Charms of the Emerald Isle

Welcome to Ireland! At the Dublin Airport, a John Hall’s Alaska representative greets and escorts you to the hotel, centrally located just off Grafton Street and one of the city’s principal shopping streets in the city’s center. The afternoon is free to relax or explore the town. Enjoy two evenings at the Westbury Hotel.

Dinner | Overnight: Westbury Hotel

Founded as a Viking settlement and Ireland’s capital, travel to the banks of the river Liffey for a tour of Dublin. Witness the 18th-century houses of Georgian Squares, Phoenix Park, statue-filled O’Connell Street, and fashionable Grafton Street. At the heart of Dublin’s history for over 800 years, visit Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, and in the Old Library at Trinity College view the famous Book of Kells. Founded in 1759, round out the day at the Guinness Brewery for a guided tour and a leisurely pint in the 360-degree rooftop bar. Enjoy free time in the city before dinner in a local restaurant.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Westbury Hotel

Bid farewell to Dublin and travel to County Kildare – the horse breeding center of Ireland. Ireland is the largest producer of thoroughbred horses in all of Europe. At the Irish National Stud and Gardens, enjoy a guided tour and learn about the farm’s many famous racehorses. While there, visit the Japanese Gardens, renowned for their “Life of Man” symbolism, and the St. Fiacre commemorative garden. Afterward, continue south to the Rock of Cashel – the seat of the Kings of Munster from 370-1101, a famous ecclesiastical center, and early associations with St. Patrick. Set on an outcrop of limestone are a 12th-century Round Tower, 13th-century Gothic Cathedral, 15th-century High Cross, and a Romanesque Chapel. From here, travel to Kinsale, a historic fishing town on the southern coast of County Cork and the gourmet capital of Ireland. Take the afternoon to meander along cobblestone streets and discover the many interesting shops and pubs. Overlooking Kinsale Harbour, enjoy dinner and two evenings at the Actons Hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Actons Hotel

Today, tour Blarney Castle, built in 1446. If you dare, climb the spiral stairs to the top of the castle and kiss the famous Blarney Stone – said to bestow the gift of eloquence on all who do. On the castle grounds, stroll the Castle Gardens and Rock Close. There is free time in the town of Blarney or at Blarney Woollen Mills before traveling to Midleton, home to Jameson Irish Whiskey. Enjoy a tour of the distillery and a wee dram before heading back to Kinsale for an afternoon of relaxation, observing marina activity, or shopping.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Actons Hotel

Follow along the southern coast through Skibbereen and Ballydehob to Mizen Head – Ireland’s most southerly point – for a visit to the Mizen Head Signal Station Visitor Center, an award-winning maritime museum and heritage attraction. A short walk, 99 stairs, and across the Arched Bridge over crashing waves leads to the lighthouse and an adventurous view! Afterward, travel up the coast via lovely lazy towns and villages to one of Ireland’s few planned towns – Kenmare and its Gaelic name Neidin (Little Nest), named because of its fine setting nestled among the mountains of Cork and Kerry. Follow a 20-mile stretch of the famous Ring of Kerry, with stunning views over the Killarney Lakes and Ladies Views. Rest easy for two evenings at The Killarney Park Hotel.

(Slacks are required for men in the hotel dining room; dress or pantsuit for women.)

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: The Killarney Park Hotel

This morning, experience the unspoiled beauty of the Dingle Peninsula, once cited by National Geographic as ‘the most beautiful place on earth.’ Visit the Dingle Crystal Workshop, founded by Sean Daly who designs, cuts, and signs each individual piece of crystal. Travel around Slea Head and take in remarkable views of the Atlantic coast and beehive huts (early monastic settlements) dating back over a thousand years. At Ireland’s westernmost point, view the Blasket Islands and locations for such films as Ryan’s Daughter and Far and Away. Before returning to Killarney, enjoy lunch in Dingle and free time to explore the local craft shops and Dingle Crystal shop. Dinner in Killarney is at your leisure.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: The Killarney Park Hotel

Recall the historic years of 1939-1945, when Foynes was the center of aviation, at the Foynes Flying Boat Museum. On a guided tour, go inside a full-scale replica of a Boeing 314 flying boat, the only one of its kind in the world. In 1943 Irish Coffee originated in this building, learn how to make one perfectly and enjoy the treat! Continue to Newmarket-on-Fergus to the luxurious Dromoland Castle. Once the royal seat of the O’Brien clan, this refurbished 16th-century castle retains priceless reminders of its past. This afternoon, enjoy the castle’s many activities – fishing, falconry, clay pigeon shooting, tennis, archery, horseback riding, health spa, and golf (one of the finest 18-hole parkland golf courses in the country). This evening, savor dinner in the elegant surroundings of the castle’s Earl of Thomond flagship restaurant.

(Resort attire required for dinner – pants for men, also jacket/tie are requested and available on loan by Dromoland Castle; dress or pantsuit for women.)

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Dromoland Castle

Rising 600 feet over the Atlantic Ocean are the majestic Cliffs of Moher. A viewpoint serving visitors for hundreds of years, O’Brien’s Tower stands near the highest point. Leaving the cliffs, continue through the lunar-type landscape of The Burren. This limestone plateau formed 320 million years ago under a tropical sea and takes its name from the Irish word bhoireann, meaning stony place or rocky place. At Rathbaun Farm, enjoy a traditional ploughman’s lunch, see the daily workings, feed the lambs, and learn about sheep shearing and herding in a demonstration by farm owner Fintan Connelly. Before departing, visit the thatched cottage and smell the peat fire burning. From here, follow the coast to Galway for two evenings at the Galmont Hotel & Spa.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: The Galmont Hotel & Spa

Break from the hustle and bustle of the mainland for a day in the Aran Islands. From the town of Rossaveal, board a ferry to Inishmore – the largest of the three Aran Islands and a highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way along Ireland’s west coast. This extension of the Burren with its limestone terrain is steeped in history and resembles an outdoor museum with over 50 different monuments of Christian, pre-Christian, and Celtic mythological heritage. A tour of the island includes a stop at the prehistoric fort of Dun Aonghasa which stands over a dramatic 300-foot cliff that spans the entire western part of the island. There is time for exploring the fort and taking in the spectacular views before boarding the ferry for your return to Galway.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: The Galmont Hotel & Spa

Home to an epic tale of Irish mythology, travel this morning to County Roscommon for a visit to Strokestown Park – comprised of Strokestown House, the Irish National Famine Museum, and the Walled Gardens. Preserving original furnishings and fabrics, the house was the home of the Packenham Mahon family, and the old stable yards now house the museum, commemorating the history of the great famine. After your guided tour, continue to Newcastle for a three-night stay at the impressive Slieve Donard Hotel. Nestled at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, enjoy the hotel’s welcoming roaring fires, cozy bars, and beautiful views of the Irish Sea and fine sandy beach. Dinner this evening is in the hotel’s Oak Restaurant.

(Slacks are required for men in the hotel dining room; dress or pantsuit for women.)

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Slieve Donard Hotel

Travel to Belfast this morning for a tour of the city, which has a rich legacy of Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian architecture. Visit City Hall – one of the finest Classical Renaissance buildings in Europe, the Linen Hall Library – which has been lending books for over 200 years, and the Grand Opera House – often described as the most beautiful Victorian theatre in the world! You will also see the Ulster Museum and Queen’s University. Wind up your tour with a visit to Titanic Belfast, a state-of-the-art visitor center that tells the story of the RMS Titanic – from her conception in Belfast to her famous maiden voyage and tragic end. Enjoy a relaxing evening back at the hotel with dinner at your leisure.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Slieve Donard Hotel

This morning, travel one of the most scenic coastal routes in all of Ireland – the Antrim Coast Road – to the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are breathtaking views along the northern coastline and on a clear day, you can see the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland. Pass through the picturesque villages of Glenarm, Carnlough, and Cushendall before arriving at the Giant’s Causeway. The result of an ancient volcanic fission eruption, this remarkable basaltic formation is made of approximately 37,000 columns and ranked as one of the natural wonders of the world. Afterward, return to Newcastle for another lovely evening and dinner at a local restaurant.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Slieve Donard Hotel

Follow the foothills of the Mourne Mountains, made famous in song “where the mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea” to Newry and into Boyne Valley, one of the most historic parts of Ireland, for a visit to Knowth – a Neolithic passage grave. The largest passage grave of the Brú na Bóinne group, Knowth consists of a large mound and 17 smaller satellite tombs. Along with two similar mounds in the Boyne Valley, Newgrange and Dowth, they have collectively been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a guided tour of Knowth and free time at the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre and its full-scale replica of the chamber at Newgrange. Wind up the day with an evening at the Castleknock Hotel and a farewell dinner with the group.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Castleknock Hotel

After breakfast, travel to Dublin for your flight home – with fond memories, newly acquired accents, and memories and stories to share. Beannacht De agus go N’eiri on bothair Libh!

Breakfast