Luxury Tailor Made Journeys depart on the dates that work for you and feature expert local guides throughout your journey. The itinerary below can be customized to your interests.
ARRIVE DUBLIN, IRELAND
Upon arrival at Dublin International Airport, you are met by your A&K Guardian Angel and transferred to your accommodations.
DUBLIN | CITY OF ST. PATRICK
Join your local guide for a tour of the Irish capital. At Trinity College, discover the antiquarian texts of the Long Room Library, including the eighth-century Book of Kells — an exquisitely detailed example of early Irish manuscript illumination. Continue to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s largest church, built near the famous well where St. Patrick is said to have baptized converts.
DUBLIN | MOORS, MONASTERIES & GARDENS
Today, embark on an excursion to the Wicklow Mountains. Cross the moorlands to Glendalough, a former monastic community dating back to the Dark Ages. View the ruins of the churches and a perfectly preserved round tower. On the way back to Dublin, stop at the renowned Powerscourt Gardens. From the terrace, admire the postcard-worthy panorama that leads to Sugarloaf Mountain. Inside the house, view an interpretation of the gardens’ design.
WATERFORD | A LEGACY OF CRAFTSMANSHIP
Journey overland to Waterford City, where you explore the Waterford Crystal Factory. This is the largest cut-glass factory in the world, producing many fine commemorative pieces every year. Discover the various processes involved from mold-making to engraving, watching master craftsmen plying their trade. Continue on to your hotel in Cork.
CORK | EXPLORE CORK & KISS THE BLARNEY STONE
Today, get to know Cork, the Republic of Ireland's second largest city. Discover its renowned university area in the city’s heart as well as St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, an impressive example of Gothic Revival architecture. Visit the English Market, one of the finest examples of a covered food market in Europe. Browse the stalls and wonderful displays of traditional Cork fare interspersed with exotic imported goods. Continue from Cork to Blarney Castle, one of the most iconic sites in Ireland. You may wish to make the challenging ascent to the parapet of this ruined tower house to reach the Blarney Stone, said to bestow the “gift of the gab” on all who kiss it.
BEARA PENINSULA | THE PLEASURES OF WEST CORK
Journey around the Beara Peninsula, a long promontory that is part of the region known as West Cork, a leading center for the artisanal cheeses that grace many of the finest cheeseboards in European restaurants. With its proximity to the sea, this area is an important area for fishing, as you will learn on a stop in Castletownbere, the leading port in Ireland for white fish. Later, at Glengarriff, you may have time to board a small boat that takes you to Garinish Island, home to the famous sub-tropical gardens of Ilnacullin. Admire its Italian-style garden that includes a wide variety of shrubs and plants cultivated by taking advantage of the warming influence of the Gulf Stream. Then, proceed to Killarney, where you check in to your hotel.
RING OF KERRY | ICONIC COASTAL VISTAS
Today, experience one of the world’s most celebrated coastal drives: the Ring of Kerry. Hug the shoreline of the Iveragh Peninsula as you pass through mountains and moorlands to the Ring of Skellig, a less-frequented scenic route of steep passes and dramatic overlooks. Next, climb a hill affording the highest vantage of the route, a vista spanning the Skellig Islands, Dingle Peninsula, Blasket Islands and the rugged inland mountains.
DINGLE PENINSULA | SEA-SWEPT SUMMIT
This morning, take in more spectacular coastal views as you follow the shores of the Dingle Peninsula. Pass through the long-established fishing community of Dingle to join the Slea Head Drive. This clifftop route reaches out to the westernmost tip of the mainland, affording breathtaking views of the Blasket Islands. Pause at the Blasket Islands Heritage Center to learn about the fascinating culture and heritage of this Gaelic-speaking region. Continuing back to your hotel, pass Mount Brandon, one of Ireland’s highest peaks.
LIMERICK | THATCHED COTTAGES OF ADARE
Head inland this morning, making your first stop in Adare, a charming village of thatched cottages, antique shops and cafés. Continue into the town of Limerick and peruse the Hunt Museum’s collection of antiquities, including Neolithic flints and Bronze Age weapons. Next, visit Bunratty Castle, a grand 15th-century tower house boasting a collection of medieval tapestries. Later, check in to Adare Manor for an evening at leisure.
COUNTY CLARE | THE CLIFFS OF MOHER
Today, head northward along the coast to sample some of Ireland’s most iconic scenery. First, venture out to the towering Cliffs of Moher. Soaring up to 700 feet and spanning five miles, this dramatic vista is sure to quicken even the steadiest of pulses. Then, traverse the Burren, a lunar-like karst landscape rich in archaeological and geological treasures. Time permitting, continue up the coastal road to Galway, a lively port town with an avant-garde culture. Return south to your accommodations later in the evening.
DEPART SHANNON
Transfer to Shannon Airport where your A&K Guardian Angel assists with check-in for your international departure or begin a post-tour extension.
Enhance Your Journey
Elevate your experience with a host of options available for an additional cost.
Sample Ireland’s Iconic Stout & Whiskey
Begin at the Guinness Storehouse, where you learn how this world-famous stout has been crafted since 1759. After a tour and a perfectly poured pint in the scenic Gravity Bar, continue on to the Old Jameson Distillery. Here, learn the time-honored secrets that transform water, barley and yeast into Jameson Irish Whiskey, a smooth, golden spirit enjoyed throughout the world.
Children’s Irish Cooking Class
Introduce your children to classic Irish recipes as they prepare a two-course meal and picnic basket with help from a local Dublin chef. Kids pick the menu, with options including colcannon, Irish stew, leek and potato soup, apple tart, soda bread, and buttermilk scones.
Dine with Locals in Their Home
Enjoy a relaxing evening of fun and conversation as you join a local family in their home in Kerry or Shannon for a traditional, home-cooked meal and an authentic slice of Irish life.
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