Triumphs & Tragedies. Visit the Irish National Stud in Kildare, followed by a guided tour of the 1740s mansion and gardens at Strokestown House and the Famine Museum.

Tour Highlight 

HISTORIC SPOT Relive history at Strokestown Park House, a stunning Georgian Palladian Mansion, with its original furnishings, and stroll the walled gardens in this historic site. Get a glimpse into the lives of generations of people who lived and worked here over the centuries, each adding their own chapter to the story and leaving their mark. Witness the history of the Great Irish Famine with a visit to the National Famine Museum to learn about the most devastating and tragic event in Irish history.

Wild Atlantic Way and Irish Roses. Visit the Benedictine Abbey, followed by free time in Galway during the afternoon. 

Tour Highlight 

CULTURE & TRADITION Nestled between the woodlands and lakeshore near Galway City, Kylemore Abbey is home to the Benedictine Sisters who have been in residence since 1920 in a life of prayer, work, and community. The history of this stunning abbey reaches back to the 1800s as the estate of Irish patriot Mitchell Henry. Visit the abbey where handmade chocolates, wild Irish honey, and traditional fuchsia pottery are sold. Stroll the lovely grounds of Ireland’s largest walled garden in the heart of the Connemara countryside.

Islands of Saints & Scholars. Ferry crossing to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands. Stop in for a light lunch at Joe Watty’s pub and hear from a local who shares stories about life on Inishmore Island. A minibus tour of the island with a local guide-driver includes a visit to the prehistoric clifftop fort of Dun Aengus.

Local Favorite

TRADITION & CULTURE Joe Watty’s Bar on Inishmore Island is the place for good food, Gaelic music, and craic (good company). Unwind beside the fire or enjoy a Guinness in the beer garden to watch the world go by and learn a cúpla focal (few words of Irish) from some of the locals.

Sheep, Scones & Ancient Stones. Visit Rathbaun Farm, try your hand at scone baking, learn about sheep herding, and enjoy coffee and scones. See the rocky landscapes of The Burren and stop to take photos of the prehistoric megalith at Poulnabrone Dolmen. Visit the 668-foot-high cliffs above the Atlantic Ocean. Then head back to Limerick in the evening to enjoy some free time. 

Local Favorite 

LOCAL TASTES Someone’s in the kitchen in Rathbaun Farm, just outside of Galway. You can don an apron and whip up your own delicious homemade scones, served with fresh preserves and whipped cream. Learn about the longtime tradition of sheep farming in this beautiful Irish landscape.

Daring Young Men & Flying Machines. Take a guided tour of the Flying Boat & Maritime Museum, followed by an Irish coffee demonstration and tasting. Enjoy a scenic drive on Slea Head promontory.

Tour Highlight

LEGENDS & LORE Experience the era of transatlantic passenger flights, and the maritime legends of the River Shannon with a visit to the fantastic Flying Boat & Maritime Museum in Foynes, home to the world's only full-size replica of a B314 flying boat, commemorating this Irish town’s role in early passenger flights across the Atlantic and the legendary flying boats that carried celebrities, royals, and refugees alike. Learn about the daring history and folklore of Ireland’s longest river.

A Jaunting Good Time. Panoramic drive around part of Ireland’s southwestern peninsula. Then take a horse-drawn jaunting-car ride through the national park in Killarney.

Tour Highlight 

NATURAL WONDERS County Kerry is home to the exquisite natural beauty of a rugged and mountainous expanse in Killarney National Park. A horse-drawn jaunting car ride is a great way to experience this natural wonderland, including the 3,300-foot MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland. Nestled at the foot of these mountains, the Lakes of Killarney’s shores and woodlands share this magical place with waterfalls and dramatic skies above Ross Castle.

Fine Crystal & The Gift of Gab.  Cross the Kerry Mountains into County Cork. Then head to Blarney and visit the village known for its magical Kissing Stone. After, take a guided tour of the House of Waterford Crystal.

Tour Highlight 

LEGENDS & LORE Cut the blarney and hear the history of how telling tales is forever linked to the 15th-century castle and the village below in Blarney. One of the last estate villages that remain standing in Ireland, the village was built by an 18th-century landlord to house the castle workers there. It’s true!

Medieval & Modern Irish Capitals. Time to explore one of Ireland’s most quaint towns, followed by a free afternoon in Dublin.

Tour Highlight 

HISTORIC SPOT Time to explore the city of Kilkenny, referred to as the "Marble City" because of the widespread use of local black limestone to construct many local buildings. The "Medieval Mile" is the city's main thoroughfare and is lined with medieval landmarks, quaint shops, and charming pubs. Today, Kilkenny is renowned for its active arts and crafts scene.

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.