Today, you will arrive in Dublin, where you will have the city at your doorstep, ready to explore!  Dublin is a wonderfully walkable city, so put on some sneakers and go find your happy places!

Your tour includes a 24-hour Hop-on-Hop-off bus ticket, so you can get a guided lay-of-the-land today.  The ticket is good for 24 hours from the time you activate it by scanning on your first stop, so you can also choose to do a little today and a little tomorrow if that works better for you. 

The Arlington Hotel - just steps from the HIlton and they usually have good entertainment in the evenings. They do have an evening show called "Celtic Nights" it is a ticketed event, and a bit touristy, but it is a good time.

Saturday - live POP, Rock and RnB bands

Sunday - live traditional Irish music

Murray's Public House - a nice bar with good food & atmosphere, easy walk from hotel

The Brazen Head - easy to walk to from Christ Church or Dublin Castle - great place on a nice day (busy) but nice for a pint

Fire Steakhouse Restaurant  - good food if you are in that neighborhood

Please keep in mind that Dublin, like any city, is prone to pickpockets, and the crowds can get very rowdy at night. Temple bar on a Saturday night will be very busy. I would suggest staying nearer to your hotel after 12 midnight, or if you are across town, a taxi back to hotel rather than walking may be best. 

10:30 am Tour Dublin Castle - voucher in packet

This morning wake refreshed in Dublin, and start with a historical tour of  Dublin Castle. This is an impressive piece of history settled in the heart of Dublin. This will be about a 10 minute walk from your hotel, or take a taxi. After touring the castle, grab a bite at one of the many pubs or restaurants around. 

The Long Hall is a nice pub close to the castle where you could have lunch, or you are in a busy area, so pick something that looks good.

3:45 pm Guinness Storehouse Tour - tickets in packet

After lunch, you can either walk (about 1 mile) to the Guinness Storehouse or take a taxi to the tour. Your tour is scheduled for 3:45, and you will enjoy a nice afternoon taking your time through the tour.

6:30 pm Reservation for 13 at the Brazen Head restaurant, they will hold the table for 15 minutes.

Once you've finished with your scheduled tours today, the remainder of the day will be yours to explore Dublin.

Overnight: Hilton Morrison Hotel, Dublin

9:30 am Departure from Hotel - Driver pick up from your hotel

Travel by private transfer today on a minibus, enjoy the scenic route to Kilkenny. Driving through the splendid Wicklow Mountains, which have been the scene for multiple television and movie sets, such as The Vikings and P.S. I Love You, Wicklow is a stunning, remote, and beautiful part of the country in the eastern part of Ireland.

~11:00 am

En route to Kilkenny, make a stop at the Glendalough Monastic site, home to one of the most important early settlements in Ireland. Glendalough is situated in the scenic Wicklow mountains. This monastic settlement was developed around the 6th century, containing several breathtaking settlement remains and scenic views. You may walk around what remains of the ruins and view many impressive sites such as the Round Tower, which stands about 98 feet (30 meters) tall. Glendalough offers beautiful walking paths and views along with the church and tower remains—one of the prettiest valleys in all of Ireland.

7:00 pm Dinner at The Hound Restaurant, Mt. Juliet

Family Group Braga/Magliocca

Your reservation number is 5T2LGDKBJK46 

Overnight – 5-Star Manor House, Mt. Juliet Estate, Kilkenny

Reservation #82933534 - 7 rooms, King Beds

Just outside of the city center, Mt. Juliet is a beautiful and relaxing oasis of Irish hospitality.  Taxis in and out of town for evening entertainment are plentiful.

9:45 am Driver pick up from your hotel

Your second day in Kilkenny will be all about spending time exploring this fantastic town.

10:15 am castle tour - Voucher in packet

Included today is a guided tour of Kilkenny Castle, where you will be walked through the imposing castle fortress and learn about the family who lived there until recent times. Please leave any backpacks on the bus, as the castle does not allow large bags on the tour.

The rest of the day is yours to explore the winding medieval streets, the pubs, and the shops of Kilkenny. You won't have to look too hard for music and fun, most summer nights in Kilkenny are filled with music and merriment.

Some of the best things to do in Kilkenny:

Medieval Mile history, Medieval Museum

St. Canice's Cathedral

Smithwicks Brewery tour

Places to eat/drink

The Left Bank

Paris, Texas

Langton's 

Kytelers Inn Fun historical pub

The Hole in the Wall

Overnight: Mt. Juliet Estate, Kilkenny 

9:30 am Departure from Hotel

Today, you will make your way westward to Cork City while visiting some outstanding cultural gems along the way.

10:30 am 

Stop along the way at the Rock of Cashel. The Rock of Cashel is perched high atop a limestone outcrop with stunning 360-degree views of County Tipperary. Built 800 years ago as a fortress and center of power, this is an ancient site of high kings like Brian Boru and later religious leaders. Hundreds of years of history are yours to walk and take in. Many people consider this a sacred place and feel a sense of wonder or awe while visiting this hallowed ground. 

1:15 pm 

After your visit to Cashel, travel a bit further for an excellent lunch stop at the Canopy Restaurant at the Castlemartyr Estate.

Reservation Number: 22829876

Name: Nichole Healy

3:00 pm 

Another fascinating stop is the Jameson Middleton Distillery, where you can learn about the history of whiskey distilling in Ireland and sip fine whiskey. Not sure if you like whiskey? You just might after this visit!

After your visit to Jameson, you will continue on to your hotel in the City of Cork. Once in Cork, you can enjoy great food, abundant live and traditional music, and plenty of touring.

This evening, enjoy some good food and listen to live music from the pubs in the city.

Overnight: The Imperial Hotel, Cork

Start your day in Cork exploring the local sites. Some of the best historic Cork sites will be within an easy walk.

Some "must-see" Cork landmarks inlcude:

St. Finn Barr's Cathedral - take the time to go in and marvel at the architecture

The English Market - a food market, stop for a look or plan lunch in this location

This is an interactive walking map of Cork, you may wish to visit some of the historic sites on this list

South Parish Walk 

1:30 pm departure for Blarney Castle - tickets in packet

After lunch today, a short day-trip from town will take you to the stunning grounds of Blarney Castle. Here you can explore the expansive and tranquil gardens and climb the steps of the castle to kiss the famous Blarney Stone. There is much to explore in and around Blarney, with stunning gardens and grounds, and world-class shopping at the Blarney Woolen Mills. 

Blarney Castle and Woolen Mills are open until 6:00 pm.

When you have had your fill of touring for the day, you can make your way back into town for some additional good times and night life.

 
Overnight: The Imperial Hotel, Cork 

9:30 am Departure from Hotel

Say goodbye to Cork as you travel to the city of Killarney today. The Cork and Kerry mountains will rise up above you as you enter into the breathtaking southwest of Ireland.

Before checking into your hotel this afternoon, you can spend some time visiting the National Park and the Muckross House and Gardens - Voucher in packet.

There is much to see here, and you can start with a tour of the grand house. Once this tour is complete, wander the gardens at your leisure and make your way to the Traditional Farm, also on the grounds of the park estate. The Traditional Farm opens from 1.00pm to 6.00pm with the final admission at 5.00 pm. There is a cafe onsite where you can stop for a bite or some refreshments.

If the day is fine, we suggest a trip to the beaches within Muckross Park.  If the weather is not so great, we still suggest a full tour of the park, Muckross House, and the gardens. The waterfall is a fun walk and even more impressive if it rains! Your driver will help to guide you where to go.

6:30 pm Dinner reservation at the Lake Hotel: Castle Lough Restaurant

Onward to your beautiful surroundings at the Lake Hotel, Killarney.  You have a dinner reservation for the group at 6:30 pm, please have your driver let them know if there are any delays. Take in the lovely atmosphere at the hotel this evening, or if feeling energetic, venture into town for some music and fun!

In Killarney, the pubs are lively, and traditional and popular music can be found all around. Killarney also boasts excellent restaurants, whether you're looking for seafood, pub grub, or something a little different for tonight.

Overnight: 4-Star Hotel, The Lake Hotel, Killarney

9:45 am Driver pick up from your hotel

Today is an adventure! Experience some of the best views Ireland has to offer when you visit the Gap of Dunloe today. You will travel to the entrance of the gap, where you will get ready for your journey. Dress appropriately, bring hats, sunscreen, rain gear, etc. for a day out in the elements (whatever Ireland decides to serve up on this day!)

From here, meet Patrick, who will escort you through the gap by horse and cart.  You will love the history and stories of the landscape. Your jaunting cart will bring you to Lord Brandon's Cottage, where you can enjoy some lunch while taking in the breathtaking beauty of your surroundings. You will then catch an open-topped boat that will bring you to Ross Castle, where your driver will be waiting to take you back into town.

Note that this activity requires being outdoors all day (even in rain or mist) and a sense of adventure with the mountain passes and open boat ride. If water levels are low, there is some walking through woods or uneven areas, so anyone with walking difficulty, fear of water, or heights may wish to pass on this excursion.  

After you return from the Gap of Dunloe, you will have the evening to enjoy all that Killarney town has to offer. Killarney is known for the abundance of Irish traditional music and culture, so duck into a pub and enjoy some live music!

 Overnight: The Lake Hotel, Killarney 

Take the day to relax in Killarney, or venture out on a scenic drive along the famous Ring of Kerry.

8:30 am Driver pick up from your hotel

Your driver will escort you, and you will be able to see above the hedges the breathtaking views, small villages, and culture are yours to explore today. The bus will give you a great vantage point over the hedges, and you can relax and let your professional driver navigate the winding and narrow roads.

The Ring of Kerry travels through the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountain range. Extending to just over 19 km (12 miles), it includes the highest peaks in Ireland and the only peaks on the island that are over 1,000 metres (3,300 ft). 

The name of the range dates from the 18th century and is derived from the family or clan name Mac Giolla Mochuda (anglicised to MacGillycuddy) who are a sept or division of the O’Sullivan’s. The word reek is a Hiberno-English version of the English word rick, meaning a stack. The tour runs through the many passes and valleys of the reeks along the shores of Dingle and Kenmare Bays

.

There is an unspoiled nature to Ireland’s most beautiful region, and the Ring of Kerry provides many unforgettable scenes to commit to memory as it passes through the many picturesque villages such as Glenbeigh, Waterville, and Sneem, and returns via Ladies View, the famous Lakes of Killarney and through the Oakwoods of Killarney’s magnificent National Park.

 Overnight: The Lake Hotel, Killarney 

9:00 am Departure from Hotel

This morning, you will travel north to Galway. Make scenic stops along the way, and have lunch before the cliffs.

2:00 pm

On your way, make a stop at the Cliffs of Moher to marvel at the vistas of the cliff faces that stretch to the sea.

Confirmation# 249698 Healy Tours Group - prepaid

Please note safety signs at the Cliffs of Moher, and stay on open trails only.

Galway is full of life, music, and people watching. Explore the town, the pubs, and enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Overnight: The Galmont Hotel, Galway

Wake in Galway town today, and continue your exploration. Start the day with a walking tour, where you learn more about the history of Galway.  

10:50 am

Check into the kiosk at Eyre Squre for your 11:00 am walking tour.

Afterwards, you will have free time to take the day as you please. Perhaps more pub hopping, shopping, or a walk along the beach are to your liking. It is your vacation, so take the time to do what makes you happy.  There are plenty of activities in Galway to keep everyone happy and engaged.  If you need additional suggestions, we are here to help.

3:00 pm Biking Tour

Meet at The Harbour Hotel Galway - The Docks, Galway, Co. Galway, H91 E9PR

Overnight: The Galmont, Galway

~10:00 am Departure from Hotel

Take a trip through the Midlands of Ireland today, where you will learn more history and see some of the lesser-traveled places in Ireland. 

12:30 pm

Make a stop in the town of Athlone, where you can tour the imposing castle on the river (tickets in packet). After a bite of lunch, visit Ireland's oldest running pub, with over 1000 years of pub history - enjoy a creamy pint and some craic before continuing your journey to Dublin.

Today you travel back to Dublin for your last night in Ireland. Once you arrive in Dublin, check into your hotel and enjoy some down time and dinner as you prepare for your trip home tomorrow.

We have a castle-hotel stay planned for you this evening. It is an enchanting castle just outside of Dublin, with good access to the airport for tomorrow's travel. Bram Stoker grew up in the shadows of this castle, and it influenced his imagination when creating his story about Dracula.

7:00 pm: The Knight's Bar Dinner Reservation

Enjoy a luxurious group meal tonight to gather and bid each other farewell.

Overnight:  Clontarf Castle, Dublin

12:30 pm Departure from hotel

Depart via your scheduled airport transfer for Dublin Airport, and board your return flights home. 

For your 3:45 pm flight, plan to arrive by 12:45pm

When you arrive to Dublin airport, please note that there are two security checkpoints - you will have the first, TSA security check, then once you get beyond that, you will have US-Immigration to go through while still in Ireland. Allow yourself enough time to get through that 2nd security check. 

There are some services and duty-free shopping beyond the US-Immigration checkpoint.