Watch our Online Travel Show about this tour and earn a $100 credit for your next booking with Holiday Vacations.
Embark on an unforgettable luxury escape that takes you deep into the heart and soul of Ireland with exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime experiences! Our journey begins in Dublin with viewing the ancient Book of Kells on a private tour at Trinity College and visiting the Irish National Stud and Gardens. Next, we sail to the largest of the Aran Islands for a traditional pony and trap ride that reveals prehistoric stone forts and windswept Atlantic views. Soak up four magnificent nights at Dromoland Castle, a 16th-century royal estate set on over 500 picturesque acres. While here, relish fine dining at elegant restaurants, attend an authentic afternoon tea, and a use your €200 credit for an activity of your choosing, such as a spa treatment or falconry experience! Our immersive discoveries continue with recounting Ireland’s emigrant past at the Cobh Heritage Centre, sipping Jameson whiskey at Midleton Distillery, and getting a hands-on Irish Coffee lesson at Ireland’s oldest pub. Returning to Dublin, embark on a guided city tour before traveling to Malahide Castle and Gardens, where whispers of noble families and ghostly legends linger in its halls. Our evening is filled with great craic on a walking tour of classic Irish pubs! Our time on Emerald Isle concludes with a hands-on Irish cookery class, exploring the monastic ruins of Glendalough, and raising a glass to the special memories made – sláinte!
Trip overview may vary by departure.
- Day 1: Fly to IrelandOur journey to the Emerald Isle begins with an overnight flight to Dublin.
- Day 2: DublinUpon arrival, we are personally met by the Holiday Vacations Tour Director who arranges transportation to tonight’s gorgeous hotel. A private concierge gives us a warm Irish welcome and provides a city map while sharing how we can make the most of our visit. Perfectly located in the heart of the city for effortless exploration, The Shelbourne offers opulent amenities and on-site restaurants with gourmet cuisine, which we savor at this evening’s Welcome Dinner.
- Day 3: Book of Kells & Stud FarmThis morning, we depart for a private tour of Trinity College. An expert guides us through the awe-inspiring Long Room of the Old Library, where we see towering oak shelves, NASA’s striking imagery of Earth, and the legendary harp of High King Brian Boru. We then explore the Red Pavilion’s immersive digital exhibition that brings the world-class Book of Kells to life before the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view the ancient masterpiece – Ireland's greatest national treasure. After lunch at leisure, we stroll the sprawling grounds of Irish National Stud and Gardens in Kildare to learn about their impressive history as the birthplace of champion thoroughbred horses. Later, we travel to our royal residence in County Clare and settle in at the magnificent Dromoland Castle! Once the ancestral home of the O’Brien family, direct descendants of Irish High Kings, this 16th-century estate blends centuries of history with first-rate luxury on over five hundred acres. Tonight, we don our best apparel, including dinner jackets, as we dine on exquisite fare.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 4: Inis Mor, Aran IslandsWe travel to the charming village of Doolin this morning and set sail for the largest of the rugged Aran Islands, Inis Mor, home to Gaelic traditions, dramatic limestone landscapes, and ancient ruins. Enjoy a traditional pony and trap (horse-drawn carriage) tour of the most iconic sights, including the prehistoric Dun Aonghasa fortress perched on towering cliffs and the mysterious Worm Hole, a natural rectangular pool carved by the Atlantic. We then return to our magnificent castle accommodations with time to freshen up before a casual dining experience at the Fig Tree Restaurant with locally inspired dishes.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 5: Dromoland Castle HotelToday is yours to indulge in the timeless charm of our storied castle estate, which has welcomed presidents, royalty, and celebrities within its ivy-clad walls. Stroll the manicured gardens, relax by the shimmering lake, or join the Castle Historian, Jane O’Brien, on a Living History Tour. You will also enjoy a €200 credit for one of the many incredible on-site experiences! Get up close to mesmerizing birds of prey in the ancient woodlands, tee off on the championship golf course, or unwind with a soothing spa treatment. Later in the day, we relish delicate pastries and fine teas in a room fit for nobility during our Champagne Afternoon Tea.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Tea
- Day 6: Queenstown Story & Jameson WhiskeyOur day begins with a drive to County Cork, where we dive into the rich history of Irish emigration at the Cobh Heritage Centre and watch the compelling Queenstown Story unfold before us. Walk in the footsteps of those who departed from this harbor in search of new beginnings, from hopeful emigrants bound for America to passengers of the ill-fated Titanic and Lusitania. Enjoy lunch at leisure in this charming seaside town known for its colorful waterfront, grand cathedral, and deep maritime roots. Afterwards, we learn about Irish whiskey at the Midleton Distillery Experience, home of Jameson. Witness how this world-renowned spirit is made, then wet your whistle with a premium, expert-led tasting. Later, we return to our hotel and relish a private dining experience in the Earl of Thomond Restaurant, a setting that calls for elegant attire as we savor expertly prepared cuisine in a regal atmosphere.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 7: Irish Coffee LessonSpend one final morning in our beautiful castle hotel before we depart for Athlone, a vibrant town along the River Shannon and the center of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands. Step into over a thousand years of tradition as we visit the country’s oldest pub – Sean’s Bar. Uncover the fascinating history of this legendary establishment and enjoy a one-of-a-kind Irish Coffee lesson led by experts! We then sip the rich blend of whiskey, coffee, and cream while listening to a private performance by local musicians. Later, our travels continue to where our journey first began, the stunning Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin. The evening is free to explore the city’s famed nightlife and great craic surrounding our centrally located hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 8: Malahide Castle & Irish PubsToday, we board our coach for a guided tour to take in the rich history and charm of Ireland’s capital. Admire Dublin’s elegant Georgian architecture, storied landmarks, and vibrant streets as our expert guide brings the past to life. Our journey continues to the coastal town of Malahide, where colorful shopfronts and a scenic marina provide a picturesque setting for lunch at leisure. We then uncover centuries of history at Malahide Castle and Gardens, an impressive 12th-century estate that was home to the Talbot family for nearly 800 years. Wander through grand rooms adorned with antique furnishings, hear stories of noble residents and rumored ghosts, and stroll the fairy-tale gardens. Upon returning to Dublin, we embark on a walking tour of classic Irish pubs, winding through the city’s historic streets to enjoy hidden gems, Irish trad sessions, and the warm hospitality that makes their pub culture legendary.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 9: Irish Cooking Class & Monastic RuinsThis morning, we venture into the countryside for a hands-on culinary experience at Ballyknocken Cookery School in County Wicklow, nestled among lush rolling hills with breathtaking views of Carrick Mountain. Under the expert guidance of Daytime Emmy-nominated TV chef and award-winning food writer Catherine Fulvio, our group prepares a true taste of Ireland with fresh, local ingredients. After savoring our authentic three-course meal, we travel to Glendalough, a glacial valley with deep spiritual history. At the Glendalough Visitor Centre, we discover the story of this 6th-century monastic settlement and walk among its remains, including the iconic round tower, stone churches, and decorated crosses. Tonight, our celebratory Farewell Dinner awaits at a a lively local restaurant.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 10: Fly HomeWe fly home from Dublin with wonderful memories of the Emerald Isle.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sep 28 - Oct 7, 2026
$14,049
per person
$9,999
per person
May 21, 2026
What's Included
All Accommodations
- 1 night at The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection in Dublin
- 4 nights at Dromoland Castle
- 3 nights at The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection in Dublin (before we return home)
Attractions & Highlights
- Irish National Stud & Gardens
- Trinity College private tour feat. Book of Kells Experience
- Ferry to Inis Mor, Aran Islands
- Inis Mor pony & trap tour feat. Dun Aonghasa fortress
- Included activities & leisure time at Dromoland Castle
- Cobh Heritage Centre feat. The Queenstown Story
- Midleton Distillery Experience feat. tour & premium Jameson whiskey tasting
- Irish Coffee Lesson at Sean’s Bar feat. live music
- Classic Irish Pubs walking tour
- Dublin guided city tour & time at leisure
- Malahide Castle & Gardens
- Ballyknocken Cookery School class with renowned chef Catherine Fulvio
- Glendalough Monastic Site & Visitor Centre
15 Excellent Meals
- Welcome Dinner at Hugo's Restaurant in Dublin
- Dinner at the Fig Tree Restaurant in Dromoland Castle
- Champagne Afternoon Tea in Dromoland Castle
- Private dinner at the Earl of Thomond Restaurant in Dromoland Castle
- Farewell Dinner in Dublin
- Three-course lunch at Ballyknocken Cookery School
Learn more about what's included with the Holiday Advantage.
Birmingham - Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport