sell10 Day Heart of Ireland 2026

FRIDAY- Tonight, join us on a magical journey through the Emerald Isle, where ancient castles, rolling green hills, and lively pubs filled with traditional music await you at every turn.

SATURDAY - Meet & Greet in the Arrivals Hall at Dublin Airport with your Tour Director Irish welcome of a shot of Irish Whiskey - A Bagpiper will escort the group to their coach.  And a few shots of Jameson might just help relieve the jetlag, or make you forget you have it!

A traditional Irish bagpiper is a musician who plays the uilleann pipes, the distinctive and complex bagpipes of Ireland. Unlike the Scottish Great Highland pipes, the uilleann pipes are bellows-blown, meaning air is pumped into the bag using an elbow-operated bellows rather than blowing by mouth. This gives the instrument a sweeter, quieter, and more melodic sound. And no self respecting Irishman wants to compete with a Scotsman.

Did you know that even Scottish and Irish kilts differ in pleat and fabric…never confuse the two skirts.

Transfer into the city center and to your hotel, Camden Court for check in and free time this afternoon followed by our welcome dinner at Camden Court.

SUNDAY -.Today we visit the first St Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s largest.  It is a stunning Gothic masterpiece honoring the country’s patron saint.  Although the Italians want to claim him for their own, the myth is that St. Patrick was born and raised on the Emeral Isle to scare the snakes into submission with one staff.

Next is a not-so-stop for coffee at the Guinness Storehouse. This iconic landmark is not only a great afternoon “sip,”  but a dive into history.  And let’s face it, who is turning down a Guiness?  The Storehouse is a frothy immersion into the annals of  the family Guiness, its brewing, and taste of Ireland’s most famous stout. Your entry grabs you a cold one at the scenic Gravity Bar, with one of the best views of the city.

We’ll end our day with a visit to the GPO, General Post Office,  a powerful symbol of Irish independence and the 1916 Easter Rising. Explore the interactive exhibits at the GPO Witness History museum.

Tonight we’ll have a free night on our own in the Irish Capital.

MONDAY - We slip out with an Irish goodbye and board our coach to visit The City of Tribes, Galway.  But no Irish journey is complete without a distillery stop.  Today, it’s  the Kilbeggan Distillery  for a Kilbeggan Whiskey Sour, at the world’s oldest licensed distillery. Learn the secrets of Irish whiskey and enjoy a tasting that delights the senses.

On our way to Ireland’s west coard, we’ll pay visit to the Clonmacnoise Monastic Site - Walk among ancient ruins at Clonmacnoise, a 6th-century monastic site set beside the River Shannon. A serene place echoing with Irish heritage. 

After a short lunch stop on your own in the quaint city of Athlone, we continue to the beautiful city of Galway where we will do a short Walking Tour of Galway City with your Tour Director and breathe in the Atlantic air along the scenic Galway Bay, where music, seafood, and rugged beauty meet. A perfect spot to unwind or snap the perfect coastal photo.

Settle into our seaside home for the next 3 nights and we will enjoy a beautiful dinner together at our hotel.

TUESDAY - Top o’ the mornin’ as we set off on a very exclusive adventure from the fabled Galway Coast to Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands—a place where time seems to have stood still. Stepping onto the island feels like going back 400 years to Old Ireland, where stone walls crisscross windswept fields, thatched cottages dot the landscape, and the Irish language (Gaelic) is still spoken in daily life. Hop aboard a local mini-bus with your driver/guide for an intimate tour filled with stories, laughter, and hidden gems. We’ll pause for a classic Irish lunch at Joe Watty’s Pub, where the seafood is fresh, the Guinness flows freely, and the craic is alive and well. Then it’s off to Dún Aonghasa, a jaw-dropping Iron Age stone fort perched on cliffs towering 300 feet above the Atlantic. After soaking in the wild beauty and ancient soul of the island, we’ll ferry back to Rossaveal—but the day’s highlight may just be the return journey, where we pass beneath the soaring Cliffs of Moher, rising a staggering 702 feet above the sea, offering a view few you will not forget.

WEDNESDAY - Today we’ll enjoy a full day in Connemara. Whether you’re a hiker, a history buff, or just want to pet a pony, Connemara is for you. Located in County Galway on Ireland’s west coast, this is one of the country’s most stunning and untamed regions—famous for its wild beauty, dramatic landscapes, and rich Irish culture (and yes, the iconic Connemara pony).

Our first stop is the breathtaking Kylemore Abbey and Gardens, a neo-Gothic monastery nestled into the side of a mountain. Stroll through its lovingly restored Victorian walled gardens and soak in the peace and serenity of this magical estate, still home to a small community of Benedictine nuns.

Next, we’ll head into the charming town of Clifden, the unofficial capital of Connemara. With its colorful shopfronts, cozy pubs, and vibrant arts scene, Clifden is the perfect spot for some free time and lunch on your own—explore at your own pace and maybe chat with a local or two.

This afternoon, we visit the Dan O’Hara Homestead, where you’ll step into the life of a 19th-century Irish tenant farmer. Dan O’Hara was evicted from this cottage in the 1840s and later emigrated to America—a story shared by so many Irish families. The site offers a moving glimpse into traditional rural life and the journey so many were forced to take.

We return to Galway this evening, with dinner on your own.

THURSDAY - This morning, we tip our hats to beautiful Galway and set off toward one of Ireland’s greatest treasures—the majestic Ring of Kerry.

But first, we journey through the Burren Region, a hauntingly beautiful landscape marked by its vast stretches of exposed limestone and ancient bedrock. It’s barren—but with a brogue. From there, we make a stop to visit an old friend: the Cliffs of Moher, this time from above, taking in the breathtaking views from atop the sea-carved cliffs.

We’ll break for free time and lunch on our own in the charming coastal village of Liscannor, and following, our afternoon takes flight—literally—with a visit to the Foynes Flying Boat Museum. Here, you'll explore the surprising history of transatlantic flying boats and their short-lived but impactful role in aviation history. Roam through the original terminal building, then reward yourself with a complimentary Irish coffee, invented right here in Foynes.

From there, we continue south to Killarney, a town so picturesque even Bing Crosby made it his favorite Irish getaway.

Tonight, we’ll enjoy a truly special dinner with local families—a heartwarming evening filled with great conversation, home cooking, and two included drinks per person. The Irish are known for their hospitality, and you’ll feel like part of the family in no time.

After dinner, we’ll check into Killarney’s crown jewel—the iconic Great Southern Hotel, our elegant home for the next two nights.

FRIDAY - We begin our day with an unforgettable excursion around the Ring of Kerry, one of Ireland’s most iconic scenic routes. Looping through County Kerry in the southwest, this stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way is famed for its dramatic coastal views, charming villages, ancient ruins, and lush, rolling mountains.

Our first stop brings us to a working Irish farm for a sheepdog demonstration. These clever, scruffy pups—with their thick, weatherproof coats, bushy eyebrows, and bearded faces—might remind you of an old Irishman, but don’t be fooled. They’re hard-working, highly trained dogs that have adapted over centuries to the demands of Ireland’s rugged terrain. Watch them in action as they skillfully herd sheep across the fields—a real treat for animal lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.

Next, we arrive in the quaint seaside village of Waterville, perched along the edge of Ballinskelligs Bay. Known for its sportfishing and scenic beauty for a beautiful lunch together.

After lunch, we travel back toward Killarney via the panoramic route through Moll’s Gap and Ladies’ View, two of the most photographed and awe-inspiring lookouts in all of Ireland.

This afternoon, we explore the elegant Muckross House & Gardens, a Victorian mansion nestled in Killarney National Park. Originally intended as a modest cottage for Queen Victoria’s visit, the house nearly bankrupted its builders—but today, it stands as a proud centerpiece of the park and a lasting symbol of 19th-century grandeur.

As we near the end of our day, we’ll head toward Kate Kearney’s Cottage for dinner, but not before we board traditional jaunting cars—horse-drawn carriages that take us clip-clopping through the scenic countryside. It’s a whimsical and memorable way to experience the landscape, with a touch of old-world Irish charm.

Cap off your evening with a lively show of music, dance, and hearty Irish fare. It’s a celebration of Irish spirit you’ll never forget at Kate Kearney’s Cottage.

SATURDAY - We leave the stunning landscapes of Killarney behind and head toward Dublin, making a special stop in the charming town of Blarney. Here, you’ll have some free time to wander and explore at your own pace. Maybe you’ll feel inspired to visit the legendary Blarney Stone, perched atop the ancient castle—kiss it, and folklore says you’ll be gifted with eloquence and charm. After soaking in the history and lively atmosphere, we’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch before continuing on.

Our next stop is Newbridge Silverware, where you can browse exquisite Irish-crafted gifts and discover the fascinating Museum of Style Icons, filled with fashion treasures once worn by Hollywood stars and royalty alike.

As the day winds down, we arrive at the magnificent Barberstown Castle Hotel. This enchanting 13th-century castle, nestled just outside Dublin, is a perfect blend of old-world history and modern comfort. With a rich past that includes notable owners like Hugh Barton, famed wine merchant, and even musician Eric Clapton, the castle’s walls whisper stories of centuries gone by.

To close our unforgettable journey, we’ll gather for a private farewell dinner in the castle’s historic setting, sharing memories and laughter in a truly magical atmosphere.

SUNDAY - We bid farewell to the Emerald Isle and enjoy a scenic 45 minute drive to Dublin Airport for our return to the USA. As the Irish often say “Slán go fóill”. Here, “slán” means “goodbye” and “go fóill” means “for now”.