DAY 1 – DUBLIN:   The Adventure Begins   

Lodging:  The College Green Hotel – DELUXE ROOM

For your added comfort, a private assistant will be waiting for you outside of airport customs, holding a sign with your name on it. They will direct you to your awaiting private transfer, and accompany you to your hotel for check-in. They will also provide a brief overview of the city on the way to the hotel, assist with check-in, and go through the welcome pack with you.

A Welcome Package will be provided and will include any relevant documents or tickets required for your trip.

Discover Ireland with a private driver, featuring experienced driving skills and expert local knowledge and insight into the best towns, monuments and historic sites of the Emerald Isle. In addition to your pre-booked customized touring, get recommendations on where to shop, have a drink, grab a bite, and even lesser-known sites typically ignored by visitors, all of which you can stop to visit on a whim (payable on the spot), because your days have built-in flexibility. Enjoy an introduction to Ireland with such depth and quality that’s only possible with a local expert. Speak to your Destination Expert if you would like to upgrade and weave in additional Specialist Guides along your journey which can elevate your experience and provide additional expertise and support on your adventure.

DAY 2 – DUBLIN:  EXPLORE WITH AN EXPERT

Today you will be escorted on a full day tour of Dublin with a special focus on Irish heritage. Admire the impressive red brick Georgian townhouses of Merrion Square, then make your way past the historic Dublin Castle, former seat of the English, along with the Lords and Kings of Ireland. Pass by Christchurch, built by the Anglo-Norman’s in 1172, and visit the 12th century St Patrick’s Cathedral, a highlight of any visit to Dublin. Check out the old cobbled lanes and hip establishments of Temple Bar, Dublin’s cultural quarter, and visit Trinity College where you’ll be able to see the famed 8th century Book of Kells, and gaze upon the 200,000 books of the impressive long room. Near Trinity is the National Library, perhaps worth a quick pop-in to admire their Genealogist Room. On foot, discover the rich maritime history of nearby Dublin Docklands district, home to the Ancestry office, offering a chance to step in to bring your research journey full circle. Learn what life was like in the once-thriving hub of imperial trade. Marvel at the magnificent Custom House, hearing of its role in the emergence of Dublin as a key port of the British Empire, and as the site of one of the largest battles of the Irish War of Independence. Finally, visit the state-of-the-art EPIC, the Irish Emigration Museum, where your guide will help you explore global Irish history and identity through stories and interactive exhibits. Conclude with a return transfer to your hotel.

DAY 3 – DUBLIN:  IT’S ALL ANCIENT HISTORY

Enjoy a private tour in the company of a private vehicle, and driver-guide exploring the ancient site of Newgrange – one of the great wonders of western ancient civilization that needs to be seen close up to be fully appreciated. Predating the Pyramids, it is a complex chamber that is perfectly aligned to catch the morning sun on the winter solstice. There are two other major tombs at Knowth and Dowth, both equally impressive and different in character. Nearby is the River Boyne where the famous Battle of the Boyne took place. The land here is lush and full of ancient and medieval ruins that are testaments to Irelands great heritage.

DAY 4 DUBLIN TO CORK:    THE JOURNEY CONTINUES

Hayfield Manor – MANOR ROOM

Transfer from Dublin to Cork today, discovering medieval towns and castles along the way. You’ll first set your sights on Kilkenny, Ireland’s foremost medieval town, located an hour and a half southwest of Dublin. Walk Kilkenny’s medieval mile, admiring historic buildings like the 13th century St Canice’s Cathedral and tower at one end, passing the well-preserved 16th century Rothe House – the countys’ genealogical centre, centuries-old breweries and pubs, arriving to Kilkenny’s undisputed highlight, the iconic Kilkenny Castle. Take in 800 years of history as you visit this lasting symbol of Norman occupation, strolling through the manicured gardens and elegant rooms formerly belonging to knights and duchesses and earls. In the afternoon, continue into South Tipperary, an area renowned for rustic castles, ancient abbeys, and lush farming landscapes. Make a stop in the town of picturesque town of Cahir, where you can catch views of its 12th century Cahir Castle, one of the country’s largest. Continue to Cashel, where you’ll visit the grand Rock of Cashel, a fortified medieval religious complex gifted to the Church in the 13th century, easily one of Ireland’s most spectacular attractions. Explore this massive site, taking in Celtic art and medieval architecture, ranging from a round tower and chapel to a cathedral and extensive graveyard. Conclude your day on arrival to your hotel in Cork.

DAY 5  CORK:   A JOURNEY BACK IN TIME  

Spend the day with your dedicated Ancestry Genealogist to uncover the sites and locations of your heritage, as determined in your Research Report.

Meet your private driver-guide to explore the nearby towns of Kinsale and Cobh. The ideal way to discover Kinsale is by joining Don & Barry’s Kinsale Historic Scroll walking tour, a fun and engaging exploration of the main sites and history of the once medieval-walled town. Walking in a group, the charming guide doubles as a captivating storyteller, introducing you to the old harbor town and unveiling its complex past and legends. Afterward, enjoy some time at leisure to discover why Kinsale is known as “The Gourmet Capital of Ireland”. Rejoining your private driver-guide, head to Cobh, the final port of call for the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Titanic. Take a step back in time and immerse yourself in the past, starting right at the beginning with a privately guided walking tour of the Titanic Trail, focusing on Cobh’s history, Irish heritage, and connection to the doomed ship. You’ll then visit the Titanic Experience where you’ll receive a boarding card upon check-in, detailing the life of one of 123 final passengers who boarded the Titanic from Cobh. Meander through a virtual journey of the ship through unique cinematography, eventually discovering the fate of your assigned passenger. After a full day of discovery, your day concludes with a private transfer back to Cork. 

DAY 6  CORK TO KILLARNEY:    A CHANGE OF SCENERY 

Lodging: Killarney Royal – Royal Room

The bucolic West Cork coastline is among the most indented, varied and lush in Ireland. Enjoy the beautiful views as you transfer to Killarney today with your private transfer. Among the highlights of your day is a stop at the ancient Drombeg Stone Circle, also known as the Druid’s Altar, a 2,000 year-old megalithic stone circle which evokes thoughts of very different time. Along the coast, you’ll get to stop at the quaint fishing villages of Glandore and Union Hall. In Baltimore, you can walk out to the intriguing Lot’s Wife, a white stone beacon with a stunning coastal view out across to the adjacent Sherkin Island. Continue to Glengariff, located at the foot of the Caha Mountains that separate Cork from Kerry, a dense lush sub-tropical valley with beautiful natural scenery. Inland from here is the solitary chapel on an island by the lake at Gougane Barra, one of Ireland’s most romantic locations, and well worth a stop. At day’s end you’ll arrive to your accommodation in Killarney for check-in.

DAY 7  KILLARNEY:   

Nurtured by Nature

Lodging: Killarney Royal – Royal Room

Included

• A fully customized itinerary based on your interests and schedule
• 24/7 in-destination support from our local office
• All accommodation stays, tours and transfers for scheduled activities are covered, unless otherwise listed in the itinerary
• A private driver for tours and transfers (in some countries our local private guides also act as your driver – your Destination Expert will discuss with you if applicable)
• Local private guides or shared tours that take you through your itinerary highlights and experiences, your final itinerary will confirm the type of tour
• A greeting at the airport or at your accommodation from one of our representatives – your expert will confirm your meet and greet location with you
• Breakfast each morning at your hotel, plus any meals indicated in the itinerary
• One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers

Not Included

• Your international airfare – please do let your expert know if you’d like to receive pricing from our Air Team
• Travel insurance, which we offer and can be purchased after you’ve booked your tour
• Visas (unless noted)
• Tips for services and experiences
• Lunches, dinners and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), unless specified in the itinerary
• Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare
• Personal charges such as laundry, phone calls, SIM cards or room service
• Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified)
• Additional sightseeing, activities and experiences outside of your itinerary
• Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, or local camera or video fees
• Passport fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable).

Prices are subject to change.  As itineraries are custom-designed for you, the final price will vary and is also based on the month of travel.