Castles & Legends of Ireland

After an overnight flight, the group arrives in Dublin and is warmly greeted before traveling south through Ireland’s scenic countryside to the Kilkenny River Court Hotel. After settling in and enjoying beautiful views of Kilkenny Castle across the River Nore, the group enjoys an included lunch to refresh after the journey. In the afternoon, they visit the historic Kilkenny Castle, exploring its impressive rooms, rich history, and picturesque gardens. The day concludes with a welcoming group dinner at the hotel—an opportunity to relax, connect with fellow travelers, and set the tone for a memorable Irish adventure.

Today’s feature is a private lunch and guided tour hosted by the family of the Marquess of Waterford. Their home, the Curraghmore House, is the historic home of the 9th Marquis of Waterford. Some 2,500 acres of formal gardens, woodland and grazing fields make’s this one of the largest and finest private estates in Ireland.

A visit to the Blarney Woolen Mills for shopping is followed by Blarney Castle where legend has it that kissing the Blarney Stone will make you “Eloquent”. Next, we visit Old Midleton Distillery for tour and Irish whiskey tasting before passing over the Cork/Kerry Mountains on our way to Killarney. Tonight’s stay is at the Great Southern Hotel.

Depart for the "Ring of Kerry" to soak in the majestic views and an entertaining and educational sheep dog demonstration. This winding coastal road through a mountainous, lake-spattered region is undeniably scenic and has brought visitors since Victorian times to this reminiscent chunk of the Emerald Isle. Today’s lunch is at a wonderful little restaurant on the sea famous for their fresh seafood chowder.

Depart for Connemara with a stop along the Wild Atlantic Way through the Burren to the famous Cliffs of Moher. One of Ireland’s favorite visitor experiences, the Cliffs of Moher tower over the rugged west Clare coast. Walk the safe, paved pathways and view the incredible Cliffs that sit on Europe’s most westerly tip and enjoy the spectacular vistas over the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands. Their natural beauty has inspired artists, musicians, and poets for generations, as well as absorbing scientists and geologists, drawn by the unique landscape in which they sit. The next two nights we experience downtown Galway and the Park House hotel.

A full day in Galway begins with a scenic journey into the rugged Connemara region, where mountains, lakes, and wide open moorlands showcase Ireland’s wild beauty. The group visits Celtic Crystal, watching skilled artisans hand-cut traditional Irish designs into sparkling glass. Continuing through the heart of Connemara, the landscape becomes even more dramatic as you approach Kylemore Abbey, one of Ireland’s most photographed landmarks. Here, guests explore the romantic castle, stroll the Victorian walled gardens, and enjoy serene views reflected in the lake. It’s a day filled with culture, craftsmanship, and unforgettable scenery—capturing the spirit of Ireland’s west.

Take time to enjoy the beautiful grounds of the castle! Today we also enjoy a cruise of Donegal Bay and experience a “Loom” demonstration complete with Irish Coffee. Tonight, another fantastic castle dinner at the award winning five-star Lough Eske Castle Hotel.

Take time to enjoy the beautiful grounds of the castle! Today we also enjoy a cruise of Donegal Bay and experience a “Loom” demonstration complete with Irish Coffee. Tonight, another fantastic castle dinner at the award winning five-star Lough Eske Castle Hotel.

The day begins with a visit to Belleek Pottery, where guests tour the renowned workshop and watch skilled artisans handcraft the delicate, world-famous porcelain Belleek is known for. After exploring the showroom and learning about the pottery’s 19th-century heritage, the group continues to Dublin for check-in at the Gresham Riu Hotel, perfectly situated on historic O’Connell Street in the heart of the city. With the afternoon and evening free, guests can stroll Dublin’s lively streets, enjoy its pubs and restaurants, browse shops, or take in the city’s vibrant atmosphere at their own pace—an ideal introduction to Dublin’s energy and charm. (Breakfast)

The day begins with a panoramic sightseeing tour of Dublin, showcasing the city’s iconic landmarks. Travel along O’Connell Street, Dublin’s grand thoroughfare, before passing the expansive Phoenix Park, one of the largest enclosed parks in Europe. Continue past Leinster House, the seat of the Irish parliament, and admire the city’s elegant Georgian houses with their brightly colored Dublin doors. Your tour includes a guided visit of Christ Church Cathedral, one of Dublin’s oldest and most historic sites, followed by the engaging Belpréé tour. The day concludes with an evening of dinner and lively traditional entertainment at the Merry Ploughboy Club.

Depart for home with Grand memories of Ireland!