Emerald Escape: Discovering Ireland's Timeless Charm

Arrive in Dublin and hit the ground running! Start with a traditional Irish breakfast and strong coffee to fuel up before sightseeing. The hop on/hop off bus is a great way to get yourself acclimated to the city with stops at the Trinity College, Guinness Storehouse, Kilmainham Gaol, EPIC Museum, and Temple Bar Square. Go grab a pint and enjoy people-watching at one of the local pubs. Finish the day with a delectable dinner at one of the many highly rated Dublin restaurants.

Get an early start to your day with a day trip into Northern Ireland. Stop in Belfast and immerse yourself in history with the Troubles tour or explore the interactive Titanic museum—the birthplace of the RMS Titanic.

Continue north to the Antrim coast and spend the afternoon at Giant’s Causeway—a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 40,000 interlocking volcanic basalt columns alongside dramatic cliffs. A stone’s throw away is either Dunluce Castle (Game of Thrones) or sway in the wind watching waves beneath your feet while you cross the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge.

Return to Dublin for a cozy pint and live music to finish your day.

This morning you will begin your journey across the fertile farmland and rolling uplands to southern Ireland. Stop in Kilkenny along the way to explore this medieval city with a rich heritage.

Continue on to the Rock of Cashel before you end your day in the city of Cork. Sitting proudly on an island in the middle of the River Lee, Cork’s feel-good buzz surges through its hip coffee shops, vibrant art galleries, off-beat museums, and seriously good pubs.

Begin the day by visiting Cork’s English Market before heading to the nearby seaside town of Kinsale. Known for its quaint charm, Kinsale is a perfect town to taste local Irish cuisine with a strolling food tour and walk it off by visiting the local shops before returning to Cork for a nightcap.

Travel to the Blarney Castle and Woolen Mills today. Climb to the top of the castle to kiss the legendary Stone of Eloquence and receive the “gift of gab.” After exploring the Blarney Gardens, cross the street for a bite to eat and to shop the largest emporium of finely woven Irish woolen products before traveling to the Midleton Distillery—the birthplace of Jameson Whiskey.

Depart Cork and stop at the 18th century Bantry House mansion & gardens inspired by the Boboli gardens in Florence. The mansion is furnished with an eclectic collection of art and furnishings brought from all over Europe by the second Earl of Bantry. Next stop is the iconic Dingle Peninsula.

Start the day by visiting Ross Castle and then embark on a water coach cruise of Lough Leane. Pass by St. Finian’s 6th-century monastery and view Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntoohil. While back on land, continue your journey with a jaunting car (horse) ride through Killarney National Park. Finish your day by reflecting over a great dinner and *surprise* a pint at a pub!

Today travel northwest to Ennis and, on the way, stop in Doolin, where you’ll set your sights on the iconic Cliffs of Moher. Next, board an express ferry ride to Inishmore—the largest of the Aran Islands. Disclaimer: This is not a ride for the less-than seaworthy.

Here you’ll enjoy a culture of traditional Irish life that dates back to 4,000 B.C. If you are a bike enthusiast, rent a bike as it is a very common way to travel around the island and see the sights. Make sure to visit the traditional Aran Sweater Market/craft shop and grab a coffee from the local coffee truck.

This day is dedicated to traveling back to Dublin for your departure. On the way back to Dublin, stop by Sean’s Bar—the Guinness Book of World Record’s oldest pub in Ireland. Enjoy the stories of the saw wood chips on the floor while sipping your last Irish Guinness.