Before The Trip

Three to five weeks or so before our departure date, for those who can make it, we'll meet up at a local pub in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to enjoy some dinner together, get to meet our fellow travelers, go over the itinerary, and answer any questions.

Day Two: Hello, Ireland

After our long flight we're going to take things slow so we can all unwind and relax. Our driver guide, Gary Tierney, will meet us at the airport, ready to lead us on a driving tour to some charming villages located along Dublin Bay. Gary's been doing this for over 23 years, he's taken hundreds of tours in that time including those for Rick Steves who many of you will know from his PBS shows, and I can honestly say there's no one else I'd trust more to take us about. We'll also be traveling in a full-size motor coach so there's plenty of room to stretch out and get comfy (we only take 30 people max, so the bus is barely half full!).

Malahide

First up is the seaside village of Malahide, where medieval meets modernity. The 12th century Malahide Castle with its secret gardens blends perfectly amongst the chic boutiques and stores throughout the village.

Howth

We'll grab a bite to eat next in the fishing village of Howth and take a nice afternoon stroll. Stellar ocean views, the Baily lighthouse, and all kinds of little shops offer a great start to our trip.

Dublin

After our coastal visits, relaxed and bellies full, Gary will give us a short, narrated tour of Dublin. Pointing out some highlights and helping us all get our bearings, this is a great way to get some ideas for tomorrow's adventures.

Dinner & Hotel

The Fitzwilliam Hotel - 5 Star

4.5/5 Google Customer Rating with over 380 verified customer reviews.

We'll spend our first two nights at the superbly located 5 star Fitzwilliam Hotel in Dublin, on St. Stephen's Green and steps from Grafton Street. 

Dinner is on your own this evening, with any type of meal imaginable at close hand in Ireland's capital city.

Learn more about: Malahide, Howth, Dublin, The Fitzwilliam.

Day Four: Equines & Knighthood

The National Stud

This morning we head to the village of Tully in Kildare to visit the Irish National Stud, a thoroughbred horse breeding facility that produces championship thoroughbreds. The Irish horse breeding/racing industry is renowned worldwide for its excellence and Irish-trained horses are always amongst the top places in the World Thoroughbred Rankings. The winners of five Classics for the English Crown were raised here and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II herself visited in May 2011 to tour the stables. 

Japanese Gardens

The National Stud is also home to what may be the finest Japanese gardens in Europe. Peaceful and picturesque, they're over 100 years old!

Kilkenny

After lunch we drive on to the historic, medieval city of Kilkenny for an afternoon walking tour and a bit of free time. There may no longer be noble knights to inhabit the city but it doesn't take much to imagine what it would have been like!

Dinner & Hotel

Butler House Kilkenny - 4 Star

(4.6/5 Google Customer Rating with over 270 verified reviews)

We will enjoy dinner together this evening at Butler House.

Learn more about: The National Stud, The Japanese Gardens, Kilkenny, Butler House.

Day Six: Famous Rocks

Rock of Cashel

Departing Kilkenny this morning, we'll head southwest to Cashel in Tipperary to visit one of Ireland's greatest treasures. The 13th century Rock of Cashel cathedral stands atop a massive limestone outcrop in an otherwise flat and fertile land known as the Golden Vale.

Local legend tells it that Cashel is the site where St. Patrick converted the King of Munster to Christianity in the 5th century, as well as being the traditional seat of the kings of Munster for hundreds of years prior to the Norman invasion. This picturesque complex also has one of the most remarkable collections of Celtic art and medieval architecture to be found anywhere in Europe.

Blarney Stone

Blarney Castle, just outside of Cork, is a medieval stronghold built in 1446 and is famously known for the Blarney Stone. Once kissed the Stone is said to bestow the gift of eloquence or "blarney".

Dinner & Hotel

Acton’s Hotel Kinsale - 4 Star

(4.4/5 Google Customer Rating with over 590 verified reviews)

This is our first of two nights at Acton’s Hotel, Kinsale. Situated on the waterfront and just minutes from the town, it is an ideal location, with great views of the bay.

We will enjoy dinner together this evening at a local restaurant.

Learn more about: The Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle and Gardens, Actons Hotel

Day Eight: We Go To Market...Killarney Too!

The English Market

Famous for its mid-19th century architecture and locally produced artisanal food, we're heading to the English Market in Cork City this morning. Be sure to save some room during breakfast!

Killarney

Next up is a leisurely drive along west Cork's scenic routes, including a stop or two at points of particular interest, before arriving in Killarney, our home base for the next three nights. Set in the midst of of sublime scenery and in close proximity to several lakes, waterfalls, and woodland - all spread beneath a skyline of 3,000-foot tall mountain peaks - it really is a stunning locale.

Dinner & Hotel

The Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa - 4 Star

(4.5/5 Google Customer Rating with over 940 verified customer reviews)

The Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa is situated just on the edge of the town center and is the perfect location to explore from. A 2 minute walk from the front door will have you in the middle of town.

This is the first of 2 nights for us at The Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa.

We will enjoy dinner together tonight at a local restaurant.

Learn more about: The English Market, Killarney, The Plaza Hotel & Spa

Day Ten: The Next Parish Over Is Boston

The Dingle Peninsula

A finger of land that stretches 30 miles into the Atlantic Ocean from Ireland's southwest coast, the Dingle Peninsula is the westernmost point in Europe; residents are fond of saying that the next parish over is in Boston. The classic 1970 film Ryan's Daughter is set in a village here, in the aftermath of the Irish 1916 Easter Rising and World War I.

Akin to the Ring of Kerry, we'll experience the beauty of Dingle's breathtaking views combining sky, sea, and mountain. Due to the range of mountains forming the spine of the peninsula its coastline consists of steep sea cliffs, occasionally broken by sandy beaches. Home to a thriving Irish language community and many talented craftspeople there's plenty to do and see, including visits to the Fahan Beehive Huts, Slea Head Drive, and the Blasket Islands center.

Learn more about: The Dingle Peninsula, Fahan Beehive Huts, Slea Head Drive, The Gallarus Orratory, The Plaza Hotel & Spa

Day Twelve: Saying Goodbye

After breakfast we'll head to Shannon Airport as we begin our journey home. Until next time!

For pricing on this tour click here