Classic Ireland

Explore the cultural and historical attractions of Dublin through an walking tour. Your friendly local guide will pick you up at your hotel and will be only too happy to tailor the itinerary according to your preferences and interests. Stroll past the majestic Dublin Castle dating back to the 13th century or the imposing St Patrick’s Cathedral that goes back by another two centuries. Explore the scenic landscapes of St Stephen’s Green or the Georgian aesthetics of Merrion Square. Take in the grandeur of the City Hall and the magnificence of Trinity College, founded by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592. Learn more from your guide about the fractious history of the former Houses of Parliament and then savor the hip vibes of Temple Bar, Dublin’s eclectic riverside neighborhood. Take in interesting stories of famous Dubliners who are as much a part of the cultural landscape of the city as its iconic buildings. (Half Day; Duration: 3 hrs; Private Activity; Transfer not required; No Admissions Included; Fitness level: Moderate; Please wear comfortable walking shoes).

Enjoy an evening of fun and food at The Merry Ploughboy Pub in Dublin. Relish a hearty three course dinner with a choice of options including traditional Irish staples such as brown bread and apple pie. After your meal, relax and sit back to watch the entertaining live performance by The Merry Ploughboys, who also own the pub. Derive pleasure from the best of Irish music and dance in the show, which also has the performers engaging in a lively interaction with the audience. This show is the longest running in the country, having featured the same performers for more than a quarter of a century! Midway through the show, get to watch a special segment with performances by all-Ireland and World champion Irish dancers from the city and beyond. (Half Day; Times: 1900; Duration: 3 hrs; Meal Included: Dinner; Shared Activity; Transfer not Included; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Gain valuable knowledge about what goes into the making of each refreshing pint of Guinness in this interesting brewery tour. Start your exploration at what might be the world’s largest pint glass, situated in the heart of the building! Accompany your knowledgeable guide over seven floors of the structure that was once an old fermentation plant. The iconic beer brand has a history that dates back 250 years. Listen to the dramatic story of how the brand has grown to its current stature over the decades. Conclude your tour of the country’s premier attraction with a halt at Gravity Bar on the top floor. Settle in to enjoy a well-deserved complimentary pint along with stunning 360 degrees views of the city skyline. (Times: 1230/1630; Duration: 1.5 hrs; Private Activity Tour with Admission and Tastings; Transfer not Included; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Explore the fun side of the Connemara coastline with this morning or afternoon activity. Choose from Sea Kayaks, Sit on Tops and Single Cockpit Playboats to get splashing in Killary fjord. Safely in your lifejackets, paddle forth to admire the timeless beauty of fjord’s deep blue waters and the mighty mountains that stand silent sentinel on the horizon. Enjoy the chilled spray on your face and feel the exhilaration of gliding through water in the wild outdoors. (Shared Activity; Group size: 4-15 ppl; Duration: 3 hrs; Times: 10:00 or 12:00 hrs; Chauffeur Transfer Included; Life jackets are provided. Please wear appropriate shoes. Children below 8 yrs are not permitted.)

Set off for the pier next to the castle in Carrigaholt as you embark on an exciting river adventure. Settle into the comfortable boat as it cuts through the water and heads to the mouth of the River Shannon. Listen to the skipper talk about the dolphins and their habitat, as well as the geology and history of the region. Enjoy stunning views of the rugged cliffs and historic landmarks that dot the shoreline. Watch out for dolphins moving in pods as your boat enters the special conservation area. With two zoologists on board, soak in lesser known details about the dolphins and seabirds, such as peregrine falcons and gannets, that are found in the region. Return to shore with lasting memories of your trip to the spot with the largest group of resident bottlenose dolphins in Europe. (Half Day; Duration: 3 hrs; Shared Activity; Chauffeur Transfer Included; Fitness Level: Easy; Please note that tours are not conducted at fixed times but depend on tide and sea conditions as well as passenger demands.)

Set out for the Burren Center to get a glimpse into the events that brought on the formation of this unique landscape. Watch an audio-visual presentation about this natural wonder before strolling into the airy crafts shop. Browse through the selection of largely handmade traditional crafts before ambling to the tea rooms with their relaxing ambiance and traditional cuisine. Step out onto the sprawling limestone terrain, which is home to more than 80 tombs that date from the Mesolithic era through the Iron Age. Head along the wild Atlantic Way to the gorgeous Cliffs of Moher, considered the country’s top tourist attraction. For more than 350 million years, these rugged cliffs have towered majestically over the Atlantic Ocean with the waves lapping against them, making for a breathtaking spectacle. Step up to the highest point on the cliffs to savor panoramic views of the vast ocean, which will stay with you for a lifetime. (Full Day; Duration: 8 hrs; Private Activity, Admissions Included; Chauffeur Transfer Included; No Guide at Cliffs of Moher; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Add some flavor to your life with this popular cookery class, ‘Our Taste of Ireland’. Visit the purpose-built cookery school ‘Just Cooking’, founded by Mark and Bernie Doe, food and hospitality industry professionals with over 20 years of experience. Learn how to use the best local produce in a relaxed and fun setting to create some culinary goodness. A few of the dishes that you might create include the traditional brown soda bread, smoked salmon on a potato pancake or Rack of Kerry lamb and vegetables. You might also be trying your hand at crafting delicious Baileys bread and butter pudding with butterscotch sauce! (Private Activity; Chauffeur Transfer Included; Duration: 3 hrs; Please note that the meeting point in Killahane, Firies, Killarney; Children will be allowed into the class only if they are above 12 years of age.)

Experience the myriad joys and offerings of the famous Ring of Kerry by car and foot! This untouched part of Ireland, which is a part of the Wild Atlantic Way, has long attracted travelers from around the world. After a peaceful one hour drive, amble through a range of territories, ranging from rugged islands and white sand beaches to dramatic mountain passes. Get a closer view of this wild nature by hiking within. Keep your eyes peeled for white-tailed sea eagles as they fly over Killarney National park. Full Day, Duration: 8 hrs; Private Activity, Chauffeur Transfer Included; Fitness Level: Medium)

Make a visit to one of Ireland’s remarkable medieval treasures on your way from Killarney to Kilkenny! Blarney Castle, near Cork and the River Martin, was built almost 600 years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy. Located close to lush gardens, dungeons and caves, expect to find a lot to explore in the area! Visit The Blarney Stone that has drawn movie stars, literary giants, world statesmen and millions of pilgrims alike, who have kissed the stone, hoping to receive the gift of eloquence. Another incredible archaeological site you will visit is the Rock of Cashel, also known as St. Patrick’s Rock, which is just 500 meters from the center of Cashel Town, County Tipperary. Enter through a spectacular 15th century castle and the Hall of the Vicars, where the museum housing the original Cross of St. Patrick is located. Stroll through this magnificent set of ecclesiastical buildings set on a limestone outcrop in the Golden Vale, which includes a variety of splendid historical structures. Spend time admiring this Romanesque chapel, one of the earliest and most impressive churches built in this style. Head to the cultural region of West Cork, the towns teeming with rural beauty and bustling with activity. Visit Kinsale, a gorgeous seafront town bright with colorful shop fronts, flowerbeds and stunning harbor views. Don’t forget to sample the delicious food it is famous for! Stop by at Glandore village, centered around a 19th century pier, where you can take in the sights of the ocean and see people sailing. (En route Activity; Full Day; Duration: 8 hrs; Private Activity; Chauffeur Transfer Included; Blarney Castle Admission Included; Rock of Cashel Admission not Included; No Guide inside of Attractions; Fitness Level: Easy)

Unravel the deepest secrets of this medieval city in this fascinating private tour. Learn about the origin of the phrase ‘stinking rich’ and unveil the reason people of Kilkenny are known as cats! Learn about how a 12 inch needle was used to expose witches in a different era. Laugh your way across the quaint city streets as your guide regales you with humorous anecdotes and blends magic with history for a unique experience. Walk down the Medieval Mile trail, an iconic path that runs by prominent historical landmarks of the city, from the 13th century Saint Canice’s Cathedral to the imposing Kilkenny Castle. (Duration: 1.5 hrs; Private Activity; Chauffeur Transfer Included; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Get a taste of Ireland’s most popular ale on this guided tour through Smithwick’s brewery and discover brewing innovations by an establishment that has over 300 years of experience in the field. Find out more about how the ale is harvested from the land, right at the heart of Kilkenny. Listen closely to the local staff as they explain what makes the ale so unique. This tour is truly a treat for your senses; take the opportunity to mill the malt, stir the mash and smell the hops firsthand. Most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy yourself on this delightful tour! (Duration: 1 hr; Shared Activity; Chauffeur Transfer Included; Please note that children between 0-5 years of age can enter for free, while children between 6-17 years of age receive child rates and a soft drink during the tour.)

Set out on the drive to Dublin, halting en route to appreciate the exquisite beauty of County Wicklow attractions. Soak in the picturesque beauty of the Glendalough glacial valley that is tucked into the majestic Wicklow Mountains. Situated within the Wicklow Mountains National Park, the valley is dotted with walking trails and picnic spots and is home to numerous wildlife species. Listen to your guide outline the historical significance of the sixth century monastic settlement, founded by Saint Kevin, as you walk around its ruins. Make your way to elegant Powerscourt House and Gardens set at the foot of the mountains. This 13th century mansion was renovated in 1996 and is surrounded by spectacular gardens. Amble across the beautiful lawns at your own pace, as you pause by ornamental lakes and uncover secret hollows. Resume your onward journey after attempting to identify as many as possible of the 200 species of shrubs and trees on the property! (En route Activity; Full Day; Duration: 8hrs; Private Activity; Chauffeur Transfer Included; Admission Included; No Guide inside of Gardens; Fitness Level: Easy.)