Journey to Ireland including Dublin and Killarney
Enjoy all Dublin and Howth have to offer including a luxury U2 Experience,
the Dublin Zoo, and a day trip to the Village of Howth, where the
land meets the sea. Drive the Wild Atlantic Way and the Cliffs of Moher and more.
10-Day Journey
Your Journey
Personalized journeys by our travel designers from start to finish
Experience
Our travel designers have been around the world and back again
Peace of Mind
Our team is available 24/7/365 before, during and after your journey
What's Included in your Journey to Ireland
-
3-Nights in Dublin
-
3-Nights in Killarney
-
1-Night in Galway
-
1-Night in Limerick
-
Private & Small Group Tours with Expert Local Guides
-
Full support before, during and after your trip
-
Your Travel Designer available 24/7
Your Journey to Ireland Itinerary
Day 1-3 Dublin, Ireland
ACCOMMODATIONS:
- Clontarf Castle Hotel, Family room with two double beds.
Celebrate, chill out, or relish in a little of both. The Clontarf Castle Hotel in Dublin, Ireland is a perfect blend of a boutique and luxury hotel, providing unique style and exceptional service in comfortable surroundings. This unique luxury hotel in Dublin is well thought out from the guests’ point of view by providing a modern aesthetic built around an ancient form.
Located just 10 minutes from the heart of Dublin City Centre and 5 miles from Dublin Airport, the Clontarf Castle Hotel in Ireland is an oasis, tucked away in a tranquil setting, surrounded by fabulous golf courses and the sounds of lapping waters from the Irish Sea.
ACTIVITIES in DUBLIN:
- Dublin Hop On Hop Off Bus
Explore Dublin at your own pace with Big Bus tour; your 24- to 72-hour ticket allows you to hop on and hop off wherever you like at any of 25 stops. Enjoy live or audio commentary that teaches you about Dublin’s history and culture, and explore the small streets of Dublin on a guided walking tour. Hop on and off as many times as you like to explore Dublin highlights at your leisure, such as St. Stephens Green, Croke Park, EPIC the Irish Emigration Museum, and others.
- Dublin Zoo
The 69 acres site has other exhibits alongside the African Plains including the World of Cats, World of Primates and a Pet’s Corner for younger kids to enjoy. It is heavily involved in conservation as part of the worldwide programme to breed endangered species. Animals include Siberian tigers, Grey Wolves (Mr Passports favourites), Asian Elephants, Western Lowland Gorillas and more.
There are daily talks and activities on offer to delight younger visitors. The zoo also has toilets around the park, eateries, picnic benches, baby-changing facilities and children’s play areas.
- Guinness Storehouse
With its fascinating past, woven into the history of Dublin, the Guinness Storehouse is brimming with stories of the people who worked here for centuries and the millions who have visited. As you journey through the fourth floor, watch out for well-known faces who have been here before. From world-leaders to Hollywood stars, the Guinness Storehouse is top of the list on every visit to Dublin.
- Ground floor – The Story of Guinness
- First floor – Meet Arthur Guinness
- Second floor – The Tasting Experience
- Third floor – Guinness World of Advertising
- Fourth Floor – Guinness Academy
- Fifth Floor – Our Restaurants
- Seventh Floor – Gravity Bar
- Trinity College and the Book of Kells for Kids 4-12
One of the most famous buildings in Dublin City Centre is Trinity College, located at the end of Dame Street. Considered the most prestigious university in Ireland, it is over 400 years old, having been established during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Despite being in the city centre it can be quite a tranquil place among the hustle and bustle of a city centre and is a major draw for tourists in Dublin, mainly thanks to the fact it houses one of the most famous books in the world, the Book of Kells. It is a great place to just wander through and is one of the more interesting things to see in Dublin, Ireland.
- Fast-track Easy Access Book of Kells Tour with Dublin Castle
Avoid the crowds and explore Irish history in peace on this Book of Kells and Dublin Castle exterior tour. Visit the Trinity College Library, home to the famous Book of Kells—widely considered among the most important of all Ireland’s ancient treasures. Listen as your guide brings medieval Ireland to life, shedding light on the Book of Kells’ profound historical significance.
Afterward, enjoy a guided walking tour around Dublin Castle’s mighty exterior. Visit the gardens and yards, and learn of the castle’s role as court, fortress, treasury, and jail. Book of Kells and Dublin Castle exterior tour Enjoy early access to Trinity College Library and see the Book of Kells without the crowds Learn about the artistry, meaning, and symbolism of this revered illuminated manuscript from an expert guide Tour the grounds of Dublin Castle, hearing fascinating stories of its years as a prison, military fortress, and the seat of English Administration in Ireland.
- Dublin City Highlights and U2 Experience Luxury Tour
Your Dublin City Highlights and U2 Experience Tour takes us on a tour like no other. You’ll visit the most loved sites that Dublin has to offer while interweaving the tour with stories and real tastes of Dublin’s history, its food, culture, sport and of course its people along with its many locations associated with the world famous U2.
- Skip the Line Guinness and Jameson Irish Whiskey Experience Tour in Dublin
Adults Only
Skip the line at the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery on Bow Street for a guided tour around the complexes. Listen as your guide explains the ingredients used and learn of the complex brewing and distilling processes. Then, enjoy tastings of the beer and whiskey for which Ireland is famous before concluding the tour.
Take a guided tour of the facilities of Ireland’s two most famous drinks Skip-the-line access to the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery Learn how each is drink is produced on a guided tour of the facilities Enjoy tastings of beer and whiskey at each location
- Day tour to Howth
The small seaside village of Howth is where the land meets the sea and creates the most amazing natural environments for adventure and the great outdoors. Oozing with history and culture, Howth is one of Dublin’s oldest working harbours with it ranking as one of Ireland’s busiest fishing ports to date.
Something we’re sure of – fresh seafood makes for fine food and entertainment. And with cool niche shopping, some of the most unique outdoor experiences and a broad range of health, fitness and beauty offerings, our little village is a must-see.
For the last 9000 years, Howth has become a hotspot for European itineraries with visitors recognizing the charm of our community and sights, and with a bustling atmosphere to match it’s understandable why so many find themselves coming back time and time again.
- Small-Group E-Bike Tour in Howth
Get a comprehensive tour of Howth on a bike without getting out of breath. Touring via electric bike (e-bike) means you can pedal as much or as little as you like, following your guide to Howth’s top highlights. Stop for commentary, questions, and photo ops of landmarks such as the Summit, the Howth Cliffs, Baily Lighthouse, Martello Towers, and others.
GASTRONOMY:
- The Brazen head (lunch)
- Temple Bar (dinner)
The Temple Bar Pub Dublin Ireland is home to the largest whiskey collection in Ireland. Live traditional Irish music is playing from the moment the doors open to closing time. Make sure to check out our shop for some Irish memorabilia (Hoodies & T-shirts) that ships worldwide.
- Lunch at The Bloody Stream
Traditional Irish bar & seafood restaurant in the heart of Howth village!
A warm and welcoming interior with an old-fashioned feel, an open turf-burning fireplace, classic signage, and interesting bric-a-brac stirring memories of a bygone age… these are just some of the features of “The Bloody Stream”, one of North Dublin’s most atmospheric and popular bars, where the byword is hospitality.
Add to this the Mediterranean-style beer garden, live music every weekend, and an extensive menu of fresh seafood and other delicacies and you have a special venue indeed.
Day 4-6 Killarney
ACCOMMODATIONS:
The Kingdom of Kerry is calling, and deep in her heart lies the charming Killarney Town and our own little welcoming haven, the Killarney Royal Hotel.
It has been our privilege to welcome a century of travelers from around the world to our doorstep. Offering a warm and cozy respite our boutique 4-star hotel, awarded IGTOA Boutique Hotel of the Year 2012, is centrally located in the heart of the vibrant Killarney Town, with all the majestic beauty of Killarney and Kerry outside our door.
ACTIVITIES on your way to KILLARNEY:
Kilkenny is an awesome little city in Ireland. Stop for a pint or two. Explore the town in the morning, have lunch, and then continue your road trip, heading to the Rock of Cashel next before checking in to your hotel.
- Rock of Cashel
This is not to be missed. Overlooking the Plains of Tipperary, the Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland’s most historic sights. This was the seat of the ancient kings of Ireland. St. Patrick baptized King Aengus here in 450 AD. Now visitors arrive every day to tour this historic complex of buildings.
You can tour the Rock of Cashel in about an hour, but make sure you also walk downhill to the much less visited and just as awesome Hore Abbey.
- Stop at Midleton
Midleton is a beautiful market town located in East Cork, 20 km from Cork City. The town is nestled in some of Ireland’s most idyllic landscape, close to the water and surrounded by roaming hills. Of course famous for the large Jameson Distillery in the heart of the town, visitors will find a variety of attractions and things to do. This foodie destination with popular eateries such as the Sage and Farmgate restaurants is a choice place to spend time enjoying the great things Ireland has to offer.
- Whiskey Tasting at Jameson Midleton
Jameson is our flagship whiskey, but the Midleton Distillery is no one-trick pony. Quite the opposite in fact. Whether it’s Blended, Single Pot Still, or Single Grain, they are home to some of Ireland’s most storied whiskeys and their Premium Whiskey Tasting is your chance to acquaint your taste buds with some of these.
One of their whiskey experts will guide you through an in-depth tasting of Jameson, Powers, Redbreast, and the pinnacle of Irish whiskey, Midleton Very Rare. Maybe we’re just old romantics, but for some reason, their whiskeys always taste best on home turf.
- The Blarney Stone
Located in Cork, the Blarney Stone is a major tourist site, where groups of people line up to kiss the famous Blarney Stone to get the “gift of gab.
- Kinsale
Kinsale is one of Ireland’s most picturesque towns. With colorful, winding lanes, fabulous restaurants, and a nearby golf course, Kinsale attracts a lot of visitors during the summer months. It’s also the starting point (or ending point, depending on which way you are traveling) of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Ideally, Kinsale deserves a full day of your time. However, with just an hour, you have enough time to explore the colorful town center and have a drink, snack, or even dinner, depending on what time it is when you get here.
Check-in at Killarney Royal Hotel
MORE ACTIVITIES in KILLARNEY:
- Ring of Kerry
Today you will head to the Ring of Kerry. The Ring of Kerry is a scenic drive around the Iveragh Peninsula in southwest Ireland’s County Kerry. Its 179km-long, circular route takes in rugged and verdant coastal landscapes and rural seaside villages.
- Kerry Bog Village
Kerry Bog Village is located on the Ring of Kerry. See how people lived and worked in Ireland in the 18th Century. The village is the only one of its kind in Europe!
- Kells Sheep Center
Today you will meet Brendan Ferris and his flock of sheep. The sheep-dog demonstration is one of the most unusual – and popular – sights on the Ring of Kerry. You will see how sheepdogs are used to bring in the sheep on real farms. By responding to Brendan’s whistled commands, the dogs guide the sheep downwards.
Miraculously, by the end of the demonstration, all the sheep are calmly gathered in a pen beside you. Ask Brendan all the questions you want, but keep in mind that the dogs are the show’s real stars. They obviously love their work and listen in to Brendan, panting happily after another successful demonstration. And no, they’re not for sale.
- Portmagie
Arrive at Portmagee and take some time to smell the roses and the ocean. Portmagee is a village in County Kerry, Ireland. The village is located on the Iveragh peninsula south of Valentia Island and is known locally as ‘the ferry’, about its purpose as a crossing point to the island.
Walk around, take photos and enjoy lunch at the Moorings.
- Coomakista Photo Stop
Absolutely breathtaking! Coomakista sits over 700ft above the sea offers panoramic views over Kenmare River, Abbey Island, Deenish Island, and Scariff Island.
- Molls Gap
Arrive Molls Gap – Moll’s Gap is a pass on the N71 road from Kenmare to Killarney, with views of the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, the area and its shop is a panoramic spot visited by thousands of tourists each year.
Moll’s Gap is named for Moll Kissane, who ran a shebeen, a small pub, on a rocky breach during the original Kenmare Killarney road construction in the 1820s. She became popular for selling home-brewed Poitin, whiskey, to the hardy men who worked on the road.
For cyclists, this 6.3-mile climb reaches a summit of 860 feet where you can see the Black Valley, and further down on the descent you will find Ladies View and the Killarney lakes.
- Drive Dingle Peninsula
The Dingle Peninsula is gorgeous and this is one of Ireland’s best road tripping spots. Yes, the Ring of Kerry is beautiful, but the Dingle Peninsula is stunning. Tour charming little Dingle, enjoy the views out to the Blasket Islands, walk on the huge beach named Inch Beach, and be prepared for some amazing sights.
The Dingle Peninsula is located on the southwestern coast of Ireland. This is the land of the famous Wild Atlantic Way. Rugged coastlines, green pastures, beautiful beaches, and quaint villages are all just waiting to be explored. The roads are narrow and winding, making the drive a bit of an adventure.
It takes a full day to drive the entire loop around the peninsula. Many roads on the Dingle Peninsula are narrow, two-lane roads. On Slea Head Drive and the Conor Pass, the roads are one lane, very windy, with periodic passing points. Remember, they drive on the left in Ireland! If you do not like the idea of driving these narrow, curvy roads it might be better to visit the Dingle Peninsula on a tour.
The best part of the Dingle Peninsula is Slea Head Drive. This is a coastal road on the far western end of the peninsula. This is definitely worth your time. We have recommendations for other places to visit on the Dingle Peninsula, as well.
Day 7 Killarney to Galway
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Head for the Harbour and you’re heading for the heart of the action.
When you head outside, everything our super city has to offer is just a stone’s throw away. Cool coffee shops, world-class restaurants, super shopping, buzzing streets, and an atmosphere day and night that is unmatched anywhere in the world! It’s all here just for you.
Venture further afield and a world of wonder awaits you on the world-famous Wild Atlantic Way! If you haven’t done it yet, do it now. If you’ve seen it already, we know why you’re back.
ACTIVITIES from KILLARNEY to GALWAY:
Bohemian Galway (Gaillimh) is one of Ireland’s best-known cities, famed for its live music scene, foodie delights, and fabulous fusion of contemporary arts and medieval history. A hugely attractive place to visit! Many of the best places to stay in Galway are near the center of town, ideal for a stylish city break within easy reach of the brightly-painted pubs and lively creative scene which makes the city so special.
- Drive by the Cliffs of Moher on your way to Galway
The Cliffs of Moher are located on the west coast of Ireland, in the County Clare. Towering over the Atlantic Ocean, these cliffs reach a maximum height of 214 meters, and stretch 14 km from north to south, starting at Doolin in the north and ending at Hags Head in the south. There is a well-marked hiking trail along the entire stretch of coastline.
The Visitor Center, located at the midpoint, is also at the highest point of the Cliffs. Over one million people every year visit the Cliffs of Moher, making this one of Ireland’s most popular attractions.
Not only are the Cliffs famous for their beauty but they have also been featured in several very popular movies, including The Princess Bride and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
Day 8 – Galway to Limerick
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Discover a warm Limerick welcome in our 4-Star hotel that takes pride of place in the heart of the city. Our multi-award-winning hotel with stunning vistas of The River Shannon and a birds-eye view of every landmark in the historical city the Limerick Strand Hotel is the ideal location for a Summer getaway break.
Within walking distance of Limerick’s infamous landmarks including Thomond Park, Limerick Milk Market, and King Johns Castle to name a few.
ACTIVITIES from GALWAY to LIMERICK:
- Drive the Wild Atlantic Way
Galway to Kilkee
The first part of this stage of the Wild Atlantic Way has the effect of making you wonder if you have been beamed onto another planet. The reason being the landscape – this fascinating karst landscape.
The rolling hills of the Burren are composed of limestone pavements. The translation of the Irish name “An Bhoireann” means great rock and this hits the nail on the head in this unusual region.
Pass by the Cliffs of Moher. Not far from the impressive cliffs you will find Kilkee in the heart of West Clare. The Loop Head Drive takes you within meters of the cliffs along the rocky coast of Clare.
The rock formations are up to 80 meters high and brace themselves against the turbulent Atlantic time after time. There are no souvenir shops to be found here not like at the other famous cliffs we mentioned a moment ago!
Kilkee
Built around a horseshoe bay that hugs a kilometer stretch of golden sand, Kilkee is also the biggest town on the Loop Head Peninsula. It’s another spot boasting some stunning scenery and sea cliff panoramic views, and is the longest established seaside resort in Ireland and is still one of the most popular with a loyal following going back many generations.
Arrive in Limerick for an overnight before returning home the next morning.
Return home with Memories that Last a Lifetime
Call your Travel Advisor Today
Lisa Crawford
Luxury Travel Advisor, Founder, and CEO
Contact Lisa Crawford today at 954-456-0419
