Corners of Southern Ireland: Dublin to Dublin 07 Jun, 2025

Escorted Touring / Ireland

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Amazing Experience

Overview

Trip Overview

Join one of our unique small group Back-Roads touring experiences (maximum 18 participants) that includes specially selected accommodations, transportation in purpose built Mercedes Benz Sprinters, sightseeing, special culinary experiences and a knowledgeable Tour Leader. 

This 7-day round-trip from Dublin includes the best sights of the country’s south, including Kilkenny, Killarney, and the Cliffs of Moher.

Leave Dublin in the early morning (we highly recommend at least one pre-night to experience the capital) and set out for County Kerry. Visit Birr Castle and its gardens, overnighting at Ennis in County Clare. Take a morning tour of the town, learning about its triumphs and tragedies dating back to medieval times. Then it’s on to Burren and the Cliffs of Moher, enjoying a one hour cruise to get the best view. Native bird sightings are a given as you explore the coast, with the distinct possibility of spotting a puffin.

The Ring of Kerry is one of Ireland’s most famous drives and with good reason, combining history and scenic landscapes. Visit the Skellig Experience, and Portmagee, a colourful fishing village that continues to thrive today. Let a visit to the Staigue Fort take you back to 400AD, and explore the streets of Sneem before going on to Kenmare. Fancy a cheeky drop? You’re about 200 years too late to sample Molly Gallivan’s famous bootleg whiskey, but you will visit her cottage and enjoy a glimpse of Irish life during this period.

Enjoy a seaside break at Kinsale, with a walking tour of the historic streets, then continue on to Cork, home to Cobh, the departure port of the Titanic’s fateful voyage. Still up for that tipple? Stop in at the Jameson Midleton Distillery for a tasting and short course in whiskey production. Finally, stop in at Killarney, home to one of the most famous castles in Ireland.

Enjoy the scenic drive back to Dublin via the Wicklow Mountains and Avoca (Ballykissangel fans, this stop’s for you). Your drop-off is in the late afternoon to early evening, so consider staying an extra night.

Highlights

Departures

2025: Saturdays - 12 April to 4 October*

* Does not operate 19 April & 26 July
 

Trip Includes

  • 6 nights first-class accommodations
  • Transportation in Premium mini-coach with Tour Leader and driver
  • Traditional Irish music and dance performance
  • Entrance included to all attractions in the itinerary, including:
    • Birr Castle Demesne
    • The Irish National Stud
    • Cliffs of Moher
    • Ring of Kerry
    • The Skellig Experience
    • Molly Gallivan's Cottage
    • House of Waterford Crystal
  • Breakfast daily (excluding day 1), 3 dinners

 

Trip Excludes

  • Travel insurance
  • International, domestic airfare & airfare taxes
  • Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
  • Gratuities
  • Optional excursions
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Visa fees, if applicable

Summary

Terms and Conditions

Prices are "from", per person, based on twin share and include international airfare from the cities mentioned above, and all taxes. For departures from other cities, please inquire. Subject to availability.

Historic and full of character, Dublin is where you'll meet the group and begin your adventure. This evening is an opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers over a delicious welcome dinner.

Meal

Dinner

 

Ashling Hotel

The Ashling Hotel Dublin offers a great central location, adjacent to Heuston Station, Dublin Zoo, Kilmainham Gaol, Collins Barracks and on the Luas red line, making it the ideal choice for Dublin Hotels. The hotel is also only a short stroll away from St. James's Gate, making it the perfect choice for Guinness Storehouse Hotels. You'll know when you have arrived at the Ashling Hotel Dublin City - a genuinely warm welcome, spacious bedrooms, strategic location and friendly, professional staff - all combine to offer you a unique experience throughout your stay - the ideal hotel in Dublin!

Ashling Hotel

After breakfast, you'll hit the road to our first stop: County Kildare, where you've an appointment with the Irish National Stud. After being treated to a private tour and the chance to explore the fascinating museum, you'll move on to the award-winning gardens of Birr Castle Demesne. Take some time to wander around the grounds and admire the awe-inspiring science and engineering that has been invested in creating such a unique residence. This evening, check into the hotel in Ennis, where you'll enjoy some free time to spend at our leisure.

Meal

Breakfast

 

The Old Ground Hotel

A former manor house dating back to the 18th century, the Old Ground Hotel retains its magnificent ivy clad exterior of historic yesterday yet is filled with the modern elegance of a grand hotel. Encircled by plush gardens, a warm welcome awaits guest in the lobby where an open fire provides an ambience of comfort and relaxation not found at other Ennis, Ireland hotels. The award winning O'Brien Room restaurant is renowned for its cuisine and is a favorite of locals and tourists alike. The Poets Corner bar serves food all day with traditional, live Irish music on select days and guests should be certain to experience the recently opened Town Hall Cafe.

The Old Ground Hotel

First today: an orientation tour through Ennis' character-filled avenues, where you'll hear enthralling myths, mysteries and tales of rebellions and riots. Then, prepare to be amazed by the rugged natural beauty of the Cliffs of Moher. The keen-eyed among you - or perhaps just those who packed binoculars - may even spot a resident puffin or two. After an invigorating afternoon, you'll travel across the Shannon Estuary to Killarney: the gateway to the panoramic Ring of Kerry.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner

 

Cahernane House

Cahernane Country House Hotel is beautifully situated on its own private estate, at the edge of the renowned Killarney National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty with an untamed landscape of mountains, lakes and woodland walks. Situated on the outskirts of Killarney, off the N71 near Muckross Park, Cahernane House Hotel is conveniently located a mere 10min walk from Killarney Town Centre where you can enjoy all the charms of this bustling town. The castle offers two restaurants and several types of luxury rooms with large beds, private marble bathrooms and turn down service.

Cahernane House

This morning, begin our journey around the awe-inspiring Ring of Kerry. The first stop of the day: the Skellig Experience, where you'll gain a fascinating insight into the lives of the early Christian monks that once broke bread at the Skellig Michael monastery. When you return to Killarney, the evening will be yours to relax and reflect on the day's adventures.

Meal

Breakfast

 

Cahernane House

Cahernane Country House Hotel is beautifully situated on its own private estate, at the edge of the renowned Killarney National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty with an untamed landscape of mountains, lakes and woodland walks. Situated on the outskirts of Killarney, off the N71 near Muckross Park, Cahernane House Hotel is conveniently located a mere 10min walk from Killarney Town Centre where you can enjoy all the charms of this bustling town. The castle offers two restaurants and several types of luxury rooms with large beds, private marble bathrooms and turn down service.

Cahernane House

This morning, make your way to Molly Gallivan's Cottage - which, at first glance, appears to be an unassuming farmhouse. But there's more to it than first meets the eye! More than 200 years ago, Mrs. Gallivan supported her seven children by brewing illicit whiskey - and her home was, in fact, a clandestine pub. Learn stories of the enterprising Mrs. Gallivan's antics before travelling onwards to the medieval town of Kinsale, where coastal views, cozy pubs and brightly coloured houses await you. The cobbled streets that curve around the pretty bay are just begging to be explored, so you'll enjoy a walking tour with a local guide. Bearings established, you'll be free to seek out the town's hidden treasures at your own pace before we head to our accommodation for the evening.

Meal

Breakfast

 

Acton's Hotel Kinsale

Acton's is the oldest hotel in Kinsale originally established in 1946. This hotel overlooks Kinsale Harbour and Yacht Club allowing you to wake up to the twinkling sound of yacht masts. Situated in the heart of Kinsale overlooking Kinsale Harbour and Marina only 20 minutes from Cork City the hotel is close to Desmond Castle, Charles Fort, James Fort and the world famous Old Head of Kinsale Golf Course. It has two restaurants, a pool and a number of amenities. Several types of rooms and suites available to suit all needs.

Acton's Hotel Kinsale

This morning you'll move on to the charming waterfront town of Cobh. Interestingly, Cobh was the departure point for the last 123 passengers who boarded the Titanic - and you'll notice poignant markers of this as you make your way around. Later, you'll continue to Waterford. Dating back to Viking times, Waterford is Ireland's oldest city - with over 1,000 years' worth of history to explore. Gain a fascinating insight into how the city's famed crystal is made before we travel on to our accommodation and savour tonight's final meal with the group.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner

 

Faithlegg House Hotel

Faithlegg House Hotel and Golf Resort in Waterford is an 18th century mansion which has been beautifully restored to form the centre piece of a superb four star hotel and golf course. The history of Faithlegg dates back to 1177 with the house being built in 1783. Many of the rooms are named after previous owners of the house, each with their own unique story.

Faithlegg House Hotel

After breakfast, you'll return to cosmopolitan Dublin - where you'll say your goodbyes.

Meal

Breakfast

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