Ireland 2026 Preliminary Itinerary - (subject to change due to weather, unexpected closings or other unavoidable conditions ). Maximum group size is limited to 25 travelers - first to deposit, first to confirm space: September 1: (Note: Ireland September sunrise, 7am; sunset, 8pm!!) Depart Hartford (BDL) via Aer Lingus on our evening nonstop to Dublin (arrival September 2). Dinner served on board.(D). Option to meet at the Escape Lounge at BDL prior to gate departure. September 2: Arrive early morning into Dublin; meet our driver/guide and proceed to Galway (128 miles). We’ll stop for breakfast and perhaps a bit of sightseeing on the way, prior to our check-in at the Leonardo Hotel, downtown and directly on the River Corrib, for the next 3 nights. The Pedestrian Way is just outside the hotel and the Claddagh area and the Spanish Arch (1584) are a short walk away. Take the rest of the afternoon/evening to explore this beautiful, walkable area on your own! (B) September 3: Ferry to the remote and wild Aran Islands for a tour of Inishmore - the largest of the chain, departing from Rossaveel terminal. (B) September 4: Tour County Galway, north to Kylemore Abbey, the Connemara region and Connemara National Park, returning via Clifden and the N59. (B)
Along the River Corrib - short walk from our hotel (D. Hubbs photo) September 5: Depart Galway to Killarney via The Burren and the Cliffs of Moher, to the International Hotel, opposite Killarney National Park, for the next 4 nights (B)
The Burren (D. Hubbs photo) September 6: Tour Killarney National Park with Muckross House, Torc Waterfall, Ross Castle (photo stop) and Ladies View lookout / The Lakes of Killarney / Gap of Dunloe. (B) September 7: Tour the Dingle Peninsula to Dingle Town, via beautiful Inch Beach, County Kerry, as we travel the coast along R561. (B)
Along the Dingle Peninsula (D. Hubbs photo) September 8: Tour the Ring of Kerry, through Molls Gap and the lovely village of Sneem, past Glacier Lake along the N70 as we return through Kenmare. Dinner this evening at a local pub/restaurant. (B), (D) September 9: Depart Killarney for a leisurely 55-mile drive to Kinsale, through Macroom and over the River Lee; check in to the Trident Hotel for the next 3 nights; afterward take a short ride up the hill to see Charles Fort, with an optional hike back down along “Scilly Walk,” leading directly to downtown Kinsale and the hotel. Great views of the River Bannon and the harbor along the walk! (B) September 10: Visit Old Head of Kinsale, then on to explore Cork City on your own. (B)
Fisherman at work by the Trident Hotel, Kinsale (D. Hubbs photo)
Old Head of Kinsale, about 8 miles south of town (D. Hubbs photo) September 11: Today we head about 22 miles north to Blarney Castle and its beautiful gardens. Perhaps kiss the Blarney Stone if you like (narrow stairs up the old castle though) and do some shopping on site. Remainder of the day on your own. Dinner this evening at the Trident. (B) (D) September 12: Depart Kinsale for Kilkenny (about 110 miles), with the next 2 nights at the Pembroke Hotel, close to Kilkenny Castle. Remainder of the day free to explore the castle (admission on your own) and grounds (free) and check out the rest of town, along the River Nore. (B) September 13: Visit the Black Abbey on your own if you like (free - a 15 minute walk from the hotel). We'll also have a set time for a tour of the Smithwick’s Experience (much fun) and to visit Jerpoint Abbey ruins for a tour. If time permits, you might like to check out 1594 Rothe House & Gardens, which is a 10-minute walk from the hotel (admission on your own). (B) September 14: After breakfast, transfer to Dublin Airport for our afternoon return flight to Hartford. Lunch will be served on board. Clear US Customs and immigration here in Dublin, for an easy arrival into Hartford this afternoon. (B) (L) D&D Travel Services, LLC - (860) 243-9458 - (800) 613-0282 dennis@ddtvl.com
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