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 Ready for Ireland? It won’t take long to see how the poetically named Emerald Isle got its nickname. As we tour through Ireland, you will be charmed by the savage natural beauty and good-natured locals peppered across the country. Together, we will explore the iconic and the unexpected, Guinness and Grafton Street to Viking legacies. Discovering layer after layer of intriguing Irish history and culture, this small island with a vast and striking countryside is a gem you need to experience.
Dramatic coastlines, moving folk music, joyful encounters with strangers. Ireland will stir your soul in ways you could never imagine. Get ready to eat some delicious food, sample some Irish beer and Whisky, and explore this gorgeous country with some of your new best LGBT friends.
Day 1 -
Land at Dublin Airport (DUB), complete customs and immigration formalities before meeting your driver/guide, who will welcome you to Ireland and escort you and your luggage to your luxury motorcoach. Drive into the metropolitan area of Dublin and set off with a local guide who will show you around Dublin. The city has been molded through the centuries with many architectural styles, reflecting the economic, political and artistic influences. Next, tour Guinness Storehouse to see exhibits on how this world-famous stout was first created and why it is so popular today. Finish your visit in the roof-top bar, where you can sample a draft of Guinness. Drive a short distance to your hotel, check in and settle into your room. In the evening, meet your fellow travelers for a welcome get-together drink at the hotel restaurant followed by an authentic Irish dinner.
Accommodation: The Morgan Hotel , Dublin, 4*
Day 2 -
This morning, experience the Gaelic Games then stop at Old Jameson Distillery, which was voted World’s leading Distillery Tour in 2018 and 2019. While here, enjoy a fully guided immersive tour to learn about the history and process of whiskey making. Finally, end with a comparative whiskey tasting and complimentary Jameson cocktail. Return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon and evening free for individual pursuits and dining options.
Accommodation: The Morgan Hotel, Dublin, 4*
Day 3 -
After a hearty Irish breakfast, depart Dublin and visit the Irish National Stud, which will show you the history and current trends of horse-breeding in Ireland before viewing the magnificent horses. You will have an opportunity to feed the Champions exclusively, and then take a walk around the truly spectacular Japanese Gardens, an artistic representation of the "Life of Man" from cradle to grave. Next, drive into Blarney, where you can climb the battlements of Blarney Castle and kiss the famous "Stone of Eloquence”. Enjoy a stroll through the gardens and parklands, which there are over 60 acres of. Continue your journey through Ireland’s rolling hills and into the beautiful town of Killarney. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax before meeting your group for dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Accommodation: Great Southern Hotel , Killarney, 4*
Day 4 -
Today, you have the option to either set out for a drive of the Dingle Peninsula, or you can spend the day at leisure exploring Killarney at your own pace.
For those who want to explore Dingle:
Discover the beauties of the Dingle Peninsula, once described by the National Geographic Traveler as “the most beautiful place on earth.” Drive along the south shore of the peninsula for plenty of vistas of heathery mountains, sandy stretches of beach, stunning green landscapes and rocky headlands. Pause at strategic locations to admire the views and take photos.
For those who want to spend a day at leisure in Killarney:
Today is spent completely at your leisure for you to relax, shop and/or sightsee independently. You may like to visit St. Mary's Catholic Cathedral with its soaring spire or the Franciscan Friary with superb stained-glass windows. You could also visit the Transport Museum containing a fine collection of vintage cars or take a walk to Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Leane. Another possible short excursion would be a jaunting car ride to Muckross House. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Irish dinner at Bricin Restaurant with your fellow travelers.
Accommodation: Great Southern Hotel, Killarney, 4*
Day 5 -
Today, depart Killarney and take a short ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary.
Drive along the coast of County Clare to visit the Cliffs of Moher, which overlook the shimmering Atlantic Ocean. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince along with the Princess Bride have scenes that were filmed at this stunning landmark. Next, stop at the Burren Smokehouse, a large producer of smoked fish and enjoy a presentation and tasting. Then continue your journey through Ireland’s rolling hills and into the bustling city of Galway and check into your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure for independent activities and dining options.
Accommodation: The Galmont Hotel & Spa, Galway, 4*
Day 6 -
After a hearty Irish breakfast, stroll down Galway’s Medieval streets and sample food by local artisans. Try Galway oysters, fine cheeses with bread, sweet treats and savory bites along the way. Afterwards, continue your drive through Ireland’s rolling hills and into Cong and check into your castle hotel. Then enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure for independent activities. Ashford Castle offers guests an abundance of activities to enjoy in the true spirit of a resort property. From pursuits involving physical exercise to the more relaxed beauty treatments, you will surely find a relaxing way to spend the day. In the evening, join your fellow travelers in the castle’s fine restaurant for an authentic Irish dinner.
Accommodation: Ashford Castle Hotel, Cong, 5*
Day 7 -
After breakfast, set out for a drive northeast from Cong up to Drumshanbo. Stop at the Shed Distillery, home of the Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin. After your tour, enjoy a tasting of the fine product. Then drive through the rugged countryside and into the beautiful and historic city of Belfast. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax or freshen up before joining your fellow travelers for an authentic fish and chips meal at Long John’s. After dinner enjoy a pub crawl through the streets of Belfast.
Accommodation: Grand Central Hotel , Belfast, 4*
Day 8 -
After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Belfast to see the Albert Memorial, the Opera House and Crown Liquor Saloon. You might also view Linen Hall Library, Belfast waterfront and the imposing City Hall, which was completed in 1906. Next, visit Titanic Belfast to learn about the evolution of the Titanic from concept until her ill-fated end in 1912. After visiting the museum, enjoy a delightful cup of afternoon tea at the Observatory at your hotel. In the evening, you may like to do some sightseeing at your own pace and/or grab an independent bite to eat at one of the many restaurants or pubs scattered throughout this beautiful city.
Accommodation: Grand Central Hotel, Belfast, 4*
Day 9 -
Today, depart Belfast and take a short drive to the beautiful shores of Stangford Lough where you will have an opportunity to experience true Irish authenticity by joining Tracey in her very own farmhouse kitchen. For starters, enjoy a welcoming cup of fresh coffee and tea. Then Tracey will teach you how to make an assortment of traditional Irish breads. After a wonderful morning with Tracey, travel to Downpatrick to visit Down Cathedral, where you will see the reputed grave site of Saint Patrick. Next, board your luxury motorcoach and drive through Ireland’s green pastures as you admire the beautiful scenery on your way to the lively city of Dublin. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax or freshen up before joining your group for a farewell dinner at the Bank Restaurant.
Accommodation: The Morgan Hotel, Dublin, 4*
Day 10 -
All too soon, your vacation has come to its final day. Transfer to Dublin Airport in good time to check in for your flight. You may do some last minute shopping at the duty free stores before boarding your aircraft and flying home.
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