Grand Tour of Ireland

Enjoy a private car ride to the airport. Travellers departing from the Toronto airport are assisted with their check-in. Meet your dedicated Group Guru and fellow travellers and fly overnight to Dublin. Following lunch and a refresh at our hotel, set off on a guided tour of Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest university and home to the world-famous Book of Kells – a beautiful illuminated medieval manuscript. Mingle during our welcome cocktail before sitting down for dinner. Overnight in Dublin. (L,D)

Begin your day with a guided tour of the 13^th-century Dublin Castle. Continue on to Christ Church Cathedral, a site with almost 1,000 years of living history and the spiritual heart of Dublin. In the afternoon, visit one of the most famous (and harsh) jails in Ireland, Kilmainham Gaol, which housed many of Ireland’s nationalist leaders. End your day with a tour of the Guinness Storehouse and learn how one of the country’s most delicious exports is made before enjoying a perfectly poured pint. Overnight in Dublin. (B,L,D)

Guided tour of the Rock of Cashel, a breathtaking ecclesiastical ruin that includes the famous Cormac Chapel. Continue to Cork, the second largest city in Ireland, where Irish and Viking influences can still be felt today. Enjoy a panoramic tour of must-see places, including: the Finbarr Cathedral, Cork Prison, St. Anne’s Church and the English Market, before enjoying free time to explore the city at your own pace. Overnight in Cork. (B,L,D)

Onto Kinsale where you will visit Charles Fort, a 17^th-century military installation, with free time in the picturesque harbour town. Explore your senses with lunch in a local whiskey distillery in Clonakilty. Experience the sights, sounds and smells as you learn how they make their unique spirits and savour some of their finest whiskeys. In the afternoon, enjoy an exclusive visit to the Galley Head Lighthouse, standing an imposing 53 metres above the roaring Atlantic Ocean. Overnight in Rosscarbery. (B,L,D)

On your way to Killarney, drive along the famous Ring of Kerry, bordered by remarkable landscapes influenced by the Gulf Stream. Drive through Cahersiveen, where you will see two Celtic fortresses, the village of Sneem, and the breathtaking views of Molls Gap and Ladies View. Stop in Killarney National Park for a tour of the Muckross Gardens, known for delicate azaleas and rhododendrons. Overnight in Killarney. (B,L,D)

Begin your day with a breathtaking tour of the Cliffs of Moher. Rising 200 metres above the sea, they offer one of the most incredible views in Ireland. After lunch, drive through the lunar-like landscape of The Burren to make your way up to the harbour city of Galway, whose authentic Irish atmosphere will enchant you. Enjoy free time to roam the small city streets on your own – specialty shops, music and fresh pints are not hard to find. Overnight in Galway. (B,L,D)

Explore Galway with a guided tour showcasing the Hiberno-Saxon frescos of the Galway Cathedral, as well as the famous Lynch House. Marvel at the one-of-a-kind crystal ware crafted by the skilled artisans at the Celtic Crystal factory. On your way to Connemara, admire exceptional landscapes punctuated by stone walls, quaint farms and secluded cottages. Stop at the picturesque Kylemore Abbey for a memorable visit. Overnight in Westport. (B,L,D)

Depart for Carrowmore, one of the largest Stone Age cemeteries in Europe, whose rolling hills are dotted with megalithic monuments such as dolmens, passage tombs and stone circles erected over 7,000 years ago. On your way to Donegal, stop to see William Butler Yeats’ (one of Ireland’s most famous writers) final resting place. Overnight in Sligo. (B,L,D)

Today is dedicated to Donegal, where Gaelic language and traditional Irish music can be heard everywhere. You will see the spectacular Glenveagh National Park, including the Poisoned Glen as well as the impressive Glenveagh Castle, built in 1870. Cross into Northern Ireland where you will enjoy free time to explore the city of Derry. Overnight in Derry. (B,L,D)

Guided tour of Derry, a city brimming with history, notably from the Wars of the Three Kingdoms and the subsequent Irish Rebellion of 1641. You will visit the old walled city, erected by English and Scottish settlers to defend against the Irish. In the afternoon, prepare yourself for your first encounter with the Giant’s Causeway, a larger than life geological formation composed of hexagonal basalt columns. A real feast for the eyes, it has inspired many Irish folk legends! Overnight in Belfast. (B,L,D)

Discover Belfast’s fascinating cultural center by foot, including City Hall, the Opera House and the Albert Memorial Clock Tower. Then, wander through the imposing Titanic Quarter, Belfast’s new large-scale waterfront installation tracing the history of the world’s most famous shipwreck. Tour Crumlin Road Gaol, Northern Ireland’s only remaining Victorian-era prison, followed by free time to continue exploring Belfast. Overnight in Belfast. (B,L,D)

Travel to County Down to explore Hillsborough Castle, an 18^th-century Georgian country house, before returning to the Republic of Ireland. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore Dublin on your own before sitting down to a farewell dinner. Overnight in Dublin. (B,L,D)

Fly from Dublin to Canada, with a same day arrival. Your driver will meet you at the airport to help you with your luggage and drive you home. (B)