Join musicians Scott Kirby & Gabriel Donohue as they explore Ireland’s Ancient East. There will be wall to wall music with many local musicians joining Gabriel and Scott along the way.
Tour Dates: 9 – 16 May 2024
Group Air
United Airlines flight #317 08MAY EWRDUB 9:50pm 9:45am
United Airlines flight #316 16MAY DUBEWR 1:05pm 3:55pm
Airport Transfers
May 9th – Meet in the Arrivals Hall of Dublin Airport Terminal 2 at 10am
May 16th – A transfer to Dublin Airport will be provided departing from your hotel at 9am
Our Itinerary
WEDNESDAY, MAY 8th – Depart the US for your overnight flight to Dublin
THURSDAY, MAY 9th – After landing at Dublin Airport, pass through customs and immigration. The group will meet at Dublin Airport at 10.00am where we will be welcomed by our hosts Scott Kirby and Gabriel Donohue along with our coach driver. Continue on to Powerscourt House & Gardens situated at the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains. Step inside and explore the magnificent 47-acre gardens, voted 3rd best garden in the World. Marvel at the sublime blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statues and ornamental lakes, secret hollows and rambling walks. There will be some time for shopping in the Avoca store before having a light lunch in the café overlooking the beautiful grounds. Relax and enjoy the rest of the day in Kilkenny before joining your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner tonight at your hotel. Overnight Hotel Kilkenny, Kilkenny (L, D)
FRIDAY, MAY 10th – This morning we’ll take a walking tour of Kilkenny. Our local guide will tell us of the city’s colorful past, as we explore the lanes, streets, characters, and stories of this remarkable place. Next, visit Kilkenny Castle built in the twelfth century and principal seat of the Butlers, earls, marquesses and dukes of Ormond for almost 600 years. The castle, set in extensive parkland, was remodeled in Victorian times. After lunch a visit to Malzard’s a fifth-generation Irish pub. Here we will learn how to play the ancient Irish sport of hurling. We will have a chance to compete against our fellow travelers in a series of skills and challenges. Return to Kilkenny. Overnight Hotel Kilkenny, Kilkenny (B)
SATURDAY, MAY 11th – After breakfast we will journey to Jerpoint Abbey, a remarkable 12th Century Medieval settlement. Here we will see a sheep dog demonstration, where a highly intelligent Border Collie will follow multiple commands as he heards the sheep. It is a joy to watch, as it shows man and dog working together as one. Next a visit to the Kennedy Homestead, birthplace of President John F. Kennedy’s great-grandfather Patrick Kennedy. Follow the fortunes of the most famous Irish-American family through the 20th century to the present day. Our journey continues to the Dunbrody Emigrant Ship in New Ross in county Wexford. We will explore the vessel both above and below deck. Listen to real life stories as costumed performers set the scene for the arduous journeys taken by so many during the Great Irish Famine. Overnight Hotel Kilkenny, Kilkenny (B, D)
SUNDAY, MAY 12th – On the way to Carlingford today we will stop in county Meath to visit Trim Castle. Built in 1172, it is the largest, best-preserved & most impressive Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland. You may recognize it if you have seen the film ‘Braveheart’. Onward to Carlingford on the Cooley Peninsula. We will meet a local guide for a walking tour of this historic town. Just on the border with Northern Ireland, Carlingford’s turbulent history led to the inability to attract modern industry, ironically preserving the town’s medieval heart, from churches to the 14th century market square. This afternoon explore the town independently, with time to see some of the historic sites and browse the shops. Overnight Ballymascalon Hotel (B, D)
MONDAY MAY 13th – We are in for a real treat this morning. We will take the Lough & Lighthouse Cruise to view the iconic Haulbowline Lighthouse, guarding the entry to Carlingford Lough. This unique cruise offers us the opportunity to come within 400 meters of this imposing lighthouse and hear about its remarkable history. On our return to Carlingford we will see the outer area of the Lough and hear the many stories and myths that make this area famous; ‘the Lough of Legends.’ This afternoon will be free to enjoy this lovely town on our own. Overnight Ballymascalon Hotel (B, D)
TUESDAY MAY 14th – Today we will travel south to county Dublin. Visit The Hill of Tara, famous from ancient times to the present, associated with the Ireland of myth and legend as well as more contemporary history. If the weather cooperates, it is a beautiful spot for a short walk to the top. Onward to Dublin and the coastal town of Dún Laoghaire where we will spend the next two nights. After we check in to our hotel time to explore this lovely town this and try one of the many fine restaurants this evening. Overnight Royal Marine Hotel (B)
WEDNESDAY 15th – Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Ireland’s capital city. See the River Liffey, the seat of government at Leinster House, Dublin Castle, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Dublin’s famous Georgian houses. Visit the National Museum of Archeology, discover gold, bog bodies, Viking artefacts as well many other archaeological objects found in Ireland. Enjoy some free time in the city for lunch and maybe a little shopping. This afternoon experience the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl. Visit pubs that hold literary significance, listen to anecdotes and facts about local authors, and hear actors bring famous works to life. Enjoy a pint or two along the way. Return to Dun Laoghaire with some time to relax before dinner. Overnight Royal Marine Hotel (B, D)
THURSDAY, MAY 16th – SLAN ABHAILE (SAFE TRAVELS HOME) I hope you have enjoyed your time in Ireland exploring the Ancient East. Arrive at Dublin Airport with plenty of time to clear customs and immigration. There is a wonderful selection of duty-free shopping available at the airport for any last-minute gifts. (B)
Included in your tour:
7 nights in 4-star hotels with full Irish breakfast daily
Hotel Kilkenny
Ballymascalon Hotel
Royal Marine Hotel
1 Lunch (day of arrival)
5 evening meals
Fully escorted via deluxe motorcoach
Services of an experienced Irish driver/guide
Porterage of one suitcase per person
All service charges and local government taxes
Tour Highlights:
Powerscourt House & Gardens
Walking tour in Kilkenny
Kilkenny Castle
Hurling Experience (traditional Irish field game)
Jerpoint Park Sheep Dog Demo
JFK’s Kennedy Homestead
Trim Castle
Carlingford Walking Tour
Carlingford Lough Cruise
The Hill of Tara (learn why this neolithic site may soon become a UNESCO World Heritage listing)
Dublin City Tour
Literary Pub Tour
Circumstances beyond our control may require us to change the schedule. This tour is subject to the terms and conditions listed on www.isleinntours.com
B – Breakfast
L – Lunch
D – Dinner
Not included
- Trip Insurance
- Travel insurance should be paid for at the time of deposit to cover any pre-existing conditions.
- Meals, Drinks, and Refreshments where not indicated
