Cork: Ireland's second city - "Rebel Cork" dates back to the 7th century. Your Travel Director will show you the Grand Parade and South Mall, along with City Hall and the Opera House on an insightful orientation tour encompassing the development of the religious settlement of St. Finbarr, to Viking raiding and settlement, to the creation of the Norman city and Merchant Princes.
Ring of Kerry: Venture into a world of towering cliffs, lush lakelands, beaches, fields dotted with sheep, rocky coastline, remote villages and historical sites, as you journey the magical Ring of Kerry. This 111-mile circular route is the best place to admire Ireland's scenic beauty and truly one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
Cliffs of Moher: Towering cliffs and the dramatic sea, the Cliffs of Moher has inspired countless travellers. Visit the Exhibition Centre and look out over the Wild Atlantic Way from these majestic cliffs that rise over 700 feet high. Gain insights from your Travel Director into the cliffs’ geology, history and the species that find sanctuary in its nooks and crannies.
Galway: Fascinating stories and interesting locals take centre stage on your orientation of the historic heart of Galway. Visit the Lynch Memorial Window. Then make your way to the Church of St. Nicholas - the largest medieval parish church in Ireland in continuous use, Spanish Arch and Eyre Square.
Killary Fjord: Glide through the glacial waters of Ireland’s only fjord, framed by the rugged peaks of Connemara and Mayo. As you cruise this inlet, learn how ancient ice shaped the landscape and hear stories of coastal life past and present from your onboard guide. Keep watch for seals and sea birds along the shoreline.
Connemara: With a striking Victorian Walled Garden and turreted church, Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey is a sight to behold. Dig into the Abbey’s history, discovering how it was founded in 1920 for Benedictine Nuns who fled Belgium in World War I.
Connemara: With a striking Victorian Walled Garden and turreted church, Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey is a sight to behold. Dig into the Abbey’s history, discovering how it was founded in 1920 for Benedictine Nuns who fled Belgium in World War I.
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Itinerary
Discover Ireland’s legendary landscapes and enduring traditions on this 10-day journey through the country’s most celebrated regions. From Georgian squares in Dublin to the windswept shores of Connemara, experience ancient sites, historic estates and vibrant cities. Walk along the Cliffs of Moher, travel the Ring of Kerry and enjoy an enriching MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Powerscourt Gardens. Visit Kylemore Abbey, cruise Lough Corrib and explore monastic ruins, film locations and castles that tell Ireland’s layered story.
day 1Hello Dublin
Meet your Travel Director and fellow guests before setting out with your Local Expert for a city tour that reveals the layers of Dublins past. Trace the capitals transformation from Viking settlement to Georgian grandeur, stopping at St. Patricks Cathedralestablished in 1191 on a site long associated with Irelands patron saint. Here, youll learn how the cathedral became a national religious symbol and the former seat of Jonathan Swift. This evening, gather for dinner to toast the start of your journey and sample Dublins celebrated hospitality.
Meals
Dinner
Location Visited
Dublin
Accommodation
Maldron Parnell Square
day 2Discover Diverse Dublin
day 3Admire County Kildare and on to Cork
day 4Journey to Blarney and on to Killarney
day 5A Day on the Ring of Kerry
day 6Onwards to the Cliffs of Moher
day 7Galway
day 8Kylemore Abbey
day 9Return to Lively Dublin
day 10Journey Home
What's Included
Accommodation
All hotel tips, charges and local taxesWe carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel doorComplimentary coach and hotel WiFi where availableBusiness class coach with extended leg room
Meals
Dublin: Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner and an opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers.
Transport
Airconditioned, 40seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom
Guide
An expert Travel Director and professional DriverFrom time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with a local specialty representing the destination.
Others
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeingTop-rated dining, from farm-to-table to local restaurants4 & 5-star staysDublin: 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.Kildare: Horse racing is key part of Irish culture; and you'll gain a rare insight into it on your visit to the Irish National Stud. Set in Kildare at the breeding ground of champions and the birthplace of legends, explore the foaling unit, museum and the stallions that continue to make racing history. As the only stud farm in Ireland open to the public, learn the insights of horse-racing at a site whose former visitors include queens and presidents.Killarney: Choose from a fine selection of local restaurants on your Dine-Around evening.Dublin: Celebrate a memorable journey in Ireland on your final night out in Dublin - hub of food and drink culture including the Guinness factory. In 1759, Arthur Guinness signed a 9, 000-year lease on St James Gate Brewery. After your final night out in Dublin, Guinness will be awaiting your return to the Emerald Isle.Wicklow: Stroll through the manicured formal gardens and terraces, passing the striking statues, lakes and secret hollows of Powerscourt Gardens. Savor taking in the wonder of nature curated by world-class gardeners. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.Blarney: Your up close and personal encounter with the lush gardens of the Blarney Castle estate is brought to life on a guided tour with a senior gardener. On your stroll enhanced by your expert’s insights, learn about the arboretum’s rare trees, mystical Druid rock formations and the Bog Garden boasting three 600-year-old yew trees.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.Choose between two carefully selected activitiesBlarney: Your up close and personal encounter with the lush gardens of the Blarney Castle estate is brought to life on a guided tour with a senior gardener. On your stroll enhanced by your expert’s insights, learn about the arboretum’s rare trees, mystical Druid rock formations and the Bog Garden boasting three 600-year-old yew trees.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.
What's Excluded
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Discover our top tours similar to Ireland's Icons that you might like.
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.
Ireland’s wild beauty and rich culture come alive on the "Ireland: Coastal Hikes, The Beara Peninsula & Killarney National Park" tour. Over ten days, you’ll travel from Dublin to Ennis, passing through the rugged Beara Peninsula, Killarney National Park, and the coastal gems of Dingle and Sneem. Expect a mix of scenic hikes, strolls through medieval towns and castles, and evenings spent savoring traditional fare in cozy pubs. The experience is a tapestry of dramatic cliffs, lush hills, and the enduring spirit of Irish hospitality. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins or tapping your feet to live music, this trip offers a perfect blend of adventure and local color—a unique opportunity to connect with Ireland’s legendary landscapes and timeless stories.
An in-depth encounter with the Best of Ireland awaits, from spectacular sights like the Cliffs of Moher and Ring of Kerry to the past and present showcased in Dublin, Galway and pretty Adare. You’ll learn all about Irish famine history, former kings and how to embrace the craic.
Embrace the spirit of Ireland on this Small Group Tour where each stop steals your heart and moves your soul. From the heights of the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin to the towering Cliffs of Moher, bustling cities to charming towns, you’ll encounter heritage-rich experiences waiting at every stop. Explore vibrant cities, kiss the Blarney Stone (if you wish!) and explore legendary landscapes with local guides, all topped off with an unforgettable stay at the sparkling jewel that is Ashford Castle.
Experience superb walking through the spectacular Irish countryside near Dublin. The Wicklow Way is Ireland's oldest waymarked trail, pioneered by a famous hill walker, J.B Malone over 40 years ago and reveals some of Irelands finest views. Think Powerscourt Waterfall, Luggala, Loch Dan, Glenmalure Valley and historical Glendalough. The trail extends from Marlay Park in Dublin to Clonegal on the borders of Wicklow and Carlow covering a distance of approx 127 kilometres (79 miles). This 9-day trip covers the full Wicklow Way. The advantage of walking south to north means you will finish your walk in Dublin. For those a little shorter on time, there is a 7-day option that starts in Tinahely and takes you to Dublin.
The way winds through the Wicklow Mountains, one of Ireland's most spectacular upland areas. The Wicklow Way explores unspoilt trails, remote scenery, lakes, glacial valleys, forests and gentle farmland. Starting in southwest County Wicklow, the route passes through rural communities, old market towns and grand estates on its way to the bright lights of Dublin. Hiking near Dublin means a straightforward connection to the start of your trip, which is the small typical 'one street' village of Clonegal. An apt starting place for this walk into the remote and beautiful Wicklow Mountains. It is a route that remains mainly in the countryside making the short detours necessary to find a comfortable bed for the night.
A couple of fairly long but gentle days introduce you to the Newry Forest and over high points of Moylisha and Stookeen Hill to the 17th century village of Shillelagh and then on to the beautiful village of Tinahely. Quiet roads, forest trails and open mountainsides, with views back towards Clonegal and across the neighbouring counties of Carlow and Wexford, lead to Moyne and on to the most dramatic stages of the walk. A magnificent day's walk includes the spectacular Ow valley that passes below Wicklow's highest mountain, Lugnaquilla (925m), and along the 16km long glaciated Glenmalure Valley. This walk ends at the scattering of houses and splendid inn that make up Glenmalure hamlet. If climbing out of the Glenmalure Valley doesn't literally take your breath away then the fantastic views and the Glenmalure Waterfall probably will. Cross Mullacor Mountain and walk into Glendalough, 'the valley of two lakes' and site of a monastic settlement (from the 6th to the 13th century) for a little sightseeing. A short vehicle transfer gets you on the road to Oldbridge near Roundwood, which claims to be Ireland's highest village. The Penultimate day's walk is to the charming area around the village of Enniskerry. It is a mini classic with views of Lough Dan and Lough Tay. At the head of the valley is the Guinness family estate and later in the day enjoy views of Powerscourt Waterfall, the longest in the country. The last walk goes over Prince William's Seat for views across the city of Dublin, now in striking distance for some afternoon sightseeing and a lively evening in the city centre or one of its many fine restaurants.
From the literary haunts of Dublin to the wave-beaten cliffs of the Atlantic coast, Ireland is a land where ancient myth and living culture are inseparable. Explore medieval castles, prehistoric stone forts, and traditional Gaeltacht villages — guided by archaeologists and storytellers who reveal the deeper Ireland that most visitors never find.
Find me... soaking up ocean views along the Ring of Kerry, baking homemade soda bread, learning how to dance an Irish jig and kissing legendary stones at Blarney Castle.
From Dublin to Ireland’s Atlantic edge, you’ll cross the country along roads that curl between Kerry’s mountains, dark lakes and the sea. Lean back to kiss the Blarney Stone, feel the height of the cliffs as the water breaks against the shore hundreds of feet beneath you. You'll circle the Ring of Kerry through a landscape of dark lakes, rocky slopes and long stretches of coast. Connemara waits farther west, with mountains, bog and shoreline running towards the Atlantic.
