Dublin The Wicklow Mountains Ballyknocken Cork Kerry KildareGalway
This tour takes you from the vibrant streets of Dublin to the picturesque Wicklow Mountains, where the natural beauty will enchant you. Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of Ballyknocken and the grandeur of Powerscourt. As we venture to Cork, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the historic Blarney Castle and the breathtaking landscapes of Kerry. Experience the culinary delights of Ballymaloe and savour the rich heritage of Foynes. Your journey continues to the vibrant city of Galway, the wild landscapes of Connemara, and the ancient wonders of Clonmacnoise, before concluding in the serene beauty of County Kildare.
Itinerary Highlights
Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites
Localised Food Tours
Learn about the history of Guinness
Explore stunning scenery
Ballymaloe Cookery School experience
What’s included
Private tours for most included activities
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
09
Nights
Price Guide
$POA
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
Fly to Dublin
Day 1
Arrive in Dublin
On arrival today, you are met and privately transferred to the hotel. The remainder of the day is spent at leisure after the flight. You may wish to join your local guide on an afternoon orientation tour of the Irish capital. This tour includes visiting Trinity College Library to see the Book of Kells. Created in Ireland in the 8th century, this book is the most remarkable example of an illuminated manuscript that survived the Middle Ages.
Day 2
Food Tour & Guinness Storehouse
This morning, meet an expert on Irish cuisine for a walking tour of the city centre. The expert will discuss the development of eating habits in Ireland and the contemporary food scene in the 21st Century. The tour will include visits to various outlets to see how food is presented in stores in Dublin. Product tasting is, of course, included. The outlets include a cheese store, a traditional butcher and a shop selling delicious cakes. After a light lunch, take a panoramic tour of Dublin that passes the statue-lined O’Connell Street, the Georgian squares, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the President’s palace in Phoenix Park. Not surprisingly, the tour ends at the Guinness Storehouse, home to Ireland’s most celebrated export. Here, you are treated to a tour of the Storehouse, where this unusually dry stout’s history and production methods are relayed. As part of the tour, learn how to pour a perfect pint of Guinness – which can be enjoyed afterwards!
Day 3
The Wicklow Mountains – Ballyknocken & Powerscourt
Following the gourmet treats of last night, today it is back to basics. Drive south from Dublin into the Wicklow Mountains region, and head to the renowned Ballyknocken House, Farm and Cookery School. Here you learn about the basics of Irish cooking. The experience includes a hands-on class on how to make perfect Irish soda scones and a demonstration of how to make a traditional Irish stew using local lamb from the surrounding mountains. A rustic farmer’s lunch is then taken in the hay barn, followed by a tasting of whiskey. This afternoon, return to Dublin, stopping en route at Powerscourt House, where one of the finest landscape gardens in Ireland can be admired. The evening is at leisure to dine independently in one of the many fine establishments Dublin has to offer.
Day 4
English Market & Blarney Castle
This morning we drive to Dublin’s Heuston train station to board a train to Cork, the principal city in the south of Ireland. After a journey of nearly three hours, arrive at Kent Station and drive straight to the English Market, ironically one of the most noted food markets in Ireland. Inside the market hall there is a huge range of Irish produce available for sale, from meat and fish to fruit and vegetables. Lunch is taken at the Farmgate Café, overlooking the hall, where fresh local ingredients are used in the carefully prepared dishes. After checking into your hotel, your tour director leads an excursion to Blarney Castle. This 15th-century tower house is famed for the eponymous stone set in the parapet that is said to give the ‘Gift of the Gab’ to anyone who kisses it. This evening, drive to the picturesque coastal village of Kinsale for dinner. This village is often considered to be the gourmet capital of Ireland on account of the large number of restaurants located here.
Day 5
West Cork – Local Cheese & Fish – Kenmare
Leave the hotel this morning for a journey west into the region known as West Cork which extends over to the bays of the Atlantic Coast. This area has become well established as a leading centre for artisanal cheeses including Durrus, Milleens and Gubbeen. You stop at one of the factories to learn about cheese making in this area and to enjoy the fresh produce.
Your route then leads us along the Beara Peninsula to Castletownbere, the leading port in Ireland for white fish landing. Hear about the importance of the fishing industry to the local economy before enjoying a lunch of freshly caught fish in a local hostelry.
This afternoon, drive over the Caha Mountains to the colourful town of Kenmare where there is time to shop for souvenirs. Return to Cork via the Old Kenmare Road, a section of the fabled Ring of Kerry that cuts through the beautiful Killarney National Park.
Day 6
Ballymaloe Cookery School
Today is spent at Ballymaloe. Run by legendary chef Darina Allen, this is unquestionably the most celebrated cookery school in Ireland. After arrival, the chefs offer a demonstration on the techniques used in preparing quality dishes from Irish ingredients. Then it’s time for work as you are given the opportunity to make the dishes yourself. At the end of the session enjoy the fruits of your labour in well-deserved late lunch, after which you take a tour of the extensive gardens of the school where all the vegetables and herbs used in the courses are grown. You return to the hotel past Midleton, home to one of the world’s largest distilleries. The majority of spirits from Ireland are distilled here, including Jameson’s
Day 7
Cork – Foynes – Ennis
Leave Cork this morning and drive north across the dairy country of Counties Cork and Limerick, before reaching the estuary of the River Shannon, the longest river in the British Isles. On the southern shore is Foynes, an otherwise unremarkable town that was the site of the first commercial transatlantic passenger service arrival in 1939. The plane used was a Boeing 314 ‘Flying Boat’. Although no original specimen has survived, you visit the replica that has been constructed to experience these early flying conditions. Although short-lived, the main legacy of Foynes is Irish coffee. In 1942, Joe Sheridan decided that transatlantic passengers needed something stronger than ordinary coffee to revive them after the flight, and so introduced the original Irish coffee. Learn how to make proper Irish coffee in a master class using Irish whiskey and fresh local cream. Lunch is served at nearby Glin Castle, an 18th-century mansion overlooking the estuary in the company of the Knight of Glin, the owner of the property. This afternoon, cross the Shannon by ferry and continue north to the Cliffs of Moher, one of the most iconic sites in Europe. These sandstone cliffs drop 400 feet into the Atlantic, and offer a magnificent spectacle. Your route leads past Galway Bay, home to some of the finest oyster beds in Europe. Continue to your hotel in Ennis. Dinner this evening is a la carte in your hotel.
Day 8
Connemara
This morning you drive west into the unspoiled region of Connemara. This is one of the principal areas in Ireland where salmon is fished in the rivers, and as a consequence smoked salmon is one of the main products from this area. Visit the Connemara Smokehouse, where the proprietors welcome us and show us how salmon is filleted and prepared for the delicate smoking that imparts a distinctive flavour. Samples are of course included. Lunch is taken nearby at Errisbeg House, a delightful property surrounded by peaceful gardens. Richard, the seventh Duke de Stacpoole, is your host, and he reveals how a French ducal family came to own this idyllic property. This afternoon, continue to the Twelve Bens of the Connemara National Park, and down to Killary harbour, now home to Ireland’s mussel farming industry. Return to the hotel from here. This evening drive to Clarinbridge for dinner at Moran’s Oyster Cottage where guests may sample the famous oysters reared in Galway Bay, or a wide range of alternative seafood dishes.
Day 9
Galway – Clonmacnoise – County Kildare
You leave your hotel this morning and head east across County Galway until you reach the River Shannon once more. On the banks of the river, in an isolated but beautiful setting, are the ruins of Clonmacnoise, one of the most important medieval monastic sites in Europe. After a guided tour of the site, board a boat on the River Shannon and cruise north through the crossing town of Athone onto Lough Ree, one of the two large lakes on the River Shannon. Lunch is enjoyed at the Wineport Lodge on the shores of the lake. This afternoon continue across the flat midlands of Ireland to Kilbeggan, home to a ’boutique’ whiskey distillery, owned by Cooley, the main independent whiskey distiller in Ireland. An in-house expert leads you on a tour over the small plant where the liquor is produced, before tasting the brands of whiskey the distiller has to offer.
Day 10
Depart Dublin
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide $POA
When to travel
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The weather in Ireland is generally mild and rainy throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 20°C. The best time to travel to Ireland is during the summer months of June to August when temperatures are warmer, and the days are longer. This is also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. If you prefer a quieter and more affordable trip, consider traveling during the shoulder seasons of April to May or September to October when the weather is still pleasant, and there are fewer crowds.
In Ireland, January is one of the coldest months of the year, with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 8°C. The weather during this time is typically wet and windy, with occasional snowfall in some parts of the country. If you plan on traveling to Ireland in January, be sure to pack warm clothing and waterproof gear to stay comfortable in the chilly and damp conditions. Despite the colder weather, January can still be a great time to visit if you're looking for a quieter and more peaceful experience without the high tourist crowds.
In February, Ireland's weather remains chilly and wet, with average temperatures ranging from 3°C to 8°C. Similar to January, the country experiences windy and rainy conditions, with occasional snowfall in some regions. If you're planning on traveling to Ireland in February, be sure to bring warm clothing and waterproof gear to stay comfortable and dry during your trip. While some tourist attractions may be closed during this time of year, it can still be a great time to visit if you're looking for a quieter and more budget-friendly trip.
March in Ireland marks the beginning of spring, and temperatures start to rise slightly, ranging from 4°C to 10°C on average. The weather remains wet and windy, with occasional bursts of sunshine. While the weather can be unpredictable during this time of year, it is still a beautiful time to visit Ireland, with the countryside awash in vibrant greens. If you're planning on traveling to Ireland in March, be sure to pack warm clothing and waterproof gear, as well as some lighter layers for the occasional sunny spells. March is also a great time to experience St. Patrick's Day celebrations, which take place on March 17th, in Dublin and other cities across the country.
April in Ireland sees an improvement in weather conditions, with temperatures ranging from 6°C to 12°C on average. While rain is still a possibility, it tends to be less frequent than in the winter months. April is a great time to visit Ireland if you're looking to experience the countryside at its best, with lush green fields and blooming flowers. If you're planning on traveling to Ireland in April, be sure to pack layers, as temperatures can still be chilly, especially in the evenings. April can also be a great time to attend the many cultural and music festivals that take place across the country.
May is a beautiful time to visit Ireland, with temperatures starting to warm up and ranging from 8°C to 15°C on average. The country experiences longer days and more sunshine during this time, with less rainfall than in the earlier months. May is a great time to explore the stunning countryside, with wildflowers in bloom and rolling green hills. If you're planning on traveling to Ireland in May, be sure to pack some warmer layers for the cooler evenings and some light clothing for the warmer days. May is also a great time to attend some of the many outdoor festivals and events that take place across the country.
June is one of the warmest months in Ireland, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 18°C on average. The country experiences longer days, with up to 17 hours of daylight in some regions, and less rainfall than in the earlier months. June is a great time to explore the stunning countryside, with lush greenery and blooming wildflowers, and to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling. If you're planning on traveling to Ireland in June, be sure to pack some light clothing for the warmer days, as well as some warmer layers for the cooler evenings. June is also a great time to attend some of the many outdoor festivals and events that take place across the country, including the Bloom Festival, which celebrates gardening, food, and family fun.
July is one of the warmest months in Ireland, with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 20°C on average. The country experiences long days, with up to 18 hours of daylight in some regions, and less rainfall than in the earlier months. July is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and water sports, and to explore the stunning countryside, with lush greenery and blooming wildflowers. If you're planning on traveling to Ireland in July, be sure to pack some light clothing for the warmer days, as well as some warmer layers for the cooler evenings. July is also a great time to attend some of the many outdoor festivals and events that take place across the country, including the Galway International Arts Festival and the Cork Jazz Festival.
August is one of the warmest months in Ireland, with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 19°C on average. The country experiences long days, with up to 16 hours of daylight in some regions, and less rainfall than in the earlier months. August is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and water sports, and to explore the stunning countryside, with lush greenery and blooming wildflowers. If you're planning on traveling to Ireland in August, be sure to pack some light clothing for the warmer days, as well as some warmer layers for the cooler evenings. August is also a great time to attend some of the many outdoor festivals and events that take place across the country, including the Puck Fair in Killorglin and the Rose of Tralee Festival.
September marks the beginning of autumn in Ireland, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 16°C on average. The country experiences shorter days and more rainfall during this time, but it is still a great time to visit if you're looking for a quieter and more affordable trip. September is also a great time to explore the stunning countryside, with trees changing color and beautiful autumnal landscapes. If you're planning on traveling to Ireland in September, be sure to pack some warmer clothing for the cooler days and evenings, as well as some waterproof gear for the occasional rain showers. September is also a great time to attend some of the many cultural and music festivals that take place across the country, including the Dublin Fringe Festival and the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival.
October is a beautiful time to visit Ireland, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 13°C on average. The country experiences shorter days and more rainfall during this time, but it is still a great time to explore the stunning autumnal landscapes and colorful countryside. If you're planning on traveling to Ireland in October, be sure to pack some warm layers for the cooler days and evenings, as well as some waterproof gear for the occasional rain showers. October is also a great time to attend some of the many cultural and music festivals that take place across the country, including the Cork Folk Festival and the Wexford Festival Opera.
November marks the beginning of winter in Ireland, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 10°C on average. The country experiences shorter days, and more rainfall during this time, with occasional bouts of strong winds. November is a great time to explore the countryside, with the autumnal colors still present, and fewer tourists around. If you're planning on traveling to Ireland in November, be sure to pack warm clothing for the cooler temperatures and waterproof gear for the frequent rain showers. November is also a great time to attend some of the many cultural and music festivals that take place across the country, including the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival and the Waterford Winterval Festival.
December is one of the coldest months of the year in Ireland, with temperatures ranging from 3°C to 8°C on average. The country experiences short days, with up to 7 hours of daylight, and more rainfall during this time. December is a great time to experience the festive season in Ireland, with Christmas markets and holiday events taking place across the country. If you're planning on traveling to Ireland in December, be sure to pack warm clothing for the chilly temperatures and waterproof gear for the frequent rain showers. December is also a great time to attend some of the many Christmas concerts and festivals that take place across the country, including the Dublin Christmas Flea Market and the Galway Christmas Market.
Add on’s
After indulging in the culinary delights of Ireland, you may want to consider continuing your European adventure by exploring the diverse and vibrant food scenes in other countries. From the rich culinary traditions of Italy to the hearty and flavorful dishes of Spain, Europe offers a tantalizing array of food experiences for every palate. Whether you’re drawn to the aromatic spices of the Mediterranean or the comfort of hearty stews in Eastern Europe, the continent is a treasure trove of gastronomic wonders waiting to be discovered.
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