Not in the literal sense, of course, but Ireland certainly delivers in providing a treasure chest of lush, green landscapes, famous sites, and wonderful experiences. The Emerald Isle is also home to a local population that is both warm and welcoming. After 10 days in this magical land, you will find it hard not to fall in love.
A message from your good friend Jeff Tumarkin:
A couple of weeks ago a group of your former EPA friends were reminiscing over food and drink at the Irish Inn in Glen Echo, MD when I was asked to organize a trip to Ireland! How could I deny this fantastic group - Betsy Tam, Mike Northridge & his wife Sara, Kate Blow McGloon & her husband Kevin, and Nancy Deck! Well, their wish was my command, please look through this fantastic itinerary for a trip to Ireland scheduled for next May 5-15. There will only be 16 slots available so sign up ASAP as I expect this trip to sell out quickly!
Sláinte
-Jeff Tumarkin
Airfare to Dublin is NOT included in your travel package. The main reasons why it is not include the following:
Many travelers wish to either arrive earlier or return later than our posted dates of travel
Travelers prefer to make their own bookings on the carrier of their choice in order to earn or use their air miles
Most airlines do not post their flights available for booking until about 330 days prior to departure. At that time, GoEuro Adventures will contact all travelers with a recommended carrier and flights for those who wish to travel together to Dublin but you are not obligated to book with that particular carrier.
THE FOLLOWING FLIGHTS ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR BOOKINGS BUT ARE ONLY LISTED BELOW TO PROVIDE YOU AN IDEA OF WHAT IS CURRENTLY BEING ADVERTISED BY THE AIRLINES (PLEASE NOTE THE FARE DOES NOT INCLUDE A CJHECKED BAG .... GENERALLY THAT WILL ADD ABOUT $150-$200 TO THE FARE)
The Cliffs of Moher are a geological masterpiece, standing as a sheer, vertical wall of sandstone and shale that drops abruptly into the Atlantic Ocean. They are the defining image of Ireland’s "Wild Atlantic Way"—a raw, windswept boundary where the European continent meets the sea.
The cliffs do not just drop straight down; they are composed of distinct horizontal layers of rock, like a giant, petrified stack of pancakes.
Height & Scale: They stretch for 8 kilometers (5 miles) and rise from a modest 120 meters at Hag's Head to a staggering 214 meters (702 feet) near O'Brien's Tower.
The "Giant's Staircase": The face of the cliffs shows 300 million years of history, with visible layers of siltstone, shale, and sandstone formed by an ancient river delta.
The Sea Stacks: Jagged pillars of rock, like the 67-meter-high An Branán Mór, stand isolated in the water, having been separated from the mainland by centuries of erosion.
Set in 40 acres of woodland overlooking the River Laune, Beaufort House and the Courtyard Cottages provide luxury accommodation in County Kerry. Based upon double occupancy, all travelers will have their own en-suite bedroom in either the main house or one of the cottages. Our group will have exclusive use of the Beaufort House during our stay.
Situated only 10 minutes from Killarney, close to the Gap of Dunloe, the Ring of Kerry and Killarney National Park,
local attractions include Fishing, Golf, Walking, Riding and Sightseeing.
We will have the services of our own private cook team for the week to prepare breakfast & dinner each day at the Beaufort House.
Established in 1932 as Ireland's first national park, Killarney National Park is a 10,000-hectare UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in County Kerry. It is a stunning blend of rugged mountains—including the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, home to Ireland's highest peaks—and the world-famous three Lakes of Killarney.
🌲 Top Natural Highlights
The Lakes of Killarney: Comprising Lough Leane, Muckross Lake, and Upper Lake. You can explore them via traditional open-top boat tours or by kayaking.
Torc Waterfall: A spectacular 20-meter high waterfall located at the base of Torc Mountain, easily accessible by a short walk from the N71.
Native Red Deer: The park is home to the only remaining indigenous herd of red deer in Ireland, which have inhabited the area since Neolithic times.
Ancient Woodlands: You’ll find some of the oldest oak and yew forests in Western Europe here, specifically the Reenadinna Yew Wood.
While the National Park is the natural soul of the area, the Town of Killarney is its vibrant, beating heart. It manages to feel like a cozy village while offering world-class hospitality, famous pubs, and a variety of shops & stores.
The Ring of Kerry is a 179-kilometer (111-mile) circuit around the Iveragh Peninsula that serves as a concentrated "greatest hits" of Irish landscape. It is widely considered one of the most scenic drives in the world, characterized by a dramatic transition from lush, emerald-green valleys to rugged, salt-sprayed Atlantic cliffs.
The Gap of Dunloe is a scenic, 11-km narrow mountain pass in County Kerry, Ireland, formed by glaciers between the MacGillycuddy Reeks and Purple Mountain. It runs from Kate Kearney’s Cottage to the Black Valley, featuring five lakes, the "Wishing Bridge," and dramatic rocky scenery.
IRISH DANCING PERFORMANCE IN KILLARNEY
If you're in Killarney, you are in one of the best places in Ireland to experience Irish Dancing. It’s not just a tourist attraction here; it’s a deeply rooted part of the local culture, ranging from the world-famous "riverdance" style to traditional "Set Dancing" found in country pubs.
They give a spectacular performance and is not to be missed!
The Blarney Stone (the Stone of Eloquence) is one of Ireland’s most iconic—and unusual—traditions. Located at the top of Blarney Castle in County Cork, it is roughly a 1 hour and 15 minute drive from Killarney, making it a very popular day trip.
According to local lore, anyone who kisses the stone is bestowed with the gift of the gab—the ability to speak with great eloquence, charm, and persuasiveness.
The Origin: The term "Blarney" supposedly entered the English language during the time of Queen Elizabeth I. The local Lord, Cormac Teige McCarthy, was so skilled at stalling the Queen's demands with flattering, witty talk that she eventually exclaimed in frustration, "This is all Blarney; what he says he never means!"
🤸 The Ritual
Kissing the stone is a bit of a physical feat. It isn't just a matter of leaning over; it requires a specific technique:
You climb to the very top of the 15th-century castle.
You lie on your back and hold onto two iron rails.
An attendant holds your waist as you lean backwards and downwards over a gap in the battlements (about 90 feet above the ground).
You plant a kiss on the limestone block while hanging upside down. Don't worry—there are safety bars beneath the gap now!
🏰 Blarney Castle & Gardens
Many visitors come just for the stone, but the surrounding estate is often the highlight of the trip
Known as the "Gourmet Capital of Ireland," Kinsale is a postcard-perfect coastal town in County Cork. It’s famous for its narrow, winding streets lined with shops painted in every imaginable color—bright pinks, deep teals, and sunny yellows.
If the Ring of Kerry is the grand "must-see," the Dingle Peninsula is often the "local favorite." It is more compact, more rugged, and feels even more ancient. From Killarney, it’s about a 1-hour drive to reach the town of Dingle, which serves as the gateway to the peninsula.
The Slea Head Drive is a 47km (30-mile) loop that starts and ends in Dingle town. It is part of the Wild Atlantic Way and offers some of the most dramatic coastal views in Europe.
Dunmore Head: The westernmost point of mainland Ireland. It was a filming location for Star Wars: The Last Jedi (the site of the Ahch-To beehive huts).
Coumeenoole Beach: A stunning crescent of sand with turquoise water, framed by jagged cliffs. Note: Swimming is dangerous here due to currents, but the views are unbeatable.
The Blasket Islands: You can look out at these deserted islands from the shore or visit the Great Blasket Centre in Dunquin to learn about the hardy community that lived there until 1953.
The Dingle Peninsula is a treasure trove of early Christian and prehistoric sites:
Gallarus Oratory: A perfectly preserved, dry-stone Christian chapel built over 1,000 years ago. It is shaped like an upturned boat and remains completely watertight to this day without a drop of mortar.
Beehive Huts (Clocháns): Ancient stone dwellings dot the landscape, particularly along the cliffs near Slea Head.
Often overshadowed by the famous Cliffs of Moher, the Kerry Cliffs (located near the village of Portmagee) are considered by many locals and seasoned travelers to be the superior experience. They are higher, more rugged, and significantly less crowded.
From Killarney, it is a spectacular 1 hour and 20 minute drive along the Ring of Kerry route.
Height: The cliffs tower over 300 meters (1,000 feet) above the Atlantic Ocean. For comparison, they are significantly higher than the Cliffs of Moher.
The Skelligs: This is the absolute best vantage point on the mainland to see Skellig Michael and Little Skellig. On a clear day, you can see the jagged monastic island looking like a shark's tooth rising out of the water.
Puffin Watching: Since it will be in May, we are in luck! This is peak season for Puffins. They nest in the cliff faces and can often be seen diving into the waves or resting on the grassy ledges.
Unlike Moher, which has a massive visitor center built into the hillside, the Kerry Cliffs experience is more raw:
The Walk: A well-maintained but steep path leads from the car park up to the viewing platforms. It takes about 10–15 minutes to reach the top.
Safety: There are secure fences and viewing "balconies," so you can get right to the edge and look straight down into the crashing surf without the vertigo of an unfenced ledge.
The Echo: On a windy day, the sound of the Atlantic hitting the base of these 400-million-year-old rocks is thunderous.
Private bus & driver