Compare The Best of Ireland: A Week on the Emerald Isle by Road Scholar vs Shades of Ireland featuring Northern Ireland - 2024 by Collette

Day 1
In Transit to Program
In Flight

Day 2
Arrival, Orientation, The Rock of Cashel
Cork. L,D The Metropole Hotel Cork
Morning: Early morning arrivals to Dublin airport and transfer to Cork. Ireland’s second largest city, Cork was founded in the seventh century. Today it is a bustling, lively city with a wealth of cultural life and a festive atmosphere. En route we will stop in Cashel for a light lunch before an expert-led field trip to the Rock of Cashel. A spectacular high medieval site dominating sweeping plains, its chapel, cathedral and castle are full of fascinating history.

Lunch: A light lunch will be taken in Cashel.

Afternoon: The transfer continues to Cork, where we will check in to our hotel. There'll be time to relax, before Orientation at approximately 5:30pm. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities and answer any questions you may have. We have set aside some free time in the schedule for your personal independent exploration. Please note that program activities, schedules and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: A seated three course dinner will be taken in the hotel dining room with coffee, tea and water. Other beverages are available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure to unpack, relax and prepare for the program ahead.

Day 3
Titanic Trail, Cobh, The Queenstown Story
Cork. B,D The Metropole Hotel Cork
Breakfast: A full Irish breakfast buffet in the hotel dining room. Choices vary but will include a variety of eggs, bacon, sausages, tomato, potatoes, cereals, fruit, toast, pastries and jams served with water, juices, tea and coffee.

Morning: We begin this morning in the hotel with an orientation to Ireland, followed by a lecture on the Irish Exodus to the New World.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like. You may wish to sample one of Cork's many excellent pubs, cafes and restaurants.

Afternoon: This afternoon we depart by coach for Cobh, where we'll join our local expert on the Titanic Trail, a gentle walk through Cobh, a picturesque seaside town steeped in Maritime History. It was the final port of call for the ill-fated RMS Titanic, and the departure point for many immigrants to the Americas. We'll follow their story at the Queenstown Story, where we can retrace the steps of the 2.5 million adults and children who emigrated from Ireland on coffin ships, early steamers and finally on the great liners.

Dinner: A special evening dinner is held an Irish family home in the local area.

Evening: At leisure after dinner.

Day 4
The Ring of Kerry
Cork. B,D The Metropole Hotel Cork
Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: This morning we travel by motor coach with a local expert to explore the Ring of Kerry. The Ring of Kerry is made up of spectacular coastal and mountain scenery, enveloping the towns of Glenbeigh, Cahersiven, Waterville and Sneem.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like in the delightful village of Waterville.

Afternoon: This afternoon visit a family run sheep farm. Kissane Sheep Farm, in Kenmare County Kerry, is a traditional, working sheep farm with approximately 1000 mountain sheep and hundreds of lambs. The farm is run by John and Anne Kissane, and has been run by the same family for the last 150 years.

Dinner: Dinner is taken en route back to Cork.

Evening: At leisure after dinner.

Day 5
Cork, Blarney Castle, Blarney Stone
Cork. B The Metropole Hotel Cork
Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: We board the motor coach this morning for a visit a panoramic excursion around Cork, ending at the vibrant University where you will have chance to explore.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Afternoon: This afternoon, we make our way to Blarney Castle - home of the famous Blarney Stone. Tradition dictates that the gift of eloquence is conferred on all those who kiss the stone! Following our visit, we return to Cork by motorcoach for some free time to explore. Your Group Leader will be happy to offer advice, suggestions and directions.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 6
Transfer to Dublin
Dublin. B,L,D Academy Plaza Hotel
Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: This morning we depart via motor coach for Dublin, via Waterford. Here we'll visit the House of Waterford Crystal to see the traditional artisan skills of mouth blowing, hand finishing sculpting and engraving which create the crystal pieces. Following the visit, we'll travel the short distance to the Waterford Treasures Museum.

Lunch: Taken out at the Waterford Treasures Museum.

Afternoon: Enjoy a very special behind the scenes look at the Waterford Treasures Museum's many exhibitions, before our transfer continues before we check into the hotel, with time to unpack and relax before dinner.

Dinner: A seated three course dinner will be taken in the hotel dining room with coffee, tea and water. Other beverages are available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 7
Trinity College, The Book of Kells
Dublin. B,L Academy Plaza Hotel
Breakfast: Continental buffet. A full Irish breakfast served in the hotel dining room. Choices vary but will include a variety of eggs, bacon, sausages, tomato, potatoes, cereals, fruit, toast, pastries and jams served with water, juices, tea and coffee.

Morning: This morning we explore Trinity College. Trinity College, sometimes referred to as the University of Dublin, dates back to 1592 and is one of the seven ancient Universities of Britain and Ireland. It is also home to the Book of Kells, one of the finest examples of illuminated manuscript in the world. The artistry and attention to detail in its spellbinding calligraphy and illuminations truly is a sight to behold and the book, dating back to 800 AD, is considered Ireland’s finest national treasure.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch accompanied by a presentation of Dublin poetry and song.

Afternoon: This afternoon we visit the National Museum of Ireland, and enjoy a privately guided exploration of the renowned collection of Bronze Age gold work.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 8
Irish Music & Dance
Dublin. B,D Academy Plaza Hotel
Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Today is at leisure for you to explore further Dublin, or perhaps take a day trip to the stone age tombs at Bru na Boinne or the beautiful Celtic Monastic site at Glendalough. Your Group Leader will be happy to assist you in making arrangements.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Afternoon: Free time to continue your independent exploration.

Dinner: A served Farewell dinner. Spend your last evening in Dublin enjoying traditional Irish food and wonderful music and song as you say goodbye to your new found friends.

Evening: At leisure after dinner.

Day 9
Program Concludes
Dublin. B
Breakfast: In the hotel. Some participants may depart prior to breakfast, whereupon a boxed breakfast will be provided.

Morning: Transfer to Dublin Airport (DUB) for onward flights. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Day 1 Overnight Flight

Set out on an amazing Irish adventure that tells the complete story of the shades of Ireland.

Day 2 Dublin, Ireland - Tour Begins

Get a taste of old Dublin. Tonight, you and your fellow travelers revel in a traditional Irish evening, including regional cuisine.

Day 3 Dublin

Today, it’s your choice! Choose to ride with a local guide to see St. Patrick’s Cathedral, O’Connell Street, the National Gallery, and the historic Phoenix Park -OR- choose a walking tour of the city’s historic center, exploring St. Stephen’s Green, Grafton Street, and the General Post Office. Either way, what follows is an afternoon to discover Dublin’s charms on your own. Later, you may join an optional tour to the Guinness Storehouse, followed by dinner at a contemporary restaurant showcasing Irish cuisine.

Day 4 Dublin - Kilkenny - Waterford

Step back in time and begin the day in the medieval splendor of 12th century Kilkenny on the River Nore. Then, in Waterford, embark on a leisurely paced walking tour of Ireland’s oldest city. It’s your choice! Tour the Waterford Crystal factory and learn how exquisite crystal has been made for centuries -OR- visit the Medieval Museum for a guided tour and a glass of wine in the 15th-century Mayor’s Wine Vault.

Day 5 Waterford - Blarney Stone - Killarney

The legend goes that those who kiss the Blarney Stone gain the gift of eloquence – give it a try if you wish at historic Blarney Castle. Cross into County Kerry and continue on to charming Killarney, where you will board a traditional boat* and sail through breathtaking lakes in the company of an expert boatman. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 6 Killarney - Ring of Kerry - Killarney

Take in the rugged coastline as you loop your way around the picturesque Ring of Kerry, past pristine beaches, quaint villages, and majestic landscapes. At the Gap of Dunloe, shop for local artisan-made crafts. The night is free for reminiscing about the day as you find your own authentic taste of Irish culture.

Day 7 Killarney - Cliffs of Moher - Ennis

Bid Killarney farewell and travel across the lovely Shannon River into County Clare. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most iconic sites. Walk along the rambling edge, soaking up unparalleled views and snapping incredible photos. Complete your day at the historic Old Ground Hotel in the heart of Ennis Town. This evening you may join an optional medieval banquet dinner, hosted in a castle.

Day 8 Ennis - Galway - Enniskillen, Northern Ireland

Experience the daily life of a traditional Irish family during a memorable farm visit. Then continue on to Galway for a brief tour that showcases “The City of Tribes.” Your day ends in the northwest reaches of Eire.

Day 9 Enniskillen - Donegal Town - Derry

Take in the rugged, natural beauty of County Donegal. Stop in Donegal Town and stroll the town square, enjoying its quaint craft and woolen shops. Next, travel to Derry, known for its turbulent political history. This afternoon, a local guide leads a walk through the old city, including the Craft Village, a charming 19th century Georgian square in the heart of the walled city. Tonight, it’s Diner’s Choice… choose your included dinner from a "menu" of Derry’s great restaurants.

Day 10 Derry - Inishowen Peninsula - Derry

This morning, journey to the Inishowen Peninsula and Malin Head. Take in breathtaking scenery as you explore Ireland's northernmost point. Return to Derry and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Tonight, you may join an optional tour to discover the culture of Derry through storytelling, music and song, with dinner at a restaurant serving pub style food.

Day 11 Derry - Giant's Causeway - Glens of Antrim - Belfast

See the most famous natural site in Northern Ireland as you visit the magnificent Giant’s Causeway. Formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, the causeway resembles a cobble road leading into the sea. Then lose yourself in the natural beauty of Northern Ireland as you explore the scenic back roads of the Glens of Antrim to Belfast. Top your day off with a visit to a whiskey distillery and learn the process of making this national tipple. Here you can taste whiskey and enjoy dinner.

Day 12 Belfast

Begin the day with a guided tour of Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, and hear of the struggles in this great city’s history as you pass through the different neighborhoods. See “Samson” and “Goliath,” the cranes at the shipyard that built the Titanic, before touring the “Titanic Experience,” Northern Ireland’s most visited attraction. This afternoon is yours to explore Belfast further, as your Irish adventure comes to a close.

Day 13 Belfast - Tour Ends

Your tour ends in Belfast.