Cuisine & Culture: Dublin, Killarney & Galway

More than 1,000 years of history greet you in Ireland's capital city as you arrive today. A private driver meets you at the airport to transfer you to your hotel in downtown Dublin, which puts many of the city's greatest attractions within reach. Take some time to settle into your new surroundings, and then this afternoon, make your way to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum to learn about the Irish diaspora that occurred over hundreds of years. Twenty themed exhibits explore the hows and whys of emigration from the Emerald Isle and go on to acknowledge how Irish culture and contributions have spread globally because of it. Spend the remainder of the evening diving into Irish culture in this vibrant city. Overnight Dublin.

Begin your day with a heavy dose of culture and history as you set out on foot for a walking tour in Dublin. Spend three hours meandering through the city center, soaking in as many sights as possible. Highlights include Dublin Castle, Trinity College, and various pubs, cathedrals, and historical buildings throughout the city - of which there is no shortage. 

Following the tour, head to Dublin's railway station to board the train bound for Galway. Despite being located on the opposite side of the island, Galway is less than 3 hours away by train. Your route takes you through Ireland's lush interior and offers a peek at the towns, villages, and scenic Irish countryside. Arrive in Galway this afternoon, and begin exploring this port city at your own pace. Perhaps venture to Eyre Square, one of the most popular parts of Galway, where 18th-century buildings house traditional pubs and boutique shops. The Latin Quarter is awash in history and culture, offering everything from the 12th-century town walls to quirky shops and street musicians. Overnight Galway.

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Formed over 320 million years ago, the Cliffs of Moher are easily one of the most popular attractions on Ireland's West Coast. As you arrive by coach this morning, you will quickly see why. These dramatic, 700-foot cliffs tower over the tumultuous Atlantic below and span nearly 14 miles along the County Clare coastline. In addition to being a spectacular place to look over the crashing waves and the distant Aran Islands, the Cliffs are also a UNESCO Global Geopark and home to many species of seabirds. Keep your binoculars and camera handy to capture all its appeals. Your excursion also includes a visit to Burren National Park, whose unique karst topography and rugged scenery provide another perspective on this region's beauty. Overnight Galway.

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While Galway's tale began over 800 years ago, its incredible, evolving gastronomic scene and convivial atmosphere have earned it the title of one of the country's best culinary destinations. This morning, you have a chance to see how local ingredients, traditional recipes, and new-age techniques have melded throughout the years on a Galway Food Tour. Visit bakeries, restaurants, cafés, and markets to sample the region's flavors. Galway is famous for its oysters and fresh seafood; however, your tastings do not end there. Enjoy artisan goods, including bread and cheese, and baked goods while you explore.

Following the tour, return to Dublin by train. Your evening is at leisure in the capital, allowing you to dig deeper into the locales featured on your sightseeing tour or discover new places to pique your interest. Overnight Dublin.

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Did you know there is an old tradition of having a Guinness for (or with breakfast) in Ireland? Begin your day the old-school Irish way, as this morning sees you to the Guinness Storehouse for a self-guided tour. Learn the history of this iconic beer's production while wandering through the venue's seven stories. Impeccable views over Dublin's skyline greet you from the top floor and its Gravity Bay. Naturally, your tour also includes a complimentary pint of Guinness so you can taste Ireland's favorite beer right where it is produced. 

The day continues by rail, taking you from Dublin to Cork on the island's southern tip. The three-hour route is stunning, with bucolic fields giving way to emerald-hued foothills and distant views of the Wicklow Mountains. On arrival this afternoon, you may begin exploring this 7th-century metropolis however you please. Cork's Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral and old City Gaol are particularly noteworthy. Overnight Cork. 

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Set out in pursuit of some of County Cork's most impressive destinations on a full-day guided tour. The trip begins with a visit to one of the world's best-known castles, Blarney. Blarney Castle was built nearly 600 years ago, and while parts of the stronghold have faded to ruins, there is much to explore during your time here. Plant a smooch on the famous Blarney Stone to get the "gift of gab," or wander through the underground tunnels to see the old dungeon. You can even climb the original stone steps to stroll along the castle's battlements and look over the gorgeous 60-acre gardens.

The tour continues to Kinsale, a small community brimming with 17th-century allures - with a twist. This town's narrow streets may be lined with historic structures, but their bold colors add a touch of whimsy. Kinsale is known as the gourmet capital of Ireland and, as such, boasts a great number of restaurants and eateries for you to explore during your free time here. You also have a chance to wander through the historic streets of Cobh before returning to Cork. Cobh is famed for being the final port of call on the RMS Titanic's maiden voyage and today boasts a museum, the Titanic Experience, where you can learn passenger stories and see artifacts. Overnight Cork. 

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Another gem of Southern Ireland, Killarney, lies ahead as you take to the rails today. Grab a window seat if you can, as the terrain between Cork and Killarney is painted with natural beauty. Look over lakes, mountains, and heathered meadows during the journey. The rural landscapes fade into the background as views of historic buildings in the colorful city center and Lough Leane overtake the scenery on arrival in Killarney. The enthralling mixture of elements invites your exploration as you settle into your new destination for the remainder of the day. You may wish to venture outside the city to Killarney National Park, home to beautiful scenery and many landmarks, including Ross Castle, Muckross House, Muckross Abbey, and Killarney House and Gardens. Staying in Killarney proper brings its own appeals, as the compact city is delightfully walkable and features many eateries and shops to explore. Overnight Killarney. 

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The Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in Ireland; see for yourself on today's motorcoach tour of the Ring of Kerry. This day trip explores the dramatic 112-mile route and gives you plenty of chances to admire and photograph the breathtaking scenery. Look upon windswept mountains, craggy cliffs, and the stirring sea crashing against the coast. But the natural wonders are just part of the beauty. The Ring of Kerry's towns and small villages unveil the region's charms. After the tour, you are returned to Killarney with the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight Killarney. 

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Delightful vistas of Ireland's interior lead the way as you travel by train from Killarney in the southwest to Dublin on the east coast. The nation's quaint size means this journey only takes about three hours. On arrival back in Dublin, you are reintroduced to the city at its only boutique Irish whiskey distillery: Pearse Lyons Distillery. This facility is located within a restored 900-year-old church, adding a historical element to the excursion. Your Signature Tour & Tasting Experience is led by a knowledgeable guide whose storytelling introduces you to the whiskey-making process and the property itself. Tour the ancient James Street Graveyard - the largest old-Dublin city cemetery - to see graves dating to the mid-1600s, and then enjoy a comprehensive tour of the distillery. You are invited to touch, smell, and taste each element of the whiskey-making process and conclude your tour with a tasting of four whiskeys distilled onsite, including a 12-year single-malt.

Wrap up your day - and Irish expedition - at the Merry Ploughboy Pub. A shuttle transfer takes you to the 200-year-old building, home to Ireland's only musician-owned and managed pub. Enjoy a three-course meal this evening accompanied by traditional Irish music and dance. What a memorable way to end your tour. Overnight Dublin.

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Upon checkout from your hotel this morning, your journey through the Emerald Isle's most vibrant cities and attractive landscapes concludes as a private transfer takes you to Dublin Airport. If you are not quite ready to end your expedition, consider a post-trip extension to Belfast.

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