Ireland Family Journey: Castles, Folklore & Gaelic Traditions

Welcome to Dublin–your arrival transfer to the hotel is included. Check in and get excited to meet your fellow travelers during a welcome meeting this evening where all families can bond before the Journey ahead.

Your day begins with a treasure history hunt through Dublin with the whole family! The entire city center is your playing field: clues on your phone will guide you to various locations, where you’ll crack encrypted codes, solve logic tasks and search for evidence that will lead your team to the treasure as you learn about this historic city. After finding the treasure, you’ll have the remainder of the afternoon to explore more of Ireland’s vibrant capital. You can visit Trinity College Dublin, founded in 1592 and view the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript dating back to the 9th century. From the Dublinia and Butler’s Chocolate Experience to the city’s medieval Quarter and Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, there’s fun for the entire family. Dinner this evening will be on your own.

In the morning, travel to the charming city of Cork. Along the way, you’ll stop at spectacular sites, including the Rock of Cashel—the ruins of a castle set on a dramatic outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale. This iconic site is renowned for its impressive cluster of medieval buildings and includes a Gothic cathedral, a 15th-century tower house, an abbey and a high cross. Transfer to Cobh and enjoy lunch with the whole group before boarding the ferry to Spike Island. Take a guided tour with a storyteller and learn about the island’s monastic, military, penal and cultural history. Explore the fort’s atmospheric prison cells, impressive military fortifications and internal passages. There will also be time to walk along the area’s nature trails before boarding the ferry back to Cobh. Transfer to Cork, where you’ll spend the evening exploring at your leisure.

After breakfast, transfer from the hotel to Na Piarsaigh GAA Club, where you’ll experience traditional Irish sports with a hands-on Gaelic Games family activity. First, attend an engaging cultural introduction by expert coaches, then head outside to take part in 3 sports—Gaelic football, hurling and handball, where you’ll enjoy some friendly competition as you learn what it was like to play these historic sports. After lunch, spend the afternoon on your own exploring Cork, where you can opt to visit Fitzgerald Park or attend the bustling English Market, which has been trading since 1788. Dinner will be on your own, so be on the lookout for local restaurants with ingredients sourced from the English Market.

Begin the day with a visit to Blarney Castle as you make your way from Cork to Killarney. Built nearly 600 years ago, the Blarney Castle is one of the most iconic sights in Ireland. During your visit, wander a network of paths that will lead you through various gardens, arboretums and avenues on the grounds. Enter the castle and admire the impressive fortifications of the massive tower house. Next, continue on to the lovely town of Killarney—located on the shores of Lough Leane and adjacent to Killarney National Park. Enjoy lunch at a local spot among the area’s rolling green hills, lakes and forests. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is yours to become acquainted with Killarney. Opt to visit the national park for impressive views of the Irish landscape or head to Muckross House, a 19th-century Victorian mansion close to the shores of Muckross Lake. Another option for a great family visit is Ross Castle, perched in an inlet of Lake Leane. This stunning castle—steeped in legends—was likely built by the Irish chieftain O’Donoghue Mór in the 15th century.

Set out on a full-day excursion around the famed Ring of Kerry, considered one of Ireland’s most scenic drives. Take in stunning views of the Iveragh Peninsula’s windswept coast and lush forests, as well as historic castles, churches and seaside villages. Partway through the drive, stop for a visit to a sheepdog farm where a local farmer will demonstrate herding and how sheepdogs respond to the direction of whistle commands. The demonstration will be followed with a question-and-answer session before the group sits down to eat a delicious lunch at a traditional local pub. Continue back along the Ring of Kerry, where you will take in stunning landscapes, such as rugged cliffs, golden beaches, peat bogs and picturesque mountain ranges. Arrive back in Killarney for dinner on your own and a night at your leisure.

Leave Killarney behind and travel to the iconic Bunratty Castle—the most authentic castle in Ireland. Hear how the lords and ladies of the castle lived, listen to stories of battles and bravery, and admire stunning views across the idyllic County Clare countryside. Then, visit the Folk Park at Bunratty, which features over 30 buildings in a mock living village and rural setting. Then, tuck into a delicious traditional lunch at one of Ireland’s renowned pubs. From here, continue on to Limerick, where the group will partake in an Irish Dance Experience. Learn the steps to 3 styles of Irish dancing: step dancing (Riverdance-style), sean nós Dancing (old-style) and céilí (group/social-style). A professional Irish dancer will lead the lesson and provide tips and hints on how to remember the steps. The remainder of the evening will be on your own in Limerick, where you can opt to make dinner reservations at a local spot for a traditional meal.

This morning, visit Inis Oírr (Inisheer), the smallest and most easterly of the 3 Aran Islands off the coast of County Galway. Learn about the island’s rich history—dating back to the time of Saint Edna in the 5th century—and enjoy a guided tour of Inisheer. Stop to view important sites and landmarks like the Plassey Shipwreck and the 10th-century underground church of Saint Caomhán. You’ll also visit Loch Mór, the only freshwater lake on the island and O’Brien’s Castle, located on the high point of the island and dating back to the 14th century. Enjoy lunch before taking the ferry back to the mainland and transferring to the stunning Cliffs of Moher. Set out on a guided walk along safe, paved pathways to view these famous Cliffs that tower above the rugged west Clare coast. This evening, savor a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers at a local restaurant.

Depart at any time. Departure transfers are included to the Shannon airport for outbound travel.