A Week In... Ireland

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Dromoland Castle. A transfer is included from Shannon Airport to Dromoland Castle, your royal home for two nights. Join us this evening for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner in the castle. Please note: Airline schedules and arrival airport details may fluctuate; ask at time of booking.

Towering 700 feet, for nine miles over the rugged West Clare coastline, the Cliffs of Moher are a breathtaking sight to see, and an ageless way to embrace the legends and history of Ireland. This morning, you'll visit the Cliffs of Moher, with some free time to explore and take in the staggering heights from O'Brien's Tower and along the pathways. On a clear day you can see across to the Aran Islands and capture the entire Liscannor Bay and Galway Bay. Drive through the Burren, stopping for lunch and a walking tour in the riverside town of Ennis. Return to Dromoland Castle and have dinner at your leisure this evening.

Today, it's off to County Cork to visit the grounds of Blarney Castle, built nearly six hundred years ago for MacCarthy of Muskerry. There are many legends about Blarney Castle, but one that brings thousands of visitors every year is the Blarney Stone – a block of limestone built into the castle, it is said that when one kisses the stone, they are endowed with the gift of eloquence. If you're brave enough to give it a try, the only way to make those wishes come true is by leaning backwards to kiss the stone upside down. After free time to explore on your own, drive to St. Fin Barre's Cathedral in Cork for an opportunity to hear music from the amazing pipe organ. Dine at the hotel tonight.

Drive to the picturesque harbor village known as Summer Cove of Kinsale harbor, for a visit to Charles Fort, a star-shaped military fortress and one of Ireland's best examples of 17th-century fortifications. Kinsale's architecture is a picturesque blend of narrow winding streets lined with colorful 18th-century buildings, reflecting its rich maritime history and creating a vibrant, photogenic townscape. Stroll through the town and enjoy lunch as you please this afternoon; it is renowned as a gourmet capital with an array of seafood restaurants, popular with food lovers. Return to Cork for dinner at one of the hotel's restaurants.

Drive to Waterford today for a behind-the-scenes tour of the iconic House of Waterford factory, the heart of the world's luxury crystal manufacture. Discover how the intricate crystal pieces come to life as you watch master glassmakers blow and shape the molten crystal with the use of wooden moulds and hand tools – a technique that has remained unchanged throughout the centuries. Follow the process through the cutting, sculpting and engraving steps to the finished pieces.  Enjoy free time to explore the city of Waterford, dating back to the Viking era, before continuing on to Dublin for a three- night stay. Dinner is at an Irish pub tonight.

Laid back and laden with charm, Dublin is made for walking, despite it being the largest city in Ireland. Begin with an overview of the city on a driving tour with a local expert, taking you down O'Connell Street past the General Post Office, a landmark of Ireland's 1916 Rising, and through elegant Georgian squares that reflect the city's architectural heritage and long-standing cultural life. Then head out of the city to County Wicklow, where rolling countryside, stone walls, and quiet villages offer a different perspective on Irish life. At Ballyknocken House & Cookery School, enjoy a private cooking class and lunch at what has been called "a little slice of heaven" – the childhood home of an Irish culinary personality. Here, you'll learn practical cooking techniques while preparing and tasting recipes rooted in Ireland's seasonal ingredients and regional traditions. Return to Dublin where the remainder of the afternoon and evening are free to enjoy as you please. Your hotel's setting on St. Stephen's Green places you within easy reach of the city's parks, museums, and lively streets – from nearby Grafton Street to traditional pubs where conversation carries easily to an amazing variety of restaurants.

Begin the day with a guided exploration of Dublin, tracing the city's story through its Georgian squares, historic streets, and landmarks that reflect its political and cultural past. Along the way, see O'Connell Street and the General Post Office, a focal point of Ireland's 1916 Rising, and visit St. Patrick's Cathedral, where centuries of history are reflected in its Gothic architecture and enduring role in Dublin's civic and cultural life. A highlight this morning is a visit to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, an immersive experience that tells the story of Ireland through the lives of those who left its shores. Through interactive galleries, personal accounts, and multimedia exhibits, the museum explores how Irish emigrants influenced the world in literature, music, politics, and beyond – offering a perspective that connects Ireland's past to its global presence today. Return to the city for time to explore as you wish this afternoon, whether revisiting favorite corners or setting out to discover more of Dublin at your own pace. This evening, gather at your hotel for a farewell reception followed by dinner at The Shelbourne, bringing your journey to a close in one of Dublin's most historic settings.

Tour ends: Dublin. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection to Dublin Airport; allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in.