7-Nights Ireland at Leisure

Ireland At Leisure
Uncover Ireland’s layered history and striking geography on a curated 8-day Small Group journey through cities, countryside and coastline. Explore Dublin’s political and literary heritage, walk medieval lanes in Kilkenny and trace Gaelic traditions through the Connemara region. From the towering heights of the Cliffs of Moher to the medieval walls of Kilkenny, the rugged Aran Islands to the legends of Blarney Castle, this is an illuminating journey you’ll always remember.


Dining Summary

• 4 Dinner (D)
• 7 Breakfast (B)
• 2 Lunch (L)

Authentic Dining

• Taste craft spirits at Ahascragh Distillery, native edible botanicals with a forager, The famous stout at Guinness Storehouse
• Killarney: Enjoy a traditional Irish evening at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, set at the entrance to the Gap of Dunloe. Dine on regional dishes and take in live music and Irish dancing in a 19th-century building that has long served as a gathering place for locals and visitors in County Kerry.
• Dublin: Venture to a local pub to toast your unforgettable travels over lunch. Sláinte!

Brendan Experiences

• Killarney: Settle into a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car and explore Killarney with one of the local jarveys who know these lanes by heart.
• Ring of Kerry: Travel the Ring of Kerry, one of Ireland’s most scenic routes. Learn about the history, geology and stories connected to this winding coastal drive as you pass rugged cliffs, sandy coves and remote villages. Stop at key viewpoints along the way, with time to take in the changing landscapes. Return to Killarney in the late afternoon, where you might choose to explore the town center, visit Muckross Abbey or take a short lakeside walk in the National Park.

Iconic Experience

• Dublin: A Local Specialist will show you Dublin’s elegant Georgian squares, O’Connell Street and the Custom House.
• Kylemore: Visit the turreted Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey. This monastery was founded in 1920 for Benedictine Nuns who fled Belgium in World War I.
• Kilkenny: Discover Kilkenny’s medieval streets on a guided walking tour that weaves together local history, architecture and folklore. Led by your Local Specialist, you’ll learn about the city’s Norman foundations, historic buildings and notable characters, revealing the layers of story behind one of Ireland’s best-preserved heritage towns.
• Kilkenny: Visit Rothe House and Gardens, a rare example of an intact 17th-century merchant’s townhouse in the heart of Kilkenny. Explore the series of period rooms, original architecture and a reconstructed Tudor garden that reflects the domestic life of the era. The house offers a detailed view into urban life in Ireland during the late Tudor and early Stuart periods.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

• Cliffs of Moher: Take a guided hike along the coastal trail from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher for a different perspective on one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks. Walk through limestone landscapes with views of the Atlantic, Aran Islands and cliff edge. Along the way, learn about the region’s geology, ecology and folklore before finishing at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Must-see Highlights

• Explore the heart of Dublin, Killarney National Park on a jaunting car
• Visit the EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum, Galway, the Aran Islands, the Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, St. Patrick's Cathredral
• Scenic Drives Relax and admire the views as you travel along the Ring of Kerry.
• See the Rock of Cashel

Top Rated Highlights

• Dublin: History and famous figures. St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the few buildings left from medieval Dublin. It is also on this site where St. Patrick reputedly baptized the local Celtic chieftains in the 5th century. The cathedral was later built between 1191 and 1270 and has come to be famous for its choir, also Ireland’s oldest. The cathedral’s burial site of author Jonathan Swift is one of approximately 700 burials on the site.
• Ahascragh: Ahascragh Distillery is Ireland’s first zero-emissions distillery. Built within a revived 19th-century mill, it is an authentic destination for whiskey and gin enthusiasts, as well as anyone interested in history, tradition and craftsmanship.
• Dublin: Visit the Guinness Storehouse to see how the world’s most famous stout is created, then enjoy the distinctive taste of a perfectly chilled pint of Guinness.
• Dublin: Travel in March and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin with VIP grandstand seating for the city’s annual parade - a tradition dating back to 1931 that now features performers from across Ireland and beyond. Take in the color and energy of the day, then enjoy a three-course lunch with live music.

What's Included

• An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
• Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
• All porterage and restaurant gratuities
• All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
• Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
• Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
• Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
• Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)