DUBLIN

5 DAY TOUR

A Captivating 5-Day Tour

Itinerary

Day 1
Dublin City Exploration

Arrive in Dublin and dedicate a day to exploring the vibrant capital. Visit the iconic Guinness Storehouse, stroll through colourful Georgian streets, and immerse yourself in the city's rich history at Kilmainham Jail. Experience the grandeur of St Patrick’s and Christchurch Cathedrals, and relax in the vast Phoenix Park, home to Dublin Zoo (the second oldest zoo in the world).

Day 2
Wicklow's Natural Beauty

Head south to County Wicklow, known as the Garden of Ireland. Explore Powerscourt House and Gardens, voted among the world’s top three by National Geographic. Visit the monastic site of Glendalough, founded by St Kevin in the 6th century, and enjoy the serene surroundings of it’s magical lake.

Day 3
Medieval Charm in Kilkenny

Travel to the medieval city of Kilkenny. Tour Kilkenny Castle, explore St Canice’s Cathedral, and indulge in a tour of Smithwick’s Brewery where brewing has been carried out on this site for almost 800 years. Discover the historic Rock of Cashel, a compelling walled structure with it’s gothic cathedral and round tower.

Day 4
A visit to the Rebel County - Cork

Venture to Cork City, Ireland's second city. Visit the bustling English Market for local food produce. Explore St Finbarr’s Cathedral, built in 1879 and known for its stained glass and mosaics. Move on to Blarney Castle for a chance to kiss the famous Blarney Stone and explore the beautiful maritime town of Kinsale, famous for its culinary delights and quaint pubs. Nearby we Charles Fort, built in 1682. This is an imposing star shaped former British garrison with stunning views of Kinsale Harbour.

On the other side of Cork City we have the town of Cobh from where the Titanic last sail on her final and tragic voyage. This beautiful most colourful town is all the while watched over by the stunning St Coleman’s Cathedral.

Day 5
Return to Dublin via a garden paradise and an equine experience

Head back to Dublin, stopping at the National Stud and Japanese Gardens to learn about Ireland's thoroughbred horse industry and enjoy the beautiful gardens.

We then say a fond farewell back in Dublin’s fair city.

Planning a 5 day vacation in Ireland?

We are here to help you get the best from your stay in Ireland

Day 1

If you are arriving in to Dublin we suggest one full day at least to see the main attractions that our capital city has to offer. We can bring you in comfort and style to each chosen venue and return you to your hotel.

Dublin is a bustling, modern multi-cultural city with lots to do and see.

Of course no visit to Dublin is complete unless you visit the Guinness Storehouse, home to the famous pint of black stuff with the same name since 1769 and still the world’s largest brewer of stout.

Sample one of Dublin’s many traditional pubs such as McDaids, Doheny & Nesbitts, O’Donoghues or maybe the Cobblestone for a bit of music and craic.
See the city’s famous Georgian streets with its colourful doorways and beautifully maintained city parks.
A visit to Kilmainham Jail is also a memorable experience. Built in 1796, the tour spans many periods in Irish history from then to it’s last inmate, one Eamon DeValera in 1924. Leaders of five Irish rebellions to British rule were housed there, most notably the leaders of the uprising in 1916 who were executed in the Stonebreakers Yard which was a turning point in our history.
The Book of Kells is to be seen in Dublin’s Trinity College, one of the greatest creations of Western Art. Roughly 800 years old this is a masterpiece of calligraphy and illustrations inspired by the Celtic monks who were world renowned at spreading Christianity throughout Europe.
Dublin also has two beautiful cathedrals; Christchurch and St Patrick’s both magnificent examples of architecture of their period.
The city boasts many famous citizens; past and present. Dean Swift, Abraham Stoker, James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw, Brendan Behan and more recently U2, Sinead O’Connor and Sir Bob Geldof.
The Phoenix Park is also a beautiful space, 5 times the size of Hyde Park and twice the size of Central Park in New York. It is one of the largest enclosed urban parks in the world standing on 1,750 acres. Amongst its residents are the President of Ireland, The US Ambassador and not forgetting Dublin Zoo, the world’s second oldest.

Day 2

From Dublin heading south we would suggest on Day 2 heading to the Garden of Ireland, namely Co Wicklow. With its stunning mountain scenery and manor houses. Among these is the famous Powerscourt House and Gardens (voted in the top three gardens in the world by National Geographic) . Then on to the nearby Powerscourt Waterfalls where you can relax and gaze at the water cascading down to the rock pool below and let your thoughts run away.

You have the monastic site of Glendalough, founded by St Kevin in the 6th century. This is a stunning place that was at the pinnacle of Christian teaching and learning. Walk amongst the many churches, headstones and crosses and see it’s round tower. Then head over to the lake and you will see exactly why this beautiful was chosen as a spiritual and monastic site.

Day 3

To the medieval city of Kilkenny. Take a tour of Kilkenny Castle built in the 13th century. Restored and run by the state, this is a beautiful example of bourgeoisie living.

St Canice’s Cathedral dominates the city. Take a tour of this beautiful church which contains the tombs of bishops, lords and ladies and ascend it’s round tower for a breathtaking view of the city.

Smithwicks Brewery is also in Kilkenny and there is a most interesting tour of the brewery where you can taste this most famous of ales where brewing has been carried out for almost 800 years.

Sample some of the city’s many pubs and restaurants and walk along the beautiful streets of the ‘Marble City’.

Finally, a stop at the Rock of Cashel in the county of Tipperary. An imposing walled structure built on a rock overlooking the lush countryside. This was one of the most important Christian settlements of it’s time in Ireland. It is the site of the crowning of Brian Boru as King of Ireland. A beautiful gothic cathedral and round tower, dating from the 12th and 13th centuries as well as the 15th century Hall of Vicars make the Rock a great stop.

Day 4

We are in Cork City, Ireland’s second city. Capital of Cork County this is a city that prides itself in it’s uniqueness. Keep an ear out for the accent and warmth of its people.

The English Market is a must to sample the best in local food produce. Located in the city centre it’s a bustling market with it’s many sounds and scents. Also made famous by a visit by Queen Elizabeth II in 2011. Also a visit to St Finbarr’s Cathedral, built in 1879, renowned for its stained glass, mosaics and sculptures. It’s organ built ten years later has 4,500 pipes!!

Moving out of the city we head to Blarney Castle and Gardens. A kiss of the world famous Blarney Stone and the promise of the ‘gift of the gab’ forever. No excuse when chatting later on with your friends over a pint.
Kinsale is also a favourite place with tourists near Cork City. This quaint marine town is Ireland’s culinary capital with many top restaurants to choose from including 3 in the Michelin Guide. A beautiful town in which to stroll around, lovely shops and cafés. Just outside Charles Fort , built in 1682 and named after King Charles II.
This is a star shaped fort and former British army garrison overlooking Kinsale Harbour on 12 acres, now restored and run by the State it is a great stop.
On the other side of Cork City along the coast we have the town of Cobh. Built on the side of a hill with its beautiful coloured doors, quaint shops and all the while overlooked by the magnificent and towering structure that it St Coleman’s Cathedral.
Cobh of course is famous as it was the last stop for the Titanic before she set sail across the Atlantic on her last voyage. There is a museum in memory of this momentous maritime disaster. Nowadays Cobh hosts many of the worlds largest ocean cruise ships.
Just off the coast you can take a trip to the imposing Spike Island, again a former British garrison and later on a prison up to 2004. Well worth a trip and very interesting – Ireland’s Alcatraz.

Day 5

On our way back to Dublin we head to the National Stud and Japanese Gardens. Ireland of course is world renowned for both show-jumping and race horses. Here you can see and learn about the thoroughbred horse industry up close and also visit the Japanese Gardens one of the finest gardens in Ireland. Over 100 years old this is the perfect place for a walk to see and smell some spectacular flowers in a most beautiful setting.