Collette Countryside of the Emerald Isle

• Explore the Old Midleton Distillery, home of Jameson Irish Whiskey.
• Overnight on the enchanting Aran Islands and jump head-first into Irish culture.

Board Basis: 8 Breakfasts & 4 Dinners

• Expertly crafted itineraries
• 4-star+ accommodation
• Skilled and engaging tour managers
• Expert local guides with insider knowledge
• Attraction entrance fees with preferential access
• Many meals full of local flavour
• Unparalleled sightseeing
• Enriching cultural experiences
• Comfortable on-tour transportation
• Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
• Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour

Day 1: Dublin, Ireland – Tour Begins

This is your chance to experience a seldom-explored side of Ireland. From the vaults of Christ Church Cathedral to the rolling hills of Dingle, we’ll bring you back to your Irish roots (even if you don’t have any). Fáilte and welcome to Dublin, Ireland’s cosmopolitan capital. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a private tour and welcome reception in the crypt of Christ Church Cathedral.* Within the medieval walls of the city’s oldest structure, surrounded by nearly 1,000 years of Irish myths and legends, toast the start of an incredible adventure.

Day 2: Dublin

A local expert escorts you through Dublin’s magnificent sights. Exalt in the culture and colour of Ireland’s world-famous shopping thoroughfare, Grafton Street. Get lost inside the gardens of St. Stephen’s Green, and marvel at the electric green expanse of the largest enclosed city park in all of Europe, Phoenix Park. This evening, enjoy some good craic – Gaelic for fun – as we put a modern twist on Irish cuisine during a cooking class at one of Dublin’s premier culinary institutions.

Day 3: Dublin – Irish National Stud – Midleton – Kinsale

Take to Ireland’s country roads. Tour the Irish National Stud, an area of incredible natural beauty that’s home to regal thoroughbreds and opulent gardens. Head south to the Old Midleton Distillery, home of Jameson Irish Whiskey. Give it a go with a tasting of the distillery’s production. Continue on to the quaint coastal village of Kinsale and join a local expert on a walking tour. This evening, it’s Diner’s Choice in Ireland’s gourmet capital! Choose the perfect spot from a “menu” of Kinsale’s great restaurants.

Day 4: Kinsale – Choice of Cobh or Relaxing in Kinsale

It’s your choice! Visit the seaside town of Cobh, the last stop of the RMS Titanic. Circuit this historic port alongside a local expert; this is the place where 2.5 million Irish people left their native land for new frontiers -OR- spend a leisurely day in Kinsale and enjoy its many galleries, shops and cafes.

Day 5: Kinsale – Garnish Island – Killarney

Embark on the drive of a lifetime on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. You’ll fall in love with the quaint towns and charming villages that inhabit this iconic coastal route. Board a ferry and sail to a place that must be seen to be believed, Garnish Island. Sheltered in the Glengarrif harbour of Bantry Bay, this hidden island is home to one of Ireland’s most beautiful gardens. Continue over the Cork and Kerry mountains to Killarney via the breathtaking Caha Pass.

Day 6: Killarney National Park or Ring of Kerry

Not far from the rollicking pubs of Killarney await the enchanting hills and weather-worn bluffs of Dingle. Travel through a maze of green to Ireland’s most westerly point, Slea Head, where the locals will remind you that, “the next parish over is Boston.” Your afternoon affords the opportunity to explore Dingle’s country lanes on foot, or enjoy time at leisure in Dingle Town, a place where pubs double as hardware stores and the Guinness is always freshly-tapped.

Day 7: Killarney – Cliffs of Moher – Aran Islands (Inisheer)

Leave the rugged southern coast behind and embark on an adventure, the likes of which you’ve never seen. Board a ferry bound for Inisheer, the smallest of the three Aran Islands.** Take in unrivalled views while sailing beneath the iconic Cliffs of Moher. Upon arriving in Inisheer’s ethereal landscape, take a private tour through the labyrinth of stone walls blanketing the island. Learn about the island’s 250 inhabitants, their livelihoods and devotion to traditional culture and customs.

Day 8: Aran Islands (Inisheer) – Ennis

Enjoy a morning to sleep in, or wake early for a sunrise hike**** to O’Brien Castle. Greet the sun as it rises over the Irish mainland and illuminates Inisheer’s picturesque stone walls. Later, dive into local culture during a knitting workshop and learn traditional methods and stitches used to make the famous Aran jumpers. Don’t worry if you’re not a knitter, you’ll be a pro before you know it! Next, experience the traditional craft of making the St. Brigid’s Cross.

Day 9: Ennis – Tour Ends

Your journey comes to a close today, leaving you with the spirit of Ireland in your heart forever.

Prices are per person for tour only based on 2 people sharing. Personalise your tour with Collette’s range of regional flights.

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don’t include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.