Dublin and The Enchanting Emerald Isle

We meet at the ferry* port in Holyhead for the crossing to Dublin, Ireland's lively capital. We transfer to our hotel just outside of the city. On Day 2 we transfer into Dublin for the train to Cork, where you have time to explore. The centre is surrounded by waterways, creating an island of Georgian streets packed with great shops, pubs, and cafés. This afternoon, we visit the Jameson Distillery for a tour. Whiskey is one of Ireland's most famous exports, and we learn about the method of triple distilling for a smoother taste before enjoying a tipple.

*Please note: your luggage will travel on the ferry with you, rather than via our luggage
service.

• Day 1 - Dinner
• Day 2 - Breakfast, Dinner

We begin the day by calling at Cobh, the last port of call of the Titanic in 1912. We continue to the famous Blarney Castle. This iteration of the medieval castle was built in 1446, but it's believed there have been dwellings here since the 12th century. The castle is most famous for housing the Blarney Stone. Legend has it, if you hang upside down and kiss the stone, you'll become extremely eloquent. There's time to explore the castle and gardens. Look out for the poison garden, filled with nefarious plants including wolfsbane, ricin, and opium. We continue to our hotel in Killarney for dinner, before we're whisked off to the Celtic Steps Show for an evening of lively entertainment. The show combines authentic Irish music and dancing, and is a perfect way to soak up traditional Irish culture.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We enjoy a scenic drive around the dramatic Ring of Kerry today. From the tumultuous sea to the windswept cliffs and mountains, this is one of the most scenic areas in Ireland.

Next we visit Kerry Bog Village Museum. We explore thatched cottages filled with antiques, gaining an insight into the culture, living conditions, and customs of 19th-century rural Ireland. Later, we take a horse and carriage ride on the Jaunting Cars of Killarney, a traditional mode of transport here since the early 19th century. This unique experience takes us back in time with tales of Irish folklore, accompanied by stunning views of Killarney National Park and the Lakes of Killarney. Finally, we call by a local pub where we have the chance to pull our own pint of Guinness - Ireland's iconic ale.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We make our way to Galway via the dramatic Cliffs of Moher - Ireland's most iconic natural attraction and a UNESCO Global Geopark. Here, towering cliffs rise up out of the sea, staggering into the distance. Over 20 species of sea birds, including puffins and razorbills, make their homes in the cliffs, and offshore, the waters are home to dolphins and sharks. We're indulged with a delicious traditional Irish seafood lunch before continuing to Galway, where we spend the night.

We start Day 6 with a visit to the Celtic Crystal Factory in Connemara to learn about glass cutting. We continue to Glen Keen Farm where we watch a sheep dog trial, followed by lunch with traditional entertainment. This afternoon, we visit Kylemore Abbey. The abbey was founded in the 1920 and has served as a Benedictine monastery for nearly 100 years, and is a remarkable example of Victorian architecture. Later, we visit the Quiet Man Cottage, an exact replica of the cottage used in the 1952 film 'Quiet Man', starring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara.

• Day 5 - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day 6 - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We return to vibrant Dublin by rail and check into our hotel. This is a gorgeous city steeped in history and tradition, with every turn revealing historic architecture, welcoming locals, and lively music.

Our guided tour on Day 8 includes a visit to the Book of Kells, an ancient codex believed to have been written in around 800 AD. We visit Trinity College before a guided tour of Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison which was notorious in the 19th century. Later, we are treated to a farewell dinner at 'The Merry Ploughboys', known as one of the best traditional pubs in Dublin.

On Day 9, we return to Holyhead by ferry*, where our tour concludes upon arrival.

*Please note: your luggage will travel on the ferry with you, rather than via our luggage service.

• Day 7 - Breakfast
• Day 8 - Breakfast, Dinner
• Day 9 - Breakfast