Experiencing Ireland

Begin your Irish adventure in the city of Dublin before winding your south through traditional seaside villages, picturesque castles, and historic routes such as the Ring of Kerry, which takes you through spectacular coastal and mountainous scenery along the base of the highest mountain range in Ireland.

Location highlights

Dublin

As Ireland’s capital, Dublin was at the epicenter of the economic boom of recent years. Greater Dublin’s population has swollen to 1.5 million; more than a third of the entire country lives here. The time has passed when aspiring Irish artists owed it to themselves to emigrate. Today they dig in. If Joyce and Beckett and Wilde could see Dublin today, they’d be back.

Kinsale

This attractive seaside town located at the mouth of Bandon River, has superb restaurants and fine buildings. It is also centrally located for visiting nearby areas, such as Clonakilty, famed as a centre for Gaelic culture and music. Castletownhead is another charming Georgian village. Bantry is ideal for exploring Bantry Bay and the Sheep’s Head Peninsula.

Killarney

This is the busiest beehive of tourism in Ireland. The good news is that it’s easy enough to resist Killarney’s gravitational pull and instead explore the incredibly picturesque hinterlands that border the town on all sides. Of course it is always worth the trip into town at some point to sample the best of what this tourist mecca has to offer.

Galway

Ask an Irishman to recommend his favorite Irish city, and you're likely to hear, “Without a doubt, Galway.” A major city by Irish standards, it still manages to retain much of the accessibility and congeniality of a small town. Galway has also earned the reputation of the unofficial arts capital of Ireland. The excellent Galway Arts Festival, held every summer, is perhaps the most accessible and friendly culture fest in Europe.

Itinerary highlights

Day 1: Dublin

Cead Mile Failte—Welcome to Ireland! Check into your hotel and then enjoy a half-day private tour of Dublin to get acquainted with the city.

Day 2: Dublin

Enjoy the day at your leisure sightseeing and exploring Dublin. You may choose to visit Grafton Street, which is Dublin’s main shopping street. Among Dublin’s most renowned sites for sightseeing are St Patrick’s Cathedral, Christchurch Cathedral, and the Guinness Storehouse.