The pub is synonymous with Ireland as a place of community and spirit, a location in which locals dance, sing, and share timeless tales. Your custom-tailored Ireland tour embraces iconic pubs, folklore, and heritage for an immersive experience with the locals. Touch castles, ancient tombs, historic books, and soaring cliffs. Learn how to make traditional instruments and watch as artists emboss crystal with signs connected to the deep wells of Irish custom. Sip a Guinness, embrace the scenery,...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Dublin – Tour the Cultural History and Traditional Sites
Dublin embodies contemporary life in Ireland and the way the traditions continue to inspire locals and visitors every day. The city center pulses with a youthful ambiance around the historic landmark of Trinity College. The library holds 200,000 volumes in the nearly 215-foot long gallery with books dating back to the 9th century. The Dublin Writer’s Museum welcomes visitors into a memorial of the famous authors of the Irish tradition, from James Joyce to Oscar Wilde and Samuel Becket, the latter of whom was a celebrated cricket star.
Your private transfer greets you at Dublin International Airport upon your arrival, escorting you to a gorgeous hotel that blends the comforts of modern amenities with the prestige of former Irish aristocracy. Your guide greets you in the hotel lobby eager to lead you on a sensational tour that will introduce you to the great heritage of Ireland and the city of Dublin. You venture to the Guinness Storehouse to explore the fabled history of the renowned Irish stout, which began in the 18th century.
The brewery encompasses seven floors with a central glass atrium allowing you to view the work of brewers and the equipment in real-time. Your guide points out that the atrium is shaped like a pint of Guinness. The scent of barley blends with the aromas of caramel and chocolate. At the end of the tour, the wooden embellishments in the Gravity Bar offer you a comfortable space in which to taste a delicious pint. The bartender pours half, waits for the foam to settle, and then finishes the pour to allow the enriched flavors to flourish.
You take your first sip of the traditional Irish stout to find a delicious aroma of coffee and a touch of malt accentuating the smooth and creamy texture. In the evening, you visit a traditional pub, which opened its doors nearly 300 years ago, and preserves the Victorian décor as a part of the country’s history. Even Michael Collins frequented the bar while gathering intel on the British Secret Service during the War of Independence.
What's Included:
Day 2
Galway – Transfer to Galway for a Heritage Tour, Stopping at Clonmacnoise
Day 3
Galway – Enjoy a Full-Day Trip to the Fascinating Connemara Region
Day 4
Kerry – Discover The Burren, Cliffs of Moher, and Bunratty Folk Park
Day 5
Kerry – Traverse Scenic Marvels and Villages around the Ring of Kerry
Day 6
Kilkenny – Visit the Medieval Capital of Ireland and the Gorgeous
Day 7
Dublin – Return to Dublin by way of Wicklow Mountains National Park
Day 8
Dublin – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Visit an antique pub in Dublin that continues to fill with locals while offering traditional cuisine and gripping music packed with Irish heritage
- Stroll along the Cliffs of Moher for a dramatic view of the landscape that has inspired countless stories over the millennia
- Wander through the narrowing walls and beneath the soaring ceiling of the Doolin Cave to view the largest free-hanging stalactite in the world
- Enjoy an Irish pub crawl in Killarney to experience the different personalities of the local drinking holes, which offer music, tall-tales, and community spirit
- Meet with local artisans across Ireland to learn the different ways they are bringing traditional folklore and heritage to the forefront of their artistic craft
- Relish a tour of the Guinness Brewery in Dublin for insight into the history of the famous stout before enjoying a sample in the elegant tasting room
- Discover rich heritage reminiscent of folklore at Clonmacnoise and Glendalough, where ministers created religious settlements in the 6th century
Detailed Description
The pride of Ireland is drawn from the depths of heritage, with ancient ruins dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze eras. Churches and stone crosses reflect 6th-century settlements and pubs are regarded as community centers in which adults can sing, dance, and drink in the pleasure of friendly company. Your 8-day Ireland tour leads you from Dublin to Galway and back again in search of the sounds, landscape, and sites embodying the stunning heritage of the Emerald Isle. The adventure begins with your arrival in Dublin where your private transfer greets you and escorts you to a stunning hotel in the heart of the capital city.
The captivating tales and excursion start with a private tour, taking you to Trinity College Library, the Jameson Distillery, and the Guinness Storehouse. In the evening, you take in the traditional music at a historic pub. Learn the art of cutting crystal with refined images of Irish folklore at the Connemara Celtic Crystal Heritage Center. Traverse the narrow medieval streets of Galway to discover Spanish and English architectural elements telling stories of the city’s unique past. Explore the region of Connemara to learn about crafting instruments and find elegant palaces along the way. The landscape has inspired countless stories from the unique contours of the cliffs and hills, symbolized in the stunning scenery of The Burren, Cliffs of Moher, and Doolin Cave.
Enjoy an immersive medieval experience at Bunratty Folk Park, which strives to bring the 13th century to life within the shadow of the dramatic castle. Travel the Ring of Kerry to visit charming villages and sensational coastline. Delight in a pub crawl through Killarney and explore the city of Kilkenny through its history, brewery, and traditional music trail. The stories of Ireland soon become your own as you wander through an ancient tomb at Browne’s Hill and the ruins of a 6th-century Early Christian settlement at Glendalough. See a waterfall at Powerscourt Estate and indulge in the music of Dublin on your final night in Ireland at a welcoming Irish pub.
For more inspiration, read about the best pubs to hear traditional Irish music in Galway. Looking to perfect your dream luxury Ireland vacation? See our Ireland vacations page for additional inspiration.
Starting Price
$5,200 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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