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, we explore the 'Rebel City' on a guided tour which includes a visit to 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 we've discovered more of Cork's history and architecture, we check in to our hotel ahead of 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.

Continuing through the rocky Burren, we check in to our hotel in Galway in time for dinner tonight.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Our day begins after breakfast with a visit to Kylemore Abbey. This spectacular waterside Benedictine nunnery was originally built in 1867 and has been home to an order of nuns since 1920. The 1,000-acre estate set within the elemental Connemara countryside looks out on to a lough, and the abbey is backdropped by dramatic mountains.

After exploring the abbey, we travel to Maam Cross and board the Connemara Railway. This heritage railroad takes us on a scenic 10-mile round trip through the picturesque landscapes of western Ireland. During the nostalgic journey, we pass by wonderful countryside, rolling hills and tranquil lakes. Once the train stops, we head to the dining car to indulge in tea and scones.

The rest of your day is at leisure in Galway. You could stroll along the picturesque promenade of Salthill, join the coach into the center and experience the bustling Latin Quarter, or explore the Galway City Museum. Galway is a vibrant city, and there are plenty of traditional pubs and award-winning restaurants for you to try this evening - many providing traditional entertainment.

• Breakfast

After breakfast this morning, we leave Ireland's wild western coast to journey to Dublin by rail. Our route takes us through quintessential Irish scenery, passing the low-lying fields of Athenry and the historic city of Athlone.

Arriving in the capital, we embark on an orientation tour by motorcoach. Our expert guide shares fascinating insights while we enjoy panoramic views of iconic landmarks such as the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College and Dublin Castle. Our hotel is 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. You can absorb the spirit of the city, discovering the bronze statue of Molly Malone or enjoying a pint in the bustling Temple Bar area. 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.

• Breakfast

Our day starts with an exclusive tour of EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum. Here, we discover the stories of Irish people across the world, and what it means to be Irish. The digital exhibits explore the culture and achievements of people from all walks of life through emotive and inspiring stories.

Afterwards, a guided walking tour of Dublin reveals its historic architecture and iconic locations, before we visit the Guinness Storehouse. An immersive museum across multiple floors of the Guinness brewery, we learn about this world-famous brand through the sights, sounds, tastes, and aromas of 'the black stuff'. This memorable experience concludes in the rooftop bar. While admiring 360° views of Dublin, we are taught how to pour the perfect pint.

For our farewell dinner, we head to one of the best traditional pubs in Dublin for an evening of Irish song and dance accompanied by a great selection of quality local food - the perfect way to end our explorations of Ireland.

• Breakfast, Dinner

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 spirit of this beautiful country has never been far away either, as we enjoyed tastings of whiskey and Guinness and were entertained by lively, traditional entertainment. At Blarney Castle, we learned about the mythical Blarney Stone, while the heritage Connemara Railway showcased the charm of rural Ireland. Striking scenery was encountered on the Ring of Kerry and as we marveled at the Cliffs of Moher from the Atlantic Ocean.

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