Journeys: Iconic Ireland

Arrive at any time.
We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this lively city. There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Accommodation - Stay City Dublin City Centre

In the morning, set out on an orientation walk led by your Expedition Leader around Dublin, then enjoy some free time to explore the city's Medieval Quarter, visit St. Patrick's Cathedral, set foot in Dublin Castle, or tour a whiskey distillery. Later, explore Trinity College Dublin, founded in 1592. Visit its famed library and view the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript dating to the ninth century. In the evening, dine on Irish fare, accompanied by storytelling and traditional music, in a traditional Irish pub.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Enjoy a brief walk with your Expedition Leader. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.Free_time - Explore the city's architectural wonders in the Medieval Quarter, tour an iconic distillery, or grab a pint at the pub. There's plenty to see and do in Dublin, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like exploring Temple Bar, whisky tasting at the Jameson Distillery, or discover the eerie history of Kilmainham Gaol prison (tickets for this should be purchased at least 28 days in advance). Your Expedition Leader has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!Activity - Step into the halls of Trinity College Dublin, founded in 1592, to visit the Book of Kells Exhibition and the historic Long Library. Written in the 9th century, the Book of Kells is a richly illustrated document (inscribed in Latin) of the four Gospels in the New Testament. Widely considered Ireland's greatest cultural treasure, it's one of the world’s most famous medieval manuscripts. Continue to the Long Library, a soaring room filled with over 200,000 books, including the library's oldest collections. A must-visit for book lovers, it's also known for its appearance in Harry Potter movies.Activity - Step inside a traditional Irish pub for an enthralling evening of storytelling, food, drink, and warm company. Settle in for a three-course dinner with classic fare such as beef and Guinness stew in an intimate candlelit setting. Enjoy the sounds of traditional Irish music as you dine. Then, between courses, let your hosts captivate you with magical tales of Ireland's past, providing insight into the culture, folklore, and traditions passed down from generation to generation.Accommodation - Stay City Dublin City Centre

Travel to the charming city of Cork and set out on an orientation walk; then spend the rest of the day exploring the city on your own. Choose to visit the Cork County Gaol—a former prison—or learn about the voyage of the Titanic in the original ticket office of the White Star Line. Wander the stalls at the historic English Market or settle into a pub for a locally brewed pint of Murphy's Irish Stout.
Cork is known for its many universities, theatres, art schools and general diversity and culture. With many immigrants settling in this inviting city, it's easy to find different types of foods, shops and cafés lining the streets.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - There's lots to see and do in Cork. Get out and explore!Activity - Enjoy a brief walk with your Expedition Leader. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs.

Begin the day with a visit to Blarney Castle, built nearly 600 years ago and now one of the most iconic sights in Ireland. Climb a flight of steps to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone, a ritual said to grant the gift of the gab. Continue to Killarney for an afternoon spent tasting whiskey and chocolate with a local expert. In the evening, opt to enjoy a traditional Celtic dance performance.
The lovely town of Killarney bristles with history, culture and stunning natural beauty. Located on the shores of Lough Leane, adjacent to Killarney National Park, it is surrounded by rolling green hills, lakes and forests.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit Blarney Castle, one of the most famous sights in Ireland built nearly 600 years ago. Enter to find the "Stone of Eloquence", better known as the Blarney Stone, at the top of the tower. You'll need to lean over a railing and hang upside down for a moment to kiss the stone - a worthy price for the gift of gab!Activity - Once the most favoured spirit in the world, Irish whiskey is once again gaining popularity with distilleries opening up all over the country. Discover the unique characteristics of this spirit with a tasting of four distinct Irish whiskeys. Challenge your tastebuds with a sensory perception quiz and learn which chocolates are best paired with each style of the spirit.Accommodation - Gleneagle Hotel Killarney

Set out on a full-day excursion around the famed Ring of Kerry, considered one of Ireland's most scenic drives. Take in stunning views of the Iveragh Peninsula's windswept coast and lush, wild forests. View historic castles, churches, and seaside villages before returning to Killarney for a night at leisure.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Experience Ireland's incredible natural beauty, scenic landscapes and glimpses of everyday life as we drive along the famous Ring of Kerry. Our journey starts in Killarney, home to Ireland's first national park and many historic sites. Continue to the picturesque villages of Kenmare and Sneem before reaching the coastal towns of Caherdaniel and Waterville, where Charlie Chaplin loved to holiday. Get a feel for traditional Irish culture in Ballinskelligs, where locals speak Gaelic, and Portmagee, where colourful houses line the docks and visitors set off for Skelligs Rock. Continue along the coast to Glenbeigh, "the jewel of Kerry", and stop by historic Killorglin and Beaufort before returning to Killarney.Accommodation - Gleneagle Hotel Killarney

This morning, head to the stunning Cliffs of Moher and board a boat for a coastal cruise. Enjoy exceptional views of one of Ireland's most well-known natural wonders from water level, In the months of May to early July, you might spot puffins along the cliffs. After the cruise, explore the Cliffs' visitor centre before continuing to Galway, a historic harbor city on Ireland's west coast. As the gateway to the Galway Gaeltacht, one of the country's last Irish-speaking regions, Galway offers a unique blend of culture and history.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - View the majestic Cliffs of Moher and experience this natural wonder from an equally powerful vantage point - the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Board a 1.5hr long cruise and sit back to observe the cliffs as they continue for 8km, offering incredible panoramic views of its jagged, rocky landscapes. See caves shaped by centuries of crashing waves, the Aran Islands in the distance, and birds and other wildlife who call these windswept shores their home.Activity - Stop by the Visitors' Centre to enjoy a self-guided tour of The Cliffs Exhibition, a multi-sensory journey into the fascinating Cliffs of Moher.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - The Clybaun Hotel Galway

Set on a guided walking tour of Galway, delving into the history of conquest that has shaped Irish culture, and getting a taste of the city's reputation as a hub for art and music. Enjoy a free afternoon exploring the local arts scene or wandering historic streets.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy a guided walking tour through the medieval heart of Galway. Visit Eyre Square to uncover its fascinating history from the city's early days to modern times. Walk past parts of the original Town Wall first built over 800 years ago. Head to Lynch's Castle and the Memorial Window and learn about an infamous local legend. Visit the Galway Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas, a place where Christopher Columbus stopped on his way to the new world.Accommodation - The Clybaun Hotel Galway

Return to Dublin this morning and enjoy a free afternoon to explore Ireland's dynamic capital. Stroll among the colorful gardens of St. Stephen's Green, pop into historic pubs in Temple Bar, or view the famed bog bodies housed in the National Museum of Ireland. Opt to visit the Guinness Storehouse for insights into the history of beer and a taste of their famed stout, then gather for an optional farewell dinner with your group at a local restaurant.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy our last free evening in lively Dublin.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Stay City Dublin City Centre

Depart at any time.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your Expedition Leader can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.