See Ireland’s historic sights from Dublin to Cork, with plenty of pub stops, cathedrals and coastal scenery on this 9-day escape.
Start your trip in Ireland’s capital Dublin, a city brimming with history and boasting a vibrant nightlife. While in Dublin, you’re never far from a bar: Dublin is home to two of the world’s most iconic pours – Guinness and Jameson – with both the distilleries producing liquid gold in Dublin to this day. There are plenty of tours available of both distilleries, but the best thing to do in Dublin is take a private tour with a local expert who’ll show you the best ‘tipples’ and ways to drink both whiskey and beer.
Get to know this fair city on a hop-on-hop-off bus tour. This means you can see the must-see sight sights of Dublin at your own pace. From Dublin Castle to Temple Bar, the Italian Quarter and Grafton Street, it wont be long until you’re familiar with the best parts of this storied city. Afterwards, return to your five-star boutique hotel where you might like to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail at the intimate Dylan Bar before a fine-dining spread at The Eddison restaurant.
Ireland is an eclectic mix of old and new, and no tour sums this up quite like the Giants Causeway and Game of Thrones experience. Leave Dublin city behind as you head into the countryside to visit some of the most iconic spots in Northern Ireland including Game of Thrones filming locations. Travel along the Dark Hedges, a tunnel-like avenue which was planted 270 years ago to act as a driveway to Gracehill Manor. It is now the most photographed natural phenomenon in Northern Ireland and is one of the most iconic locations featured in the series.
From Dublin, make your way to the legendary Ring of Kerry, a harsh and robust landscape full of jaw-dropping scenery along the Atlantic coast, located just over a two-hour drive away. In Limerick, explore King John’s Castle, Limerick City Gallery of Art and the Hunt Museum.
From Limerick, Killarney is just a 1.5-hour car journey – but make sure to take your time and enjoy the sheer majesty of the remote yet beautiful scenery. Killarney sits on a lake network, and it’s here you’ll stay in The Aghadoe Height hotel, which has quite possibly the best view over the lakes in the area.
Kerry is home to some of Ireland’s most stunning scenery: eroded sea cliffs, lush farmland, misty mountain peaks and rugged peninsulas. After checking into your hotel, take the short 20-minute drive to Killarney National Park to see Ireland’s largest area of ancient oak woods – if you’re lucky, you may spot a wild herd of native red deer.
Killarney is not all natural phenomena and inspiring scenery – the main town is thriving with bustling pubs, quaint shops and restaurants. Spend the day strolling through the town, making sure to visit St Mary’s Cathedral which was built between 1842 and 1855, and the Franciscan friary where you can admire impressive stained-glass windows and the intricate Flemish-style altarpiece.
Continue to Cork, a thriving city that holds deep ties to its history. Here, you’ll stay at the iconic Hayfield Manor hotel, a house dating back to the 1800’s but filled with modern luxuries. After dropping your bags off at the hotel, head out to explore the city. Be sure to pop into a cosy pub for a hearty meal, a pint of your favourite drop and a live music performance.
Wake up bright and early, today you’ll see Cork’s must-see sights. Visit the former prison Cork City Gaol and get a sense of how challenging life was like as a prisoner over a century ago. If you’re feeling peckish, head to The English Market. This grand market hall features a marble fountain, a domed ceiling and polished stone pillars, as well as a selection of the region’s best cheeses, fruit, vegetables, and snacks. If you’re a fan of Gothic architecture, visit St Fin Barre’s Cathedral – the stone gargoyles, French-Gothic-inspired spires and interior marble mosaics are a must see.
This charming Irish escape comes to an end today. You might like to enjoy one last coffee or tea in the hotel’s Perrots Garden Bistro before checkout.