Countryside of the Emerald Isle

Countryside of the Emerald Isle

From remote islands and historic Dublin, to less-traveled roads and charming villages, this adventure brings together the best of the Emerald Isle. Come to know the culture and welcoming hospitality of the Irish in Dublin, Ireland’s spirited capital city. Step off the beaten path in the seaside village of Kinsale, known as Ireland’s “gourmet capital.” Overnight amongst a labyrinth of stone walls on the remote and enchanting Aran Islands. Discover the windswept terrain of West Cork’s Wild Atlantic Way, one of Ireland’s most scenic coastal routes, before arriving in colorful Dingle. Travel amongst the tranquil countryside and windswept valleys of the Dingle Peninsula. Raise a glass and celebrate a journey unlike any other through the many sides of Ireland.

Tour Ireland Collette Explorations Ireland

From remote islands and historic Dublin, to less-traveled roads and charming villages, this adventure brings together the best of the Emerald Isle. Come to know the culture and welcoming hospitality of the Irish in Dublin, Ireland’s spirited capital city. Step off the beaten path in the seaside village of Kinsale, known as Ireland’s “gourmet capital.” Overnight amongst a labyrinth of stone walls on the remote and enchanting Aran Islands. Discover the windswept terrain of West Cork’s Wild Atlantic Way, one of Ireland’s most scenic coastal routes, before arriving in colorful Dingle. Travel amongst the tranquil countryside and windswept valleys of the Dingle Peninsula. Raise a glass and celebrate a journey unlike any other through the many sides of Ireland.

Highlights

  • Dublin is the capital and the largest city in Ireland. Dublin is located on Ireland’s east coast, and sits at the mouth of the River Liffey. Dublin was founded in 841 by the Vikings. Today, Dublin is the economic center of Ireland and the historical and contemporary center for industry, education and the arts.
  • Learn about the “Sport of Kings” at the Irish National Stud and its long connection with this land. Learn about this successful breeder farm that has been in operation for seven decades producing winners from the Derby, all five Classics and the Triple Crown - the 1,000 Guineas, Oaks and St. Leger.
  • At the Old Midleton Distillery, you will learn about the techniques and tools that have been used to make Jameson whiskey for generations. Guests will be able to walk amongst thousands of casks that serve as temporary storage for ageing whiskey, taking in both the exterior and interior of the distillery grounds. Of course, there is also the tasting of Jameson's signature drink.
  • Kinsale is a historic fishing and port town in County Cork, Ireland. Kinsale is located 15 miles south of Cork City on the River Bandon. The town is known for its historic streets, colorful shops and array of restaurants.
  • Off the coast of Southwest Ireland sits Garnish Island, a place that has to be seen to be believed. Board a small ferry and make your way through Bantry Bay to Glengarrif harbor passing Seal Island en route to this hidden gem. Disembark and explore this island comprised of some of Ireland’s most beautiful gardens.
  • The Dingle Peninsula stretches for 30 miles into the Atlantic Ocean from the southwest coast, and is the northernmost peninsula in County Kerry, Ireland. The peninsula ends beyond the town of Dingle at Dunmore Head, the westernmost point in Ireland. The peninsula offers beaches which are safe for swimming and surfing, walking routes and towns featuring many events and festivals.
  • While on the Dingle Peninsula, it's your choice between two activities. First, a Dingle Coastal Walk - a flat and leisurely cliff top walk that takes in spectacular views of the sea, countryside and headlands. Your other option is to visit the Blasket Centre, which tells the story of the traditional life of the Blasket Islands community, who lived on the Blasket Islands until the 1950's. Dingle Coastal Walk Activity Level 4 Your Tour Manager guided walk is approximately 1.8 miles (3km) and will take an hour or less. The terrain is relatively flat and guests should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring rain gear as the weather can change quickly. The walk finishes at the Blasket Centre. Blasket Centre Activity Level 1 The musuem tour is self guided and will take around 45 minutes.
  • These rugged islands stand fast against the Atlantic just outside of Galway Bay. Only a few miles from the Cliffs of Moher, each of the three islands possess its own distinct character. Yet they are all seemingly frozen in time and somehow have kept the modern world at bay. We visit Inisheer (or Inis Oirthir, meaning "east island"). With a population of just 250, this rocky place is the smallest of the islands but perhaps has the biggest heart and is revered as the most beautiful. Inisheer’s limestone landscape belies its generous and friendly spirit.
  • The Cliffs of Moher are a series of cliffs located on the Atlantic coast of County Clare in the west of Ireland. They are 5 miles/8 kms long and 702 feet/213 meters tall at their highest point. On a clear day one can see the Aran Islands and Galway Bay. These cliffs are Ireland’s most visited natural attraction with up to 1 million visitors every year.

Hotels

  • Trinity City Hotel — Dublin
  • Garryvoe Hotel, East Cork — Cork
  • Dingle Skellig Hotel — Dingle
  • Aran Islands Hotel — Aran Islands
  • Old Ground Hotel — Ennis

Details

Tour Operator
Collette
Start City
Dublin
End City
Ennis
Duration (Days)
11
Activity Level
Level 3

What's Included

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