Dublin Daytripper

Your tour departs at 2:00 PM from your Dublin hotel. Take a panoramic tour of Dublin, seeing its grand Georgian buildings and squares, the River Liffey, and historic O’Connell Street. Visit EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, an award-winning, high-tech museum that chronicles the journeys made by Irish emigrants around the globe, and details the stories of the new lives made by the Irish abroad. Dine this evening at Cleaver East, in the Clarence Hotel’s famed for being once owned by several members of U2. (D)

Visit Newbridge Silverware in Kildare, makers of fine cutlery, dazzling jewelry, and more since 1934. Tour the factory to see the traditions of craftsmanship, and then stroll through the Museum of Style Icons, housing items once worn by stars such as Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Princess Grace, Princess Diana and the Beatles. Continue on to Kilkenny for a unique sporting experience: an introduction to the world’s oldest and fastest field game, hurling. Kilkenny is the home of many legendary hurling champions, and you’ll have the chance to learn a few skills yourself. Next visit the Kilkenny Design Centre for lunch and free time to explore this little city, rich in medieval heritage. Return to Dublin for dinner on your own. (B, L)

Enjoy the delightful scenery of the Wicklow Mountains on the way to Glendalough. Explore the remains of one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland, founded by St Kevin in the 6th century. Walk through the deep valley to view the picturesque ruins of a round tower, churches, and Celtic crosses. Next, visit Russborough House for a tour of this elegant, 18th-century home with a remarkable art collection. The house is set on 200 acres of parkland and you’ll enjoy a demonstration by skilled sheepdogs as they show their talents in herding their flock. The rest of the day will be yours to explore and dine in Dublin. (B)

Visit Croke Park, Ireland’s most iconic sporting stadium, home of the Gaelic Athletic Association. Tour the museum and discover the culture and traditions of Gaelic games, and the central role of Croke Park in Irish history for over a century. Then ascend to the stadium’s Skyline for thrilling rooftop views of Dublin City and the surrounding mountains and bay. Next, visit the magnificent Malahide Castle to discover its 800-year heritage and see its intricate furniture, stunning artwork, and vintage Victorian toys. Savor lunch at the Abbey Tavern and enjoy the rest of the day free to explore. (B, L)

Visit Windmill Lane Studios, the legendary recording studio where local heroes and global superstars have made music history. See where Irish artists like Van Morrison, U2, and The Cranberries have recorded as well as international stars like The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Ed Sheeran, and Lady Gaga. Spend your afternoon independently touring Dublin on a Hop-On, Hop-Off bus. Your voucher also includes a visit to one of Dublin’s top attractions: Guinness Storehouse, Teeling Distillery, Jameson Distillery Bow St. Experience, or the GPO Museum. For your farewell dinner, enjoy a lively evening of dinner and traditional Irish entertainment at the Merry Ploughboy pub. (B, D)

Your tour ends after breakfast. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner>