Ireland is overflowing with a majestic history, awe-inspiring natural beauty, vibrant culture, and fun! From Norman castles overlooking wild and empty lush green landscapes to Georgian country houses, and whisky distilleries, the Emerald Isle is brimming with drama and spectacle. On your Irish adventure, a land of legends and mystical folklore awaits as you see the spectacular cliff of Moher, stone-clad castles like Bunratty and Blarney, cultural treasures such as the Book of Kells, and with exquisite tasting experiences from world-famous Guinness to the distillery of acclaimed Jameson Irish whiskey. In Ireland's historic pubs and bars, you can delve into the rich Irish custom of storytelling as you hear enchanting tales of days gone by. And in the bustling Temple Bar, you could celebrate your visit with a pint of Guinness. But what indeed makes a trip to Ireland unforgettable is its people. Here, in Ireland, you'll find a unique blend of warmth, humor, and irreverence that you won't find anywhere else in the world!

Irish Culture • Dublin • The Book of Kells • Waterford Crystal Factory • Blarney Castle • Blarney Woolen Mills • Bunratty Castle and Folk Park •Jameson Distillery • Cork • Adare Village • Killarney • Killarney National Park and Lakes •Jaunting car ride •Enjoy a pint in a local pub • Irish whiskey • Galway the city of tribes • Clonmacnoise • Temple Bar • Evening of Irish Storytelling • The United Kingdom • Malahide Castle • Belfast • The Giant’s Causeway • Titanic Experience, and much, much more…

Katie Johnsen  at the Greater Reading Chamber 

Phone: (610) 898-7779 

 E-mail at: kjohnsen@greaterreading.org  

Set off on your overnight international trip to Dublin.  Meals and beverages are served on board. 

Welcome to the beautiful capital of Eire, Dublin! Your journey begins with a professional driver guide who will meet you at the airport and take you on an unforgettable sightseeing tour. Marvel at the world-renowned Grafton St, the statuesque O'Connell Street, and the grand St Patrick's Cathedral. Enjoy a unique experience of EPIC Ireland, where the stories of the Irish nation come alive through 20 extraordinary galleries that show Ireland's impact on world culture. After a well-deserved check-in at your hotel this afternoon, enjoy a delicious dinner and relax. Dublin awaits; come explore! (D)

Leaving Dublin behind, you head south through lush green countryside and small villages to experience a journey through centuries of craftsmanship and tradition with a visit to majestic Waterford, home of the world-renowned House of Waterford. Established in 1783, Waterford Crystal has become one of the most iconic brands in the world, having crafted the iconic Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball and the chandeliers of Westminster Abbey. Visit the main crystal factory complex and witness skilled artisans molding molten crystal into breathtaking pieces of art. Explore the extensive collection of dazzling crystal pieces and find the perfect one to bring home as a memento of your journey. Conclude your day by checking in to your hotel in Cork. Welcome to Cork. Ireland's second-largest city, beloved by its locals, who proudly deem it the "real capital of Ireland." (B)

Awaken your senses and explore the wonders of Ireland when you embark on a captivating cultural journey to the iconic Blarney Castle. Built 600 years ago, this historic landmark is renowned for its famed Blarney Stone, where legend tells that those who kiss the stone will be blessed with the "Gift of Gab." Afterward, step into the past as you visit the Blarney Woolen Mills, originally built in 1823 as a water-powered mill and now a bustling shopping destination for quality Irish-made goods. Then, take a tour of the Jameson Experience and learn about the history and making of Irish whiskey, followed by a tasting of its whiskeys. Visit the old kilns, mills, maltings, waterwheel, still house, distiller's cottage, cooperage, and warehouses that were part of the distillery's operations for 150 years. Conclude your journey with a leisurely evening spent exploring Cork's vibrant pub scene. (B) 

After breakfast, take a step back in time and experience Ireland’s most traditional mode of transport on a Jaunting Car tour to discover the treasures of Killarney National Park and the famous Lakes of Killarney. Killarney National Park boasts 10,236 hectares of lush green landscape. From majestic mountains to ancient oak woods, take in the stunning views and witness Ireland's only wild herd of native red deer. Next, experience an Irish custom, enjoy a pint in a local pub. Tonight, you will check into your hotel in the Killarney Area. (B,D)

Start your journey today in the picturesque town of Adare, renowned for its string of pristine thatched cottages, a reminder of its 19th-century English landlord, the Earl of Dunraven. Here, the quaint shops are filled with charming arts and crafts to explore. Then, head to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, the most complete and well-preserved medieval fortress in Ireland, restored in 1954 to its ancient magnificence and now displaying 15th and 16th-century artifacts, tapestries, and works of art. Onwards, you will marvel at the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher, where the 214-meter-high vertical cliffs plunge straight into the Atlantic Ocean. On clear days, the views stretch to the Aran Islands and the hills of Connemara. Finally, arrive in Galway, a vibrant city filled with pubs, restaurants, and cafes, where you can enjoy live music and street theatre. Check in to your hotel and relax. (B,D)

This morning enjoy some free time to uncover the wonders of Galway. Enjoy a stroll around the city before heading to the early Christian site of Clonmacnoise, founded by Saint Ciaran in the 6th century alongside the River Shannon. The site comprises of a cathedral, eight churches, two round towers, three high crosses, and Celtic grave slabs. Onwards you arrive back in Dublin to experience the spirit of the Irish through its music and dance at our "experience Ceilí" or "Bodhrán Craic event." Learn traditional Irish dances and explore the history of Irish music during this lively event, where you become the show's star as you take a turn playing the Bodhrán (pronounced bowran) drum. Finally, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local

restaurant. (B,D)

Today, immerse yourself in the country's heritage and beermaking culture with a visit to Trinity College and the Guinness Storehouse. Enter Trinity College to marvel at the 9th-century Book of Kells, Ireland's most famous medieval manuscript, and then take a tour of the iconic Guinness Storehouse. Here you will learn about the brewing process and trace the brand's journey from Dublin to the world. You cap off your visit by tasting Ireland's most famous export. Cheers! This evening, you explore the cultural heart of Dublin with dinner at a pub, enjoying traditional Irish food, folklore, and spirited Irish music. (B,D)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to the USA (B)

This morning you will visit Malahide Castle, one of Ireland's oldest and most renowned strongholds and home to the Talbot family for over 800 years. Experience the interactive exhibit situated in a cavern that regales the history of the Talbot family, including stories of their resident ghosts! Embark on a guided tour of the reception rooms, taking in the magnificence of this legendary landmark. Visit Belfast and the United Kingdom next and explore the social history of Northern Ireland's capital with a panoramic tour. See the Grand Opera House, Albert Memorial Clock, Queen's University, Botanic Gardens, and Belfast City Hall, among other sights! This afternoon check-in to your hotel and relax. (B,D)

Head out this morning to visit the Giant's Causeway at the foot of the basalt cliffs in County Antrim. Made up of 40,000 massive black basalt columns, the Giant's Causeway has a story that dates to the legendary Irish giant Finn McCool. Legend has it that Finn McCool created the causeway to cross the Irish Sea and battle his Scottish rival, Benandonner. After a fierce fight, Benandonner fled back to Scotland, taking the causeway with him. Later today, visit the Titanic Experience. The Titanic Experience is the world's most accurate retelling of the iconic story, spread over nine interactive galleries. Explore the sights, sounds, smells, and stories of the ship, as well as the people and city that made her. Cap off your evening with dinner at the hotel. (B,D)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to the USA, with memories of the Emerald Green Isle, and stories of leprechauns, and their pot of gold! (B)