From the fabled streets of Dublin to charming rural villages, remote islands and ancient castles, Ireland lives up to its fairytale reputation wherever you go.
The Wild Atlantic Way is without doubt one of the most spectacularly beautiful stretches of coastline on the planet. There’s the evocative Head of Kinsale, the dramatic Cliffs of Moher and countless little islands dotted all the way from south to north. Inland you can find mountains, lakes and Tolkienesque woodland expanses.
It isn’t just the stunning scenery that’s inspired Ireland’s folktales and legends. This is an island with a long, long history, from Pagans and Celts to Vikings, Christian monks and Norman aristocrats. Remnants of that history can be found all over, from the truly ancient Rock of Cashel to the famous Blarney Castle.
History bleeds into the country’s towns and cities, too. Dublin is home to the Book of Kells library and St Patrick’s Cathedral, not to mention the Guinness Storehouse. The black stuff, along with whiskey, are cornerstones of Irish history, culture and economics. No trip here is complete without a few tasting sessions, preferably followed by a rowdy pub with live music.
Other urban highlights include Kinsale, the foodie capital, Galway and Cork. Each boasting their own unique culture and history, and each boasting a slight variation on that gorgeous Irish accent.
Our Fairytale Ireland trip is the perfect way to discover this charming old country. We start in Dublin, sampling Guinness and wandering the city's cobblestone streets. Then it’s south into County Cork for a gourmet foodie experience in Kinsale. After visiting the Head of Kinsale we’ll move on up the Wild Atlantic Way, seeing the Cliffs of Moher and taking an excursion to the remote Great Blasket Island for a scenic picnic. Next up is Galway and a hearty whiskey tour along its storied streets. Finally, a night spent in an actual castle as we end the trip in style before returning to Dublin via the Boyne Valley.
