The Founders Tour 2025 sold out in record time — and thanks to its incredible success (and the amazing friends we made along the way), we’re bringing it back for 2026!
Join Gary Byrne and Derek King — lifelong friends, passionate storytellers, and your warm Irish hosts — for a 7-day adventure that captures the true heart of Ireland. Together, you’ll explore breathtaking scenery, deep-rooted heritage, and a vibrant culture filled with music, laughter, and of course, world-class whiskey and beer.
From the rugged beauty of West Cork and a remote offshore island, to the enchanting landscapes of Killarney National Park and the Dingle Peninsula, every moment is crafted to delight your senses. You’ll visit celebrated distilleries and local brewers, discover ancient sites and hidden gems, and share unforgettable evenings of traditional Irish music and good company.
This isn’t just a tour — it’s an experience of friendship, storytelling, and the warm spirit of Ireland itself.
Limited spaces are available, and they won’t last long. Raise a glass with Gary, Derek, and your fellow travelers on this unforgettable journey — and make 2026 the year you truly experience Ireland.Beyond the whiskey, the tour reveals the true soul of Ireland. Wander through iconic Irish pubs, savor exceptional local cuisine, enjoy unforgettable sightseeing experiences, and take in breathtaking landscapes—from rolling green countryside to dramatic, history-rich coastlines.
Every element of this journey is thoughtfully curated to balance education, indulgence, and genuine connection. This is more than a tour—it’s a deep exploration of Irish culture, craftsmanship, and camaraderie.
Space is extremely limited to maintain the intimate nature of the experience. Raise a glass with Marianne Eaves, Gary Byrne, and your fellow travelers on an unforgettable Irish adventure unlike any other.
Travel in comfort and style aboard a luxury motor coach with a professional driver managing all logistics.
Enjoy all breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 multi-course dinners.
Invitation to 3 private, hosted, exclusive whiskey events, including a special tasting at The Whiskey Reserve in Dublin.
~Guinness Storehouse ~Teeling Distillery ~Midleton Distillery, home of Jameson (behind-the-scenes experience) ~Ballykilcavan Brewery a unqiue farm and craft brewery ~Curated Irish Pub Experiences
Arrive in Dublin and meet your hosts, Gary & Derek.
Visit the Guinness Storehouse:
Enjoy panoramic views of Dublin and a complimentary pint at the Gravity Bar.
Check into our 4* City Centre Hotel, Dublin (2-night stay).
Afternoon: Free time to explore at your leisure.
Evening: Welcome dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: 4* City Centre Hotel.
Meals Included: Dinner.
Panoramic city tour with guide Gary Byrne, featuring photo stops at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Trinity College, Phoenix Park.
Private tour of The Teeling Distillery, including a whiskey tasting.
Lunch at a traditional Irish pub.
Exclusive private event at The Whiskey Reserve in Temple Bar
Free time to explore Dublin.
Overnight: 4* Hotel, Dublin.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch.
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by check-out and departure for County Cork.
Photo stop at the Rock of Cashel for stunning views and a glimpse into its rich history.
Lunch and private behind-the-scenes tour of Midleton Distillery, home to iconic brands like Jameson and Redbreast. Explore key sites such as the Cooperage, Maturation Warehouse, and Distiller’s Cottage.
Enjoy tastings of premium whiskeys guided by an expert ambassador.
Check into our 4* Hotel in County Cork
Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in County Cork.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by departure for Bere Island in West Cork.
Board a private boat to Bere Island, a secluded gem with only 150 residents.
Enjoy lunch at Murphy’s and drinks at O’Sullivan’s Pub, followed by time to explore the island’s history, stunning views, and peaceful charm.
Return to the mainland and journey through the Beara Peninsula to Killarney, County Kerry.
Check into The Lakes Hotel, Killarney (3-night stay).
Overnight: The Lakes Hotel, Killarney.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Breakfast at the Hotel
Free Morning to enjoy Killarney at leisure
Exclusive whiskey tasting in Killarney
Free afternoon and evening to explore Killarney at your own pace.
Overnight: 4* Hotel, Killarney.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a journey to the breathtaking Dingle Peninsula.
Optional sea swim in the Irish-speaking village of Baile Na Ngall, with a warming Hot Powers Spiced Irish Cider on Europe’s most westerly beach.
Enjoy a delicious lunch and free time to explore the charming town of Dingle, with its cozy pubs and unique shops.
Overnight: The Lakes Hotel, Killarney.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch.
Breakfast at the hotel, then depart for Ballykilcavan Brewery in County Laois.
Enjoy a guided brewery tour hosted by David Walsh-Kemmis, a 13th-generation farmer, in a stunning 200-year-old mill setting.
Savor a curated beer tasting paired with Irish cheeses and charcuterie, while learning about local artisan producers and beer pairing tips.
Travel to Lawlors Hotel in Naas, County Kildare, for your final night and a delicious dinner.
Overnight: Lawlors Hotel, Naas, County Kildare.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Artisan Food Pairing, and Dinner.
Breakfast at the hotel
Departure for the airport
Tour concludes
Ireland Whiskey Tours is an Ireland-based specialist luxury tour operator creating bespoke and immersive Irish whiskey experiences. We bring visitors behind the scenes of Ireland’s distilleries while combining whiskey with Ireland’s people, food, culture, history and spectacular landscapes. We are part of the wider Mint Julep Experiences family, bringing together extensive whiskey tourism experience across Ireland, Kentucky, Tennessee and beyond.