The Best of Ireland

Rocky coasts, animated pubs, a storied past, and endless green hills – where else but Ireland? Experience the country like never before, visiting the traditional sites you’d expect as well as a few off-the-beaten-path spots you couldn’t find on your own. Connect with the locals, connect with your roots, and connect with the Emerald Isle.
Hotel Name: Hyatt Centric The Liberties

Arrive in Dublin, a city rich with layered history and lively culture. With no planned activities today, the time is yours to explore independently. This evening, meet your fellow travelers and toast the start of your journey with dinner at a local restaurant.
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Dublin
Dublin is the capital and the largest city in Ireland. Dublin is located on Ireland’s east coast, and sits at the mouth of the River Liffey. Dublin was founded in 841 by the Vikings. Today, Dublin is the economic center of Ireland and the historical and contemporary center for industry, education and the arts.

Join a local expert on a walk through Dublin’s lively streets, gaining insight into the historic places and modern culture of this eclectic city. After free time for lunch, delve into stories of Irish emigration. Follow in the footsteps of those who fled the famine as you board the Jeanie Johnston, a replica museum ship. At EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, trace the history of how more than 10 million people left Ireland over the centuries and its influence on the world. The evening is yours to explore on your own.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Europa Hotel

Admittance: Jeanie Johnston Famine Ship

This morning, cross the border into Northern Ireland and enjoy a visit to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, Northern Ireland’s royal residence. Afterward, it’s on to Belfast, a buzzing capital city. Kick it off by meeting up with local foodies for a culinary walking tour, enjoying Belfast’s flavors as you explore the city. After checking into your hotel, the rest of the evening is yours to further immerse yourself into Belfast’s vibrant scene.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included

Admittance: EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

Start your day with a visit to the Ulster Museum, home to rich collections of art, history, and natural sciences, and located at Belfast’s Botanic Gardens. Spend the rest of the day discovering more treasures of this fascinating city on your own. This evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Mill Park Hotel

Admittance: Hillsborough Castle

Visit the ethereal Giant’s Causeway, walking in the footsteps of mythical legends. Marvel at the hexagonal basalt slabs, that according to legend, were formed by gargantuan beasts crossing the crashing waves. Next, make your way to Derry, a growing artistic and cultural hub. On a guided walking tour, delve into the complex history of this city once gripped by the conflict known as the Troubles. Later on, arrive in the pretty town of Donegal and gather for dinner tonight.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Belfast
Belfast is the capital and largest city in Northern Ireland. Belfast is known as the city where the Titanic was built. Due to the ship's construction here, a popular attraction to see in Belfast is the Titanic Belfast, the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience.

Set out to explore the Wild Atlantic Way. Visit the Slieve League Cliffs, offering stunning views over the Sligo Mountains and Donegal Bay. Three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher, these iconic cliffs are amongst the highest and most scenic in Europe. Afterward, travel back in time to 18th century Ireland when you visit the thatched cottages of Glencolmcille, a folk village maintained by the local community of southeast Donegal. Continue on to Donegal Town and enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Lough Erne Resort

Admittance: Culinary Walking Tour

This morning, meet the Lowry family, owners of the Blessingbourne Estate. Get a peek inside the private living quarters of Blessingbourne House and hear how this wonderful property has been passed through generations of the same family, all whilst enjoying their Irish hospitality. Enjoy free time for lunch upon arriving in Enniskillen, a charming island town. This afternoon, visit a local gin distillery on the banks Lough Erne and discover how this family business has grown into an integral part of the local community.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: The Connacht Hotel

Visit Area: Giant's Causeway
At the foot of the basalt cliffs on the coast of Northern Ireland’s County of Antrim lies the stunning Giant’s Causeway. Travelers flock to this UNESCO World Heritage site to experience the 40,000 massive dark columns rising from the sea. The natural phenomena has sparked legends of giants and magic, but its unique geology points to volcanic activity from over 50 million years ago. Walk along the gorgeous sea coast…step on the hexagonal formations of the sea-level Causeway itself…and behold the Giant’s Boot and Chimney Stacks. Just don’t forget your camera. The Giant’s Causeway is one of the most beautiful sights in all of Ireland and the experience of a lifetime.

Arrive in Sligo, the place that inspired poet W.B. Yeats. Visit the 13th century abbey and take some time to explore the local shops and eateries. Continue the journey to Galway, a lively city of medieval relics and modern flair. Enjoy meandering Galway’s bohemian streets at your leisure, and tonight, dinner is at a local pub.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Derry
Derry, officially Londonderry, is the second largest city in Northern Ireland. Derry is an old walled city that lies on the banks of the River Foyle. Derry is the only remaining completely intact walled city in all of Ireland. The walls were built between the years 1613 and 1619 by the Honorable Irish Society.

The day is yours. Perhaps you’ll pop into a pub for a drink with the locals, or peruse one of the city’s many museums, or go shopping along bustling Quay Street. Consider taking an optional tour to Kylemore Abbey, where you’ll drive through Connemara National Park before embarking on a tour of the monastery.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: River Lee Hotel

Admittance: Blessingbourne Estate

Peek into Irish culture at a sheep farm, where you’ll watch a dog-herding demonstration and meet the friendly canine workers. Experience the Ireland you’ve always imagined at the Cliffs of Moher, where mossy cliffs plunge 700 feet into the ocean. After visiting one of the country’s most beloved sites, arrive in the vibrant city of Cork, with its riverside walks and 18th century food market.

Breakfast Included

Admittance: Boatyard Distillery

This morning, meet a local guide to explore Cork, Ireland’s second city, on a three-hour walking tour followed by free time for lunch. Then, experience an Impact Moment with a visit to Nano Nagle Place. During a guided tour, learn about how this important school empowers people through education, inclusion, and spiritual engagement, and wander the site’s walled gardens and award-winning museum.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Lyrath Estate

Visit Area: Cork
Cork is a city located in the south-west region of Ireland. The city is built on the River Lee. In the Western end of the city, the river splits into 2 channels, and the city center is located on the island created by the channels. Cork was granted city status in the year 1185.

Today, enjoy a lunch at a traditional Irish pub, owned by the same family for 200 years. Listen to stories about the family ancestors, and the social role that pubs play within rural communities. Afterwards, watch a hurling demonstration, a traditional sport of Ireland, with the opportunity to participate yourself! Continue to Kilkenny, one of Ireland’s most charming cities.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included

Admittance: Choice on Tour: Kilkenny Castle or Jerpoint Excursion
In Kilkenny, you have the choice between two activities. Your first option is to enjoy time on your own, spending the morning in Kilkenny however you please. You will be provided complimentary entrance into Kilkenny Castle, one of the city’s top visitor attractions, to tour at a time of your choosing. Your second option is to experience the wonder of monastic Ireland with a visit to the ruins of Jerpoint Abbey, a Cistercian abbey founded in the 12th century. Visit the Romanesque church and admire intricately carved tombs and pillars from centuries past. While in Jerpoint, you will also attend a captivating demonstration at a family-owned glass company and learn about the important role Kilkenny plays in Irish design and craftsmanship. Kilkenny Castle and Time at Leisure - NEO Day 13 Activity Level: 1 Travelers can enjoy a day at leisure in Kilkenny and will be provided complimentay entrance into Kilkenny Castle, the city's top visitor attraction. This is a self-guided experience. Your Tour Manager will not be with you during this time. Jerpoint Excursion - NEO Day 13 Activity Level: 2 Travel just outside of town to visit the ruins of Jerpoint Abbey. You should wear comfortable walking shoes and appropriate attire as the abbey is open to the elements. There is a visitors center on site. Your Tour Manager will be with you.

This morning, it’s your choice! Enjoy a leisurely day to explore the town and Kilkenny Castle on your own -OR- travel just outside of town to the ruins of Jerpoint Abbey, a Cistercian abbey founded in the 12th century. You will also attend a captivating demonstration at a family-owned glass company and learn about the important role Kilkenny plays in Irish design and craftsmanship. No matter what activities fill your day, come together in the evening for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Sláinte!

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Galway
Galway is a city in western Ireland in the province of Connacht. Galway lies on the River Corrib and is surrounded by County Galway. Galway is known as Ireland’s cultural heart and for its numerous festivals, events and celebrations. The area of Galway is famous for its association with the Claddagh ring, a traditional Irish ring featuring two hands, a heart and a crown which represent friendship, loyalty and love.

Wish the Emerald Isle goodbye as you depart for home.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are a series of cliffs located on the Atlantic coast of County Clare in the west of Ireland. They are 5 miles/8 kms long and 702 feet/213 meters tall at their highest point. On a clear day one can see the Aran Islands and Galway Bay. These cliffs are Ireland’s most visited natural attraction with up to 1 million visitors every year.