Treasures of Ireland | 6 Days Escorted

Put a little Irish spring in your step and stroll through the lyrical capital of Dublin – your springboard to an unforgettable jaunt through the treasures of Ireland. Join a Local Specialist this afternoon to explore the city’s iconic sights. Walk the cobbled courtyard of Trinity College and see the Book of Kells. Then, enjoy a Welcome Reception to get to know your fellow travellers.

Departing Dublin this morning, we journey to the peaceful monastic ruins at Glendalough which survived repeated Viking attacks over the centuries. We’ll Dive Into Culture, watching the master craftsmen of the House of Waterford Crystal as they create delicate works of art. Stop at a seal rescue centre for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Our final stop today is the ‘rebel’ city of Cork, where we’ll have a free evening to enjoy a little Irish craic and soak up the lively atmosphere of this university city. Our Stays With Stories hotel is the historic Maldron Shandon. Originally Cork’s first general hospital opened in 1720, the building has a colourful history that has seen it survive wars, political upheaval, fire and demolition threats before it opened its doors as a grand hotel.

Stop in Cobh, the charming seaside town that was the final port of call for the tragic Titanic on its fateful voyage. Join your Local Specialist for a walking tour to re-live the timeline of the Titanic, then embark on a scenic drive to Blarney Castle, kissing its famous stone to acquire the ‘gift of the gab’. Continue to Killarney where you’ll spend the next two nights.

Stop and admire the dazzling Torc Waterfall during your leisurely guided walk with a Local Specialist along wooden paths and lakeshore trails. Having stretched your legs, you’ll have an opportunity to admire the enduring beauty along Ireland’s most scenic coastal drive around the Ring of Kerry. Later, join your companions at Muckross Traditional Farms for a Be My Guest encounter with an Irish rural community from the 1930s and Connect With Locals, stepping back in time to learn about traditional Irish farm life against the scenic backdrop of the lakes of Killarney. You’ll emerge from the experience with an overwhelming feeling of nostalgia for simpler times and the knowledge that through your visit you are helping to preserve the heritage of rural Ireland for generations to come.

Delve into the era of the first transatlantic flights during a visit to the Flying Boat Museum in Foynes. At one time, it was the refuelling point for Pan Am’s Flying Boat, the Yankee Clipper. Picture life as a passenger onboard a replica Boeing 314 as we Dive Into Culture and experience the aircraft first hand. You will walk away knowing how Irish Coffee was invented. Here you can imagine yourself a weary passenger, delayed due to bad weather while you sip your own cup of ‘Foynes Original,’ used to treat nervous passengers years ago. This afternoon, travel to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre. This wonderfully engaging experience brings one of Ireland’s most treasured natural phenomena to life in an interactive way that will leave you with stories to tell for years to come. Enjoy the IMAX-type multimedia which gives visitors a bird’s eye view of the cliffs or dive virtually beneath the surface of the Atlantic and into the underwater caves at the foot of the cliffs that would have otherwise gone unseen. Continue to your hotel in Limerick where we spend the night.

Our epic journey through the treasures of Ireland has come to an end. For now it’s time to wish your fellow travellers slán abhaile as our memorable holiday comes to an end. Drop-off in Dublin will be at the airport and Trafalgar Dublin Hotel between 1pm and 2pm, depending on traffic.