Ireland: Emerald Isle Introduction

Highlights

This trip provides an introduction to the essence of beautiful Ireland. You’ll spend three days in vibrant Dublin, with its pubs, museums and international shopping, then travel to the dramatic Wicklow Mountains, just south of Dublin, before heading north to take in some ancient Celtic sites for two days in the lush, green countryside. Try this itinerary for a five-day trip, or we can tailor a travel plan specifically for your timeframe. Contact us specific pricing and details.

Day 1

Arrive at Dublin Airport and take the Airlink bus for the 15-minute ride to Dublin City Centre. You’ll check into your four-star accommodation close to Trinity College, leaving your bags with the concierge. After finding yourself a morning snack on Cows Lane, you’ll explore some of the city’s classics starting with Dublin Castle. Built on the site of a Viking settlement in the 13th century, Dublin Castle was originally created as a defensive fortification and is now one of Dublin’s most popular attractions. Stroll over and explore nearby Christ Church Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in Dublin with a stunning medieval interior. Next door, tour Dublinia – a museum dedicated to Dublin’s Viking past – you can even try on some Viking helmets! You’re on your own for lunch at one of the many quaint pubs in the Temple Bar area, right on the River Liffey. After lunch, walk to Trinity College, right across from your hotel, and tour the stunning Long Library with its 14th-century Brian Boru harp and the famous 9th-century Book of Kells illustrated manuscript. Enjoy dinner on your own in the Temple Bar area.

Day 2

This morning, tour three of Dublin’s great museums – each is free and unique in its own way: the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology, the National Museum of Ireland – Natural History, and the National Gallery of Ireland. Be sure to find the  statue of Oscar Wilde in Merrion Square, next to the museums. Next stroll through the beautiful St. Stephen’s Green, a 22-acre Victorian park with sculptures and a waterfall. After lunch of your choosing in the architecturally impressive St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, head to Dublin’s most popular tourist attraction – the Guinness Storehouse. You’ll begin at the bottom of the world’s largest pint glass and encounter 7 floors of interactive experiences that detail the brewing heritage of Ireland and Guinness. Finally, enjoy a complimentary pint from the rooftop Gravity Bar. After, have dinner and get a good night’s sleep, or you can party all night long at Temple Bar!

Day 3

Start the day taking in the famous Grafton Street – Dublin’s luxury shopping boulevard. Here you’ll find international brands as well as local art and book stores. Have lunch of your choosing, then visit the Jameson Distillery on Bow Street, where Jameson Irish Whiskey was distilled until 1971. Here you’ll take a tour and enjoy a whiskey tasting at the end. Enjoy a stroll along the River Liffey. Once you’re ready to have dinner, head to O’Connell Street – Dublin’s main thoroughfare – where it won’t be hard to find places to eat, drink, and dance the night away.

Day 4

We’ll provide transportation to the beautiful Wicklow Mountains area – about an hour and a half south of Dublin. This lush green area is known as “the garden of Ireland.” Your tour will take you to the most spectacular highlights within the Wicklow Mountains National Park. First, you’ll see the Sandycove seaside resort, location of the James Joyce Tower. Next, you’ll tour the traditional Avoca Handweavers (and perhaps purchase a handknit sweater or scarf) on your way to the Sally Gap – this dramatic mountainous area is a stand-in for Norwegian fjords in the series “Vikings”, and was also used in the filming of “Braveheart”. After lunch at a local pub, you’ll head to nearby Glendalough, a 6th-century monastic settlement and one of the most spectacular glacial valleys in all of Ireland. Glendalough is famous for its 10th-century round tower and Celtic crosses. You’ll be back in Dublin for dinner and a well-earned sleep.

Day 5

Today, you’ll travel just north of Dublin, exploring ancient Celtic sites. Learn more about the passage tomb at Newgrange, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site (and older than the pyramids!), as well as the world-famous High Crosses at Mainistir Bhuithe (ancient monastery ruins) and see stunning views from atop the Hill of Tara – the sacred seat of the kings of Ireland. After a full day of touring, enjoy a farewell dinner at your accommodation.

Day 6

After breakfast, board the Airlink bus back to Dublin Airport for your flight home and bid Slán Abhaile (goodbye) to beautiful Ireland!

Price

From $1,899 for a solo traveler, not including airfare, but we’re happy to book that as well!

As always, Dragon in Your Pocket’s pricing is transparent, with no hidden fees. As such, pricing is based on one person per room. Pricing is typically less with 2 or more persons per room.