As the clocks turned back and the end of October approached, the TourTailors team ventured on a 6-day Emerald Isle Tour to remember! More than a professional opportunity to meet our trusted suppliers and test crafted experiences, this trip gifted us the chance to fall in love with this European gem. From Dublin’s vibrant cultural heart to Cork’s unique vibrancy and Kilkenny’s medieval grace, Ireland promises to deliver a surprise at every stop. Every bend in the road, every storied castle and bustling pub invites you to step into a living tapestry of history and emotion.
Looking for the perfect excuse to include Ireland in your 2026 travel plans? Join us as we share what it means to explore a land where beauty lives in the landscape but also in the people. Let’s discover Ireland through local eyes and allow authenticity to take charge!
Day 1: Where the Story Begins in Dublin
Ireland’s characteristic drizzle was ready to greet us as soon as we touched down in Dublin. After a warm welcome from our private driver and a seamless transfer to a partner hotel, we were ready to feel the city’s pulse and embark on a magical Ireland cultural journey. The walking tour with a local guide was, then, the ideal start! Weaving tales of poets, dreams, and rebels gave each sight an even more vivid impact. From Trinity College’s academic flair to the Georgian facades on College Green, we finally encountered the atmospheric Temple Bar.
As night fell, it was time to leave the streets of Dublin behind and catch a shuttle that took us to the iconic Merry Ploughboy Pub. This traditional establishment wrapped us in the true rhythm of an authentic Ireland experience. The hearty dishes were just one of the stars of the evening. The live Irish music and dance performances made the floor itself seem to move - the perfect first chapter to our Irish story.
Day 2: Castles, Misty Hills and River Views in Kilkenny, Cashel & Cork
On the second day, we set off on our Irish road trip. With the city’s rhythm fading, a new landscape unfolded before our eyes, revealing the country’s verdant facet. Every turn of the road revealed a new shade of green, deeper and wilder than the one before.
Our first stop was the city of Kilkenny. A guide helped us uncover this destination’s charm by walking us through the history and tradition behind sites like the mystical Kytellers Inn and the Butter Slip. Next up was the imposing Rock of Cashel. This iconic landmark, perched high on a limestone hill, proved even more dazzling with the surrounding greenery and grazing sheep. The ancient towers pierced the sky, and their weathered stones invite us to travel to bygone eras, when life rampaged through its walls. As the sun slid down the horizon, it was time to head to Cork, the home of Murphy’s Beer and a lively music scene spearheaded by the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival.
Day 3: Fall Colors in Blarney Castle & Dreamy Lakes in Killarney
The next morning arrived with a sunny sky, perfect for exploring the city of Cork before heading to our next destination. A quiet stroll through the character-filled streets took us to the intricate Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral. This Gothic Revival masterpiece with spellbinding stained-glass windows charmed us with its elegant silhouette and intricate façade.
From there, our best of Ireland trip continued in the storied grounds of Blarney Castle. Though limited by time, this historic estate immediately captivated us. The autumn leaves, scattered pumpkins and orange hues framed the castle in a postcard-like scenery. We climbed the spiral staircase worn by time and followed in the footsteps of those who once climbed to the top of this castle. At the top, we witnessed visitors taking part in the tradition of kissing the Blarney Stone.
After, it was time to head to Killarney and join a photo walking tour that led us to capture the town’s natural beauty. As the sun dipped behind Ross Castle, we learned from an expert how to immortalise such a timeless view with our very own phones! This part of our Ireland cultural journey unveiled a unique sense of belonging!
Day 4: Natural Beauty & Picturesque Villages In The Ring Of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry was the star of the fourth day of our Ireland travel itinerary. The narrow lanes, emerald hills and powerful Atlantic waves defined our journey past some of the country’s most remote and picturesque villages, such as Sneem and Cahersiveen. Every stop graced us with views ready to take our breath away and remind us what life might have been like in prior centuries. In Portmagee, we wander through the riverside lanes with colorful houses and bobbing boats. The Skelligs Chocolate Shop became the day’s sweetest memory. Here, we had the opportunity to try Irish-made chocolates that picked up on the country’s seaside heritage as an inspiration.
We completed this scenic loop at sunset. As the sun dipped low over the hills, our Emerald Isle tour led us once again to Killarney’s tranquil ambience. Surely, this day showed us the way into Ireland’s true essence: wild at heart, warm and wonderfully alive!
Day 5: Road to Galway
Journeying northward, Ireland’s landscapes began to shift once again on day five of our trip. After a tour of a local brewery in the town of Limerick, we headed to the cinematic Cliffs of Moher. This otherworldly natural formation invites you to stare off the edge of the world with the wild Atlantic waves roaring below. The salty air kissed our cheeks as we took in such magnificent vistas. This was one of the most awaited moments of our best of Ireland trip.
At Burren National Park, we continued our journey through Ireland’s natural landscapes. Visiting a local family’s farm helped us understand more of the land’s heritage and how beef production is an integral part of the country’s economy. By late afternoon, Galway welcomed us with open arms for the final hours of our tour. The hum of Halloween celebrations shared a glimpse of local life and this holiday’s growing importance. As we wandered the lively streets, we knew our TourTailors Ireland journey had come full circle!
Day 6: A Toast to the Journey, "Sláinte!"
Our final day in Ireland allowed us to learn more about one of this country’s most beloved spirits, whisky! Surrounded by copper stills at a local distillery, we had the opportunity to listen to the country’s centuries-old whisky-making craft that combines tradition with innovation and evolution. The tasting session greeted us with the scent of oak and malt, a liquid reflection of the land itself!
As we began our drive back to Dublin, the past few days and the memories we created at each destination unfolded like a farewell letter. This Ireland FAM trip had been more than a route across a map; it was a voyage through emotion, culture and connection. From a music-filled evening to moving natural landscapes and insightful walking tours, we had the chance to truly meet Ireland’s soul.
Begin Your Own Irish Story!
With our journey coming to a close, we found ourselves even more passionate about Ireland as a destination filled with magic and wondrous landscapes. From Dublin’s vibrant streets to the dramatic Cliffs of Moher and Killarney’s tranquil atmosphere, every moment of this adventure deepened our connection with the country and helped us unveil its most treasured secrets. Now, it is our turn to inspire you to embark on your very own authentic Ireland experience. With our expertise and your dreams, we are ready to help you craft the most unforgettable tour. Ready to discover the island that captures hearts, one story at a time?
