Emerald Isle Ancestry Adventure
Summer 2027
Itinerary
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AerLingus Nonstop to Dublin
Business class lay flat seats
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Arrive Dublin Airport 9:30am
Pick up rental car and drive north to your ancestral village of Naul (20 min)
Meet the descendants of James Gilsenan
Visit the grave of Philip and his family in Naul Cemetery
Visit the town’s cultural center and local craftsman
Stay 1 night @ Bellinter House Hotel, an 18th Century Georgian Manner (30 min)
Relax for the afternoon, get a massage and enjoy wine in the outdoor hot tub
Watch the sun set on the Hill of Tara, Irelands Ancient Capitol (10 min) before enjoying dinner at the hotel
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Hit the road to Co. Clare
Stop at Clonmacnoise Monastic site, home of three of Irelands most magnificent High Crosses, standing 13 feet tall (1.5 hours)
Stay 2 nights @ Dromoland Castle (1.5 hours)
Enjoy a Falconry experience in the afternoon
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Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at the hotel
O'Briens Tower and the Cliffs of Moher (1 hour)
Visit the village and Cathedral of Kilfenora, gateway to the Burren, home of the famed seven High Crosses and Shelley’s ancestral roots
Afternoon shopping and Trad pub music evening in Ennis (15 min from hotel)
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Drive to Killarney (1 hour 45 min)
Stay 3 nights @ Randels Hotel
Junior Suite with Mountain View
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Torc Waterfall stroll
Ladies View scenic spot
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Spend the day driving the famed Ring of Kerry
Village of Kenmare
Derrynane Ferry Trail
Kerry Cliffs and Beehive Village
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Head to Dublin
Blarney Castle - kiss the Blarney Stone for good luck!
Photo stops at Cahir Castle and Rock of Cashel
Return the rental car
Stay 3 Nights @ The Grafton Hotel
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Trinity College & the Book of Kells
EPIC Immigration Museum
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Have some pints exploring the local streets and Grafton Street shopping
Visit St. Stephen's Green
Afternoon Tea at the Shelborne Lord Mayors Lounge
St. Patrick's Cathedral (Evensong every day at 5:30pm)
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Morning to relax and pack
Head to the airport
Arrive back in Orlando at 9pm
County Dublin
Bellinter House
DAY 1
Spend your first morning in Ireland reconnecting with your roots in the tiny village of Naul just north of Dublin, then relax at the 18th Century Georgian manor turned hotel and spa. After a few glasses of wine, a massage and soak in the forest-surrounded hot tub, watch the sun set from the Hill of Tara, Ireland’s sacred site and ancient capitol.
As you head to Co. Clare the next day, visit the 13-foot Irish High Crosses at Clonmacnoise.
Relax on 450 acres of landscaped gardens, ancient woodlands, and lush countryside at this 800-year-old medieval and Victorian castle that has hosted some of the world’s most famous people including Nelson Mandela, John Lennon, and President George W. Bush. Take a walk through lush forestry with your own falcon as you release and catch while learning raptor hunting, feeding and training.
Dromoland Castle is the perfectly positioned fairytale location to explore the Cliffs of Moher and the folk music of Ennis from. While you’re here, party like a Lord at the Medieval Banquet of nearby Bunratty Castle.
County Clare
Dromoland Castle
DAY 2 - 3
Killarney
Randels Hotel
DAY 4 - 6
Revel in the stunning scenery of Ireland’s first National Park. Step back in time with a horse-drawn jaunting car ride to Muckross Abbey, where 100+ year old elm trees rise from the ruins. Hop on horseback for a ride through the beautiful national park, enjoying nature and savoring the peace and quiet of the trails. Visit Torc waterfall, nestled in the forest, and take in the rugged landscape from Ladies View, named for Queen Anne’s ladies in waiting who marveled here long ago.
On your final day here, take a scenic drive around the famed Ring of Kerry, stopping in the waterside village of Kenmare, roaming the Fairy Trail of Derrynane, and taking in the coastal islands from the Kerry Cliffs.
Dublin
The Grafton Hotel
DAY 7 - 9
On the road to Dublin, visit Blarney Castle and kiss the famed stone for good luck. Pause for photo stops at Cahir Castle and the hilltop fortress of the Rock of Cashel.
Spend two days being captivated by Dublin’s charming cobblestone streets, lively pubs, and welcoming locals. From the central location of the hip Grafton Hotel, you’ll have easy access to all on offer. Explore iconic landmarks like Trinity College and the Book of Kells, lose yourself in the pubs and boutiques of Temple Bar, and imagine the paths of your ancestors at EPIC Emigration Museum. For your final evening, attend the choral majesty of Evensong at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral.
Independent Land Cost
$7,300 (for two)
Inclludes:
9 nights hotels including a Five Star castle stay, with 6 breakfasts
Spa treatments, jaunting car tour, horseback ride, and medieval castle dinner show
Dublin Hop On Bus Tour, EPIC Emmigration Museum and Trinity Book of Kells admission
Rental car for 10 days