Céad Mile Fáilte

This itinerary is the starting point for your tour, but it’s not set in stone. If there are days you would like to change, or specific places you’d like to go, we can work with you to create a personalized program that fits the needs of you and your students.

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2: Dublin

Arrive in Dublin, a former Viking settlement at the mouth of the River Liffey and now Ireland's capital. Meet your ACIS Tour Manager and begin exploring your surroundings.

Day 3: Dublin

Morning sightseeing with a local guide introduces you to Dublin. Discover statue-filled O'Connell Street, see Ha'Penny Bridge and admire the interior of St. Patrick's Cathedral. Then visit the EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin's Docklands for an engaging and interactive look at the Irish diaspora. This afternoon, you'll experience Irish culture through a unique Gaelic Games experience. Meet a coach at a local sporting club and try traditional sports such as Gaelic football, handball and hurling.

Day 4: Cork

Today's journey brings you first to the imposing ruins of the Rock of Cashel, offering panoramic views over the Golden Vale's rolling green hills as you explore its ancient fortifications. Entrance is included to Cormac's Chapel, noted for its Romanesque architecture, stone carvings, and 800-year-old frescoes. Continue to Blarney Castle, where you can acquire Ireland's famous eloquence by kissing the Blarney Stone. We'll stop tonight in the southern port city of Cork.

Day 5: Killarney

This morning stop first at the Queenstown Story exhibition at Cobh Heritage Center to learn about Cobh’s role as Ireland’s most important port of emigration. Later, we make our way along the coast to explore the quaint village and popular holiday resort of Kinsale at the mouth of the River Bandon. Your final destination today is Killarney. As you begin to explore, perhaps take an authentic jaunting tour from Muckross House through Killarney National Park.

Day 6: Killarney

A full-day excursion takes you along the Ring of Kerry’s stunning, rugged coastline past stone walls, heather and beautiful Lough Leane. The drive along the Ring’s 100-mile scenic loop includes stops for photos as well as an opportunity to watch a sheepdog demonstration showcasing this talented canine’s herding skills. Return to Killarney for dinner.

Day 7: Galway

Your journey swings north to Bunratty Folk Park and Castle, a recreation of rural life in Ireland at the turn of the century. We’ll drive through the unique, nature-carved limestone landscape of the Burren, dotted with interesting archaeological and historical sites, before arriving at the dramatic and exhilarating Cliffs of Moher. The delightful city of Galway is your final destination today. Perhaps start to get to know it with an evening stroll of its medieval center.

Day 8: Dublin

On our way back to Dublin, dive deep into the Irish countryside with the chance to be Irish for a Day. Experience rural Irish culture and partake in traditional activities such as bodhran drum lessons, sugán rope making, a bog visit, and brown bread baking, followed by lunch on the farm. Continue to Dublin in the afternoon and contrast the different customs and practices of the country's rural and urban dwellers. Tonight you may opt to be transported to the land of fairies and banshees with an optional evening full of traditional Irish food, music and folklore—participation encouraged!

Day 9: Departure

Depart for the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Enhance your European experience with a two-night extension to Belfast via bus from Dublin, including sightseeing, the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Giant's Causeway and Dunluce Castle.