Treasures of Ireland and Northern Ireland | September 30th, 2025
$7299 $6999 per person
⭐⭐⭐⭐+
*Prices are CAD per person, based on 2 people sharing and reflects early booking discount (land only)
Single Rate: $8699 CAD (If you’re a single traveler and looking to be matched up with a roommate (of the same gender), please reach out to us for details)
Want to add a pre night in Dublin?
1 Pre Night: $339 CAD – Per Person based on Double Occupancy
1 Pre Night: $595 CAD Single Occupancy
Includes: Accommodation, arrival transfer and breakfast
Early Booking Price Expires March 17th, 2025 | Or until sold out
September 30th to October 14th, 2025 | 16 to 24 Passengers
Join this Trip Merchant Journeys Small Group Departure!
Embarking on a captivating tour of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, visitors are treated to a rich tapestry of history, culture, and stunning landscapes. Starting in Dublin, the lively capital, travelers can explore iconic sites like Trinity College and the Guinness Storehouse. Crossing into Northern Ireland, the vibrant city of Belfast reveals its storied past through the Titanic Museum and political murals. Nature enthusiasts will marvel at the otherworldly Giant’s Causeway! Venturing westward, the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher offers awe-inspiring coastal views as does the famous Ring of Kerry!
This journey seamlessly blends the warmth of Irish hospitality with the complexities of its heritage, leaving travelers with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the island’s unique charm.
Accommodations:
3 Nights: Dublin (Camden Court Hotel)
2 Nights: Belfast (Europa Hotel)
1 Night: Derry/Londonderry (Maldron Hotel)
1 Night: Galway (Hyde Hotel)
3 Nights: Tralee/Killarney (Brehon Hotel)
1 Night: Cork (Kingsley Hotel)
2 Nights: Kilkenny (Newpark Hotel)
1 Night: Dublin (Fitzpatrick Castle Dublin)
Highlights:
- Sightseeing tours of Dublin and Belfast
- Guinness Storehouse and pour a perfect pint at the Guinness Storehouse and admire 360 degree views of the city from the Gravity Bar
- Titanic Belfast Experience
- Dinner and Traditional Show at Merry Ploughboy Irish Music Pub in Dublin
- Sheepdog Experience at Glenshane Country Farm
- Visit Treacy’s Farmhouse for a Baking Demonstration and Lunch
- Visit the Giant’s Causeway and Antrim Coast
- Tour & Tasting at the Jameson Midleton Distillery
- Visit the Cliffs of Moher
- Experience the natural beauty of the Ring of Kerry
- Kilkenny Walking Tour
- Rock of Cashel
- Visit the Blarney Castle and Kiss the Blarney Stone (not mandatory)
What’s Included:
All sightseeing and meals as per itinerary (14 Breakfasts – 4 Lunches – 6 Dinners)
Accommodations
Entrance Fees (as per itinerary)
Local English Speaking Guide(s)
Local Specialty Guides
Private Air-Conditioned Coach
Tipping/Gratuities
Transfers – Arrival & Departure
Not Included:
*International airfare
*Trip Merchant is happy to assist you with booking the international airfare from your preferred Canadian air gateway
Out of Country Trip Cancellation and Medical Insurance is recommended
Terms and Conditions:
Deposit: $500 CAD per person due at time of booking (non-refundable)
- If you cancel 10 months prior to departure, then $250 per person is refunded and the remaining $250 per person becomes a Future Travel Credit to be used on any TMJ group departure up to 2 years beyond original date of travel. Deposit becomes non-refundable and cannot be converted to a Future Travel Credit if within 10 months of departure.
Final Balance: Due 90 Days prior to the departure date (non-refundable)
Other Notes:
- Roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers are included for all passengers who book a Trip Merchant Journeys or a Trip Merchant Long Stays group departure. These transfers are available on the regular arrival and departure dates of the trip and do not apply to pre and post night stays.
For any programs that include domestic flights there may be additional deposits required. These will be advised on a case-by-case basis.
Call for assistance: 1-800-481-9739 ext 507
Mention Group Booking Number: TMJIRE925
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Destination
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Arrival City
Dubin, Ireland -
Departure City
Dublin, Ireland -
Activity Level
This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs, or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected. -
Passenger Limit
24 pax
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Tuesday, September 30th, 2025: Dublin | Arrive in Dublin, Ireland
This morning arrive in Ireland after your overnight flight, and meet up with your guide and driver at the Dublin Airport and be transferred to Dublin city centre.
Enjoy a Walking tour of the city. Here you will discover the north and south side of the River Liffey. This area offers great striking monuments such as the GPO (General Post Office) on the city main thoroughfare, O'Connell Street, or the Custom House along the quays, as well as the Phoenix Park, the largest public park in Europe. The south side appears more sophisticated with its vast Georgian squares, such as Merrion Square, where Oscar Wilde’s House can still be found (today owned by an American College), its colourful doors, along with Grafton Street and its quality shops. Not so far from St. Stephen’s Green, in Kildare St., you will see the house of Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula.
This part of the city is also dominated by the students of Trinity College, where the famous book of Kells is permanently exhibited in its library. The university is facing the medieval district where Dublin Castle and the two Anglican Cathedrals can be found.
Accommodation: Camden Court Hotel, Lower Camden Street, Dublin
Just a short stroll from Stephens Green and the famous shopping district of Grafton Street, the Camden Court Hotel is located in the heart of Dublin. A stylish, modern hotel it has 251 contemporary bedrooms, a restaurant offering lunch and a la carte dinner menus and a modern bar. Guests have full access to the leisure centre including a 16m swimming pool, sauna and a gym. Close to the commercial districts and major Dublin city attractions like Trinity College, St Patricks Cathedral and the National Museum.
Meals Provided: No Meals Provided
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Wednesday, October 1st, 2025: Dublin | Epic Museum - Guinness Storehouse - Welcome Dinner and Show
This morning visit EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is a state-of-the-art interactive experience located in the beautiful vaults of the 1820 Custom House Quarter building in Dublin’s Docklands, the original departure point for so many of Ireland’s emigrants. It will inspire and guide you on a journey to discover the stories of Irish emigration around the world, from early times to the modern day. Over the centuries, some 10 million people have left the island of Ireland. At EPIC you can step through 20 themed galleries to find out why people left, see how they influenced the world they found, and experience the connection between their descendants and Ireland today. Immerse yourself in the stories of some of the most remarkable tales of sacrifice, endurance, adventure, and discovery the world has ever known. EPIC brings these amazing stories to life in a unique and spectacular way.
Lunch under own arrangement
This afternoon you will visit the Guinness Storehouse
The Guinness Brewery in Dublin is Europe's largest stout producing brewery and home to the Guinness Storehouse. Opened in 1904, the Storehouse was an operational plant for fermenting and storing Guinness. Today it houses a very fine exhibition dedicated to the Guinness story. Visitors will discover what goes into the making a pint of Guinness - the ingredients, the brewing process, the time, the craft and the passion. The exhibition shows how the brew has been marketed and how it is today sold in over 150 countries. Once the tour has finished, the guest is invited to the Gravity Bar to enjoy their pint of Guinness. Regular demonstrations on the art of pulling a pint of Guinness also take place in the Storehouse.
In the evening enjoy a Dinner & Traditional Show at Merry Ploughboy Irish Music Pub. The show takes place in the ideal location, a pub owned and run by musicians who have been performing to audiences in Dublin since 1989. The Merry Ploughboys live in concert is widely regarded as the best traditional music show in Dublin and also as a must see for any visitors to Dublin city. The show is a highly entertaining performance of live traditional Irish music, song and Irish dancing. From start to finish, this is a show based on fantastic interaction between the performers and the audience.
Accommodation: Camden Court Hotel, Lower Camden Street, Dublin
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Dinner
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Thursday, October 2nd, 2025: Dublin Full Day at Leisure
Today enjoy a full day of leisure in this fair city to explore on your own.
Accommodation: Camden Court Hotel, Lower Camden Street, Dublin
Meals Provided: Breakfast
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Friday, October 3rd, 2025: Dublin to Belfast
This morning, depart for Belfast city touring the Boyne Valley in the morning.
Visit Treacy’s Farmhouse for a Baking Demonstration & Lunch. Based in Comber, County Down on the shores of Strangford Lough, Tracey Jeffrey has a beautiful traditional cottage where she provides a traditional Irish bread making experience. The session starts with a traditional Irish Fruit Soda Cake, a sweet treat and delicious with lots of homemade Irish butter. While the Fruit Soda Cake is baking in the stove oven, guests will make some potato bread (or fudge as it is known locally). Fillings of scallions or cheese can be added to the potato mix. Soda bread will also be made, with various alternative ingredients, including treacle, currants, sultanas or cinnamon. Tray-bakes are a typical sweet treat from Northern Ireland, and are delicious served with tea or coffee. Guests will take home a bag filled with their handmade products and all of the recipes.
Arrive in Belfast and enjoy a Panoramic Tour of the city.
There are just under half a million people living in Belfast today, and one of the city’s principal landmarks can be seen upon arrival –the two Harland & Wolfe Cranes –nicknamed Samson and Goliath. It was here that many great ships were built –most notably for White Star Line, whose ships included the Olympic, Britannic and –perhaps the most famous ship of all –RMS Titanic.
Dinner is included this evening at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Europa Hotel, Great Victoria Street, Belfast
Situated in the heart of Belfast, the Europa Hotel is convenient to the business and commercial districts, and ideally positioned amongst Belfast's entertainment and shopping areas. Having undergone major refurbishment, the hotel now boasts 272 stylish, contemporary bedrooms including the 92 executive suites. The Piano Bar Restaurant uses locally sourced produce and has magnificent views over Great Victoria Street below. Dining options are also available at the Causerie Bistro and the Lobby Bar on the ground floor. Situated on Belfast’s “Golden Mile” beside the Grand Opera House and facing the Crown Bar , the hotel is located also close to the Waterfront and Odyssey concert venues.
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Saturday, October 4th, 2025: Belfast
This morning visit the Titanic Belfast Experience.
Located in the heart of Belfast, the Titanic Belfast recreates the story of the world’s most famous ship in an iconic, six floor building right beside the historic site of the original ship’s construction. Opened in April 2012 to coincide with the centenary of its launch, the self-guided journey begins on entering the building's giant atrium, where the visitor is surrounded by the four ‘ship’s hull’ shaped wings which house the Titanic Experience. As you journey through the nine large galleries of the interactive exhibition, you will uncover the true story of the Titanic, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900's, through her construction and launch, to her famous maiden voyage and subsequent place in history.
Lunch under own arrangement
In the afternoon, travel to Glenshane Country Farm for a Sheepdog Experience
Glenshane Country Farm is set high in the heart of the Sperrin Mountains. We are the 4th generation of family sheep farmers, offering our guests a hands on authentic experience of an Irish working farm. With over 250+ sheep on the farm.. come see our Sheepdogs at work with an option of sheering the wool while taking in the delights of the beautiful countryside. Our guests leave smiling with stories and memories to tell family and friends back home.
Dinner under own arrangement
Accommodation: Europa Hotel, Great Victoria Street, Belfast
Meals Provided: Breakfast
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Sunday, October 5th, 2025: Antrim Coast - Giant's Causeway
Depart towards the Antrim Coast.
Your drive up from Belfast will take you along the coast road (known as the Causeway Coastal Route) via the Glens of Antrim. There are stunning views of the sea to the right; and the mountains –or the Glens of Antrim –to the left. Most impressive are the spectacular views of Mull of Kintyre, Scotland –clearly visible on a fine day. Along the coast road you will pass the quaint coastal villages of Glenariff, Cushendall and Cushendun.
Visit the Giant’s Causeway
Encounter Northern Ireland’s favourite giant Finn McCool at the new Giants Causeway Visitor centre on the North Antrim coast which opened in the summer of 2012. According to legend Finn McCool created the Giants Causeway by building stepping stones to Scotland to challenge the Scottish giant Benandonner! The new Visitor centre explores the major themes of mythology, geology, landscape, ecology, culture and social history based on the UNESCO World Heritage site that consists of 40,000 basalt polygonal columns formed 60 million years ago after a volcanic eruption. There are various interactive exhibits and short video presentations within five designated interpretive exhibition areas and the self guided visit will culminate with a spectacular two minutes audio-visual projection of a volcanic eruption flowing over the walls and onto the floor. Other services and facilities include a large craft and souvenir shop, Tourist Information and restaurant. To enhance the wider visitor experience around the site, a hand held audio guide is available in a range of languages which will bring the wider World Heritage Site to life and inform visitors of unique features to look out for across this amazing landscape. Guided tours of the site are also available. The walks and trails around the World Heritage Site have been upgraded, with the addition of a new accessible cliff top walk for families and people with disabilities. In 2015, Conde Nast Traveler magazine included hopping the stones of the Giant's Causeway as one of the '50 things to do in Europe before you die'.
Enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant on the way.
Accommodation: Maldron Hotel Derry, Butcher Street, The Diamond, Derry city
The Maldron Hotel is the only hotel located within the historic walls of Derry. A contemporary hotel, the Maldron has 90 bedrooms and 3 suites, while the Walls Bar and Restaurant overlooks the city walls. The hotel has a small fitness centre and a sauna available to guests. Located just off the Diamond, the hotel is a few minutes walk from all of Derry’s attractions including St. Columb's Cathedral, the Guildhall and the Tower Museum. It's location makes it an ideal venue for those visiting Derry, and the north coasts of Antrim and Donegal.
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch
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Monday, October 6th, 2025: Derry to Galway
Today travel towards Galway. On the way make a stop in Belleek Pottery The world famous brand of Belleek pottery has its home in an imposing Victorian building in the village of Belleek on the river Erne. Awarded a 4 star visitor attraction grading in 2013 and 'Best Visitor Experience Of The Year 2014'at the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards, it features a museum, tearoom, video theatre and a showroom. The guided tour covers all of the production areas offering guests the possibility of meeting with the craftspeople, observing their craftmenship working on the different handmade pieces (no production on Sundays). As you walk through the museum you will experience the journey through the life of the Pottery from the early earthenware days to the present day fine translucent Parian China.
Enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant on the way
After lunch, visit the Marble Arch Caves. Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark is host to one of the finest show caves in Europe. Visitors are guided through a fascinating natural underworld of rivers, waterfalls, winding passages and lofty chambers while stunningly beautiful cave formations glisten all around.
This evening enjoy an included dinner at your hotel.
Accommodation: Hyde Hotel, Forster Street, Galway city
The Hyde Hotel is situated off Eyre Square in the heart of Galway city centre. The hotel is a two minute walk to the train and bus stations and a short stroll from the main shopping area, theatres and nightlife of Galway city. It is a good location for visiting and exploring Galway, Connemara, the Burren and the Aran Islands. The hotel offers 50 comfortable and inviting bedrooms, where the emphasis is on personal service and friendly attention to detail. Well appointed double, twin, triple, accessible and family (interconnecting) rooms are available. All guest bedrooms are non-smoking. All bedrooms are well equipped with everything required for a comfortable and enjoyable stay, including complimentary high-speed WiFi internet access, 42 inch multi-channel TV, hairdryer, room service, dry cleaning service, tea / coffee making facilities and direct dial telephone. The hotel’s Elwood's Bar and Restaurant consists of a 60 seater restaurant, along with a 30 seater private dining area. As part of the hotel’s commitment to the local economy, all food is sourced from local producers and suppliers thus ensuring only the freshest ingredients go into every dish. In the modern bar, there is live music on Thursday nights.
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Tuesday, October 7th: 2025: Burren & Cliffs of Moher
Depart for a day in the Burren Region.
Stop at the famous Cliffs of Moher.
Situated on the Atlantic Ocean and bordering the Burren region, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's most spectacular sights. Standing 230 metres above the ground at their highest point and 8km long, the Cliffs boast one of the most amazing views in Ireland. On a clear day, the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay as well as the valleys and hills of Connemara. The cliffs reach their highest point just north of O' Brien's Tower built by Cornelius O’ Brien, a descendant of Brian Boru, to entertain his lady friends. A visit of the tower is also possible. The sweeping view across the Atlantic has recently been ranked the best 'cliff-view' on the planet by Conde Nast Traveler. The respected travel publication has voted the world-famous landmark at the top of a new chart of ' Nine Gorgeous Cliff Views That Rival The Grand Canyon'.
Atlantic Edge is the exciting new interpretive centre at the Cliffs of Moher and is built into the natural landscape. The centre is a huge domed cave that contains images, exhibits, displays & experiences exploring different elements of the mighty Cliffs of Moher: Ocean, Rock, Nature and Man. The visitor centre has a restaurant, shop facilities and ample coach and car parking. A spectacular upgraded 13 km of scenic coastal pathway along the Cliffs of Moher links Doolin to Hags Head.
Enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant on the way
Accommodation: Brehon Hotel, Muckross Road, Killarney, Co. Kerry
The Brehon is a luxurious, four-star hotel that sits on the Muckross Road, 1km from Killarney town centre. The hotel boasts 125 spacious guest rooms designed with everything needed for a comfortable stay. There are a range of rooms available, all of which have a feeling of relaxed elegance. In-room facilities include toiletries, underfloor heating, complimentary Wi-Fi, individually controlled air conditioning, TV, laptop-sized safe, and tea/coffee making facilities. Guests also have complimentary relaxation time in the Angsana Spa, an award-winning facility with an extensive range of treatments and massages. The luxurious experience continues at Danú, the hotel's restaurant. Danú fuses traditional Irish cooking with the flavours of faraway lands to create a unique dining experience. The Brehon Bar provides a relaxing atmosphere where guests can savour a fine selection of wines, cocktails, and champagne along with an extensive menu of bar food. Killarney town offers much in the way of sport, entertainment and cultural activities.
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch
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Wednesday, October 8th, 2025: Ring of Kerry
Enjoy a day touring the Ring of Kerry The Ring of Kerry (166km) is the most famous and panoramic route in Ireland. The astonishing beauty of this large peninsula, Iveragh, comes from the great diversity of its scenery, which offers incessant contrasts. En route around the Ring, take in spectacular scenery - mountains, peat bogs, lakes and magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean as one travels along the coast road. Leaving Killarney pass through Killorglin, famous for its Puck Fair, then to Glenbeigh where the cliff road affords panoramic views of the Dingle Peninsula and Dingle Bay. Continuing to Cahirciveen, you’ll pass the birthplace of our National hero, Daniel O’Connell. Next, continue on through peat bogs to the town of Waterville. Continue to Sneem Village, famous for its brightly coloured houses. The road then continues through the mountains to Molls Gap and Ladies View with superb views of the famous Lakes of Killarney.
Accommodation: Brehon Hotel, Muckross Road, Killarney, Co. Kerry
Meals Provided: Breakfast
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Thursday, October 9th, 2025: Enjoy a full day at leisure in Killarney
Enjoy a full day at leisure today to explore Killarney.
Accommodation: Brehon Hotel, Muckross Road, Killarney, Co. Kerry
Meals Provided: Breakfast
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Friday, October 10th, 2025: Kerry to Cork
Today travel towards Cork, with a stop in Blarney on the way.
Lunch under own arrangement
Continue towards Cork and visit Blarney Castle Attracting visitors from all over the world, Blarney Castle is situated in Blarney village, 8 km from Cork city. An ancient stronghold of the McCarthy's, Lords of Muskerry, it is one of Ireland's oldest and most historic castles, and one of the strongest fortresses in Munster. Built in 1446, Blarney Castle is famous for its Blarney stone, the Stone of Eloquence, which is traditionally believed to have the power to bestow the gift of eloquence on all those who kiss it. Many legends tell the story of the Stone, but why not kiss it and find out the truth behind the legend. The Castle gardens covering 60 acres of land are under constant change and over the past few years, a water garden, fern garden and poison garden have been developed and are all open to visitors.
This evening enjoy an included dinner.
Accommodation: Kingsley Hotel, Victoria Cross, Cork
Overlooking the River Lee, this luxe hotel is across the road from Cork County Hall and 14 minutes' walk from University College Cork. The upmarket rooms come with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, plus tea and coffeemaking facilities. Some rooms have river views. Suites add separate sitting rooms and whirlpool baths, while 1 lavish suite features a kitchen, a piano, and a private balcony with a hot tub. Full Irish breakfast is available, and afternoon tea is served in the lounge (surcharge). There's also a fine-dining restaurant, a casual bistro and a bar. Other amenities include a spa, an indoor pool and a fitness centre.
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Dinner
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Saturday, October 11th, 2025: Midleton | Rock of Cashel | Kilkenny
This morning experience the Jameson Midleton Distillery Whiskey has been distilled in the town of Midleton, County Cork since the early 9th Century. The Midleton Distillery Experience was founded by the Murphy brothers in 1825. The 45 minute guided tour of the distillery commences with a short audio-visual, after which visitors are taken on a tour of the old distillery by local guides. Follow the old distillery trail through mills, maltings, stillhouse, warehouses and kilns and view the largest pot still in the world - some of these buildings date back to 1795. The tour ends in the Distillery pub, where all are invited to enjoy a glass of Irish Whiskey. During the visit a number of volunteers are selected to take part in a tasting session to compare a Jameson whiskey with a Scottish Whisky and American bourbon. Participants will receive a diploma for their achievement! It is possible for the whole group to participate in the whiskey comparison tasting. The visitor attraction has a Malt House Restaurant and a shop where guests can buy a range of whiskeys and souvenirs. Lunch under own arrangement Continue towards Cashel for a visit of the famous Rock of Cashel
Possibly the most photographed site in Ireland, the Rock of Cashel towers over the town of Cashel from its perch on a 200-foot high outcrop of limestone. Once the seat of the Kings of Munster. St. Patrick visited the rock in 450 AD, while Brian Boru was crowned the first high King of Ireland here in the tenth century. Granted to the church in the twelfth century, by the O'Brien clan, today the impressive stone walls enclose a round tower, a cathedral, a twelfth century Romanesque chapel and high crosses. The Vicars Choral has been recently restored and its basement houses a small museum of artefacts found on the site. One of the leading visitor attractions in Ireland, in 2011 it was visited by Queen Elizabeth II on her historic first visit to the Republic of Ireland.
Accommodation: Newpark Hotel, Castlecomer Road, Kilkenny city
On the edge of historic Kilkenny city, in over 40 acres of parkland, the Newpark Hotel is a contemporary style hotel. The property offers 129 modern guestrooms, the intimate, contemporary Gulliver's Restaurant and casual dining options at the Scott Dove Bar & Bistro that features regular live music. Guests have complimentary use of the leisure centre that includes a swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, steam room and gym. The Escape Spa is available for massage and beauty treatments. The hotel is a good base for visit historic Kilkenny city and the south-east region.
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Dinner
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Sunday, October 12th, 2025: Kilkenny
Today enjoy a Walking tour of Kilkenny.
Capital of County Kilkenny, the town of Kilkenny is often referred to as “the Marble City”. It is the most interesting and best preserved of the medieval Irish cities. It owes its immense charm to the various impressive historical monuments. A medieval city of 24,000 people it is characterised by many beautifully restored buildings and winding slipways ~ it is small and compact enough to explore on foot, yet full of fascinating historical buildings and contemporary shops, design galleries and restaurants. The ancient city of Kilkenny was named after a 6th century monk St Canice. A native of the area, St Canice built a monastic enclave on the site where today we find the beautifully restored 13th St Canices Cathedral. The town is dominated by 12th century Kilkenny Castle, built by the Normans on their arrival in this part of Ireland. There are a number of other interesting visits to be made while in Kilkenny. No visit of Kilkenny can be considered complete without a visit to the following venues, the Black and Grey Abbeys, Rothe House, the Smithwicks Brewery and the Shee Alms house ~ which today is used as the local tourist office.
Lunch under own arrangement
This afternoon we will visit Kilkenny Castle
One of the most instantly recognised buildings in Ireland, Kilkenny Castle has been an important site since it was built by the Anglo-Normans in the 12th century. The castle has been remodelled in Victorian times and set in extensive parklands which was the principal seat of the Butler family, Marquesses and Dukes of Ormonde. Due to major restoration works, the central block now includes a library, drawing room, and bedrooms decorated in 1830's splendour, as well as the beautiful Long Gallery. A suite of former servant's rooms is now the Butler Art Gallery, which mounts frequently changing exhibitions of contemporary art. The Parade Tower is the Castle's conference venue.
Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Dinner under own arrangement
Accommodation: Newpark Hotel, Castlecomer Road, Kilkenny city
Meals Provided: Breakfast
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Monday, October 13th, 2025: Kilkenny to Dublin
Today depart for Dublin via Wicklow Wicklow is known as the garden of Ireland. Close to Dublin, it offers its visitors mountains, lakes, rivers, bogs and an array of beautiful scenery. Home to Powerscourt, Mount Usher and Russborough, to name a few of its many houses and gardens. This region features all the various types of scenery that makes Ireland so beautiful. The coastline is bordered by charming sea resorts such as Bray or Greystones. In the heart of its gentle and rounded hills are nestled Enniskerry and Avoca, both very picturesque villages. Discover its romantic and quiet beauty, the deserted mounts where nothing but heather grows, the small forests and the lush prairies illuminated by yellow gorse in spring.
The Wicklow Mountains national park consists of 20,000 hectares of conserved landscapes, plant & animal inhabitants, not to mention the beautiful scenery that makes it the only area of its kind in the East of Ireland.
Lunch under own arrangement
Enjoy a stop at Powerscourt House & Garden & Waterfall
Situated at the foot of the Wicklow mountains, Powerscourt is one of the most beautiful estates in Ireland. Powerscourt Gardens are a magnificent example of aristocratic gardens from the 19th century. The gardens were initiated around 1745 and restyled in the 19th century. The gardens have many features including the Triton pool with its 30m fountain. To the left are American and Italian gardens, while below them is a Japanese garden. The Bamberg Gates to the walled garden are believed to come from a German Cathedral in Bamberg in Bavaria. There are many rare plants and wonderful views of the Great Sugar Loaf Mountain. Not to be missed is the pet cemetery with its headstones dedicated to the family dogs. Originally built as a castle in 1300 and home to the Wingfield family from 1603 fro 350 years Powerscourt House was much altered in the 18th century, when the famous German born architect Richard Castle remodelled the castle and grounds. It involved the creation of a magnificent mansion in the Palladian style around the shell of the earlier castle. The house was gutted by fire in 1974 but recently has been reborn as an exceptional tourist destination. A small exhibition brings to life the rich history of the estate, while the double height Georgian ballroom has been restored and hosts weddings and corporate events. The house is now home to the best of Irish design in gifts, clothes, and furniture in the Avoca Stores and the Interiors Gallery. You can also treat yourself to a dish from the Avoca Cookbook in the Terrace Cafe. Visitors to Powerscourt can also enjoy a visit to Tara's Palace on the upper floor of the House. Visitors are attracted by the beautiful cascade set in magnificent surroundings. The waterfall is the highest in Ireland at 121 meters and is surrounded by woods and specimen tress. In 1821 King George IV visited Ireland and travelled to Powerscourt. A special viewing platform was constructed near the waterfall and to ensure a sufficient flow of water for the cascade a dam was put in place above the falls. The King spent too much time at the table and fortunately for him never saw the waterfall because, as the dam was removed the rush of water was too strong and it swept away the viewing platform. Imagine how this event could have changed the course of Irish History! The waterfall is located approximately 5 km from the Powerscourt House and is accessed by a completely separate entrance.
This evening we have our final farewell dinner!
Accommodation: Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Dublin (Superior)
The family owned Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel is located in the fashionable suburb of Killiney overlooking Dublin Bay. The original castle was built in the 18th century and the present property combines old world style decoration with modern facilities in this charming hotel. It offers its guests 113 luxurious bedrooms, a stylish restaurant and the recently refurbished Dungeon bar and grill. Guests can also relax in the quiet surrounds of the cosy intimate Library Bar. Guests have access to the hotel’s leisure facilities including a fitness centre, a 20m swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi and steam room. With its own gardens and beautiful views over the Irish Sea, the hotel is well located 15 km south of Dublin city and is an ideal base from which to visit Dublin, Wicklow and the south east.
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Dinner
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Tuesday, October 14th, 2025: Depart for home
Transfer to Dublin airport for your departing flight back home.
Meals Provided: Breakfast
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