The Celtic Way - 15 Days Ireland and Northern Ireland Tour 2027 September

•   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 | 🚌 150 km (~1hr 50 mins)

•   Activities:

•   Guided walking tour of Cork, a city buzzing with culture, and a visit to the iconic English Market, a food lover's paradise since 1788.

•   Visit the picturesque seaside town of Cobh, last port of call of the Titanic.

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

•   Optional: Titanic Experience or a private genealogy session.

•   Lunch: At leisure

•  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.

•   Activities:

•   Scenic drive on the legendary Ring of Kerry, where dramatic coastlines, green hills, and folklore meet.

•   Enjoy a warm Irish coffee stop at the Red Fox Inn, a local favorite.

•   Free time in the lively town of Killarney.

•   Lunch: Enroute

•   Dinner (6:30 PM): At J M McNeill’s, followed by live Irish music in a nearby pub where locals and travellers mingle.

•   Overnight: Overnight stay in Killarney

•   8am - Breakfast in the morning.

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

•   Activities:

•   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 before departing.

•   Depart: 9:00 AM | 🚌 80 km (~1 hr 20 mins)

•   Activities:

•   Scenic drive through Connemara, a land of lakes, stone walls, and timeless beauty.

•   Full-day visit to the romantic Kylemore Abbey, with its Victorian walled gardens, Gothic chapel, woodland trails, and famed Connemara ponies.

•   Lunch: At leisure on site

•   Dinner (6:30 PM): In Westport, a town known for its charm and community spirit.

•   Overnight: Overnight stay in Westport

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

•   Depart: 9:00 AM | 🚌 104 km (~1 hr 20 mins total)

•   Activities:

•   Scenic drive through Sligo, land of myth, poetry, and majestic hills.

•   Visit Drumcliff, burial site of W.B. Yeats, and admire Benbulbin, the mountain that inspired many of his works.

•   Optional: Explore Sliabh Liag, some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe.

•   Dinner (6:30 PM): At hotel with live Irish music.

•   Overnight: Overnight stay in Letterkenny, Donegal

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

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

•   Activities:

•   Visit the mystical Grianán of Aileach Ring Fort, with panoramic views across the North.

•   Enjoy tea and light lunch in a private local home—a unique and heartfelt cultural experience.

•   Explore the powerful living history of the Doagh Famine Village.

•   Return: 5:00 PM to Letterkenny

•   Dinner (6:30 PM): In town

•   Overnight: Overnight stay in Letterkenny

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

•   Depart: 9:00 AM | 🚌 34 km (~30 mins)

•   Activities:

•   Optional tour of Derry City Walls and the Town Hall Museum, steeped in conflict and culture.

•   In Belfast, take the emotional Peace Walls tour to learn about Northern Ireland’s complex past and its hopeful future.

•   Visit the impressive Belfast City Hall and its beautiful stained-glass windows.

•   Optional: Visit the Titanic Museum or enjoy Afternoon Tea at the Titanic Hotel.

•   Lunch: At leisure

•   Dinner (6:30 PM): In Belfast

•   Overnight: Overnight stay in Dunadry

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

•   Depart: 9:00 AM | 🚌 37 km (~40 mins)

•   Activities:

•   Visit Down Cathedral and pay your respects at St. Patrick’s Grave.

•   Explore Armagh, Ireland’s ecclesiastical capital.

•   Tour both St. Patrick’s Cathedrals and visit the Cultural Centre.

•   Lunch: At leisure

•   Dinner (6:30 PM): In Armagh

•   Overnight: Overnight stay in Armagh

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

•   Depart: 9:00 AM | 🚌 135 km (~1 hr 40 mins)

•   Activities:

•   Final day of sightseeing in Dublin – choose from:

•   Guinness Storehouse

•   Book of Kells at Trinity College

•   EPIC Museum

•   Jeanie Johnston Famine Ship

•   Valuation Office (ancestry)

•   Optional: Parliament Tour

•   Lunch: At leisure

•   Dinner (6:30 PM): Farewell celebration in Temple Bar, with music, laughter, and lasting memories.

•   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!