Luxury Irish Castles & Hotels Tour (10 Night)

Your tour beings at 2:00 PM at your hotel. The Dunraven Adare, your home for the next five nights, is a luxury, family-run hotel in the heart of Adare, one of Ireland’s prettiest villages. Adare’s history stretches back to the 12th century, and the hotel is one of oldest in Ireland, dating back to the 18th century. Take a guided walking tour of the town to see its beautiful historic buildings and charming thatched cottages. In the evening, enjoy a welcome drink with your group at Aunty Lena’s Bar, followed by dinner at Adare Court House; the restaurant, housed in a beautifully preserved historic structure, retains elements of its past as a civic building financed by the Earl of Dunraven, who built much of the town in the early 19th century. (D)

Travel to the Cliffs of Moher, stunning sea cliffs that tower above churning Atlantic swells. Proceed on to the Burren, an incredible landscape of glacial-era limestone dotted with cliffs, caves, and unique flowers and wildlife. Head for lunch at McGann’s in Doolin, a lively pub known for its traditional music sessions. Visit a working farm for a tour and demonstration of highly-skilled sheepdogs herding sheep on command. Afterwards, sit down to a cup of tea and home-made scones. Dine in your hotel in Adare this evening. (B, L, D)

Depart for a scenic drive through the highlights of the famous Ring of Kerry, taking in the rugged coastline and mountainous landscapes. Admire the scenery at Ladies View, so named because Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting were charmed by the vista on the Queen’s visit to Ireland in 1861. Stop in the charming town of Kenmare for lunch independently. Back in Killarney, travel via jaunting car to view the lakes and enjoy a photo opportunity at the scenic Ross Castle. Arrive in the lively town of Killarney to explore on your own. Continue on back to Adare where you’ll enjoy dinner in your hotel. (B, D)

Travel to the rugged mountainous landscapes of the Dingle Peninsula; many people speak Irish in this stronghold of traditional culture. In Ventry, stop for lunch at Páidi Ó Sé’s pub. Páidi Ó Sé was a legendary Gaelic footballer, and his pub is a lively spot for sport and music, attracting celebrity visitors. In the afternoon, head to the South Pole Inn for a drink and talk about Ireland’s own Antarctic explorer, Thomas Crean, who made several trips to the South Pole with Robert Scott and Ernest Shackleton. Return to Adare where your evening is free to explore and dine independently. (B, L)

Take one of Ireland’s most scenic rail journeys from Cork and arrive in the seaport town of Cobh, a historic port city that served as the point of departure for millions of Ireland’s emigrants through the centuries. On a guided walking tour, explore Cobh’s role as the last port of call for the ill-fated Titanic. You will have time to enjoy lunch on your own. Depart for Blarney Castle where you can kiss the “Stone of Eloquence” or explore the elegant gardens. Return to your hotel for a special dinner there with your group. (B, D)

Head to Dublin, where your group will have a special private pub experience for lunch. A band will play traditional music just for your group - plus you will learn to pour your own pint of Guinness. For the rest of the afternoon, explore independently via a Hop- On, Hop-Off bus tour. With your voucher, choose admission to one of the city’s top attractions: Guinness Storehouse, GPO Witness History, EPIC Ireland, or Teeling Distillery. Your evening is free to explore one of Dublin’s fine restaurants or lovely pubs. Your hotel is in the historic Liberties section, near the Guinness Storehouse and St Patrick’s Cathedral. (B, L)

Your tour ends in Dublin after breakfast. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner   >