Castles & Legends of Ireland 2025

DAY 1

Board your Wolf's motorcoach for transfer to Dulles International Airport where you will board your flight to Dublin, Ireland. While on board your overnight flight, you will have both dinner and breakfast included before touching down in Ireland.

DAY 2

Upon arrival in Dublin, you will be whisked away by your motorcoach driver/guide and taken to Kilkenny for lunch included at a local restaurant. Next, enjoy a self-guided tour of Kilkenny Castle. Originally built in the 13th century, Kilkenny Castle came to symbolize the fortunes of the powerful Butlers of Ormonde for over six hundred years. Afterwards, you will check into the Kilkenny River Court Hotel for a two-night stay. Located across the river from Kilkenny Castle, the hotel features a tea/coffee making facility, hairdryer, satellite tv and complimentary high speed WiFi internet access. Dinner this evening is included at the hotel with the remainder of the night to relax and unwind.

DAY 3

Your day begins with breakfast included at the hotel before you board the motorcoach and depart for a guided tour of historic Curraghmore. The family of the Marquess of Waterford opens their doors for a guided tour of their home rich with more than 800 years of Irish history and set amid 2,500 acres of picturesque formal gardens, woodland and grazing fields. During your visit, you will enjoy a private lunch included. Return late afternoon to the Kilkenny Hotel and enjoy free time at the hotel or visit downtown Kilkenny to soak in some Irish flare. Dinner is own your own tonight.

DAY 4

Wake to breakfast included at the hotel before your pack up and depart for a visit to Jameson Old Midleton Distillery for an Irish whiskey tasting. While here, you will learn about the history of Irish whiskey dating back to the 19th century when this distillery was founded by the Murphy Brothers, as well as learn what distinguishes Irish whiskey from Scottish whiskey and Bourbon, and of course finish with a tasting. Lunch will be on your own today and followed by a stop at Blarney Castle to "kiss the Blarney Stone". The Blarney Castle that you visit today is actually the third one to be erected on this site. The first building in the 10th century was a wooden structure and was replaced by a stone structure around 1210 A.D. It too was demolished and replaced in 1446 by what is still standing today. For those who are physically able to scale the steps of the castle, you will follow in the footsteps of millions before you who wish to obtain the gift of "eloquence" by kissing the Blarney Stone. Take time to stroll through the castle's diverse surroundings from tranquil to serene, to mystical and magical. Afterwards, visit Blarney Woollen Mills. Housed in one of Ireland's oldest and most authentic Irish woollen mills, the retail shop features a fine collection of clothing, Celtic jewelry, housewares, and gifts. For those who like to knit, here is your chance to buy some fine yarn to create your next special gift for someone or a keepsake memory of your trip to Ireland. Your travels continue through the cork/Kerry Mountains on your way to Killarney where you check in at your castle hotel, the Great Southern Castle Hotel in Killarney for a wonderful two-night stay. A Victorian Landmark, the Great Southern Castle Hotel boasts distinctive architecture and genuine hospitality surrounded by 6 acres of lovely gardens that magnificently heighten the beauty of the property. Hotel amenities include an indoor pool and fitness center, a business center and complimentary Wi-Fi, as well as a restaurant and cocktail lounge. Your delightfully decorated guest room features a tea/coffee maker, TV with satellite channels and a hairdryer. Dinner this evening is included before you unwind and retire for the night.

DAY 5

Breakfast is included this morning before you depart for a tour of the "Ring of Kerry" to soak in the majestic views and an entertaining and educational sheep dog demonstration. The Ring, lassoed by a winding coastal road through a mountainous, lake-spattered region, is undeniably scenic and has brought visitors since Victorian times to this reminiscent chunk of the Emerald Isle where mysterious ancient ring forts stand sentinel on mossy hillsides. As mentioned, you will experience a demonstration like no other, as you watch a sheepdog trainer and his Border Collies move their herd of sheep anywhere on the mountainside with the slightest whistle or gesture. Witness the true mastery in skill and watch the trainer and his sheepdogs in action in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You will have lunch included today while on your tour of the Ring, and afterwards you return to Great Southern Castle Hotel with exciting memories of a fascinating day's adventure. Dinner this evening is at your leisure and at your own expense.

DAY 6

Rise and shine to a delightful breakfast before you check out and depart for Connemara with a stop along the Wild Atlantic Way through the Burren to the famous Cliffs of Moher. This awe-inspiring natural attraction features a magical vista that will capture your heart and make everyone jealous when you share your photographic memories, don't forget to take plenty of pictures. Towering heights of over 700 feet high that have been shaped by wind and weather for millions of years, coupled with the sound of the crashing waves along the cliff walls that stretch nearly 5 miles, and along with endless flurrying birds and wildlife make the Cliffs of Moher a spectacular natural masterpiece. On a clear day you may be able to see the Aran Islands and Galway Bay. Today's journey ends as you arrive for check in at your next castle hotel, Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate. From the moment that you drive through the magnificent cast-iron gates the beauty of the 5-Star, enchanting lakeside estate will captivate you. Guest room amenities include a coffee maker and accompaniments, hair dryer, in-room safe and more. Following a brief time to get settled, you have dinner included with the rest of the night to relax and unwind.

DAY 7

Wake up to leisurely breakfast included at Glenlo before you board the bus enroute to Galway City, known as the City of Tribes. Take a walk down Quay Street with its many pubs and shops. Your day also includes a stop at "Celtic Crystal" which has been creating Celtic Designs and Gaelic Motifs into its ornate Irish Crystal since 1972. This family-run business continues its tradition with its talented and creative young Irish crafts people who reproduce the culture and history of Ireland by masterfully cutting the unique and intricate designs that are synonymous with Ireland's Celtic heritage on their exquisite crystal pieces. A lead crystal cutting demonstration is also included in the visit. Upon return back to Glenlo, dinner is included in the Pullman Restaurant which houses two former carriages from the Orient Express, each with their own distinct history and style. This award-winning, two AA Rosette Restaurant features one of the most unique dining experiences one can enjoy. Relax and share stories of your day's adventure with fellow travelers over dinner.

DAY 8

A delightful breakfast is included this morning and followed by departure for the enchanting Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden, home of the Benedictine nuns since 1920. Stroll the hallways of Kylemore, visit the restored rooms and learn about the history of tragedy, romance, education, innovation and spirituality that make up its storied past. Explore the Victorian Walled Garden with its delightfully restored garden buildings set amid this lovely 1,000-acre estate. Lunch is on your own today. This afternoon, enjoy a stop at Drumcliffe Church and the final resting place of Irish poet, dramatist, and prose write W.B. Yeats. This preeminent writer of Irish literary renaissance at the turn of the 20th century, Yeats was also an important figure in European literary Modernism in the 1920s and '30s. Your travels end today with check-in for a two-night stay at the 5-star Lough Eske Castle Hotel. Tastefully adorned guest rooms offer a refreshment station, flat screen television, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Dinner is included tonight with the remainder of the evening to explore the hotel and perhaps enjoy a cocktail in the bar/lobby lounge after a day's travel.

DAY 9

Breakfast is included this morning along with the opportunity to enjoy the castle's beautiful surroundings. Lough Eske Castle is nestled amid Donegal's dramatic landscapes, rugged coastlines and vast seascapes, the same dramatic scenery that earned itself the title of "Coolest Place on the Planet" by National Geographic Traveler in 2017. Today, sit back and enjoy a narrated sightseeing cruise on Donegal Bay coupled with fascinating narration about the points of interest along the way. Afterwards, enjoy some time browsing the shop, as well as the downtown with time for lunch on your own. Then, visit the Triona store in Town Center of Donegal for an old, hand loom demonstration of weaving tweed. For centuries Donegal has been producing tweed from local materials in the making of caps, suits and vests. Late afternoon, return to Lough Eske Castle for dinner included and the remainder of the night to yourself.

DAY 10

Following breakfast included at Lough Eske, you will check out and depart for a visit Belleek Pottery. Established in 1857 and home to Ireland's oldest working fine china pottery, Belleek Pottery holds a very special place in Ireland's cultural and commercial heritage producing more than 100,000 pieces annually, passing through 16 pairs of hands. Here's your chance to purchase a piece of beautifully crafted pottery to take home with you as a reminder of your visit. Lunch will be on your own today before your travels continue through the Irish countryside enroute to Dublin to check in at your host hotel for the next two nights, Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin. Located in the heart of Dublin, in an historic building on the famous O'Connell Street, the hotel features a fitness facility, in-house restaurant and cocktail lounge and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Guest Room amenities include a mini refrigerator, Wi-Fi and bathroom essentials. Following time to freshen up, put on your walking shoes to hit O-Connell Street to explore at your leisure and have dinner on your own and at your expense.

DAY 11

Start your last full day in Ireland with breakfast included at the hotel before you board the bus for your narrated Dublin City tour. While on the tour, your Irish tour Driver/Guide will highlight points of interest along with notable sites including Trinity College, Christ Church, O'Connell Street and more. You will stop at Christ Church Cathedral Dublin (founded c. 1028) which is one of the top visitor attractions in Dublin, and you will see why when you step inside and marvel at the cathedral's magnificent interior. While here, you have the opportunity to scale the steps of the Belfry and discover the world famous bells. The choir of Christ Church has an enviable reputation as one of Ireland's finest choirs dating back to 1493 with the founding of the choir school. Interestingly enough, the Christ Church choir, together with the choir of St. Patrick's cathedral, sang in the world premiere of Handel's Messiah in Dublin in 1742. Following your tour, you will arrive at Guinness Storehouse where you will savor the flavor of Guinness with a tour and tasting. The experience begins at the bottom of the world's largest pint glass and continues through 7 floors filled with interactive experiences that combine their long brewing heritage with Ireland's rich history. At the conclusion, enjoy a spectacular view from their world-famous rooftop Gravity Bar. That's what they call "higher education". Lunch will be on your own while on your tour today. Your awe-inspiring, sightseeing adventure is topped off with a farewell dinner along with festive Irish music and dance, followed by your return to the Hotel Riu Plaza for the remainder of the night to begin packing for your return to the states.

DAY 12

Unfortunately, it is time to return home after what we hope has been the most enchanting, entertaining and awe-inspiring trip of a lifetime. Breakfast is provided before you depart for the airport and board your flight back to the states. Late lunch/early dinner is included on the flight.

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*** ALL WOLF'S TOURS - TIMES AND ITINERARY SUBJECT TO CHANGE ***

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, DB=Dinner Buffet