Riches of Ireland

Depart from Minneapolis/St. Paul to Dublin, Ireland with the group on our overnight flight.

We will be met and transferred from the airport to our hotel to drop off our bags and freshen up for the start of our Ireland experience. We start with a walking tour through Ireland’s invigorating capital, with visits to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland, and The Old Library at Trinity College, home to The Book of Kells, one of the world’s most famous illuminated manuscripts depicting the four Gospels of the New Testament written in Latin. Lunch is on own today and we will enjoy a Welcome Dinner together this evening.
Overnight at The Conrad Hotel

You will have the morning free for optional tours today before heading to Guinness Storehouse to discover the history of the Guinness story before pouring and enjoying your own pint while overlooking Dublin City. Then, we will move on to Kilmainham Gaol and go behind the scenes of Ireland’s most significant uprising and hear the story of this historic landmark.
Optional Tours include:
14 Henrietta Street – a tour that takes you through 300 years of city life all at one address where an affluent Georgian townhouse turned to tenement dwellings. The visit is highlighted by a chat with a former resident.
OR
Jameson Distillery, the Bow Street experience will invite guests to touch, smell and taste the world-famous Jameson Whiskey.

This evening we will take in one of Ireland’s famous activities – an authentic Pub Crawl. Dublin is the perfect city for a traditional pub crawl. The capital city boasts nearly 750 pubs, and guests will visit a selection of a few of Dublin’s favorites that offer a variety of entertainment, literature, traditional Irish dance, and music. We will enjoy an adult beverage at each of the local hang outs to “SLÁINTE!” each other and the locals.
Lunch and Dinner on own. Overnight at The Conrad Hotel

We head to the West Coast of Ireland today. After a 2.5-hour journey across the lush countryside, our first stop will be at Irish National Stud, the beating heart of Ireland’s thoroughbred horse industry. Get up close to the thoroughbreds on a guided tour, then experience the new interactive “Irish Racehorse Experience.” Then, we will head to the exquisite Dromoland Castle to check in. The Castle is a magnificent playground for country pursuits. We will spend the afternoon partaking in the estate activities of either Archery, Falconry or Horseback Riding.
Lunch and Dinner on own or Optional Medieval Castle Dinner.
Overnight at Dromoland Castle

Our coach takes us to the Cliffs of Moher today. Here we will join expert guide, a former Cliffs of Moher Ranger, and his trusted sidekick Teelin, for a guided walk along one of Ireland’s most iconic natural attractions. We will explore the local flora, fauna, geology, history, and heritage of the area. Then, onto St. Tola Goat Farm which provides a unique insight into the world of sustainable Irish farming and cheese production. Guests can visit the goats and sample a delicious range of award-winning gourmet cheeses. The afternoon will be on your own to enjoy the castle and relax.
Lunch and dinner on own. Overnight at Dromoland Castle

Rugged coastline, white-sand beaches, charming towns and villages, and dramatic mountain passes await us to experience how they dominate the Ring of Kerry. Savor the spectacular sights and explore ‘off the beaten track’ on this magnificent journey. We will have plenty of stops on this full day adventure which includes not only jaw breaking views but also a Sheep Dog Demo with a visit at a local sheep farm for a close up viewing of highly skilled Border Collies at work. The sheep dog is an essential part of the functionality of a farm. They are eager workers and have the agility to complete difficult herding tasks on a variety of landscapes by following a set of whistle commands from the farmer.
Lunch and Dinner on own. Overnight at the Europe Hotel

We will hike Killarney National Park today which has a distinctive and dramatic terrain – mountains, lakes, forests and waterfalls. There are many different hiking trails to suit a range of fitness levels, all offering beautiful scenic surroundings and exposure to native flora and fauna of Ireland’s southwest. We have a free afternoon to stroll the town on our own. You have an optional experience today if you choose at the brand-new Killarney Brewing & Distilling Company. Join a whiskey specialist for this truly unique experience, explaining the craft process that goes into creating whiskey. Set in the heart of the town, guests will enjoy an exclusive whiskey tasting.
Lunch and Dinner on own. Overnight at the Europe Hotel

Our day starts with a visit to the Rock of Cashel. For several centuries, the Rock of Cashel had been the traditional seat of the Kings of Munster before the King donated his fortress on The Rock to the church in 1101. The ruins contain one of the most remarkable collections of stone carvings and medieval architecture to be found anywhere in Europe. It remains one of Ireland’s iconic national monuments. We will then head to Mikey Ryan’s Pub for an Irish coffee demonstration. Irish coffee is an original drink from Ireland, invented in 1947 by Joe Sheridan in Foynes Airport in the west of Ireland. This popular warm beverage became the traditional welcome drink at the airport and is now synonymous with Ireland. A local Chef will teach guests how to make their own Irish Coffee. Next up – a guided walking city tour of Kilkenny. Immerse yourself in a unique blend of history, fun facts, magic effects, and some shenanigans for an engaging and entertaining adventure along Irelands’ Medieval Mile. Weave through the narrow city streets and discover Kilkenny’s hidden history. Hear stories of the Normans and merchants and trace the footsteps some of the city’s epic iconic characters.
Lunch is on own today and we will gather this evening for a group Farewell Dinner.
Overnight at the Juliet Hotel

After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport together for our international flight back to Minneapolis.