Day 1

Cead Mile Failte

A ‘Cead Mile Failte’ (100,000 welcomes) to the Emerald Isle is extended on arrival at Dublin Airport by your friendly driver/guide. We start our adventure with a guided tour of Burtown Gardens with resident specialist and owner, James. The Gardens at Burtown are made up of several areas, that include large herbaceous borders, shrubberies, a rock garden, a sundial garden, a walled kitchen garden, and a walled vegetable garden that has been in continuous production for over 150 years. We will enjoy a gourmet lunch created with fresh, seasonal ingredients right from the garden. This evening we will dine as a group on a meal created by one of Ireland’s most celebrated chefs, Kevin Dundon, at the luxurious Dunbrody Country House in Wexford.

Flights from Canada to Ireland depart, Tuesday June 6, 2023, to arrive on morning of June 7, 2023. If you are booking your own flights, please confirm what time you need to arrive by with your Gravitate Travel Professional to meet the coach in Dublin before booking any flights.

If you decide to take the flight with Transat, we will advise the flight times in July / August 2022 as flights are only available 360 days before departure dates.

Day 2

Gardens & More

After a leisurely breakfast we will take the Copper Coast route with a stop at Mount Congreave to view one of the Great Gardens of the World. The gardens here are comprised of over 70 acres of planted woodland, a four-acre walled garden and 16 kilometres of walkways. This afternoon we visit Tourin House and Gardens. Situated on the banks of the Blackwater River, the property has exquisite views of the Knockmealdown Mountains and is surrounded by a fifteen-acre garden with mature broadleaved trees and an exceptional collection of shrubs and plants. Tourin House is an Italian style villa and home to the Jameson family, of Irish Whiskey fame. Tonight, we dine at the Panorama Bistro a fabulous rooftop restaurant located right in the hotel.

Day 3

Titanic

This morning we travel to the colourful town of Cobh, the last port of call of the ill-fated Titanic and visit the Titanic Experience. We then board a ferry for Spike Island, where you will discover over 1300 years of fascinating Irish History, from its beginnings as a Celtic Monastery, to a defence fortress and former prison. This evening you are free to dine at the restaurant of your choice in lively Cork City.

Day 4

Blarney

Today we travel through West Cork to the village of Blarney, home of Blarney Castle and its famous stone of eloquence. The castle lies within 60 acres of one of the most beautiful gardens in Ireland, which include avenues, arboretums, and waterways. In spring carpets of bulbs create a vibrant show. The gardens also boast a fine collection of Azaleas and Rhododendrons which add a wealth of colour. We continue the scenic journey through the Cork and Kerry Mountains to Killarney, and the beautiful Great Southern Hotel, our home for the next 2 nights.

Day 5

Explore the Ring

We take the short drive to the heritage town of Kenmare this morning and then travel the Ring of Kerry Road back into Killarney thru’ Moll’s Gap. En-route we will visit Derreen Gardens, which lies at the foot of the Caha Mountains and is home to over 60 acres of subtropical plants. We will enjoy lunch at the Garden Café before arriving back in Killarney where you will have some free time. This evening, local jarvies will lead us on a jaunting car ride to Quill’s Farmhouse where we will dine on traditional fayre complete with Irish entertainment.

Day 6

Wild Atlantic Day

This morning we head north along the Wild Atlantic Way to County Clare. We will board a ferry in Tarbert and take a memorable ride across the Shannon Estuary, disembarking in Killimer. We continue to charming village of Kilrush for a visit to the 17th century Vandeleur Garden. This evening we will stay at the charming Bellbridge House Hotel, a traditional Irish hotel that has breathtaking views of the water. Tonight, we will dine at the hotel.

Day 7

Cliffs & Foodies

We enjoy a leisurely morning at the hotel before our journey to the mighty Cliffs of Moher where we will have time to tour the visitor centre and stroll along the safe, paved pathways while enjoying spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands.

After, we meet our guide Ollie to embark on an exclusive Foodie Experience where we will meet the owners, producers, and entrepreneurs behind the delicious local produce featured on our tour. While each of our hosts entertain us with their stories, we are invited to indulge their unique offering of foods and drink. Included are visits to the Burren Smokehouse where we learn of the salmon smoking process, a tour and tasting of Europe’s smallest craft brewery, a visit to The Cheese Press, a one-of-a-kind shop where we are welcomed by a display of delicious cheeses and treated to samples, all topped of with a dram of locally bonded whiskey. Our tour ends with the best Fish and Chip’s you’ve ever tasted near the pier in Doolin (vegetarians and non-seafood lovers will be catered to). Once you are back at the hotel, you may wish to take a peaceful stroll along the beach and unwind with a night-cap in the hotel bar.

Day 8

Ballintubbert Gardens & Whiskey

Today we bid farewell to County Clare and drive through Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands with a stop at Ballintubbert Gardens. Situated between the Wicklow Mountains to the east, and the Sieve Bloom to the west, Baile An Tobair or ‘Town of the Wells’ is located in a beautiful tillage valley, sitting on a bed of Limestone Rock that provides alkaline free draining soil. We will be led on a private tour of the 14 acres of exquisitely designed gardens while we are here. On arrival in Dublin we will check into our hotel where the remainder of the day and evening are at leisure.

Day 9

Explore Dublin

Using your Dublin Hop on/Hop off sightseeing ticket, you can explore the city at your own pace. Recommended visits include Guinness, EPIC, Kilmainham Gaol, Trinity College, The National Botanic Gardens and Glasnevin Cemetery, home to many historically interesting monuments as well as the graves of some of Ireland’s most prominent national figures including Charles Stewart Parnell, Daniel O’Connell, Michael Collins, and Éamon de Valera. This evening we will travel the coast road to the pretty fishing village of Howth for an exclusive evening of delicious food and rousing Irish entertainment in the Long Boat Room of the Abbey Tavern.

Day 10

Dublin Fair City

The day is yours to continue exploring the city. Dublin is a great city for dining, where you can dine on traditional Irish Fayre or choose from a vast number of fine restaurants and bistros that offer cuisines from around the world.

Day 11

Slán

Your tour ends after a final hearty breakfast at your hotel. A group transfer will take you to Dublin Airport for your flight home.

Flights from Ireland to Canada depart, Saturday June 17, 2023