Inspiring Ireland

This spring break join RTT on an epic trip to Ireland. The island’s culture is a unique blend of historical influences and contemporary dynamics, rich in history with a natural beauty that is truly captivating. Fondly referred to as Emerald Island, Ireland is well known for its vast and lush green fields, sheep farms, and rugged coastline especially the famous Cliffs of Moher. Highlights on our tour include cities like Dublin, Galway, Kilkenny and natural beauties such as the Ring of Kerry and the Connemara National Park. We will visit traditional pubs, local Castles, taste Whiskey in one of the oldest distilleries on the island and will be let in on the Guinness beer brewing secret.

Day 1: Cherbourg, France - Dublin, Ireland

We journey from Ramstein directly to our first stop, the Port of Cherbourg, France. Here we board our ferry and check in to our pre-booked rooms before it is time to set sail for Ireland. The modern ship is equipped with an a la carte restaurant, buffet restaurant, pub, supermarket as well as trend shops.  

Day 2: Kilbeggan, Athlone, Galway                            

After a mid-day arrival at the port of Dublin, we board our motor coach and start our journey through the idyllic green and lush landscapes of Ireland. Our first stop will be one of Ireland’s oldest distilleries. For over 200 years, the Kilbeggan Distillery produces the finest Irish Whiskey crafted from corn and malted barley, embodying tradition and innovation capturing the towns “spirit” just right. After our tasting and some free time in the distilleries store, we continue our tour across Ireland. Our next stop is in Athlon, proud home to the oldest pub in all Ireland and perhaps in the world. Here we stop for the opportunity to have lunch, visit the thousand years old Athlone Castle or marvel at the largest river in Ireland at your own pace. Equipped with our first authentic sense of Irish history we continue to our final destination for today and check in to our Hotel in Galway.  

Day 3: Connemara National Park, Kylemore Abbey 

After breakfast at the hotel, we meet our local guide and embark on an all-day guided sightseeing adventure into the most beautiful and untamed coastal regions, the Connemara National Park. The park stretches over 3,000 hectares of vastness and greenery as far as the eye can see. Lonely islands that rise in the distance reflecting in almost magical dark blue lakes and the wind gently blowing through the lush heather, creating a feeling of endless solitude. “Savage Beauty” is how famous writer Oscar Wild once described this place. In the middle of this seemingly unreal fairytale landscape, the romantic Kylemore Abbey, almost regal and pictorially located on Lough Pollacapall. After a thorough visit of the former Castle turned Abbey, we enjoy a traditional “afternoon tea” with hot beverage and a taste of the famous scones. Back in town the remainder of the day is yours to explore the town of Galway at your own pace. 

Day 4: Cliffs of Moher 

After breakfast at the hotel, it is time to check out on continue on to the southern part of the Island. Today’s highlight is the legendary Cliffs of Moher. The cliffs boast one of Ireland's most stunning views, towering over the rugged west coast at a staggering height, leaving visitors awestruck with its natural beauty. According to local legend, the Cliffs of Moher are believed to be home to otherworldly beings and mystical creatures. Late afternoon we check in to our hotel, giving you ample time to explore the charming town at your own pace.      

Day 5: Ring of Kerry 

After breakfast at the Hotel, we meet our local guide and explore one of Ireland’s most visited attractions, the Ring of Kerry. We take the most beautiful panoramic roads in Europe driving through gentle hilly landscapes with sparkling deep blue lakes, pristine golden sandy beaches set against breathtaking cliffs and lushes green meadows speckled with peacefully grazing sheep and cows. Today we will visit a traditional sheep farm and marvel at the great interaction between shepherd and sheepdogs.  

Day 6: Muckross House, Kilkenny, Dublin 

After breakfast at the hotel and check out, it is time to embark on a new adventure. On our way to Dublin we will visit Muckross House, a magnificent Victorian mansion in the heart of the Killarney National Park, a big part of Irish architectural history and one of the most interesting sights in the country. After visiting the mansion and spending some free time at the magnificent park we continue our adventure. Next stop, Kilkenny. Here we visit the brewery of the famous Kilkenny Irish Red Ale, an Irish beer of the highest quality that represents true Irish lifestyle, a well-balanced masterpiece of traditional Irish brewing art. After thoroughly enjoying a pint and some free time we continue on to Dublin, the heart of Ireland. Late check in to our hotel.      

Day 7 – Day 8: Dublin 

After breakfast at the hotel, we will meet with our local guide and explore the different areas and most important highlights of the city such as the Temple Bar district, known for its pubs and nightlife and a tour through the famous Guinness factory with tasting. Dublin is also an important place for literature and art, being home to some of the most famous writers and poets such as James Joyce and W.B. Yeats.  The city has numerous art galleries and museums, including the National Museum of Ireland and the Irish Museum of Modern Art.  Dublin is a vibrant city full of history and culture. It is known for its friendly residents, picturesque streets and vibrant music scene. Dublin also offers a wealth of attractions including the famous Trinity College, St Patrick's Cathedral and the Guinness Storehouse. Here in Dublin enjoy an extended amount of free time. 

Day 9: Dublin, Ireland - Cherbourg, France 

After breakfast at the hotel and check out the time has come to set sail back to the mainland. We board our ferry and check in to our pre-booked room for our overnight journey back to France.