Travellers gather in Toronto for our flight to Dublin.

Your Irish adventure begins with a warm greeting from your driver/guide in Dublin. We journey north to Belfast, a city whose maritime spirit is captured by its unique symbol, the seahorse. Here you’ll discover its legendary landmarks and storied streets on an insightful orientation drive. After settling into our hotel, we'll gather for a welcome reception, a perfect chance to meet your fellow travellers before dinner. 

Holiday Inn Belfast (2 nights)

A guided tour of Belfast will take you from the Grand Opera House to the Stormont Buildings, and alongside its poignant and famous murals. Then, in a new addition to our itinerary, we’ll step inside the imposing walls of the Crumlin Road Gaol. During a self-guided visit, you will uncover 150 years of compelling history within this Victorian-era prison. The afternoon is dedicated to the legend of the Titanic. At the spectacular Titanic Belfast, you'll explore ten immersive galleries and walk the decks of the SS Nomadic, the original tender ship.

This morning, a scenic route takes us through the coastal villages of Carrickfergus and Carnlough and past the dramatic Glens of Antrim. Our destination is the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here you will learn the myths and geology behind the 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns that tumble into the wild Atlantic Ocean. After soaking in this natural wonder, we continue to the historic city of Londonderry/Derry to check in, freshen up, and enjoy dinner together. 

Everglades Hotel (2 nights)

Explore the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh, an open-air museum telling the story of Irish emigration in the 18th and 19th centuries. Returning to Londonderry/Derry, you will join a local guide for a walk atop the formidable 17th-century walls, the only ones still fully intact in Northern Ireland. Hear the powerful stories of this resilient city before an evening at your leisure.

Visit Belleek Pottery for a private, behind-the-scenes look at how skilled artisans have crafted its famous fine china since 1857. Next, journey into County Sligo, the heart of ‘Yeats Country,’ through Collooney and Tubbercurry. At the National Museum of Country Life in Turlough Park, discover the fascinating story of rural Irish life from 1850 to 1950, before continuing to Westport for dinner.

Castlecourt Hotel Westport (2 nights)

A spectacular drive awaits today, taking you along the Murrisk Peninsula at the foot of Ireland's holy mountain, Croagh Patrick. Arriving at Kylemore Abbey, one of the country's most romantic landmarks nestled at the edge of a tranquil lake, you will have time to explore the Abbey's elegant interior, the beautiful neo-Gothic Church, and the timeless six-acre Victorian Walled Garden.

This morning, take to the water for a historic cruise on Lough Corrib, Ireland's largest lake. You'll take in stunning views of the Connemara mountains and the magnificent Ashford Castle. Back on land, the day continues to the vibrant city of Galway. After free time for lunch, a local guide will lead you on a walking tour through the city's winding streets, introducing you to its colourful history and bustling arts scene. The evening is highlighted by a medieval banquet at the iconic Bunratty Castle, where you'll enjoy dinner and wine accompanied by traditional Irish song and dance in the castle's Great Hall.

Travel along the Wild Atlantic Way to the village of Doolin, where you'll board a ferry to Inis Oirr, the smallest of the Aran Islands. After a guided walk exploring its unique stone-walled fields and beaches, the return cruise offers a truly special perspective of the Cliffs of Moher. From the water, you will grasp the colossal scale of these world-famous cliffs, which soar up to 214 metres (702 feet) from the Atlantic. Back on land, you’ll experience their majesty again from the top, walking the paved pathways of the Visitor Centre for panoramic views that make this one of Ireland’s most cherished landmarks.

Prepare for a day of breathtaking beauty as you drive the Dingle Peninsula, with scenery memorably captured in the film Ryan's Daughter. Travelling via Tralee, your route explores the dramatic Slea Head Drive, passing through charming villages like Anascaul and the colourful fishing town of Dingle. Here, a treat awaits at the Dingle Cookery School, where you’ll watch a live demonstration of Irish bread and scone making with tastings. Later, continue to the vibrant town of Killarney. After dinner, gather in a cozy, traditional pub for a captivating evening of Irish storytelling. 

Brook Lodge Hotel (2 nights)

Immerse yourself in the heart of the Irish countryside today with two brand-new, authentic experiences. First, at Kissane Sheep Farm, you'll be treated to a sheepdog demonstration, a true spectacle of rural life. The journey continues with breathtaking scenery on the Ring of Kerry, driving through stunning mountain passes like Molls Gap and past colourful towns like Kenmare, Sneem and Dromlusk. Then, at Muckross Farms, you'll step into 1930s Ireland. Highlights of this living museum include meeting the ‘Bean an Ti’ (lady of the house) where she bakes bread over an open fire, seeing butter making and a blacksmith at his forge, admiring vintage farm machinery, and even learning a few words of the Irish language.

Drive through Macroom to Blarney Castle for the chance to kiss the fabled stone, said to bestow the "gift of the gab.” After free time, the day continues via Cork City to the House of Waterford Crystal. A guided tour takes you behind the scenes to witness master artisans transform molten glass into sparkling masterpieces, revealing the entire process from blowing and cutting to the final intricate engraving. The day concludes with our arrival in Kilkenny, just in time for dinner. 

River Court Hotel (1 night)

The morning is free to discover Kilkenny, a city famed for its medieval heritage and unique dark limestone, earning it the nickname 'The Marble City'. You might choose to visit Kilkenny Castle, or wander the laneways of the Medieval Mile. Then, we continue via Carlow to the prestigious Irish National Stud. Here, you'll see champion stallions and explore the fascinating Horse Museum and gardens. The final leg of our journey takes us to Dublin, Ireland's lively capital. 

Trinity City Hotel (3 nights)

Get ready to embrace the unique character of Dublin with a panoramic tour showcasing the elegant Georgian squares, the famous Spire on O'Connell Street, and the River Liffey. The tour includes a visit to the historic St. Patrick's Cathedral, the final resting place of Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels. Next, visit the Guinness Storehouse, home of "the black stuff." On a self-guided visit, you'll learn the story behind Ireland's brew before enjoying a perfectly poured pint in the Gravity Bar, which offers spectacular 360-degree views over Dublin. The rest of the day is yours to experience the city at your own pace.

A morning drive brings you to the magnificent Powerscourt Estate, where you'll admire some of the finest gardens in Europe. Discover the striking beauty of the formal Italian Garden, walk the winding paths of the Japanese Garden, and marvel at the incredible variety within the Walled Garden. After lunch on your own at the estate's Avoca Café, return to Dublin for a free afternoon. For our farewell evening, we gather one last time at the popular Merry Ploughboy Pub. It's the perfect setting to raise a glass with new friends, share memories of our adventure, and enjoy a fantastic dinner accompanied by a high-spirited show of Irish music, song, and dance.

All too soon, our journey must draw to a close as we say farewell to our Irish friends and fly home to Canada.