A small island with a big reputation: breathtaking landscapes and fascinating, friendly people, whose lyrical nature is expressed in the warmth of their welcome.
Starting at $18.19
Make your own way to the Guinness Storehouse, the seven-floor exhibition space at the St James’s Gate Brewery in central Dublin, where Guinness was first brewed in 1759. Enjoy a quicker entrance to one of Dublin's top attractions with this fast-track pass. Your ticket lets you explore the Storehouse, which is modeled like a giant, seven-floor pint glass of Guinness, at your own pace. Start at the ground floor Atrium and work your way up to the 'head of the pint', the seventh-floor Gravity Bar, as quickly or slowly as you like.In the Atrium, see the copy of the 9,000-year brewery lease signed by Guinness’ founder, Arthur Guinness, in 1759, and learn about the four ingredients of the iconic Irish stout: water, barley, hops and yeast.On the First Floor, find out all about the Guinness brewing and barreling process through virtual exhibits, equipment displays and videos on the craft of the coopers — the original wooden barrel-makers. Then, over the next three floors, immerse yourself in the Guinness story through a host of interactive displays and multi-sensory experiences. Discover the key moments in Guinness’ history and advertising, and sample delicious Guinness variants with handy tips on your tasting technique!On the Fifth Floor, enjoy some Guinness-inspired dishes (own expense) at The 1837 Bar and Brasserie and Arthur's Bar, and then, hit the glass-walled Gravity Bar. Enjoy a free pint of Guinness here while you drink in the 360-degree views over Dublin: it's the most spectacular bar in the Irish capital!Before leaving, head for the Guinness Store to buy some Guinness-branded memorabilia — the perfect memento of your visit.
The beautiful coastal drive from Dublin to Glendalough takes you past Dun Laoghaire Harbor, Dalkey and Killiney. These exclusive suburbs on the out reaches of Dublin are home to Ireland's rich and famous including U2's Bono, Enya and film director Neil Jordan. Then, driving through the Wicklow Mountains, you'll soon understand why this area is known as 'the Garden of Ireland’.You'll continue on to the green mountains of Wicklow County, where you'll stop for morning tea (additional cost) at Avoca Handweavers. The oldest wool mill in Ireland, Avoca Handweavers is a great place to shop for high-quality Irish crafts.The next stop on your Wicklow tour in Glendalough, in Wicklow Mountains National Park. Glendalough is renowned for its natural beauty and history, and is one of the most visited places in Ireland. At Glendalough, your guide will walk with you through the 6th-century monastic settlement. You'll learn about St Kevin, the founder of the ancient monastery, and hear stories relating to the ruins scattered about the site, including the famous Round Tower. There will also be time for a leisurely stroll through the woods to Upper Lake. Leaving the peace and serenity of Glendalough behind, you'll head off for a stop at a local pub for lunch (additional cost). Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and good old-fashioned home cooking of a traditional Irish pub. Why not wash lunch down with a hearty pint of Guinness?After lunch you'll begin your return to Dublin, via Sally's Gap, where scenes from Braveheart were filmed in 1995. This scenic but desolate area of wild bogland offers a stunning contrast to the Wicklow Mountains.You'll arrive back in Dublin in the late afternoon, with drop-off either in Ballsbridge (D4) or at Trinity College.
To keep you company on your travels and provide you with entertaining and informative commentary along the way, we have friendly and experienced guides. Be enchanted by Ireland’s thriving west coast. We will educate you not only on the flora and fauna of this area but the fascinating history. No holiday in Ireland is complete without a trip to the majestic Cliffs of Moher. Visit O’Brien’s Tower, watch an interactive video at the Visitor’s Center and stroll the clifftop, admiring the panoramic views out to the ocean and the Aran Islands. In good weather, we can have lunch next to the cliffs. Another inviting option is to head to the charming village of Doolin for lunch. Doolin is a charming village with excellent food options. Try the seafood! Our journey then takes us to the limestone wonder called The Burren, which is a rocky yet fertile landscape for plants and flowers. Colourful flowers have burst through the clints and grikes of this limestone pavement, making it a truly unique location and a thriving ecosystem. Some varieties of flowers can only be found in this region. Navigate the rocky surface as you explore the Burren’s landscape. After we’ve strolled around the Burren, we will visit the historic vibrant city of Galway. We return to Dublin via a different route to ensure you have the opportunity to see more of the delightful west coast.
Leaving the city of Dublin behind, you'll set off on board a luxury, air-conditioned coach and watch the landscape change from Dublin's urban cityscape to the rolling, green hills that typify the Irish countryside. Your day trip will drive through several areas of interest, including the Galtee Mountains and the Curragh in County Kildare, which is home to Ireland's National Stud Farm and is famous as a sporting region. You'll head to the Rock of Cashel back in County Tipperary. This imposing Celtic Cathedral towers above the town of Cashel from a limestone mound, approximately 200 feet (61 meters) high. Highlights at the Rock of Cashel include the Hall of Vicars and Cormac's Chapel, home to the oldest Romanesque wall painting in Ireland. Passing south through County Tipperary, your tour will reach Blarney Castle by Mid day. This beautiful medieval castle is home to one of Ireland's best loved treasures - the fascinating Blarney Stone, which sits at the top of the castle's tower. According to legend, kissing the stone bestows the kisser with the "gift of the gab," or talent for eloquence that the Irish famously possess. From Blarney Castle, your tour will continue on to Cahair Castle which was once the stronghold of the powerful Butler family, the castle retains its impressive keep, tower and much of its original defensive structure. It is one of Ireland's largest and best preserved castles. It is situated on a rocky island on the River Suir. Return to Dublin for 7.00pm
City Sightseeing Dublin offers access to two routes to the best spots in the city. You can hop on and off as you please at any of the tour stops along the routes, allowing you to explore the city at your own pace – when you’re ready, just hop back on and continue the tour! Hop-on the Red Line at 13 Upper O’Connell Street and sit back and relax as the tour takes you to sights including Dame Street, where you’ll get a real feel for the culture of Dublin and you’ll be a short walk away from the iconic Temple Bar! Enjoy the live music and vibrant atmosphere at this famous pub, before hopping back on and continuing the tour to Dublin Castle. It’s the historic heart of the city and also one of the biggest tourist attractions, hop-off and explore the castle that’s stood in the city since the 13th century! Don’t leave Dublin without visiting the famous Guinness Store House - explore the history of Guinness and how it was created, plus at the Gravity Bar, you’ll be able to enjoy 360-degree views of Dublin’s skyline! You can also learn all about the creation of Jameson Whiskey at the Jameson Distillery – another well-known attraction – where Jameson’s was originally distilled until 1971! Continue to more important landmarks, including St Patrick’s Cathedral, the largest and tallest church in Ireland, as well as Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison that today serves as a museum and tourist attraction. If you’d like to break up your sightseeing, hop-off at the Dublin Zoo, the largest zoo in Ireland, or at the National Gallery of Ireland which houses countless collections of famous artwork – both provide great days out for all the family!Tour Stops: Red Route - 13 Upper O'Connell Street Nassau Street Leinster Street National Art Gallery Merrion Square St. Stephen Green / Pearse Street College Green (Irish Whiskey Museum) Dame Street / Temple Bar Dame Street / Dublin Castle Christ Church Cathedral St. Patrick's Cathedral High Street Guinness Storehouse Royal Hospital Kilmainham Kilmainham Gaol / Memorial Gardens Heuston Station Parkgate Street Phoenix Park / Parkgate Street National Museum of Decorative Arts & History Arran Quay / Smithfield Bachelor's Walk Parnell Square Blue Route - 13 Upper O'Connell Street Abbey Street EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum Cardiff Lane National Art Gallery Merrion Square St. Stephen Green College Green (Irish Whiskey Museum) Dame Street / Temple Bar Dame Street / Dublin Castle Christ Church Cathedral St. Patrick's Cathedral Guinness Storehouse Royal Hospital Kilmainham Kilmainham Gaol / Memorial Gardens Heuston Station National Museum of Decorative Arts & History Arran Quay Croke Park
In the early morning, your guide will pick you up from selected centrally located pickup points and then drive you north out of the city by luxury coach. After a journey of roughly two hours, arrive in Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, in time for your black cab tour.On a route around the city, listen to your guide talk through the highs and lows of Belfast’s fascinating political history. Hear of its industrial roots, the past four decades of civil unrest, and of its current regeneration; many say the city’s heyday is still to come.Look out for several of the top Belfast attractions, like the Harland and Wolff shipyard, where the Titanic was built, and Belfast Docks, where numerous ships were made in the city's industrial days. See political murals as you pass through the Falls and Shankill neighborhoods where Belfast’s Unionist and Nationalist cultures live on opposing sides of the divide. Pull over for a closer look at several key locations, including the Peace Wall, where you can sign your name next to legendary peacemakers, such as Nelson Mandela and Bill Clinton.After a break to take refreshments in the city (own expense), leave Belfast behind and hit the road to the Northern Irish coast. Following a route known as the Antrim Coastal Drive, pass spectacular scenery including stony shores, densely wooded glens and picture-perfect harbors. Pause to marvel at Dunluce Castle, a medieval ruin perched precariously atop a bluff on the coast. Fans of hit TV show Game of Thrones may recognize it as the setting for the House of Greyjoy.After driving for roughly two hours, arrive at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Giant’s Causeway, where you’ll have two hours to explore at leisure. Created more than 60 million years ago after a series of volcanic eruptions, the causeway is best known for its distinctive rock formations that span nearly 18 miles (29 km) of coastline. Continue on to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, which links the mainland to Carrick-a-Rede Island. Steel yourself for a heart-stopping walk across the swaying bridge, as the Atlantic Ocean waves pound into the cliffs below. The surrounding headlands were also used for filming several Game of Thrones scenes. On the journey back to Dublin take a brief stop in the pretty town of Castlebelingham to stretch your legs, before arriving back to central Dublin in the evening.
