8-Nights Ireland: Splendors of the Emerald Isle - Luxury Small Group Journeys — CALL

Abercrombie & Kent

OFFER ID 1493689

Ireland: Splendors of the Emerald Isle
Revel in the legendary hospitality and warmth of the Irish people on this comprehensive journey across the Emerald Isle. Take in world-famous scenic backdrops, bask in traditional songs and stories, and celebrate a culture cherished on both sides of the Atlantic, staying in five-star hotels along the way.

8 nights | Call for pricing

Itinerary

Abercrombie & Kent: Ireland: Splendors of the Emerald Isle

Day 1 Dublin, Ireland

Arrive in Dublin, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, gather for a welcome dinner.

Conrad Dublin

Meals: Dinner

Day 2 Dublin

Begin your day with a privately led exploration of Trinity College, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I. Then, enter the Old Library to view the legendary Book of Kells, one of the finest illuminated medieval manuscripts in existence. Afterward, discover more of the city with your expert guide, followed by an afternoon at leisure.

Conrad Dublin

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 Kilkenny

Travel south to the heart of County Kilkenny. Visit a family-owned country pub, meet the owner and his family, and receive a hands-on introduction to the national Irish sport of hurling. Listen to a seannachi (traditional storyteller) spin tales and play music, eat a hearty lunch and learn how to pull a pint of Guinness for a full-on classic Irish pub experience. Arrive at your country resort at Castlemartyr before dinner.

Castlemartyr Resort

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Cobh & Cork

Today, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.

Sample Classic Irish Whiskeys on a premium tour and tasting at Jameson’s Old Midleton Distillery.

Play a Round of Golf or Relax with a Spa Experience, taking full advantage of your hotel’s diverse amenities.

Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre to learn about the lives of emigrants to America, and visit the English Market in Cork.

Later, dine at Ballymaloe House, one of Ireland's culinary treasures, for a delectable Chef's Table experience.

Castlemartyr Resort

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 West Cork

Drive Ireland’s wild southern shore through rugged West Cork to meet a sixth-generation Irish storyteller and join this colorful raconteur for a ferry ride to Whiddy Island. Listen as he leads you on a personally narrated tour of the island and its history, and then stop at a traditional pub for lunch and a pint before ferrying back to the mainland. Proceed to Kenmare and check in to your hotel, set beside rollicking Sheen Falls. Then, savor a Scenic Sundowner, gazing over the sparkling cascades.

Sheen Falls Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Kenmare

Cross through Killarney National Park, en route to the town of Killarney. Ride Like a Local in a traditional jaunting car for a closer look at the park’s natural beauty. Then, set out on the famed Ring of Kerry for a breathtaking coastal drive, where every turn in the road reveals new and ever-more-stunning vistas. Pause to peruse local handicrafts in the Gap of Dunloe, a ruggedly beautiful valley formed by glaciers and set between two mountain ranges.

Sheen Falls Lodge

Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 Newmarket-on-Fergus

Make a personal connection to Ireland when you visit a traditional family dairy farm. Hear about rural life here from family members, and then join them for a home-cooked farm lunch, on this A&K-exclusive experience. Stop in Adare, often voted Ireland’s most beautiful village, before you continue to your majestic hotel.

Dromoland Castle

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8 Newmarket-on-Fergus

Journey to busy Galway, gateway to western Ireland, and then on to small, coastal Clarinbridge, where a special tasting introduces you to the quintessential pairing of Guinness stout with fresh Galway Bay oysters. After lunch, drive the coast of County Clare, stopping to stand atop the soaring Cliffs of Moher. Tonight, join your fellow guests for an elegant farewell dinner.

Dromoland Castle

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 Shannon

After breakfast, transfer to Shannon Airport and board your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Featured Destinations

Shannon

Newmarket-on-Fergus

Kenmare

Kilkenny

Dublin

Dublin enjoys one of the loveliest natural settings in Europe. Dublin attracts visitors from around the world with its old world charm and friendly atmosphere. Most of the architecture dates from the 18th century, when Dublin enjoyed great prominence and prosperity. Also of interest are stately Georgian houses which front Merrion Square. O'Connell Street is considered the commercial center of Dublin. Perhaps the most memorable feature of Dublin is the traditional pub, where visitors can enjoy conversation over fine Irish brew. The city also offers many fine parks, including St. Stephen's Green and Phoenix Park. National Gallery's renowned collection includes works by such famous masters as Rembrandt and Monet. Trinity College's Old Library is home to the most cherished treasure, the Book of Kells, a manuscript of the Gospels. Admire Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Enjoy the exhibits in impressive National Museum. Self-guided walking tours include Old City Trail, Georgian Heritage Trail and the Cultural Trail.

Excursions

Dublin: Highlights of Dublin City - 8 hours

Ireland, known affectionately as the “the Emerald Isle” is renowned for its excellent hospitality and you can be assured of a warm welcome by your guide and driver, who will meet you at the port. Discover the history, literary heritage and culture that lies behind Dublin’s elegant Georgian architecture and famous landmarks, during your full-day tour.

Founded in the 16th-century, Trinity College is Ireland's oldest university and holds the Book of Kells, a greatly treasured example of early Irish manuscript illumination. History lovers may opt to visit the nearby Treasury of the National Museum or EPIC - the interactive museum commemorating the emigration of 10 million Irish. For those interested in art, the National Gallery houses a superb collection.

Afterwards make a lunchtime pit stop at the Guinness Storehouse, where you learn how a pint of the world-famous Guinness is created. The heart of the building is modelled on a giant pint glass, which would hold approximately 14 million pints of Guinness beer if filled! Enjoy a complimentary pint of Guinness in the Gravity Bar, which boast 360-degree views of the capital.

Complete your touring this afternoon, with a visit to St. Patrick's Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland and final resting place of Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels. Here, take a guided tour of the impressive staterooms which are a longtime symbol of British rule in Ireland, before being transferred back to your ship.

Highlights:

Admire the grandeur of St Patrick's Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland and final resting place of Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels
Pour yourself a pint of Ireland’s finest at the Guinness Storehouse to discover the country’s most famous export

Tour Duration: 8 hours

Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information

Physical Activity Level: Light

Inclusions:

Private transport by Mercedes E-class or similar for 1 and 2 passengers, VW Caravelle (7 passenger seats) or similar for 3 and 4 passengers and 12-seater or similar for 5 and 6 passengers.
Expert local guide for 8 hours of sightseeing in Dublin
Entrance fees to all sights and museums
All taxes

Exclusions

All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
Gratuities
Supplement for public holidays
Anything not specifically mentioned in the "inclusions" list above

Dublin: An Introduction to Dublin - 4 hours

Dublin - Dublin City & Powerscourt - Full Day Tour