This June trip is all about Ireland in a relaxed way. We will personally escort you to some of our favorite places in Ireland, and give you enough time to enjoy these spectacular locations. No rushing, and no repacking every night.
Expect all of the usual great things from a Healy Tour - friends, distilleries, music, castles - you name it! We will also have 5 whole nights of relaxation in our favorite manor house nestled at the base of the Killarney mountains. Don't worry, you will still be within walking distance to the great pubs and music and excitement of Killarney. Take time for you and stay in, or find the local spots that fill your heart with happy.
You will see sea-cliffs and towns, and feel the heartbeat of Irleand on this trip - away from the most touristy sites!
Read more details below, and as always - email or text or call with questions.
DEPART THE UNITED STATES
Depart your hometown and take an overnight flight across the Atlantic. Enjoy in-flight entertainment and meal service as you travel to start your vacation, or 'holiday' as the Irish would say.
DUBLIN ARRIVAL
Land at Dublin Airport, complete customs and immigration formalities before meeting your tour driver/guide, who will welcome you to Ireland. Transfer to your nearby hotel and check-in for your overnight stay.
Today we will visit the very beautiful Malahide castle and Gardens.
Overnight in Center City Dublin
Group Dinner at a local restaurant
THE ROCK OF CASHEL
Today you will travel south and visit some of Ireland’s most beloved heritage sites.
The Rock of Cashel is perched high atop a limestone outcrop with stunning 360-degree views of County Tipperary. Built around 800 years ago as a fortress and center of power, this is an ancient site of high kings like Brian Boru and later religious leaders. Hundreds of years of history are yours to walk and take in.
Many people consider this a sacred place and feel a sense of wonder or awe while visiting this hallowed ground. Read more about Thin Places.
Overnight: The Montenette Hotel
KINSALE
Think port-town, beachside, harbor, stunning walks, brightly painted buildings perfect pubs and foodie delights. Kinsale is known as one of the best food towns in Ireland!
Kinsale is a charming port town with great music sessions and easy accessibility on foot. Explore the town or get out on some of the beautifully scenic walks like the Scilly Walk or the Old Head Peninsula walk.
Overnight: The Montenette Hotel
KILLARNEY
Travel west into Kerry today and take in the stunning views of the Cork and Kerry mountains. Killarney is one of our very favorite places in Ireland, with just the right mix of tourism and natural beauty. There is something for everyone in Killarney - whether outdoor pursuits like walking or biking or boating - or stay in town and shop to your heart's content. Killarney comes alive at night with many music venues - stay out late and love the music pouring into the streets. It is June in Ireland, so the sun does not set until 11:00 pm or so!
The tour this year extends our stay in Killarney - 5 nights in pure relaxation in the manor house just outside of town. An easy 1mile walk can get you back and forth to town as you please, or join the group for our daily tours from this central location. Five nights allows you an immersive experience in Killarney without packing and unpacking or too much bus time. Enjoy!
Dinner and Overnight: The Cathernane House
KILLARNEY
Today you will wake up in the tidy-town of Killarney in the heart of County Kerry. Enjoy free time today and take your day at leisure; sleep in, take in an early morning stroll or a spa treatment, shop, explore the National Park, or even take a tour outside of town – there are endless opportunities for enjoyment in and around Killarney!
We will arrange a jaunting cart ride for you to Ross Castle where you can take in the castle views overlooking the lake.
Perhaps a bike ride or a boat ride or round of golf will suit your tastes, let us know, and we will help you plan your perfect day! There are a multitude of pubs, shops, restaurants, a brewery, and churches all waiting to be explored! In the evening, you can dine at one of the many restaurants or pubs in Killarney. Music abounds in this town, so stay up a little late and enjoy the nightlife!
Overnight: The Cathernane House
DINGLE PENNINSULA
Today, discover the beauty of the Dingle Peninsula, once described by the National Geographic Traveler as “the most beautiful place on earth.” Drive along the south shore of the peninsula for plenty of vistas of heathery mountains, sandy stretches of beach, stunning green landscapes and rocky headlands. Pause at strategic locations to admire the views and take photos. Stop to visit Dingle Artisans, where you may shop or browse for quality made goods. Have lunch at any of the amazing pubs in town prior to heading back to Killarney.
OVERNIGHT: The Cathernane House
KILLARNEY
Muckross House and gardens is on the agenda today – not to be missed! Explore on foot, by horse and cart, or by by bicycle. Find the waterfall, and enjoy some of the most splendid gardens anywhere.
OVERNIGHT: The Cathernane House
KILLARNEY
Today we leave the big coach behind, and take the road less traveled to visit one of Ireland's best lesser-known scenic drives - the Beara Penninsula Drive. not accessable to the big tour busses, we will spend the day touring the villages along the way with plenty of stops to enjoy the scenery. Sit back, relax, and let our professional driver navigate the small roads and twisty turns. Stone circles, waterfalls, and so much more await you around every corner!
OVERNIGHT: The Cathernane House
KILKENNY
Travelling east today, we head back toward the Ancient East and the Viking towns of Waterford and Kilkenny. We will celebrate locally today with a visit to a country pub with family entertainment. A favorite of Healy Tours, and always a day filled with music, laughs, and - very likely a dance or two!
OVERNIGHT: Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel
KILKENNY AND WICKLOW
Kilkenny is a great town, full of vibrant restaurants and pubs in the winding medieval streets. We will escort the group to the must-see Kilkenny castle, and plan an excursion to an apple orchard and distillery.
Have a tour of the organic farm with a tractor train tour through the organic orchards and a visit to the distillery ending in the stone built 17th century mill with a sampling of delicious Single Estate organic ciders, syrups and apple spirits. Your Guide will explain the process that creates the distinctive flavours and character of our organic cider, apple gin and apple brandy, meeting the owners for a chat on local history, and of the story of five generations.
DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel
KILKENNY AND WICKLOW EN ROUTE TO DUBLIN
Today we will start off on a scenic drive through the famous Wicklow Mountain range on our way back to Dublin. (The Wicklow Mountains have been the backdrop for many movies, including the current historical drama Vikings on the History Channel).
As we make our way through the mountains, we will stop to visit an authentic weaving mill that has been in business since 1793. Tonight we will celebrate our last day in Ireland and have a departing dinner with our travel companions.
Overnight: Dublin
AIRPORT DEPARTURES
Departures for Dublin Airport
The bittersweet end to our tour.
Alternately - stay a few more days to tour independently in Dublin or take a trip north to Belfast. See some extension options here: