phone will guide you to various locations, where you’ll crack encrypted codes, solve logic tasks and search for evidence that will lead your team to the treasure as you learn about this historic city. After finding the treasure, you’ll have the remainder of the afternoon to explore more of Ireland’s vibrant capital. You can visit Trinity College Dublin, founded in 1592 and view the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript dating back to the 9th century. From the Dublinia and Butler’s Chocolate Experience to the city’s medieval Quarter and Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, there’s fun for the entire family. Dinner this evening will be on your own.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch

Accomodation:Staycity Tivoli Dublin (or similar)

Included Activity:Treasure Hunt Dublin Duration : 3.0 hr Distance : 5 km

Optional Activities:Dublinia , Butler’s Chocolate Experience , Visit to Trinity College (Book of Kells) Step into the halls of Trinity College Dublin, founded in 1592, to visit the Book of Kells Exhibition and the historic Long Library. Written in the 9th century, the Book of Kells is a richly illustrated document (inscribed in Latin) of the four Gospels in the New Testament. Widely considered Ireland's greatest cultural treasure, it's one of the world’s most famous medieval manuscripts. Continue to the Long Library, a soaring room filled with over 200,000 books, including the library's oldest collections. A must-visit for book lovers, it's also known for its appearance in Harry Potter movies.

day 3 - Dublin/Cork

In the morning, travel to the charming city of Cork. Along the way, you’ll stop at spectacular sites, including the Rock of Cashel—the ruins of a castle set on a dramatic outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale. This iconic site is renowned for its impressive cluster of medieval buildings and includes a Gothic cathedral, a 15th-century tower house, an abbey and a high cross. Transfer to Cobh and enjoy lunch with the whole group before boarding the ferry to Spike Island. Take a guided tour with a storyteller and learn about the island’s monastic, military, penal and cultural history. Explore the fort’s atmospheric prison cells, impressive military fortifications and internal passages. There will also be time to walk along the area’s nature trails before boarding the ferry back to Cobh. Transfer to Cork, where you’ll spend the evening exploring at your leisure.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch

Accomodation:The Kingsley Hotel (or similar)

Transport:Ferry Duration : 0.25 hr, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.5 hr Distance : 105 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 2.5 hr Distance : 170 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 0.5 hr Distance : 23 km

Included Activities:Rock of Cashel Visit Duration : 1.0 hr, Spike Island Visit Duration : 2.25 hr

day 4 - Cork

After breakfast, transfer from the hotel to Na Piarsaigh GAA Club, where you’ll experience traditional Irish sports with a hands-on Gaelic Games family activity. First, attend an engaging cultural introduction by expert coaches, then head outside to take part in 3 sports—Gaelic football, hurling and handball, where you’ll enjoy some friendly competition as you learn what it was like to play these historic sports. After lunch, spend the afternoon on your own exploring Cork, where you can opt to visit Fitzgerald Park or attend the bustling English Market, which has been trading since 1788. Dinner will be on your own, so be on the lookout for local restaurants with ingredients sourced from the English Market.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch

Accomodation:The Kingsley Hotel (or similar)

Included Activity:Gaelic Games Family Experience Duration : 3.0 hr

Optional Activities:English Market Established in 1788, the English Market in Cork is a vast and eclectic covered food market filled with longstanding family-run stalls. Get in with the local hustle and bustle., Cork County Gaol Once a prison constructed in the 1820s, the Cork County Gaol is now a coveted part of University College of Cork. Take an audio tour of the grounds to learn more about the tumultuous history of this building., Fitzgerald Park Take a break from the city bustle and take a stroll through this tranquil park.

day 5 - Cork/Killarney

Begin the Day with a visit to Blarney Castle as you make your way from Cork to Killarney. Built nearly 600 years ago, the Blarney Castle is one of the most iconic sights in Ireland. During your visit, wander a network of paths that will lead you through various gardens, arboretums and avenues on the grounds. Enter the castle and admire the impressive fortifications of the massive tower house. Next, continue on to the lovely town of Killarney—located on the shores of Lough Leane and adjacent to Killarney National Park. Enjoy lunch at a local spot among the area’s rolling green hills, lakes and forests. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is yours to become acquainted with Killarney. Opt to visit the national park for impressive views of the Irish landscape or head to Muckross House, a 19th-century Victorian mansion close to the shores of Muckross Lake. Another option for a great family visit is Ross Castle, perched in an inlet of Lake Leane. This stunning castle—steeped in legends—was likely built by the Irish chieftain O’Donoghue Mór in the 15th century.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch

Accomodation:Dromhall Hotel Killarney (or similar)

Included Activity:Blarney Castle & Gardens Visit Duration : 2.5 hr

Optional Activities:Celtic Steps Dance Performance , Ross Castle Take a guided tour of this 15th century castle on the shores of Killarney., Muckross House Visit Land at Muckross House and explore the spectacular gardens. The house was built in the 19th century for the politician Henry Arthur Herbert and his wife Mary Balfour Herbert, a painter. Queen Victoria came to visit the Muckross House in 1861, to honor her arrival the Herberts commissioned the extensive gardens that cover the grounds. , Killarney National Park Visit Spend some time exploring the expansive Killarney National Park, home to the only native red deer in the country. The national park is a great place to enjoy nature with hiking or biking options. Walk along the edge of the famous and scenic Killarney Lakes, or bike on the trails through the forest to seek out some of the waterfalls in the area.

day 6 - Ring of Kerry

Set out on a full-day excursion around the famed Ring of Kerry, considered one of Ireland’s most scenic drives. Take in stunning views of the Iveragh Peninsula’s windswept coast and lush forests, as well as historic castles, churches and seaside villages. Partway through the drive, stop for a visit to a sheepdog farm where a local farmer will demonstrate herding and how sheepdogs respond to the direction of whistle commands. The demonstration will be followed with a question-and-answer session before the group sits down to eat a delicious lunch at a traditional local pub. Continue back along the Ring of Kerry, where you will take in stunning landscapes, such as rugged cliffs, golden beaches, peat bogs and picturesque mountain ranges. Arrive back in Killarney for dinner on your own and a night at your leisure.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch

Accomodation:Dromhall Hotel Killarney (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 8.0 hr Distance : 179 km

Included Activities:Ring of Kerry Day Excursion Duration : 8.0 hr, Sheepdog Farm Visit & Herding Demonstration

day 7 - Killarney to Limerick (County Clare)

Leave Killarney behind and travel to the iconic Bunratty Castle—the most authentic castle in Ireland. Hear how the lords and ladies of the castle lived, listen to stories of battles and bravery, and admire stunning views across the idyllic County Clare countryside. Then, visit the Folk Park at Bunratty, which features over 30 buildings in a mock living village and rural setting. Then, tuck into a delicious traditional lunch at one of Ireland’s renowned pubs. From here, continue on to Limerick, where the group will partake in an Irish Dance Experience. Learn the steps to 3 styles of Irish dancing: step dancing (Riverdance-style), sean nós Dancing (old-style) and céilí (group/social-style). A professional Irish dancer will lead the lesson and provide tips and hints on how to remember the steps. The remainder of the evening will be on your own in Limerick, where you can opt to make dinner reservations at a local spot for a traditional meal.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch

Accomodation:Clayton Hotel Limerick (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 3.0 hr

Included Activities:Irish Dance Experience in Limerick Duration : 1.5 hr, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park Visit Duration : 2.5 hr

day 8 - Limerick

This morning, visit Inis Oírr (Inisheer), the smallest and most easterly of the 3 Aran Islands off the coast of County Galway. Learn about the island’s rich history—dating back to the time of Saint Edna in the 5th century—and enjoy a guided tour of Inisheer. Stop to view important sites and landmarks like the Plassey Shipwreck and the 10th-century underground church of Saint Caomhán. You’ll also visit Loch Mór, the only freshwater lake on the island and O’Brien’s Castle, located on the high point of the island and dating back to the 14th century. Enjoy lunch before taking the ferry back to the mainland and transferring to the stunning Cliffs of Moher. Set out on a guided walk along safe, paved pathways to view these famous Cliffs that tower above the rugged west Clare coast. This evening, savor a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers at a local restaurant.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodation:Clayton Hotel Limerick (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 1.5 hr Distance : 80 km, Ferry Duration : 0.25 hr, Private Vehicle Distance : 8 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.5 hr Distance : 100 km

Included Activities:Inisheer Visit Duration : 2.0 hr, Cliffs of Moher Walk Duration : 2.0 hr

day 9 - Limerick

Depart at any time. Departure transfers are included to the Shannon airport for outbound travel.

Meal:Breakfast

Included Activity:Departure Day

Ireland Family Journey: Castles, Folklore & Gaelic Traditions

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotels (8nts).

Meals

8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 1 dinner
Note: Allow USD235-305 for meals not included.

Transport

Private vehicle, ferry, walking.All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Guide

Two CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) throughout, local guides.

Included activities

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupYour Family Journeys Moment: Treasure Hunt Dublin, DublinYour Family Journeys Moment: Sheepdog Farm Visit & Herding Demonstration, KillarneyArrival TransferGaelic Games activityIrish dance lessonSheep dog farm visitDublin scavenger huntSpike IslandRock of CashelBunratty Castle Visit and Aran IslandsBlarney Castle visitRing of Kerry day excursionCliffs of Moher walk and visitors' center stopFree time in Dublin and CorkDeparture Transfer

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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based on 6 reviews

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Sistema di prenotazione semplice e intuibile. In caso di necessità le istruzioni presenti sul sito sono risultate utili e chiare. Nessun problema riscontrato

6 days ago

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