Day 1 Overnight Flight
Anticipation mounts as you make your way toward the Emerald Isle and its many wonders. Rich history, rolling hills, and warm smiles lie ahead in Dublin, Waterford, Killarney, and Limerick. With tomorrow comes quintessential Ireland.
Day 2 Dublin, Ireland
Get a taste of old Dublin. With no scheduled activities through the afternoon, enjoy time at your own pace to stroll the city streets, relax in a traditional Irish pub, and soak up that unmistakable Irish charm. Tonight, you and your fellow travelers revel in a traditional Irish evening, including regional cuisine.(D)
Day 3 Dublin
Today, ride with a local guide to visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral and see O’Connell Street and the historic Phoenix Park. What follows is an afternoon to discover Dublin’s charms on your own. Later, you may join an optional tour to the Guinness Storehouse, followed by dinner at a contemporary restaurant showcasing Irish cuisine.(B)
Day 4 Dublin - Powerscourt - Waterford
Begin the day at Powerscourt Estate, where manicured gardens framed by the Wicklow Mountains have inspired visitors for centuries. Enjoy time to explore the renowned gardens, followed by a visit to the on-site distillery, where Ireland’s heritage of fine spirits is reimagined through modern craftmanship. Later, embark on a leisurely paced walking tour of Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city. Then, it’s your choice! Tour the Waterford Crystal factory and learn how exquisite crystal has been made for centuries -OR- visit the Medieval Museum for a guided tour and a glass of wine in the 15th-century Mayor’s Wine Vault.(B, D)
Day 5 Waterford - Blarney Stone - Killarney
The legend goes that those who kiss the Blarney Stone gain the gift of eloquence. Give it a try if you wish at historic Blarney Castle by navigating the 128 narrow steps to the top. Cross into County Kerry and continue on to charming Killarney. Tonight, it’s Diner’s Choice — choose your included dinner from a "menu" of Killarney’s great restaurants.(B, D)
Day 6 Killarney - Ring of Kerry - Killarney
Take in the rugged coastline as you loop your way around the picturesque Ring of Kerry, past pristine beaches, quaint villages, and majestic landscapes. At the Gap of Dunloe, shop for local artisan-made crafts. Meet the local McGill family at their roadside artisan brewery and enjoy a taste of their finest beers. Continue around the Ring of Kerry and top off the day back in Killarney with a ride in a traditional jaunting car.* The night is free for reminiscing about the day as you find your own authentic taste of Irish culture.(B)
Day 7 Killarney - Cliffs of Moher - Limerick
Today brings you to the dramatic, 700-foot-high Cliffs of Moher for cinematic views of the mighty Atlantic. Continue to Limerick, where a panoramic city tour showcases King John's Castle and the Treaty Stone. Delve into the fascinating history of the "city of the violated treaty." This evening, you may join an optional medieval banquet dinner, hosted in a castle.(B)
Day 8 Limerick - Galway - Limerick
Pass through the windswept, limestone landscape of the Burren, known for its stark beauty and Neolithic tombs. See border collies in action during a traditional sheepdog demonstration. Continue on to Galway for some free time to explore this pretty and vibrant city. Return to Limerick to relax over dinner.(B, D)
Day 9 Limerick - Athlone - Killiney
You don’t have to be a history enthusiast to appreciate the rich heritage of Ireland’s ancient heartlands. Today brings you to Athlone, strategically located on the banks of the River Shannon, where you'll visit Athlone Castle and step inside centuries of Irish history shaped by conflict, trade, and settlement. Afterwards, enjoy free time in Athlone town, perfect for a relaxed lunch, or a stroll through its lively streets. Top your day off with an overnight stay on the stately grounds of Fitzpatrick Castle, where you toast the end of a memorable trip during an elegant dinner.(B, D)
Day 10 Killiney - Tour Ends
Your journey ends in Killiney.(B)
Killarney (Killarney National Park)
Developed by Lord Kenmare as a tourist town in the 18th century, Killarney is now the major tourist centre and accommodation base in Kerry. It is the centre for the Ring of Kerry tour, the focal point for the Killarney National Park and the Kerry Way Walking Trail.
Limerick
Limerick City is magnificently sited on one of Europe's finest rivers, the River Shannon. One can only imagine the 9th century scenes, when fleets of Viking vessels sailed up the river to plunder and terrorise the monastic midlands. In later centuries these Norsemen settled and founded the trading port of Limerick.
To-day Limerick is a proud, progressive and thriving City with a charter older than that of London. Its castles, ancient walls and museums are testament to its dramatic past. Particularly worth viewing is Limerick's Emblem 'the Treaty Stone" and King John's Castle in its Heritage precinct as well as the magnificent Hunt Museum in Limerick's Custom House. This museum houses an internationally important collection of some 2,000 original works including pieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Renoir and Picasso.
Limerick City is the Capital of the Shannon Region and is an excellent centre for shopping. It is also rapidly building a reputation for dining and the City has its own 'Good Food Circle' of restaurants. The City is also considered to be the sporting capital of Ireland with excellent facilities and passionate followers of all sporting activities. Limerick is an excellent holiday base, is just 30 minutes from Shannon Airport, and less than 20 minutes from attractions such as world-famous Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.
Waterford
Nestled in southeast Ireland, Waterford combines low farmland and sandy coastlines with rugged landscape typical of County Cork. The town is an ancient Viking settlement whose roots go back to the 8th century. Even today there is a medieval feel about Waterford with its ancient fortifications, 18th century cathedrals, and fine Georgian houses, particularly around The Mall, George's Street and O'Connell Street. While the town is charming, it regained world recognition with the re-opening of the crystal factory offering once again the famous, exquisite glassware of the town's name. Take a walking tour of Historic Waterford to get an understanding of Waterford's complex history. The 70-foot Reginald's Tower was built in the 11th century. Climb the stone spiral staircase for a great view of the city. The ruins of French Church are part of a Dominican monastery built in 1240 AD given to Huguenot refugees in the 17th century. The Theater Royal and City Hall are considered architectural masterpieces by John Roberts.
Excursions
Waterford Shore Excursion- Waterford and Kilkenny Tour - Full Day Tour
Waterford Shore Excursion- Waterford and Kilkenny Tour - Full Day Tour
Meet with your driver/guide and depart the pier in Waterford. Travel through Waterford City. The parameters of the 10th century settlement can be clearly identified in The Viking Triangle which has the most historic urban medieval monument in Ireland, called Reginald’s Tower.
Travel to Kilkenny. Kilkenny City, situated along the banks of the River Nore, is considered the medieval capital of Ireland because of its remarkable collection of well-preserved castles, churches, public buildings, streets, and lanes Enjoy tea, coffee, scones on arrival. Visit Kilkenny

Castle which stands majestically beside the River Nore on the south side of the city.
Visit the Kilkenny Design Centre which is located directly across the road from the Castle and is the centre for many of Ireland’s most famous crafts people.Continue then on to the beautiful Mount Juliet Estate. Here you will enjoy wander around the Estate and lunch in golf club in Mount Juliet. Return to the pier in Waterford the afternoon.
Inclusions
- Private Driver Guide
- Tea, coffee, scones on arrival in Kilkenny
- Entrance to Kilkenny Castle
- Entrance to Kilkenny Design Centre
- Lunch in Mount Juliet Estate
Waterford’s Fine Houses – full day tour
Waterford’s Fine Houses – full day tour
Leaving Waterford this morning we travel through the rich pastures of County Waterford and head for Lismore to visit Lismore Castle Gardens. The castle, which was originally built in 1185 is now the Irish home of the Duke of Devonshire. While Lismore Castle itself is not open to the public, the beautiful and lovingly maintained public gardens are, as is the west wing of the Castle which houses a wonderful contemporary art gallery. The gardens are said to be the oldest continually cultivated gardens in Ireland and they offer spectacular views of both Lismore Castle and the surrounding countryside of the Blackwater valley.
Leaving Lismore we visit nearby Cappoquin House, which is an eighteenth century mansion built on the site of an old Fitzgerald Castle overlooking the River Blackwater. It was designed by the Cork architect, Abraham Hargreave. The Keane family have lived here for the last 300 years. It is little changed from the handsome building completed in 1779. In the house are many reminders of the Afghan war of 1839 in which General Sir John Keane later created Lord Keane of Ghuznee and Cappoquin played an important role. The garden is on a south facing slope crowned with two huge arboretum rhododendrons and planted with unusual trees and flowering shrubs.
Returning to Waterford, we visit Curraghmore House, which is owned by the Marquis of Waterford and has been home to his ancestors since 1170. Some 2,500 acres of formal gardens, woodland and grazing fields make this the largest private demesne in Ireland and one of the finest places to visit in Ireland. The interior has exceptionally fine plasterwork and a guided tour of the main reception rooms of Curraghmore House can be arranged by prior appointment. This tour takes in some of the finest neo-classical rooms in Ireland which feature the magnificent plaster work of James Wyatt and grisaille panels by Peter de Gree. The superbly landscaped gardens beside Curraghmore House, incorporate a shell house, the interior of which was designed by Catherine, Countess of Tyrone, in 1754. May and June are the best months to appreciate azaleas, rhododendrons, through exceptionally fine trees may be enjoyed at any time.
Your driver with then transfer you back to your ship.