On arrival at Dublin airport, a private transfer will take you to the Iveagh Garden Hotel, our base for the next two nights. This afternoon there is the option to join a guided walking tour of Ireland’s convivial capital of Dublin. Once Europe’s fifth largest city with a history that stretches back over a thousand years, Dublin is now one of the most vibrant cities in the world. Our tour covers the area near our hotel, taking in landmarks such as St Patrick’s Cathedral, the National Concert Hall and Newman House.

In the evening, join the group for a welcome drink at the hotel, followed by dinner.

Meals: Dinner

We start the day at Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest university founded in 1592. The college’s magnificent Old Library displays Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure, the Book of Kells. Written around 800AD and celebrated for its lavish decoration, the manuscript contains the four Gospels in Latin based on a Vulgate text, written on vellum (prepared calfskin).

We continue to Christ Church Cathedral, located in the former heart of medieval Dublin. Containing the largest cathedral crypt in Britain or Ireland, Christ Church displays various historical features, including the oldest known secular carvings in Ireland and the conserved tabernacle and candlesticks used in 1689 when James II attended mass after fleeing England.

Next, we enjoy a guided historical walking tour of Dublin. We discover several landmarks such as Dublin Castle, the old city wall, Temple Bar and the River Liffey, before visiting Chester Beatty’s library, described as the finest collection of manuscripts and books made by a private collector in the 20th century. The museum includes representative samples of the world’s heritage (artistic, religious and secular) from about 2700BC to the present century.

This evening we enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

We check out of our Dublin hotel and head to the 13th-century Athlone Castle. First built to defend the crossing point on the River Shannon, we discover seven centuries of history here on our guided tour and walk in the footsteps of monks, kings, soldiers and generals. The castle’s story is vividly told through interactive exhibits, vibrant displays of historic artifacts, a 3D timeline illustrating Athlone’s last 200 years and a 360-degree cinematic experience which brings the Great Siege of Athlone to life.

We continue to Clonalis House, a grand Victorian residence nestled in a crescent of cypress and redwood trees. Clonalis is now home to Richard O’Conor and his family, who are the 27th generation of O’Conors and direct descendants of the last High Kings of Ireland. We discover the fascinating family history, exploring the Dining Room with its extensive collection of portraits, the elegant Drawing Room and the peaceful Chapel.

This evening we check into the Park House Hotel Galway where we stay for four nights.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we head first to Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden. We visit the restored rooms of the beautiful Gothic Abbey, home to a monastic community of nuns since 1920, and explore the six acre Victorian Walled Garden where only flower and vegetable varieties from that era are grown. This was one of the last walled gardens built in Ireland during the Victorian period, and its magnificence at the time was compared to London’s Kew Gardens.

We continue to Glen Keen Sheep Farm, one of Ireland's largest sheep farms located on the Wild Atlantic Way, with a spectacular backdrop of mountains. Here we enjoy a sheep herding demonstration.

Our next stop is Ashford Castle, former home of the Guinness family and now a lavish hotel set in a remarkable 800-year-old castle. We take in the exquisite interiors and the glorious views of the estate here and also enjoy a delightful afternoon tea.

We end the day back in the thriving city of Galway, where we enjoy dinner in a local restaurant followed by a fascinating music trail. We visit some of the best traditional pubs, which host nightly music sessions, and soak up the atmosphere.

Meals: Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, Dinner

Our day begins in Woodquay in the heart of Galway city, where we board the Corrib Princess and embark on a leisurely cruise along the majestic River Corrib and onto Lough Corrib, the Republic of Ireland’s largest lake. We take in the stunning views of this spectacular waterway, passing castles and other historic landmarks along the way.

We then enjoy lunch in Galway before free time to explore the city at leisure. Head to Galway City Museum, which overlooks the famous Spanish Arch, discover the medieval walls in the city center, or explore Galway Cathedral with its stunning stained glass and intricate mosaics. Or you may like to stroll along Salthill Promenade to take in the beautiful views of Galway Bay.

This evening we enjoy dinner together at a restaurant in Galway.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner