A Taste of Ireland

We catch the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin and continue onwards to our hotel in Enniscorthy, our base for the next four nights.

A Taste of Ireland

This morning, we make our way to the charming town of Kilkenny. Discover the famous Medieval Mile, which captures 800 years of history with its award-winning museum, impressive castle, delightful Rothe Gardens and St Canice’s round tower, one of three climbable towers in Ireland. The riverside walks and traditional pubs are not to be missed too.

Full Day

A Taste of Ireland

The medieval city of Dublin awaits. 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 with museums, art galleries, wonderful architecture and numerous friendly pubs serving up the perfect pint of Guinness. We also have the option to join a guided tour of the city to get to know Dublin’s wonderful architecture and fascinating past.

Full Day

A Taste of Ireland

Enjoy a day at leisure today, exploring the historic town of Enniscorthy and relaxing at our welcoming hotel, or choose to join an optional excursion. Ireland’s history is brought to life at our first stop, the Dunbrody Famine Ship at New Ross. On a guided tour, we learn about the bravery of Irish people onboard an authentic replica of an 1840s emigrant boat, complete with costumed performers, insightful displays and details of their harrowing journey. After weeks spent dangerously crossing the Atlantic, the emigrants arrived in North America and made up a quarter of the population in Boston, New York City, Philadelphia and Baltimore by 1850. Our second stop is the charming county town of Wexford on the mouth of the picturesque River Slaney. There are plenty of fascinating sights to discover, from the well-preserved ancient West Gate Tower to the beautiful ruined Selskar Abbey, which stands on the site where the first Anglo-Irish peace treaty was signed. Take the opportunity to wander through the narrow streets or enjoy true Irish hospitality in the many pubs and restaurants.

Full Day

A Taste of Ireland

After a leisurely breakfast, we check out of our hotel and catch the ferry back to Holyhead. On arrival in Holyhead, we continue our journey home.

Experience the joy of nightly live entertainment at the hotel as musicians strike up reels and jigs in a convivial traditional Irish music session. Expect foot-tapping rhythms, storytelling ballads and warm camaraderie.

From the pulse of the bodhrán and fiddle to lilting airs on whistle or accordion, these informal gatherings capture Ireland’s social heartbeat. Raise a glass, sway to the chorus and sing along to beloved ballads that travel easily from stage to crowd.

Taste the island’s hearty larder during a traditional Irish buffet at Treacy’s. Expect comforting favourites—beef and stout stew, bacon and cabbage, creamy colcannon, smoked salmon with lemon and capers—before sweet finales like apple tart or porter cake.

Savour farm-fresh produce, sample regional specialties and spread thick slices of buttery soda bread. The rhythm of conversation, easy laughter and warm Irish hospitality turn dinner into a cultural encounter as much as a meal.

Join a guided panoramic tour that reveals Dublin’s story from Viking settlement to elegant Georgian avenues (additional cost; bookable on tour). See the graceful Georgian doors of Merrion Square, riverside Custom House, and storied landmarks including St Patrick’s Cathedral and the postcard-worthy Ha’penny Bridge.

Insightful commentary brings the city’s writers, rebels and architects to life—from the 1916 Rising at the GPO to leafy expanses of Phoenix Park—offering context and photo stops that deepen your appreciation of the capital’s character.

Step aboard the Dunbrody Famine Ship in New Ross for a costumed guided tour through cramped steerage bunks and captain’s quarters (additional cost; bookable on tour). First-person stories evoke the Great Famine diaspora and the perilous Atlantic crossings of the 1840s.

Continue to Wexford’s narrow streets, quays and market vibe. Discover the weathered stones of Selskar Abbey and West Gate Tower, learn of Norse roots and Norman rule, and enjoy time to browse cafés and independent shops in this characterful coastal town.

Explore Dublin’s spirited streets, from the broad sweep of O’Connell Street and the GPO to the scholarly calm of Trinity College. Admire the medieval grandeur of St Patrick’s Cathedral, cross the River Liffey via the elegant Ha’penny Bridge, and soak up the pub-lined lanes of Temple Bar.

Once Europe’s fifth-largest city, Dublin blends Viking roots, Georgian grace and revolutionary memory. Lively quays, colourful doors and literary echoes create a richly layered capital, ideal for unhurried discovery between gracious squares and lively music spilling from doorways.

Taste Ireland’s culinary heart at Treacy’s Hotel as you watch a chef-led cooking demonstration highlighting homely classics—think slow-simmered stew, rustic soda bread and butter-glossed potatoes—before you sample regional dishes fresh from the stove.

Learn the lore of Dublin’s iconic stout with the ritual of the perfect two-part pour, then try your hand to pull a pint of Guinness. The creamy head, nitrogen cascade and timely settle turn pouring into performance—rounded off with a cheerful “Sláinte!”.

Discover Ireland’s compact medieval showpiece as you trace the Medieval Mile from the green sweep of Kilkenny Castle to the cathedral quarter. Thread through merchant lanes and craft studios, then unwind amid the tree-lined lawns of Castle Park beside the slow-curving River Nore.

Take in the silhouette of St Canice’s Cathedral and round tower and admire Tudor facades like Rothe House. Stories of Norman strongholds and Hiberno-English lords enrich every corner as you pause for photos and reflection among stone towers and slate rooftops.