The Celtic Way - 10 Days Signature Ireland Tour 2027 August

•   Arrive in Dublin and check into your accommodation.

•   4PM: Walking tour of Dublin: Meander through Ireland’s lively capital, soaking in the history of Trinity College, the musical charm of Grafton Street, and the Victorian elegance of St. Stephen’s Green.

•   Free time to explore the city centre at your own pace.

•  Dinner (6:30 PM): Kick off the tour with a welcome dinner at an iconic Irish pub, where traditional music and Irish dancing will lift your spirits.

•  Overnight: Overnight stay in Dublin

•   8am - Breakfast in the morning at the hotel before departing.

•   Depart: 9:00 AM | 🚌 125 km (~1hr 30 mins)

Activities:

Guided walking tour of Kilkenny, Ireland’s medieval gem with winding streets, ancient churches, and a vibrant arts scene.

Free time to explore the majestic Kilkenny Castle and the artisan stalls at the Makers Market.

•   Lunch: At leisure

•   Dinner (6:30 PM): Dine at The Left Bank, followed by an evening at the intimate Hole in the Wall Pub, alive with traditional Irish music.

•   Overnight: Overnight stay in Kilkenny

•   8am - Breakfast in the morning.

•   Depart: 9:00 AM - Travel to Cork and Cobh (150 KM/ ~1 hr 50mins)

•   Activities:

•  Visit the unique, iconic English Market, a food lover's paradise. 

•   Visit the picturesque seaside town of Cobh, the historic final port of call for the Titanic.

•   Explore the moving Cobh Heritage Centre & Migration Museum, telling stories of emigration and resilience.

•   Optional: Titanic Experience or a private genealogy session.

•  Dinner (6:30 PM): In town, with an optional stop at a local pub for Irish music.

•  Overnight: Overnight stay in Cork

•   8am - Breakfast in the morning at the hotel before departing.

•   10AM - Departure: Transfer to Kilkenny (149 km / ~2 hr 11 mins)

•   Activities:

•   Lunch at Muckross House 

•   Visit to Tork Waterfall.

•   Optional: Jaunting cart ride to Muckross Abbey, and spend the time relaxing at Muckross House in Killarney National Park.

•   Free time to explore the city at your own rhythm.

•   Dinner (6:30 PM): Mad Monk, a familiar restaurant that catches their own seafood followed by live music in nearby pub.

•   Overnight: Overnight stay in Killarney

•   8am - Breakfast in the morning.

•   Depart: 9:00 AM | 🚌 92 km (~1 hr 11 mins)

•   Activities:

•   Morning visit to Ross castle on the Killarney lake before leaving Killarney.

•   Enjoy a morning tea break in Adare, one of Ireland’s prettiest villages with thatched cottages and rich Norman history.

•   Lunch at Dirty Nelly’s (12:30 PM), near the legendary castle walls.

•   Visit the impressive Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, a living history museum capturing rural life through the centuries.

•   Optional: Step back in time at the unforgettable Bunratty Medieval Banquet.

•   Dinner (6:30 PM): Attend the banquet or enjoy a relaxed meal in town.

• 8:00PM onwards: Breandán Breathnach Memorial Lecture - 'In Safe Hands: The Role of Clare Musicians in Dublin's Traditional Music Legacy' - presented by Mick O'Connor, musician, collector, music historian and author.
• Venue: Community Centre for both events.

•   Overnight: Overnight stay in Ennis, County Clare

•  Depart: 9:00 AM | 🚌 40 km (~40 mins)

•  Activities:

•  Scenic drive along the Wild Atlantic Way, filled with windswept views and crashing waves.

•  Visit the unique limestone landscape of The Burren, steeped in ancient mysticism.

•  Gaze over the Atlantic from the soaring Cliffs of Moher, a must-see natural wonder.

•  Explore the surf town of Lahinch and stop for lunch.

•  Visit the music-filled village of Doolin, where every pub echoes with Irish song.

•  Dinner (6:30 PM): In a welcoming Doolin pub with traditional music.

• 8.00PM onwards - Céiliúradh Ceoil á chraoladh beo ar RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta and featuring TG4 Gradam Ceoil Award Winners and guest performers. Venue: Community Centre.
• Céilí at The Mill Marquee, GAA Grounds - Taylor's Cross Céilí Band
• Céilí at the Quilty Tavern - Dal gCais Céilí Band
   

•  Overnight: Overnight stay in Ennis, County Clare

•  8am - Breakfast in the morning.

•  Depart: 9:00 AM | 🚌 120 km (~1 hr 30 mins)

•  Activities:

•  Discover the peaceful village of Glenmask, tucked in Ireland’s remote west.

•  Visit the tranquil and sacred Ballintubber Abbey, where pilgrims have walked since 1216.

•  Arrive in Galway, known for its arts, music, and vibrant street life.

•  Visit the Claddagh Ring Exhibition and browse local heritage shops.

•  Lunch: At Corley’s Pub, where traditional charm meets hearty fare.

•  Dinner (6:30 PM): In Galway, with an option to enjoy more live music.

8.00PM onwards - Fiddle Recital. Venue: Community Centre. 
Céilí at The Mill Marquee, GAA Grounds - Kilfenora Céilí Band

•  Overnight: Overnight stay in Galway

•  8am - Breakfast in the morning at the hotel before departing.

•  Depart: 9:00 AM | 🚌 40 km (~40 mins)

•  Activities:

•  Visit the quaint village of Cong, film site of The Quiet Man, and explore Cong Abbey.

•  Take a peaceful 2-hour boat cruise from Ashford Castle to Inchagoill Island, rich in monastic history.

•  Afternoon Tea (4:30 PM): Scones, jam, and cream at the elegant Mrs. T’s Tearoom in Ashford Castle.

•  Lunch: In Cong at leisure

•  Dinner (6:30 PM): In Galway

8.00PM onwards - Fiddle Recital. Venue: Community Centre. 
- Céilí at The Mill Marquee, GAA Grounds - Kilfenora Céilí Band

•  Overnight: Overnight stay in Galway

•   8am - Breakfast in the morning at the hotel

•   Depart: 9:00 AM - Departure: Return south to the capital city (80 km / ~1 hr 20 mins)

•   Activities:

•   Scenic drive through the midlands and stop at Clonmacnoise, a stunning 6th-century monastic settlement on the banks of the River Shannon.

•   Enjoy a final afternoon of sightseeing in Dublin. 

•   Dinner (6:30 PM): In Dublin.

•   Overnight: Overnight stay in Dublin

8am - Share a final group breakfast. Fond farewells and departures, hearts full of stories and new friendships.

Farewell
As your time with us comes to an end, we wish you a safe and pleasant journey home. We hope you enjoyed your Irish experience with The Celtic Way and look forward to welcoming you on a future adventure!