Dublin & the Enchanting Emerald Isle

Your vacation begins as you arrive in the Irish capital. Your day is free to explore before making your way to the hotel. Dublin beautifully blends culture with vibrancy, and you could opt to visit one of the city's many museums and galleries, or stroll along the River Liffey and cross the 19th-century Ha'penny Bridge, a symbol of this historic city.

Located just outside the center of this lively city, our spa hotel sits amid acres of parkland and a golf course. After meeting the Tour Manager this evening, we enjoy a welcome drink before our first dinner together. Over tonight's three-course meal, we can get to know one another as we look ahead to uncovering the beauty of the emerald isle.

• Dinner

On our first morning in Ireland, a coach takes us to Dublin's Heuston train station. Traveling by rail through the heart of the country, we cross the Curragh plains - the home of Irish horse racing - before passing an endless patchwork of rolling green pastures on our way to Cork.

Arriving in Ireland's second-largest city, we head to nearby Midleton for a highlight of the vacation, a tour of the historic Jameson whiskey distillery. After learning about the production of whiskey in Ireland, we savor an authentic taste of the country by sampling some of the whiskies.

Returning to Cork after free time to lunch independently, you can explore the 'Rebel City' on your own and could visit Cork City Gaol. Part of the city's heritage, this magnificent building looks like a castle and was used to house 19th-century prisoners. Once you've discovered Cork's history and architecture at your own pace, make your way to our hotel for dinner this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Delving into the rich folklore and mythical charm of Ireland today, we travel by coach to Blarney Castle after breakfast. One of Ireland's greatest and most well-known treasures, the impressive castle was built in 1446 and we are free to explore and uncover its history. As well as its historic importance, the castle is also world famous for being the site of the Blarney Stone. There's the opportunity to be blessed with the gift of eloquence by kissing it, before time at leisure to wander its wonderful gardens.

Making our way over the Cork and Kerry Mountains by motorcoach, we stop off at Molly Gallivans Visitor Center, a 200-year-old cottage and traditional farm. We're guided around and shown the simple country lifestyle of rural Ireland before sitting down to tea and scones followed by a tasting of poitín - Irish moonshine.

Arriving in the bustling small town of Killarney, we check in to our hotel ahead of a three-course dinner this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

A delightful ride on a traditional mode of transport awaits after breakfast. Jaunting Cars are open horse-drawn carriages that were a popular way of getting around in Killarney in the 19th century. Our journey takes us through the beautiful Demesne parkland to Ross Castle, where we view its stone keep and picturesque surroundings. This historic fortress has an idyllic location right on the shores of gleaming Lough Leane.

Later, we soak in the dramatic beauty of Kerry, the 'Kingdom County', on one of Ireland's most scenic drives. Joined on our coach by an expert guide, we explore the Ring of Kerry, an area of tumultuous sea, windswept cliffs and imposing mountains. Along the way, we see the natural wonder of Torc Waterfall, the breathtaking Moll's Gap and Ladies View - a vantage point with amazing views.

For dinner this evening, we head to Muckross House for an Irish Night in Quills farmhouse with traditional food and entertainment.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Traveling north this morning, we visit the Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum to learn about the history of transatlantic passenger flights. The exhibition is in lovely Foynes, where Irish Coffee was invented, and we can enjoy a cup of the traditional drink while here.

Moving on to Tarbert, we then board the ferry across the broad, majestic Shannon to Clare. After disembarking, our coach takes us to the pretty village of Doolin. Here, we experience a boat trip into the wild Atlantic Ocean to view the mighty Cliffs of Moher from below. Stretching for five miles and rising up to 700 feet, these craggy cliffs are Ireland's most iconic natural attraction, standing tall above the water as waves crash against the rugged rocks below. Making up part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, the area is also renowned for its seabirds. Keep an eye out for gannets, guillemots and charming puffins.

Heading back inland, we check in to our hotel in Ennis - known as the "friendliest town in Ireland" - in time for dinner tonight.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Heading north from Ennis after breakfast, we explore an otherworldly area known as the Burren. With large gray limestone pavements and fields filled with rocks and boulders, this is a landscape like no other.

Heading through the Burren, we make our way by coach to Galway, a vibrant and colorful city. Galway has some of the finest pubs in Ireland and, on arrival, we visit a traditional tavern on Eyre Square to learn how to pour the perfect pint of Guinness. Afterward, there is plenty of time to explore Galway at leisure. The pedestrianized downtown is compact but full of charm. Stroll down High Street and Quay Street, with flags fluttering overhead, and encounter independent craft and souvenir stores.

Leaving Galway, we return to our hotel in Ennis. As evening falls, we head out again to the 15th-century Bunratty Castle. In these grand surroundings, we indulge in a medieval banquet tonight.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Traveling through the hidden heartlands of Ireland after breakfast, we head north to the very top of County Roscommon.

Today's destination is the historic Arigna Mines, from where coal was mined from the 1700s until 1990. Heading underground in the Derreenavoggy Mine with a former miner, we embark on an inventive and informative tour providing insights into the stories of miners and their hard lives. Afterward, there's time to explore the exhibits further at your own pace.

Our hotel for the night is a spectacular one - the 18th-century Kilronan Castle. This grand stately home stands in 40 acres of parkland on the shores of Lough Meelagh and there's time to wander the grounds or relax before dinner. Regrouping in the castle restaurant, we dine like lords and ladies this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast in our castle this morning, we travel by coach to Dublin.

Our accommodations are a short distance from the landscaped Iveagh Gardens and, once we've checked in, you're at leisure to explore more of Dublin's history, culture and lively atmosphere. A tram stop near our hotel could take you to the heart of this fair city in minutes. Crossing the Liffey, you can find a range of fascinating museums, including the GPO Museum, and admire the Spire - a 393ft tall, tapered steel column in the center of historic O'Connell Street. Alternatively, choose to visit the Guinness Storehouse, view the Book of Kells at Trinity College (booking in advance advised for both) or discover the stories of Irish people across the world at EPIC, the Irish Emigration Museum.

This evening you can absorb the spirit of the city by enjoying a pint in the bustling Temple Bar area or sample some traditional cuisine in a city center pub or restaurant.

• Breakfast

From the cities of Dublin, Cork and Galway to the Wild Atlantic Way, we have explored Ireland's iconic sights and breathtaking natural beauty. The charm of the country has been uncovered as we learned about the mythical Blarney Stone, while striking scenery was encountered on the Ring of Kerry and as we marveled at the Cliffs of Moher from the Atlantic Ocean.

We also enjoyed a whiskey tasting, poured our own pints of Guinness, and dined in regal settings.

Your Irish vacation comes to a conclusion after breakfast this morning. You are free to make your way independently to Dublin's international airport for your flight back home.

• Breakfast