South by Southwest Ireland Tour
May 16-29, 2024
$5,295.00 / per-person
This 12-day tour takes you through the south of Ireland, through tranquil countryside and small towns. Our small group size and modern coach ensure comfort and personalization. We balance key attractions with lesser-known gems. Experienced local guides enhance our walking tours with their unique knowledge.
Enjoy breathtaking views through our coach's large windows, with no drive exceeding two hours. Traditional "full Irish" breakfasts and locally-sourced meals are a daily treat.
Tour Details
This tour will have a maximum of 22 people as we prefer to keep our group size small giving you a better quality and more personalized tour. Our modern, clean coach will have plenty of room for everyone to comfortably spread out, sit by a window, and most importantly NOT feel packed in.
Our activities are planned to see or do something of interest in the morning and afternoon, at a relaxing pace. I do not plan anything very early in the morning because this is a vacation and you should be able to sleep in a bit or go for a walk before we begin our tour activities. I do not add too many activities into a day, preferring to keep a more relaxed (and fun!) schedule.
We will visit some major attractions as well as some that are off the beaten track and less well known. A good portion of the tour follows the Wild Atlantic Way. I mix old and new -- city, town and country. Walking tours with local guides are a resource that give us local flavor and expertise.
When we drive it is through gorgeous countryside with amazing views out the large coach windows. Although we cover a lot of ground and counties, we never have more than a 2 hour drive on the coach, breaking up longer journeys with stops along the way. Ireland is famous for its “full Irish” breakfasts and you will have that option every morning.
Some tour members prefer to eat the hearty full Irish breakfast and then evening dinner, with only a light refreshment needed midday. In the past Ireland had a reputation for boring, over-cooked food but those days are long gone -- today you will find fresh, healthy, locally-sourced food everywhere in Ireland. Because of our smaller group size we are able to take advantage of dining in gastropubs and other smaller establishments.
☘ 12 full days and nights in Ireland
☘ 4 & 5 star Hotel accommodations
☘ Full Irish breakfast everyday
☘ Six dinners together (six dinners on your own)
☘ Luxury coach with Irish Driver/Guide
☘ Porterage of luggage (1 suitcase per person)
☘ Admission and entrance fees to all attractions
☘ Gratuities for dinners, walking tours, etc.
What’s Included:
☘ Powerscourt House & Gardens
☘ Avoca Village & Mill
☘ Ireland’s National Stud
☘ Rothe House
☘ Kilkenny Castle
☘ The Rock of Cashel
☘ The Jameson Distillery
☘ Kinsale
☘ Glengariff & Kenmare
☘ Killarney
☘ The Ring of Kerry drive
☘ Dingle
☘ Slea Head drive
☘ Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum
Attractions:
☘ Airfare. We are happy to arrange and book your airfare
☘ Travel insurance (we partner with Allianz)
☘ Lunches
☘ Six dinners
☘ Customary tip for Driver/Guide (~10 euros per day)
What’s Not Included:
Our Itinerary
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You will depart from your U.S airport for the overnight flight, with dinner and breakfast, to Dublin, Ireland.
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After arriving in Ireland, we will meet our Driver/Guide and begin our Irish adventure by departing Dublin Airport on our luxury coach for Powerscourt Estate and hotel. Along the way we will stop for lunch at one of Ireland's most intriguing pubs with a fascinating history. From there we will travel the short distance to Powerscourt and take a tour of the magnificent house and gardens.
We will have dinner together this evening in one of the hotel's restaurants.
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We will start our day with a scenic drive across the Wicklow Mountains to Glendalough, home to one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland. This early Christian monastic settlement was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century and from this developed the ‘Monastic City’. Later we'll have a short stop in the village of Avoca, home to the Avoca Mill, Ireland’s oldest weaving mill.
Dinner will be on your own this evening.
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This morning we head to Kilkenny with a stop off along the way at Ireland’s National Stud. In Kilkenny we will visit Roth House & Garden. Located in the heart of Kilkenny on Ireland’s Medieval Mile, Rothe House & Garden was built between 1594 and 1610. This was once the home and place of business of John Rothe and Rose Archer, one of Kilkenny’s wealthiest, most influential merchant families.
We will have dinner together this evening.
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This morning after breakfast we will tour Kilkenny Castle followed by a walking tour with a local guide. Built in the twelfth century, Kilkenny Castle was the principal seat of the Butlers, earls, marquesses and dukes of Ormond for almost 600 years. Under the powerful Butler family, Kilkenny grew into a thriving and vibrant city. Following the tour you will have the rest of the day to explore the city.
Dinner will be on your own this evening.
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Today we will depart Kilkenny for Cork City. Our first stop along the way will be The Rock of Cashel. Cashel is reputed to be the site of the conversion of the King of Munster by Saint Patrick in the 5th century. In the afternoon we will visit the Old Midleton Distillery, where Jameson Whiskey is produced..
We will have dinner together this evening.
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This morning we will visit Blarney Castle & Gardens, home to the Blarney stone. Kissing the Blarney Stone bestows on the kisser the gift of gab. This means you'll leave the Castle with great eloquence and skill at flattery once you've puckered your lips and kissed the stone. After lunch we will take the scenic drive to the harbor town of Kinsale. We will have a private walking tour with a local guide followed by free time to explore the village.
Dinner will be on your own this evening.
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This morning we will have a private walking tour in Cork city and the rest of the day will be free for you to explore.
Dinner will be on your own this evening.
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Today our destination is Killarney, in County Kerry, the hub of all things in south west Kerry and the usual starting and ending point for The Ring of Kerry, the famous scenic drive. We will have a couple of stops along the way including a visit to Garnish Island, Glengariff..
We will have dinner together this evening.
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Today we will drive the famous Ring of Kerry, which is a scenic drive around the Iveragh Peninsula in southwest Ireland’s County Kerry. Its 179 km-long (111 miles), circular route takes in rugged and verdant coastal landscapes and rural seaside villages. We will have plenty of stops song the way. This evening you will be back in Killarney in time to enjoy some of the local nightlife.
Dinner is on your own this evening.
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This morning we will take a Jaunting Car ride in the Gap of Dunloe followed by a boat ride through the famous lakes of Killarney to Ross Castle. From there we will depart Killarney and drive to the quieter Dingle Peninsula for the next two nighs.
We will have dinner together this evening.
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Today we will drive the Slea Head Drive, one of Ireland’s most scenic routes, which takes you on a journey through historic sites, Irish speaking villages, famous Hollywood film locations with close up views of the world renowned Blasket Islands and distant views of the Skellig Islands on the south western horizon. We will stop for lunch at The Blasket Island center.
Dinner will be on your own this evening.
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Today is our final day and we will depart from County Kerry for Limerick with a stop off at Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum.
We will have our final dinner together this evening in the hotel restaurant..
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Today is departure day and we will take the short ride to Shannon Airport for the flight back to the USA. Shannon Airport is much smaller than Dublin airport and so there are usually not such big lines for check-in.
Your flight back to the USA will include lunch and some light snacks.
Accommodations
Powerscourt Hotel | County Wicklow
Nights 1 & 2
Situated on 1,000 acres and surrounded by the breath-taking Wicklow Mountains, Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa offers an unrivalled 5 star experience from the moment you enter the grounds.
Offering Palladian-style architecture and generously sized bedrooms, luxurious amenities with the majority of rooms enjoying a clear vista of one of Ireland's most celebrated valleys with the Sugar Loaf Mountain taking center stage; making the guest stay experience incredibly special.
With a choice of dining options from casual dining in the Sugar Loaf Lounge where Afternoon Tea reigns supreme to fine dining at Sika Restaurant, or the newly opened Sally Gap Bar & Brasserie, which boasts a beautiful and casual setting, all of which offers breath-taking scenery and amiable service.
For leisure guests Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa has lots to offer including complimentary bicycles so you are free to explore the Estate. The indoor 20m Swarovski crystal-lit swimming pool is also yours to use, as well as a fully equipped gym.
The Pembroke Hotel | Kilkenny
Nights 3 & 4
This 4 star boutique hotel in Kilkenny is situated on Patrick Street, Kilkenny’s most exclusive street, right in the center of a city rich in medieval heritage and alive with a vibrant arts culture.
The Pembroke Hotel is the perfect location for exploring the city, close to restaurants and pubs, a blend of modern amenities and traditional Irish charm.
Voted #1 hotel in Kilkenny by Trip Advisor guests.
The Imperial Hotel & Spa | Cork City
Nights 5, 6 & 7
The Imperial Hotel was originally designed by Sir Thomas Deane in 1813, the building was initially used as commercial rooms for city merchants. In 1816 the structure was extended to serve as a hotel and coach yard for visiting business people, traders and merchants.
Many famous figures throughout history have stayed in the hotel over the years including Fr. Mathew, The Temperance Priest, writers Sir. Walter Scott, William Makepeace Thackeray and Charles Dickens. One of the most famous figures was Michael Collins who negotiated the Irish Free State Treaty in 1921 and who spent his last night on earth in room 115 at the Imperial before he was shot on that fateful day in August 1922 at Béal na Bláth, West Cork.
Magnificently renovated, The Imperial Hotel, Cork, offers the finest luxury accommodations with a bespoke, personal and professional service in surroundings bristling with old world charm, opulent décor and a truly welcoming atmosphere.
The International Hotel | Killarney
Nights 8 & 9
Blending the charm of times past with contemporary elegance, the 4-star International Hotel is located in the heart of Killarney Town, just a stroll away from the picturesque 26,000 acres of Killarney National Park.
The International Hotel is a charming and welcoming hotel with a wealth of amenities and one of Killarney's longest established and much loved hotels, giving guests the warmest of welcomes and promise of excellence. The 93 luxurious guestrooms are amongst the very best in Killarney and focus on comfort and luxury to assure guests a restful and comfortable stay.
Castlewood House | Dingle
Nights 10 & 11
Voted Best Small Hotel in Ireland 2023.
Picture waking up and looking out at one of the most beautiful sights in the world, Dingle Bay, at Castlewood House, this picture is a reality.
Four Star Castlewood House is Dingle’s newest boutique property, located just a five minute walk from the center of Dingle town where style, elegance and attention to detail is exemplary.
No. 1 Pery Square | Limerick
Night 12
No. 1 Pery Square is an award winning Georgian townhouse hotel & spa that is tucked away in the heart of Limerick's historic Georgian Quarter.
Client Reviews
“We enjoyed it all.”
Real Irish Travel took my wife and I to Ireland. Stuart and our Irish guides and drivers introduced us to Ireland. We toured and learned about Ireland’s rich histories and ever-visible legacies. We met the people, experienced the culture, viewed and touched beautiful vistas. We saw the cliffs, the shores, the pastures, and never tired of the color green. We toured and watched ship builders, woolen mill workers, and ironworkers. We tasted incredible food, were treated to first class hospitality venues, and of course we drank Guinness, Irish whiskeys & ales & beers. We enjoyed it all.
Stuart is much more than a guide. He delivers the Island of Eire to you. During our entire stay every part of was personable and very friendly. Our group, all seventeen of us, became close and still stay in touch, due in no small part to our experiences and Stuart’s connection to Ireland and people.
Bryce Kelly, Emerald Isle Discovery Tour 2023
“This is a 5 star trip of a lifetime!”
“Thank you, Stuart, for 12 wonderful days on Real Irish Travel’s Emerald Isle discovery tour! This trip was expertly researched, planned, and executed! We had an amazing group of fellow travelers (20) on the tour. Stuart and Keith (our coach driver/guide) shared the Irish history and culture on our bus and we enjoyed gracious hotel stays, delicious Irish food, drink, traditional Irish music and folklore.
This is our second most excellent Real Irish adventure with Stuart. He strives to please those who travel with him and he does not disappoint!”
David Schmidt, Emarald Isle Discovery Tour 2023
I have been writing about travel...and traveling...for over 30 years. So I know how tricky it is to bring all the components of a land tour together. Stuart did a fantastic job in all aspects -- not a easy feat. Not only does he design his tours, he accompanies them. He was always cheerful, even when presented with a challenge. And so hospitable, buying the first drink for everyone at our many group dinners.
If you have always wanted to see Ireland, then GO now... And go with Real Irish Tours. You won't be disappointed. We are already considering doing another tour with Stuart next year. Maybe to Scotland and Wales. Maybe to the south of Ireland. Oh, and did I say that I finally learned to love Guinness Stout?
Cynthia Janssens, Emerald Isle Discovery Tour 2023
