IRISH ELEGANCE (CLASSIC GROUP)
Overview
Experience the Wild Atlantic Way and journey from Galway to Killarney on this once-in-a-lifetime tour of Ireland. Trace a landscape shaped by myth and geology—home to Europe’s longest defined coastal route and the staggering Cliffs of Moher, rising 214 m (702 ft) above sea level. Discover Galway’s vibrant streets, Killarney’s musical heritage and the storybook beauty of Kylemore Abbey, a neo-Gothic masterpiece built in 1868. From the quiet scholarship of Trinity College with its 9th-century Book of Kells, to the raw beauty of Connemara, this is Ireland at its most authentic and intriguing.
Included/Excluded
- Handpicked 4 & 5 star hotels in great locations
- Daily breakfasts & many relaxed morning starts after 9am
- ‘Business Class’ style coaches with extended legroom*
- Local discovery led by Local Experts
- Superior dining in top rated restaurants
- 24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert Driver
- Insider Access, Insightful Encounters and Insight Choice experiences
- Porterage, plus tips and gratuities at hotels and restaurants, is included
Included
- Handpicked 4 & 5 star hotels in great locations
- Daily breakfasts & many relaxed morning starts after 9am
- ‘Business Class’ style coaches with extended legroom*
- Local discovery led by Local Experts
- Superior dining in top rated restaurants
- 24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert Driver
- Insider Access, Insightful Encounters and Insight Choice experiences
- Porterage, plus tips and gratuities at hotels and restaurants, is included
Excluded
Day 1: In Dublin’s Fair city

- Start your exploration of Dublin with an orientation tour with a Local Expert that brings to life Dublin’s architectural treasures and history, stretching back more than 1,000 years.
- Travel along the River Liffey, see Custom House, Guinness Storehouse, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
- See the 9th century Book of Kells and enjoy a walk through the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College.
- Back at your hotel, join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner and the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a pleasant evening.
Arrival Transfer: Depart the airport at 08:30, 11:00, 13:00
Welcome Meet your Travel Director at 14:00
Day 2: Cashel and Blarney, heading for Killarney

- Depart Dublin, and pass the famous Curragh Racecourse and green meadows where many of the finest Irish racehorses are bred.
- Driving south, stop to see the spectacular Rock of Cashel, crowned with medieval buildings that dominate the flat countryside for miles around.
- Then on to explore Blarney with Insight Choice.
- Choose to visit Blarney Castle and kiss the magical stone to ensure a lifetime of eloquence.
- Alternatively, meet a senior gardener for a tour of Blarney Gardens.
- Head to Killarney, where you may fancy a ‘pint of porter.’
- This town on the lakes is famous for its lively pubs so in the evening why not join in the ‘craic’?
Day 3: Ring of Kerry Experience

- In the morning, marvel at spectacular mountain and sea views as you travel the road that winds around the beautiful Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the Ring of Kerry.
- Meet John for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit his family-run seaweed farm to learn about sustainable farming practices that protect the wild Irish Atlantic coasts.
Day 4: The Cliffs of Moher and on to Galway

- Cross the Shannon Estuary by ferry and enter County Clare.
- Stop at the Exhibition Centre and enjoy a walk along the Cliffs of Moher, raised approximately 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic waves.
- Then travel north across the Burren, a suddenly stark and barren landscape, scarred with interesting limestone creases.
- Journey to Galway, the City of Tribes, and visit the last Cathedral built in Ireland.
- Take in the scenery from your hotel which is spectacularly set on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Day 5: Captivating Connemara

- Embark on a superb exploration of the Connemara National Park and see a wonderland of rivers, lakes and silent hills.
- Visit the magnificent, turreted Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey, nestled at the base of a Connemara mountainside.
- Commissioned by industrialist Mitchell Henry for his wife in the 19th century, the abbey was later transformed into a Benedictine monastery by nuns fleeing Ypres during World War I—linking this remote Irish valley to the upheaval of the Western Front.
Day 6: Exploring Historic Cong

- Set beside Lough Corrib and the border of County Mayo, Cong combines quiet charm with a storied past.
- On arrival at The Lodge at Ashford Castle, follow a traditional piper up the estate’s drive – an age-old custom once used to honour visiting dignitaries.
- This stirring welcome connects you with Ireland’s cultural heritage from the moment you arrive.
- During your free time, walk woodland trails through the grounds of Ashford Estate, visit the Quiet Man Museum or browse local craft shops showcasing Irish woollens and pottery.
- Later, dine in a private room at The Lodge at Ashford Castle. Enjoy a seasonal Farm-to-Table menu curated by Executive Chef Jonathan Keane, reflecting Ireland’s regional produce and culinary traditions.
Day 7: Across the Emerald Isle to Dublin

- After a Relaxed Start, travel east to Dublin, founded by the Vikings over 1,000 years ago at the mouth of the River Liffey.
- Your afternoon is free to explore the capital’s rich cultural scene—perhaps visit the National Gallery, home to works by Jack B. Yeats and Caravaggio, or stroll through St Stephen’s Green, laid out in 1880.
- Literary fans may opt for the James Joyce Centre, while Grafton Street offers a final chance for local finds.
Day 8: Depart Dublin

- Your journey comes to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Dublin airport.
Departure Transfer: Arrive at the airport at 07:00, 09:00, 10:30
- Day 1: Clayton Hotel Burlington Road
- Day 2 – Day 3: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
- Day 4 – Day 5: Connemara Coast Hotel
- Day 6: The Lodge at Ashford Castle
- Day 7: Hilton Dublin






