Ireland

The rugged coastlines, smooth meadows, dark bogs, and towering mountains – all within a few miles of each other – often surpass the romanticized expectations travelers have of Ireland. Little can compare to the breathtakingly beautiful countryside dotted with crenelated castles, medieval monasteries, and grand houses and cathedrals. Though once plagued by famine, a visit to present-day Ireland will leave you wondering why anyone ever would have left this enchanting land.

Sample Itineraries

Day 1: The Cliffs of Moher & Ashford Castle

Journey through Ireland’s emerald countryside and along its rocky coast to the Cliffs of Moher. These spellbinding cliffs rise up to 700ft. from the Atlantic Ocean and provide views of the Aran Islands on clear days. Continue to Ashford Castle, the medieval castle where the John Wayne movie The Quiet Man was filmed.

Day 2: Connemara & Kylemore Abbey

The varied terrain of Connemara is breathtakingly beautiful and composed of glistening lakes, dark bogs, jagged mountains, and the rugged Atlantic coastline. Stop by Kylemore Abbey, a crenelated Gothic abbey complex found at the base of a heavily wooded hill and next to the pellucid Kylemore Lake.

Day 3: Sligo & Donegal Bay

Venture through the mountains to the rural town of Sligo, which poet W. B. Yeats described as “the land of heart’s desire.” Pay respects to Yeats at his resting place in Drumcliffe, and then travel the rugged coastline to Donegal Bay, which is surrounded by a serene landscape of rolling hills, jagged mountains, emerald fields, and the cobalt blue ocean.

Day 4: Country Donegal

Sandy beaches, untouched boglands, and warm people make County Donegal the perfect place to relax. Explore the untamed coast of Donegal Bay and the surrounding farms and meadows.

Day 5: The Emerald Countryside

Travel through the picturesque countryside to Dublin, passing by castle ruins, abandoned alleys, grazing sheep, and rolling hills.

Day 6: Dublin

Dublin, Ireland’s capital and largest city, has a rich literary history and has produced great writers such as W. B. Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, and Samuel Beckett. Visit the venerated Trinity College to read the two displayed pages of The Book of Kells and continue to Dublin Castle. Explore the city’s attractions before enjoying the lively nightlife.

Day 7: Wicklow Mountains, Powerscourt, & Kilkenny

Journey into the Wicklow Mountains and visit the exquisite Powerscourt Gardens, located next to a 13th-century castle. Explore the surrounding town of Kilkenny, whose medieval history is apparent in its ancient lanes, castle halls, and 13th-century cathedral. Shop for crafts that have been produced here since the 12th-century.

Day 8: Waterford Crystal & Cobh

Watch at Waterford as crystal is transformed from molten crystal to finished masterpieces. Continue to Cobh, the historic port city from which 2.5 million adults and children emigrated from during the 1848-1950 period to escape famine and disease that plagued the country. End your day in Cork.

Day 9: Blarney & County Kerry

Head to the 15th-century Blarney Castle, where you can bend over backwards and kiss the legendary Blarney Stone for the gift of eloquence. Continue onto historic Kenmare in County Kerry, and ending in Killarney to visit the ivy-covered Muckross House. Built in 1843, it now showcases the local way of life and has lovely gardens.

Day 10: The Ring of Kerry

Discover the unspoiled Irish countryside on the 100-mile Ring of Kerry. Marvel at landscape carved by rock 10,000 years ago, medieval monasteries, and the crash of the blue waves against the rocky coastline.

Day 11: Journey Home

Board your plane for a safe flight home.