Dublin and the Gems of Ireland

Introduction

Dublin and the Gems of Ireland

Welcome to Ireland

Dublin and the Gems of Ireland is a full two-week small group journey designed for travelers who want to experience Ireland with comfort, authenticity, and personal attention. Limited to just 12–16 travelers, this thoughtfully planned tour begins and ends in Dublin, then travels through the best of Ireland from north to south and east to west.

The journey includes many of Ireland’s most memorable places: lively Dublin, historic Belfast, the dramatic Giant’s Causeway, scenic Donegal, charming Westport, the rugged Wild Atlantic Way, the Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, Dingle, Cobh, Kilkenny, and more. Along the way, travelers enjoy Ireland’s coastal scenery, rolling countryside, welcoming villages, traditional music, local culture, and the warmth of genuine Irish hospitality.

This is not a rushed big-bus tour. Guests travel in a comfortable Mercedes Sprinter-style vehicle with an experienced licensed Irish guide, allowing the group to move at a relaxed pace and reach places larger tours often miss. Accommodations are carefully selected and include city-center hotels, boutique inns, waterfront properties, and welcoming country-style lodgings. A hearty Irish breakfast is included each morning, along with guided touring and admissions as outlined in the itinerary.

The tour is especially well suited for solo travelers, couples, women travelers, seniors, families, and small groups of friends who want a complete Ireland experience without feeling crowded or over-scheduled. With a balance of guided sightseeing, scenic touring, and free time, Dublin and the Gems of Ireland offers an unforgettable look at the people, places, history, and landscapes that make Ireland so beloved.

Journey Through Ireland

At a glance

Welcome to Ireland

Map

Day 1 - Arrival in Dublin

Settle In and Explore Dublin’s Charms

Welcome to Ireland

Welcome to Ireland and the beginning of your small group journey through one of Europe’s most welcoming, scenic, and story-filled countries. Travelers arrive independently in Dublin and check in at the Brooks Hotel, a comfortable and well-located property that places you within easy reach of Dublin’s historic streets, lively pubs, shops, restaurants, and cultural landmarks.

Brooks Hotel

Travelers arrive independently in Dublin and check in at the Brooks Hotel, a comfortable and well-located property that places you within easy reach of Dublin’s historic streets, lively pubs, shops, restaurants, and cultural landmarks. Rooms are expected to be ready by approximately 3:00 p.m. For those arriving earlier in the day, the hotel will be happy to hold luggage free of charge so you can begin enjoying Dublin at your own pace.

Relax and Explore

This first day is intentionally relaxed, giving everyone time to recover from travel, settle in, unpack, and get oriented. Take a short walk through the neighborhood, enjoy a cup of tea, or simply rest before the tour officially begins. Dublin is a wonderfully walkable city, and even a brief stroll introduces you to its literary history, Georgian architecture, and famously friendly atmosphere.

Evening Gathering

At 5:30 p.m., travelers are invited to gather informally in the hotel lounge or bar. This is a perfect opportunity to meet fellow travelers, say hello to your Traveling Professor hosts, and begin sharing the excitement of the days ahead.

Dinner at Brooks Hotel Restaurant

A dinner reservation has been arranged at the Brooks Hotel restaurant for 6:30 p.m. Dinner is not included in the tour price, but it is a convenient and pleasant way to begin the trip together. Travelers who do not plan to attend should kindly let the restaurant know.

Day 2 - Dublin Walking Tour and Free Time

Guided Walking Tour and Explore Dublin

Dublin Walking Tour with Pat Liddy's Walking Tours

After breakfast, meet your guide in the lobby of the Brooks Hotel at 9:00 a.m. for a 2 to 2.5-hour walking tour of Dublin. This guided introduction is led by Pat Liddy's Walking Tours, one of the city's well-regarded local guiding companies, and the cost of the tour has already been included. A walking tour is the ideal way to begin understanding Dublin, not only as Ireland's capital city, but as a place shaped by literature, rebellion, religion, trade, music, and a deeply layered sense of identity.

Explore Dublin Independently

The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy independently. We highly recommend visiting EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, an outstanding modern museum that tells the powerful story of the Irish people and their global influence. Those interested in one of Dublin’s most popular attractions should book tickets in advance for the Guinness Storehouse. You may also choose to visit Trinity College, see the Book of Kells, enjoy Grafton Street, or simply find a cozy pub for music, conversation, and a first taste of Dublin hospitality.

Day 3 - Dublin to Belfast – The Troubles and Titanic History

Journey North to Belfast and Titanic History

Departure from Dublin to Belfast

After breakfast, check out of the Brooks Hotel and be ready for an early departure. Val, your driver-guide, plans to arrive at the hotel at approximately 8:10 a.m. Please have luggage packed and ready so it can be loaded into the van. By about 8:30 a.m., the group will be on the road, heading north from Dublin toward Belfast in Northern Ireland.

Belfast Troubles Tour

A tour focused on The Troubles offers a sobering but important look at the conflict between nationalist Catholic and loyalist Protestant communities. Through murals, neighborhoods, peace walls, and local commentary, travelers gain insight into a complex period that is essential to understanding modern Northern Ireland.

Visit Titanic Site in Belfast

The day continues with a visit connected to one of the most famous ships in history: RMS Titanic. Belfast was the city where Titanic was built and launched, and the shipyard area remains one of the most compelling parts of the city’s modern identity. Visiting the Titanic site helps connect the glamour, ambition, tragedy, and engineering achievement of the ship to the working city that created it.

Evening in Belfast

By day’s end, travelers will have seen Belfast not simply as a stop on the itinerary, but as a city of resilience, memory, reinvention, and remarkable historic importance.

Day 4 - Giant's Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Derry and Donegal

Dramatic Coastlines, Castles, and Donegal Scenery

Visit Giant's Causeway

The highlight of the morning is Giant’s Causeway, one of the great natural wonders of the island. Formed by ancient volcanic activity, its thousands of interlocking basalt columns create a coastline that seems almost too unusual to be natural. Irish legend gives the site an even more colorful identity, connecting it to the giant Finn McCool and stories passed down through generations.

Visit Dunluce Castle

The route continues to Dunluce Castle, a hauntingly beautiful ruin perched dramatically near the sea. Its location alone makes it unforgettable. With stone walls, cliffside views, and centuries of history, Dunluce Castle is a perfect camera stop and a wonderful example of Ireland’s romantic and turbulent past.

Travel through Derry Bogside

Later, travel through the striking Derry Bogside area, a place closely associated with civil rights history and the modern political story of Northern Ireland.

Continue through Baresmore Gap to Donegal

Continue through Baresmore Gap and into County Donegal, a region known for wild beauty, independent spirit, traditional culture, and some of the most authentic scenery in Ireland.

Day 5 - Slieve League Cliffs and Donegal

Boating Excursion and Scenic Donegal Drive

Boating Excursion Around Slieve League Cliffs

Weather and sea conditions permitting, the group will enjoy a boating excursion around the Slieve League Cliffs. These cliffs are among the highest sea cliffs in Europe and rise dramatically from the Atlantic, towering far above the water. They are approximately three times higher than the more famous Cliffs of Moher, and seeing them from the water gives travelers a rare and impressive perspective. The boat excursion is subject to weather and sea conditions, as safety always comes first. When conditions allow, this is one of the most memorable experiences of the tour.

Scenic Drive Through Glen of the Swans

The day also includes a scenic drive through the Glen of the Swans, offering a peaceful look at Donegal’s landscapes, with open countryside, winding roads, and views that feel far removed from mass tourism.

Browse Traditional Wool Products

Donegal is known for its traditional wool products, and there may be opportunities to browse quality local goods or simply enjoy the craftsmanship for which the region is known.

Evening in Donegal

Donegal also has a wonderful reputation for authentic pubs, welcoming people, and hearty food. This is a fine place to enjoy a relaxed evening, perhaps with traditional music, a good meal, and the satisfying feeling that you are experiencing Ireland in a personal and unhurried way.

Day 6 - Wild Atlantic Way and Westport

Sheepdog Demonstration and Scenic Drive to Westport

Wild Atlantic Way Journey

This morning, continue south along the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s extraordinary coastal route stretching along the western edge of the island. This is not just a road; it is one of the great scenic travel experiences in Europe. Along the way, the landscape constantly changes: rugged coastline, quiet villages, open fields, distant mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and views that seem to appear around every bend.

Sheepdog Demonstration

One of today’s special experiences is a sheepdog demonstration. This is a fascinating look at rural Irish life and the remarkable partnership between shepherd and dog. Watching a trained sheepdog work across the fields is both entertaining and impressive, and it gives travelers a better appreciation of the skill, patience, and traditions that continue to shape Ireland’s countryside.

Scenic Drive to Westport

As the day continues, glide through landscapes filled with mountains, green valleys, waterfalls, and rivers. This is the Ireland many travelers dream about before they ever arrive: open, scenic, musical, and deeply connected to the land. The pace of the day allows time to enjoy the views rather than simply rush from one place to another.

Evening in Westport

The destination is Westport, one of Ireland’s most appealing towns. Known for its attractive streets, lively atmosphere, talented craftspeople, excellent food, and strong traditional music scene, Westport captures much of what travelers love about the west of Ireland. It is friendly, colorful, walkable, and full of character. Enjoy the evening exploring, dining, and perhaps listening to live Irish music.

Day 7 - Connemara and Kylemore Abbey

Connemara Scenery and Kylemore Abbey Visit

Journey through Connemara

Today brings travelers into Connemara, one of Ireland’s most beautiful and atmospheric regions. Connemara is known for its mountains, lakes, boglands, stone walls, coastal inlets, and changing light. It is a place that feels ancient, open, and deeply connected to Irish culture. The scenery here is not polished or predictable; it is wild, poetic, and unforgettable.

Visit Kylemore Abbey

A major highlight of the day is Kylemore Abbey, one of the most striking and beloved historic properties in Ireland. Set against a backdrop of wooded hills and reflected in the still waters of a lake, Kylemore Abbey looks almost like something from a storybook. Originally built as a grand private residence, it later became home to Benedictine nuns and is now one of the most visited and photographed sites in the west of Ireland. Visitors can admire the exterior, explore portions of the house, enjoy the gardens, and take in the remarkable setting. The combination of architecture, history, landscape, and peaceful atmosphere makes Kylemore Abbey one of the finest mansion settings in Ireland.

Connemara Scenic Drive

Throughout the day, the route may include fjord-like inlets, tumbling waterfalls, and valleys of astonishing green. Connemara’s beauty is not limited to one attraction; it is found in the entire journey. Every turn reveals a new view, a different texture of landscape, and another reminder of Ireland’s natural richness. This is a day for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone who appreciates scenery that feels both dramatic and deeply peaceful.

Day 8 - Cong and Doolin – The Traditional Music Capital of Ireland

Village Charm, Film History, and Irish Music

Visit Cong Village

Today begins with a visit to Cong, a charming village made famous by the classic John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara film The Quiet Man. Even for travelers who have never seen the movie, Cong is a delightful stop, with its village atmosphere, stone buildings, historic setting, and strong connection to Irish film history. Fans of the movie will especially enjoy recognizing locations and imagining the scenes that made the village known around the world.

Journey to Doolin

From Cong, the journey continues through more of Ireland’s western scenery toward Doolin, one of the most beloved small villages in the country. Tonight’s stay is at the Doolin Inn in Doolin Village, a wonderfully appropriate base for experiencing this special place. Doolin is widely known as the Traditional Music Capital of Ireland, and the village has a magic that is difficult to describe until you are there.

Doolin Inn

Tonight’s stay is at the Doolin Inn in Doolin Village, a wonderfully appropriate base for experiencing this special place.

Evening in Doolin

Doolin is small, but it has a large reputation. Its pubs are famous for live traditional Irish music, and evenings here often become favorite memories of the entire trip. The music is not staged in the way of a commercial show; it is part of the culture, the community, and the rhythm of village life. Travelers can enjoy dinner, stroll through the village, and perhaps settle into a pub where fiddles, flutes, guitars, and voices fill the room.

Experience Irish Music and Village Life

This is a day that blends film history, village charm, scenic travel, and the living tradition of Irish music. By evening, you will understand why Doolin holds such a special place in the heart of Irish travelers.

Day 9 - Cliffs of Moher, Shannon Ferry, Carrigafoyle Castle and Dingle

Cliffs, Ferry Crossing, Castles and Dingle Town

Visit Cliffs of Moher

This morning begins with one of Ireland’s most iconic sights: the Cliffs of Moher. The plan is to arrive before the big buses, giving the group a quieter and more peaceful experience at this extraordinary natural landmark. Rising dramatically above the Atlantic Ocean, the cliffs offer sweeping views, fresh sea air, and one of the most recognizable landscapes in Ireland.

Experience Cliffs of Moher Early

Seeing the Cliffs of Moher early, before the largest crowds arrive, makes a real difference. There is time to take in the scale of the cliffs, listen to the wind, watch the seabirds, and enjoy the serenity of the setting. It is a powerful reminder of the beauty and force of Ireland’s western coast.

Ferry across the Shannon River

DepartureCliffs of Moher

DestinationShannon River

Later, travel by ferry across the Shannon River, adding another enjoyable and scenic element to the day’s journey.

Visit Carrigafoyle Castle

The route continues to Carrigafoyle Castle, a lesser-known but fascinating historic site sometimes missed by more conventional itineraries. This “hidden” castle adds depth and variety to the day, offering another glimpse into Ireland’s medieval past away from the busiest tourist routes.

Arrive in Dingle

By the end of the day, arrive in Dingle, one of the most appealing and character-filled towns in Ireland. Dingle is often described as one of the most Irish of towns, with colorful streets, lively pubs, excellent seafood, traditional music, harbor views, and a strong sense of place. After a day of cliffs, castles, ferries, and scenery, Dingle provides the perfect setting for a relaxed and memorable evening.

Day 10 - Free Day in Dingle

Leisurely Exploration of Dingle Town

Explore Dingle at Your Own Pace

Today, there is no need for a bus. Dingle is best enjoyed on foot, slowly and with curiosity. This is a day to wander, explore, shop, eat, listen, and enjoy the kind of town that makes travelers fall in love with Ireland. Dingle’s back streets are full of color and personality, with small shops, craft studios, pubs, galleries, cafés, and restaurants tucked into a compact and walkable setting.

Dingle's Local Life and Atmosphere

One of the pleasures of Dingle is that it feels both lively and local. You may find crystal cutters at work, musicians gathering informally, fishermen near the harbor, shopkeepers happy to chat, and pubs that range from tiny and traditional to large and energetic. The town has a creative spirit and a strong sense of Irish identity, but it also feels welcoming and easygoing.

Enjoy Dingle's Shops, Cafés, and Waterfront

Use the day however you wish. Browse for locally made goods, take photos of the colorful buildings, enjoy a seafood lunch, walk along the waterfront, or simply sit with a cup of tea and watch the town go by. Dingle rewards travelers who take their time.

Evening at the Dingle Pub

In the evening, do yourself a favor and wander into the Dingle Pub. It is known for lively entertainment and a memorable Irish sing-along atmosphere. Nights like this often become the stories people tell long after the trip is over. Today is not about checking off sights. It is about enjoying one of Ireland’s most beloved towns at your own pace.

Day 11 - Killarney National Park, Muckross Abbey, Torc Waterfall and Cobh

Classic Scenery, Historic Estates, and Seaside Finish

Visit Killarney National Park

The day begins with Killarney National Park, one of Ireland’s most beautiful and beloved landscapes. The park is known for its lakes, mountains, woodlands, historic buildings, and peaceful atmosphere. It is a place where Ireland’s natural beauty and cultural heritage come together beautifully.

Jaunting Cart Ride

All travelers will enjoy a jaunting cart ride, a traditional horse-and-carriage experience through the beautiful grounds. This is a charming and memorable way to take in the scenery without rushing. The pace of the cart, the sound of the horse, and the surrounding views create a wonderfully old-fashioned travel experience.

Visit Muckross Abbey

The day also includes Muckross Abbey, a historic site with deep roots and a remarkable setting. Its stonework, cloisters, and atmosphere make it one of the most evocative stops in the region.

Visit Torc Waterfall

Nearby, the falling waters of Torc Waterfall provide another highlight. The combination of woods, water, moss-covered stone, and green landscape makes it feel almost enchanted.

Continue to Cobh

After a day filled with beauty and history, continue to the seaside town of Cobh. Cobh is known for its colorful waterfront, maritime history, and relaxed coastal feel. It is a lovely place to end the day, enjoy dinner, and reflect on the variety of experiences Ireland has already provided.

Day 12 - Rock of Cashel and Kilkenny Castle

Historic Landmarks and Medieval Towns

Visit the Rock of Cashel

No trip through Ireland would be complete without a visit to the Rock of Cashel. This dramatic historic site rises above the surrounding countryside and is one of the great landmarks of medieval Ireland. Associated with kings, saints, bishops, and centuries of Irish history, the Rock of Cashel is both visually impressive and historically important. Its stone buildings, round tower, chapel, cathedral ruins, and commanding views make it a powerful stop.

Walk through the Rock of Cashel

Walking through the Rock of Cashel helps travelers understand Ireland’s long and complex religious and political history. It is a place where legend and history seem to stand side by side. The setting alone is unforgettable, and the architecture offers a window into a very different Ireland, shaped by monastic life, royal power, and medieval ambition.

Visit Kilkenny Castle

Later, continue to Kilkenny, one of Ireland’s most attractive and historic towns. Kilkenny Castle is the major highlight, offering another layer of medieval and aristocratic history. The castle’s long story, elegant rooms, grounds, and connection to one of Ireland’s most important families make it a rewarding visit.

Explore Kilkenny Town

Kilkenny itself is also worth enjoying. With its medieval lanes, shops, restaurants, pubs, and lively atmosphere, it is a wonderful place to spend time. Today gives travelers a rich sense of Ireland’s past, from ancient ecclesiastical power at Cashel to castle life and medieval town character in Kilkenny. It is a day filled with history, architecture, and classic Irish charm.

Day 13 - Brownshill Dolmen, Glendalough and Return to Dublin Airport

Ancient Tombs, Monastic Ruins, and Farewell

Visit Brownshill Dolmen

The first is Brownshill Dolmen, an impressive megalithic tomb that connects travelers to Ireland’s ancient past. Long before castles, monasteries, and modern cities, Ireland was home to prehistoric communities who left behind monuments that continue to inspire curiosity and wonder. Brownshill Dolmen is especially notable for its massive capstone and mysterious presence in the landscape.

Visit Glendalough

As the group approaches Dublin, the route crosses into County Wicklow for a visit to Glendalough, one of Ireland’s most beautiful and meaningful monastic sites. Founded in the 6th century, Glendalough is set in a glacial valley surrounded by mountains, lakes, and peaceful scenery. Its round tower, stone churches, cemetery, and natural setting create one of the most atmospheric historic places in Ireland.

Return to Dublin Airport

By late afternoon, it is time to say goodbye to Val, your driver-guide, as travelers are dropped off at the Clayton Hotel at Dublin Airport at approximately 5:30 p.m. The tour ends with lasting memories of Ireland’s landscapes, music, history, hospitality, and small group camaraderie.

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Map

1. Brooks Hotel

59-62 Drury St, Dublin, D02 TV06, Ireland

2. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

CHQ, Custom House Quay, North Dock, Dublin 1, D01 T6K4, Ireland

3. Guinness Storehouse

St. James's Gate, Dublin 8, D08 VF8H, Ireland

4. Trinity College Dublin

College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland

5. Titanic Belfast

1 Olympic Way, Queen's Road, Titanic Quarter, Belfast BT3 9EP, UK

6. Giant's Causeway

44 Causeway Rd, Bushmills BT57 8SU, UK

7. Dunluce Castle

87 Dunluce Rd, Bushmills BT57 8UY, UK

8. Slieve League Cliffs

Slieve League, Teelin, Co. Donegal, Ireland

9. Westport

Westport, Co. Mayo, Ireland

10. Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore, Connemara, Co. Galway, Ireland

11. Cong Village

Cong, Co. Mayo, Ireland

12. Doolin

Doolin, Co. Clare, Ireland

13. Cliffs of Moher

Lislorkan North, Liscannor, Co. Clare, Ireland

14. Carrigafoyle Castle

Carrigafoyle, Ballylongford, Co. Kerry, Ireland

15. Dingle

Dingle, Co. Kerry, Ireland

16. Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland

17. Muckross Abbey

Muckross, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland

18. Torc Waterfall

Muckross, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland

19. Cobh

Cobh, Co. Cork, Ireland

20. Rock of Cashel

St. Patrick's Rock, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, Ireland

21. Kilkenny Castle

The Parade, Collegepark, Kilkenny, Ireland

22. Brownshill Dolmen

Brownshill, Co. Carlow, Ireland

23. Glendalough

Glendalough, Co. Wicklow, Ireland

24. Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport

Stockhole Ln, Clonshaugh, Dublin, K67 X3H5, Ireland