Day 1

Board your overnight flight (airfare not included in land price). Wear comfortable layers, and shoes that slip on and off easily for security. Dinner and continental breakfast are typically served en route—relax and sleep a "wee" bit before waking to forty shades of green.

• •Overnight transatlantic flight
• •Comfortable clothing and light sweater or jacket recommended for the cabin

Day 2

Upon arrival at Dublin Airport, go through customs, collect luggage, and meet your Tour Guide Mr. Tom O'Toole for a warm "Céad míle fáilte" (One hundred thousand welcomes!). A short drive brings us to Kilkenny, a medieval town steeped in religious roots in Southeast Ireland. Visit the grand Kilkenny Castle, built in 1195 by Norman occupiers. Walk the manicured lawns or explore shops along the winding lanes before gathering for dinner at our hotel.

• •Visit Kilkenny Castle and grounds
• •Explore medieval Kilkenny town
• •Dinner & overnight: Ormonde Hotel, Kilkenny

Day 3

After breakfast, visit the impressive Rock of Cashel, the traditional seat of the Kings of Munster and one of the most remarkable collections of Celtic Art and medieval architecture in Europe. Continue to Kinsale, the gourmet capital of Ireland—a beautiful harbor town founded in 1177. The Trident Hotel sits right on the water with views of boats. Your afternoon is free to explore Kinsale and choose one of the many award-winning pubs or restaurants for dinner.

• •Tour the Rock of Cashel
• •Explore Kinsale harbor town at leisure
• •Dining tip: The Black Pig — reservations essential
• •Overnight: Trident Hotel, Kinsale

Day 4

Breakfast with views of Kinsale Bay. Head to Cork City to walk through the English Market, one of Ireland's best markets serving food since 1788—even Queen Elizabeth visited! Optional excursion to Blarney Castle to kiss the famous Blarney Stone for the "gift of eloquence." Those not climbing the castle can shop at Blarney Woollen Mills or enjoy a pint at the pub. Return to Kinsale for dinner on your own.

• •Visit Cork English Market
• •Optional: Blarney Castle and Stone (self-paid, approx €20)
• •Shopping at Blarney Woollen Mills
• •Overnight: Trident Hotel, Kinsale

Day 5

Farewell Kinsale and head to Killarney town in County Kerry—the "most written and sung about" town in Ireland. The Lake Hotel sits on the outskirts with stunning views of the Lakes of Killarney. This Irish family-owned hotel offers traditional hospitality in a magnificent setting. Enjoy the grounds and the Thermal Suite with outdoor hot tub and infinity pool (book ahead). Dinner at the hotel; often there's music in the pub for an after-dinner drink.

• •Arrival at The Lake Hotel
• •Optional: Lake Thermal Suite (book ahead)
• •Walks along the lake
• •Dinner & overnight: The Lake Hotel

Day 6

After breakfast, step back in time with a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car through Killarney National Park. Enjoy the banter with your driver while learning about the history, folklore, and beauty of the park, including the majestic 15th-century Ross Castle on Lough Leane. Weather permitting, stop at Muckross House and Gardens—stroll the gardens or take an optional self-guided tour of the house (approx €9). Rest of the day is yours to explore Killarney town. Dinner on your own—reserve ahead if dining at the hotel on Sundays!

• •Jaunting car experience in Killarney National Park and Ross Castle
• •Optional tour: Muckross House (€9, self-paid)
• •Explore Killarney town, pubs, and shops
• •Overnight: The Lake Hotel

Day 7

Depart a bit earlier after breakfast to explore the colorful fishing village of Portmagee in County Kerry—famous as the primary departure point for boats to Skellig Michael (UNESCO World Heritage site) and its connection to the Star Wars films. Visit the breathtaking Kerry Cliffs: 1,000-foot-high vertical sea cliffs just 2 kilometers outside the village with dramatic Atlantic views. Check into The Moorings Hotel, a focal point for food and entertainment in this small town. Optional Skellig Eco Boat tour lasting approx. 2½ hours. Dinner on your own at the hotel or local pubs—make reservations!

• •Explore Portmagee fishing village
• •Tour the dramatic Kerry Cliffs
• •Optional: Skellig Eco Boat tour (approx. 2½ hours, self-paid)
• •Overnight: The Moorings Hotel, Portmagee

Day 8

After breakfast in Portmagee, follow more waterways with an optional stop in the historic town of Limerick (home of Frank McCourt, author of Angela's Ashes). Continue to The Lakeside Hotel sitting on the bank of the River Shannon. Originally built in 1894, the hotel is an intrinsic part of the local landscape. Arrive with time to unwind in the leisure center, walk the grounds, or take an optional one-hour Killaloe River Cruise on your own. Gather for a lovely dinner together to share your adventures thus far.

• •Optional stop in historic Limerick
• •Arrival at The Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre
• •Optional: Killaloe River Cruise (approx. 1 hour, self-paid)
• •Dinner & overnight: The Lakeside Hotel

Day 9

Breathe in the moment and reflect on the mighty Shannon River before departing for Dublin via the Irish National Stud Farm and Japanese Gardens. Horse racing has been part of Irish culture for generations. The 12:30 visit takes you through the history of horse racing and the unique tale of the thoroughbred racehorse. Explore what makes these horses powerful athletes. Optional lunch at the café between 1:30-2:30 pm. Self-guided tour of the beautiful Japanese Gardens designed by Tassa Eida between 1906 and 1910—in summer, the gardens are vibrant and breathtaking. Continue to Dublin and check into The Ashling Hotel near the River Liffey in the city center. Dinner on your own at the hotel bistro or nearby pubs.

• •Visit Irish National Stud Farm and Japanese Gardens
• •Optional lunch at the café
• •Check-in: Ashling Hotel, Dublin
• •Overnight: Ashling Hotel

Day 10

Today is yours to relax or explore Dublin. The Luas Tram, Dublin Bus station, and the Luas Train are just outside the hotel. Enjoy a Dublin Hop-on Hop-off bus tour or stroll the city at your own pace—there's so much to see and do! Gather in the pub around 6:00 pm for a short walk to Nancy Hands Pub for our farewell dinner together. Nancy Hands dates back to the 18th century—Nancy was the first female pub owner in Dublin and Ireland. A strong leader who ran the pub when religion ruled society and holy hour closed all establishments from 2-4 pm on Sundays.

• •Free day to explore Dublin
• •Optional: Dublin Hop-on Hop-off bus tour
• •Luas Tram and bus access from hotel
• •Farewell dinner: Nancy Hands Pub
• •Overnight: Ashling Hotel

Day 11

Our memories are forever sealed in our hearts and many photos taken along the way. Rise a little earlier to ensure everything is packed and secure for the flight home. Enjoy breakfast together and bid this beautiful, sparkling Emerald of the Sea farewell. Double-check the room, secure passports, and depart for Dublin Airport with plenty of time for duty-free shopping and VAT reclaim before departure.

• •Group transfer to Dublin Airport for departure
• •Time for duty-free shopping and VAT reclaim
• •Safe travels home