Escape to the Emerald Isle - Ireland.

Day 1 - Wednesday 3 May 2023

Melbourne - Dublin (Meals Inflight)

Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel. Your tour hostess and fellow travellers will meet you at the designated departure point at Melbourne Airport for your flight to Dublin. Sit back, relax and enjoy your flight.

Day 2 - Thursday 4 May 2023

Dublin (B,D)

Welcome to Ireland!  Upon arrival at Dublin we'll be met by our tour manager and then we head to the city to enjoy a panoramic city tour of the capital, Dublin. This tour will introduce us to all the main sights, which you may then revisit at your leisure. We will visit the elegant Georgian squares, famous for their architecture. Highlights of the tour will include a stop at Trinity College and a visit to St Patrick’s Cathedral. Built in 1192, it is one of Ireland’s largest cathedrals and was made famous by its former dean Jonathan Swift, author of ‘Gulliver’s Travels’. Pass by Christchurch, built by the Anglo-Normans in 1172 to replace an earlier church built by the Vikings in 1038, on our way to the Phoenix Park with its many monuments, including the Papal Cross. Return to the city centre via the Quays and Collins Barrack, now part of the National Museum.

After our city tour, we'll check into our hotel with dinner later that evening.

Overnight – Dublin - The Mespil Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 - Friday 5 May 2023

Dublin (B)

This morning after breakfast we'll visit the world's first cemetery museum at Glasnevin Cemetery. We will visit the exhibition and tour the cemetery where more than 1 million people are buried.

The rest of the day is free for us to explore Dublin at leisure.

Overnight – Dublin - The Mespil Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 - Saturday 6 May 2023

Dublin - Belfast (B)

This morning after breakfast we'll depart Dublin for Northern Ireland, stopping en route first of all to visit Newgrange. This prehistoric monument in County Meath is one of the grandest passage tombs in existence today and it is older than both Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids.

Next, we will visit Down Cathedral, overlooking Downpatrick, and which stands close to what is believed to be the mortal remains of Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland. The Cathedral is visually stunning inside, has a wonderful organ and a very unique seating arrangement. It is generally accepted that the main walls of the Cathedral date from around AD 1220.

We'll then continue onto Belfast to check in and enjoy dinner at our leisure.

Overnight – Belfast - The Europa Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 - Sunday 7 May 2023

Belfast (B,D)

Today enjoy a panoramic city tour of Belfast with a step-on guide. This is an excellent way for us to discover Belfast City. The tour will take in the leaning Albert Memorial Clock tower (Ireland's answer to the Tower of Pisa) and the Opera House, which is one of Belfast’s great landmarks. Our tour will pass by the City Hall, the Opera house, The Crown Bar (dates from 1885), Queens University and the Botanic Gardens.
Next is a real quintessential experience in Belfast: a Black Cab tour. We will enjoy a guided drive around a city full of history, both cultural and political, and view the murals for which it is famous.

The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure, with the option to visit Titanic Belfast. Located in the heart of Belfast, the Titanic Belfast recreates the story of the world’s most famous ship in an iconic, six floor building right beside the historic site of the original ship’s construction. Opened in April 2012 to coincide with the centenary of its launch, the self-guided journey begins on entering the building's giant atrium, where the visitor is surrounded by the four ‘ship’s hull’ shaped wings which house the Titanic Experience. As we journey through the nine large galleries of the interactive exhibition, we will uncover the true story of the Titanic, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900's, through her construction and launch, to her famous maiden voyage and subsequent place in history.

Dinner is included tonight at the hotel.

Overnight – Belfast - The Europa Hotel (or similar)

Day 6 - Monday 8 May 2023

Belfast - Donegal (B)

Today we'll say goodbye to Belfast and travel to the North Antrim coast, to visit the Giant’s Causeway.
Encounter Northern Ireland’s favourite giant Finn McCool at the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre. According to legend, Finn McCool created the Giant’s Causeway by building stepping stones to Scotland to challenge the Scottish giant Benandonner. In 2015, Conde Nast Traveler magazine included hopping the stones of the Giant's Causeway as one of the '50 things to do in Europe before you die'.

We will then stop by the nearby Bushmills Distillery, for a tour of the Irish Whiskey distillery and a tasting of its produce!

Then onto (London) Derry. On arrival, enjoy a city walls walking tour with a local guide to discover the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland. These famous walls, which date back to the early part of the 17th century, have been subjected to multiple sieges. There are fine views from the top of the walls, which encircle the old city, a circuit of one mile. Walking on Derry’s walls, we can enjoy splendid views of cathedrals and churches, and we'll learn about the historical events that shaped the city and explore attractions such as The Bogside, The People’s Gallery: The Murals, The Diamond, the Tower Museum, and the Guildhall.

We will then cross the border back into the ROI and check in to our hotel in Donegal, with dinner at leisure tonight.

Overnight – Donegal - Mill Park Hotel (or similar)

Day 7 - Tuesday 9 May 2023

Donegal - Westport (B)

This morning we'll start the day with a visit to Donegal Castle. Built by the O'Donnell chieftain in the 15th century, beside the River Eske, Donegal Castle has extensive 17th century additions by Sir Basil Brooke. The castle is furnished throughout and includes Persian rugs and French tapestries. Information panels chronicle the history of the Castle owners from the O'Donnell chieftains to the Brooke family.

Next, we will head to the small Gaeltacht village of Teelin, to take a boat trip along the base of the impressive Slieve League cliffs, meaning ‘mountain of stone pillars’, and among the highest sea cliffs in Europe.

Continue to Westport and on arrival check into our hotel with dinner tonight at leisure.

Overnight – Westport - The Castlecourt Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 - Wednesday 10 May 2023

Westport (B, D)

This morning we'll enjoy a walking tour of Westport with a local guide before visiting Westport House. Westport House is located in a magnificent setting on the shores of Clew Bay between Westport town, Westport Quay and Westport golf course. During the 16th century Grace O’Malley, the famous Pirate and “Queen of Connaught”, was chief of the O’Malley Clan and ruled the seas around Mayo. Grace O’Malley had several castles in the west of Ireland, and it was on the foundations of one of these that Westport House was built. Westport House and Gardens features rooms with original architecture, artwork, and antiques.

Enjoy an afternoon at leisure before dinner at our hotel tonight.

Overnight – Westport - The Castlecourt Hotel (or similar)
 

Day 9 - Thursday 11 May 2023

Westport - Clifden (B)

This morning we'll depart Westport and journey through the Connemara Region to Galway. Connemara is a land of lakes and rivers, bogs and mountains. A land of small villages where Gaelic is still the spoken language and where little has changed since the beginning of time. It is without a doubt the wildest and the most romantic part of Ireland. 

We'll then visit Kylemore Abbey, stunningly located in the Kylemore Pass in Connemara. Mitchell Henry built the House in 1868, after having spent his honeymoon in the area. The architecture is best described as neo-gothic and the house still displays all the characteristics of that period. One of Kylemore Abbey's most famous features is its miniature cathedral, built in 1870 and known locally as the Gothic church. Today, the abbey is home to the Irish order of Benedictine nuns.  If time allows we can also visit the Kylemore Abbey Victorian Walled Garden which was laid out in 1867 and took three years to complete.

We will continue to the Clifden area and upon arrival check into our hotel with dinner at leisure tonight.

Overnight – Clifden – Abbeyglen Castle Hotel (or similar)
 

Day 10 - Friday 12 May 2023

Clifden - Galway (B)

Today, transfer to Galway and enjoy a walking tour of the city with a local guide. The city centre of Galway is mainly pedestrian, so a walking tour is the best way to enjoy its atmosphere and discover some of its most important monuments. The tour starts on Eyre Square and finishes at the Claddagh. During the tour we will see Lynch Castle, home to the mayors of Galway, Saint Nicholas Church founded in the 13th century, and the famous Spanish Arch. We can walk along the Corrib River to the Claddagh village or to the majestic Cathedral. 

In the afternoon enjoy a cruise on Lough Corrib. The Corrib Princess sails from Woodquay in the heart of Galway city, along the famous Steamers Line, which is the lakes traditional trade route. The journey takes passengers along the majestic River Corrib and onto the lake providing visitors with a guided commentary on the historic monuments and natural amenities on this waterway that leads to the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland. There is an abundance of wildlife and the Corrib has a peace and tranquillity all of its own. Tea and coffee with scones and jam are included on the cruise.

Enjoy dinner at leisure tonight.

Overnight – Galway – Bay Hotel (or similar)

Day 11 - Saturday 13 May 2023

Galway (B)

This morning we’ll start the day with a visit to Rathbaun Farm in Ardrahan, a family farm open to visitors and known for its ‘warm Irish welcome’. Farmer Fintan will lead you on a tour of the sheep farm (you may even get to bottle-feed a lamb if you are lucky!) before returning to the farmhouse for a scone-making experience.

Next, we will drive into the scenic Burren Region. The Burren, part of which forms the 100 square km Burren National Park, is a unique place. It is a Karst limestone region of approximately 300 sq. km, which lies in the Northwest corner of Co Clare. It is composed of limestone pavements, which have been eroded to a distinctive pattern. The Burren contains dozens of megalithic tombs and Celtic crosses as well as a ruined Cistercian Abbey dating back to the 12th century. We will discover small villages abandoned during the famine period and green roads on which you can walk for miles without ever seeing a car. The flora on the Burren is a mixture Arctic and Mediterranean and rare flowers such as gentian, orchids and bloody cranesbill are the rule rather than the exception. Poulnabrone Dolmen is an exceptional ‘dolmen’, or portal tomb, at the heart of the Burren region, a truly exceptional part of Ireland.

We'll continue with a visit to the Burren Smokehouse where you can get a tasting of Burren smoked salmon. We will discover mosaics inside and outside the shop and look at the first kiln used when the Burren Smokehouse was first set up. 

Return to Galway for overnight, with dinner at leisure.

Overnight – Galway – Bay Hotel (or similar)

Day 12 - Sunday 14 May 2023

Galway - Limerick (B,D)

After breakfast we depart for Limerick, with a visit to the famous Cliffs of Moher en route. Situated on the Atlantic Ocean and bordering the Burren Area, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's most spectacular sights. Standing 230 metres above the ground at their highest point and 8km long, the Cliffs boast one of the most amazing views in all of Ireland. On a clear day, the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay as well as the valleys and hills of Connemara. To the south of the cliffs is Hag's Head, which was once the site of a castle. 

Enjoy a scenic drive via Spanish Point, Kilkee and Kilrush to get to visit Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. Bunratty Castle, built in the 15th century by the Earl of Thomond and standing on the banks of the Rathy River, is one of the most complete and authentic medieval castles in Ireland. Built in 1425 and plundered on many occasions, it was authentically restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendour and now contains mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings and tapestries capturing the mood and the style of the times. Within the grounds of Bunratty Castle is Bunratty Folk Park, where 19th century life is vividly recreated. Set on 26 acres, the impressive park features over 30 buildings in a ‘living’ village and rural setting. Enjoy the tastes, scents, sights, and sounds of this enchanting place as you stroll from house to house or around the charming village complete with school, post office, doctor’s house, hardware shop, printers and of course the pub!

Continue onto Limerick with check in at our hotel. 
 
This evening promises to be an absolute highlight; a medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle. For over 40 years the ladies of the castle, aided and abetted by the Earl's Butler, have welcomed guests from all over the world to join them at The Earl's Banquet. The evening begins with a mead reception in the Great Hall of the castle, before we head downstairs to enjoy a four-course meal with wine. This is followed by entertainment by the world-renowned Bunratty Castle Entertainers, accompanied by harpist and violinist.

Overnight – Limerick – The George Hotel (or similar)
 

Day 13 - Monday 15 May 2023

Limerick - Killarney (B)

After breakfast we will depart to West Kerry for a full day touring the Dingle Peninsula. Today it's all about the scenery. This peninsula is famous for its Celtic, pre-Christian monuments and Christian churches. It is also a ‘Gaeltacht' (Irish speaking) area, where the Irish language and traditional ways of life are preserved. The road around the Peninsula is truly spectacular. It passes through a chain of Mountains, called Slieve Mish. From Inch, a long beach bordered by dunes and made famous by David Lean’s movie “Ryan’s Daughter,” admire the Iveragh Peninsula and Rossbeigh Beach.

From Dingle, drive around the coast to Slea Head. Here the blue of the marine landscape surrounds the Blaskets Islands, deserted since 1953. In the distance are the two rocky Skellig islands, where the ruins of an early Christian Monastery can be found. The Dingle Peninsula will charm us with its villages painted in bright colours and will bewitch us with the dramatic beauty of its landscapes.

Transfer to Killarney tonight of overnight, with dinner at our hotel

Overnight – Killarney – Great Southern Hotel (or similar)

Day 14 - Tuesday 16 May 2023

Killarney (B)

Today after breakfast enjoy a scenic drive of the Ring of Kerry.  The Ring of Kerry (166km) is the most famous and panoramic driving route in Ireland. The astonishing beauty of this large peninsula, Iveragh, comes from the great diversity of its scenery, which offers incessant contrasts. En route around the Ring, take in spectacular scenery: mountains, peat bogs, lakes and magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean as one travels along the coast road. Leaving Killarney, we will pass through Killorglin, famous for its Puck Fair, then to Glenbeigh, where the cliff road affords panoramic views of the Dingle Peninsula and Dingle Bay.

Continuing to Cahirsiveen, we'll pass the birthplace of the national hero, Daniel O’Connell. Next, we continue on through peat bogs to the town of Waterville, then onto Sneem Village, famous for its brightly coloured houses. The road then continues through the mountains to Moll’s Gap and Ladies View with superb views of the famous Lakes of Killarney. Moll’s Gap is a spectacular photographic viewing point on the famous Ring of Kerry Tour.  We'll enjoy the magnificent view of Black Valley. Close by is the famous Ladies’ View viewing point with gives a different perspective of this magnificent countryside, with the 3 Lakes of Killarney all surrounded by the Kerry Mountains. Ladies View received its name from Queen Victoria, who was so impressed with the view that she insisted that her ladies-in-waiting should also visit here.

Continue to Kenmare with some time at leisure before returning to Killarney, 

Later this evening we will enjoy our optional tour to Celtic Steps with dinner at leisure.

Overnight – Killarney – Great Southern Hotel (or similar)

Day 15 - Wednesday 17 May 2023

Killarney - Cork (B)

This morning we'll visit Muckross House and Gardens. This nineteenth century Victorian mansion is set against the stunning beauty of Killarney National Park. The house stands close to the shores of Muckross Lake, one of Killarney's three lakes, famed worldwide for their splendour and beauty. As a focal point within Killarney National Park, Muckross House is the ideal base from which to explore this landscape. Muckross House was built for Henry Arthur Herbert and his wife, the water-colourist Mary Balfour Herbert. This was actually the fourth house that successive generations of the Herbert family had occupied at Muckross over a period of almost two hundred years. William Burn, the well-known Scottish architect, was responsible for its design. Building commenced in 1839 and was completed in 1843.

We'll then enjoy a jaunting car ride in Killarney National Park. Killarney Jaunting Cars is a family-run business and has been operated and managed for over 220 years, that takes travellers back in time in this traditional form of transport. 

Continue to Cork tonight for overnight, with dinner at leisure.

Overnight – Cork – Kingsley Hotel (or similar)

Day 16 - Thursday 18 May 2023

Cork (B)

We will start the day with a visit to Cork Gaol, a former prison turned museum, before heading out east for a fabulous treat - a food tour in the colourful town of Kinsale! This tour brings us on a gentle stroll which winds its way through this vibrant town. We'll stop at various eateries in Kinsale and meet some of the local characters and producers. These people are passionate about their culinary creations and we will learn their stories and more of the history of this unique part of Ireland. 

En route back to Cork, we will stop to view the Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrance, as well as the viewpoint from the headland of the Old Head of Kinsale.

Dinner at leisure tonight.

Overnight – Cork – Kingsley Hotel (or similar)

Day 17 - Friday 19 May 2023

Cork - Kilkenny (B)

We depart Cork this morning and head into the South Tipperary region, starting with a scenic drive along the Vee Pass, which offers breath-taking panoramic views across the Golden Vale. Next stop is the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience in New Ross. The Dunbrody Famine ship is a reconstruction of the original Dunbrody, built in Quebec in 1845 by Thomas Hamilton Oliver, an Irish emigrant from Co. Derry. We'll enjoy hearing the historical background to the Great Famine, and the reason why so many people were forced to emigrate on sailing ships like Dunbrody to America in the mid-19th century. We will then follow in the footsteps of a group of Famine emigrants as we board the Dunbrody with our own personal ticket and explore the ship, fitted out exactly as it would be for a voyage. We will encounter actors, playing the role of emigrants, in their cramped quarters. This authentic recreation with its actors, sound effects and smells, will transport us back in time leaving a lasting impression.

Northward-bound, we will then visit Kilkenny Castle for a guided tour. The city is known as the Marble City because of its distinctive black marble. Kilkenny Castle has been an important site since it was built by the Anglo-Normans in the 12th century. The castle has been remodelled in Victorian times and set in extensive parklands which was the principal seat of the Butler family, Marquesses and Dukes of Ormonde.  

Dinner at leisure in Kilkenny tonight.

Overnight - Kilkenny – Kilkenny Pembroke Hotel (or similar)

Day 18 - Saturday 20 May 2023

Kilkenny - Dublin (B, D)

This morning after breakfast we depart Kilkenny and travel to Dublin, stopping first for a visit to Glendalough. This is an early Christian monastic site founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. Set in a glaciated valley with two lakes, the monastic remains include a superb round tower, stone churches, and decorated crosses.

Next, we will stop at Powerscourt Estate and Gardens. Situated at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains, Powerscourt is one of the most beautiful estates in Ireland; a magnificent example of aristocratic gardens from the 19th century. The gardens were initiated around 1745 and restyled in the 19th century. Originally built as a castle in 1300 and home to the Wingfield family from 1603 for 350 years. The house is now home to the best of Irish design in gifts, clothes, and furniture in the Avoca Stores and the Interiors Gallery. You can also treat yourself to a dish from the Avoca Cookbook in the Terrace Cafe.

Continue to Dublin for overnight, with dinner at leisure.

Overnight – Dublin - The Mespil Hotel (or similar)

 

Day 19 - Sunday 21 May 2023

Dublin (B, D)

Enjoy a full free day in Dublin today to round off our tour.

In the evening, a farewell dinner at Merry Ploughboys Pub is included. The Merry Ploughboys live in concert is widely regarded as the best traditional music show in Dublin and also as a must see for any visitors to the city. The show is a highly entertaining performance of live traditional Irish music, song, and Irish dancing. From start to finish, this is a show based on fantastic interaction between the performers and the audience.  It will be a terrific way to end an amazing adventure of spectacular sightseeing, fun, laughter, with new friends for company!

Overnight – Dublin - The Mespil Hotel (or similar)

 

Day 20 - Monday 22 May 2023

Dublin - Dubai (B, Meals Inflight)

Transfer to Dublin airport to begin your journey back to Australia, after a fantastic tour across the Emerald Isle.

Day 21 - Tuesday 23 May 2023

Welcome Home

Welcome Home!  We thank you for travelling with Sisterhood Womens Travel and we look forward to welcoming you back to your next adventure.