The Irish Whiskey Odyssey: Founders’ Tour

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Overview

The Irish Whiskey Odyssey: Founders’ Tour
Ireland
Oct 2 - 9, 2027
Group size: 1 - 30
Ireland Whiskey Tours image
Ireland Whiskey Tours
€3,599
Deposit: €1,300

About this trip

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.

Pricing

What's Included and What's Not

What's included

Fully Hosted & Guided 7-Day Group Tour of Ireland

Experience Ireland with a handpicked team of three experts: a professional driver, a professional tour guide, and a world-class Irish whiskey specialist who will serve as your tour host.

7 Nights in 4-Star Hotel Accommodation

Stay in carefully selected hotels: 2 nights in Dublin, 1 night in West Cork, 3 nights in Killarney, and 1 night in County Kildare, all chosen for comfort, quality, and location.

Luxury Transportation.

Travel in comfort and style aboard a luxury motor coach with a professional driver managing all logistics.

Meals Included

Enjoy all breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 multi-course dinners.

Exclusive Whiskey & Beer Experiences

Invitation to 3 private, hosted, exclusive whiskey events, including a special tasting at The Whiskey Reserve in Dublin.

Tours and tastings at top whiskey and beer locations across Ireland, including:

~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

Enjoy authentic Irish pubs with live Irish music and the perfect pints of Guinness.

Immerse yourself in Ireland’s history, culture, heritage, and local traditions while soaking up the atmosphere.

Exclusive Private Boat Trip & West Cork Pub Adventure

Discover Bere Island, a remote Irish island with just 150 residents.

Includes ferry transfer, lunch, pints, live music, and a fully curated island experience.

Sightseeing & Cultural Experiences

Explore the Dingle Peninsula

Free time in Dublin, Killarney, and other locations to explore at your own leisure

Iconic history, sightseeing, culture, and heritage at every stop

Special curated moments throughout the tour to make your journey truly memorable

Stunning scenery and heritage sites included for a complete visual and cultural experience

Fully curated tour blending luxury, expert guidance, iconic Irish sights, and unforgettable whiskey and beer experiences.

Explore West Cork, Bere Island, Killarney, and the Dingle Peninsula.

Experience Ireland’s culture, history, and landscapes — topped off with rare and exclusive whiskeys at private hosted events.

What's not included

Flights to Ireland

Transport from the airport to the tour starting point

Travel insurance

Beverages are not included during meals

Whiskey purchased at distilleries

Any other personal purchases

Optional Driver and Guide Gratuity

Anything else not specified as included

Saturday, October 2, 2027

Day 1

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Saturday September 12th 2026 - Welcome to Dublin

  • 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.

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Sunday, October 3, 2027

Day 2

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Sunday September 13th 2026 - Dublin

  • 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.

Monday, October 4, 2027

Day 3

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Monday September 14th 2026 - The Rock of Cashel & Midleton Distillery, Cork

  • 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.

Tuesday, October 5, 2027

Day 4

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Tuesday September 15th 2026 - Bere Island, West Cork

  • 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

Wednesday, October 6, 2027

Day 5

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Wednesday September 16th 2026 - Killarney

  • 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

Thursday, October 7, 2027

Day 6

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Thursday September 17th 2026 - Dingle Peninsula

  • 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.

Friday, October 8, 2027

Day 7

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Friday September 18th 2026 - County Kildare

  • 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.

Saturday, October 9, 2027

Day 8

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Saturday September 19th 2026

  • Breakfast at the hotel

  • Departure for the airport

  • Tour concludes

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About your organizer

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.

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