Ireland
The Best of Ireland: A Week on the Emerald Isle
Program No. 22088RJ
Go off the beaten path and learn the story of Ireland as you speak with locals, taste authentic cuisine, discover ancient traditions and enjoy expert-led excursions to historic sites.
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DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
May 21 - May 29, 2025
Starting at
3,199Jun 4 - Jun 12, 2025
Starting at
3,199DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Apr 23 - May 1, 2025
Starting at
3,959May 7 - May 15, 2025
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3,959May 14 - May 22, 2025
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3,959May 21 - May 29, 2025
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3,959Jun 4 - Jun 12, 2025
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3,959Jul 2 - Jul 10, 2025
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3,959Jul 30 - Aug 7, 2025
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3,959Aug 13 - Aug 21, 2025
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3,959Sep 3 - Sep 11, 2025
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3,959Sep 10 - Sep 18, 2025
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3,959Oct 15 - Oct 23, 2025
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9 days
8 nights
14 meals
7B 2L 5D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
6
Transfer to Dublin, Waterford
Dublin.
8
Free Time, Irish Music & Dance
Dublin.
9
Program Concludes
Dublin.
At a Glance
From the ancient structures of Cashel to the academic legacy of Trinity College to the cultural hub of Dublin, experience the best of Ireland on this week-long learning adventure. Proud locals and knowledgeable experts take you off the tourist trail to show you the true meaning of their country’s heritage sites and centuries-old traditions.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 3 miles with some stairs in historic buildings.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Hear from a local expert as you explore the historic countryside of the Ring of Kerry.
- Explore historic Trinity College.
- Learn the story of Irish emigration to America and visit Cobh, the point of embarkation for millions of Irish setting sail for the New World.
General Notes
Program includes independent time to explore the city and several meals on your own. Group Leaders will provide directions for self-directed excursions. Suggestions for free-time activities provided in preparatory materials. Give us a call to combine this learning adventure with select dates of "The Best of Northern Ireland: Past, Present and Future" (#22092) for even more learning in Ireland!
Suggested Reading List
(20 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
The Best of Ireland: A Week on the Emerald Isle
Program Number: 22088
Birds of Ireland, An Introduction to Familiar Species
A fold-up, laminated card featuring color drawings and short descriptions of commonly encountered Ireland birds.
Ireland, In Word and Image
Jay Adlersberg's visual celebration of Ireland is accompanied by literary excerpts and poetry from Oscar Wilde, W.B. Yeats, James Joyce, Samuel Beckett and many others. With 75 gorgeous color photographs.
Ireland Map
A colorful map of Ireland at a scale of 1:400,000, featuring insets of the road approaches to major cities, as well as an index to cities, towns and villages.
For the Love of Ireland
Organized geographically, this rich anthology introduces Ireland through the words and lives of such luminaries as James Joyce, W.B. Yeats, Frank McCourt and Samuel Beckett.
Opened Ground, Selected Poems 1966-1996
The publication of Heaney's book Death of a Naturalist in 1966 changed Irish literature -- and poetry worldwide -- forever. Dive into the physical and emotional rhythms of Irish life in this volume, which chronicles the Nobel Laureate's best work from the last 30 years.
Dubliners
James Joyce's unsurpassed collection of short stories depicting ordinary life in Dublin among the lower middle class -- a milestone in the history of prose fiction.
The Celts: A Very Short Introduction
A concise, revealing social history of the Celts by a reigning authority and popular writer.
Irish Fairy and Folk Tales
Edited by the Nobel Prize-winning poet who spearheaded the Celtic Renaissance in the early 20th century, these enchanting stories introduce a cast of changelings, ghosts, mermaids, demons, saints, priests and fairies.
Eyewitness Guide Ireland
This superb guide is a wonderfully illustrated introduction to the country, featuring photographs, maps and short background essays on history and culture.
In Search of Ancient Ireland
This spirited, illustrated history, the companion to a PBS documentary series, traces the foundation, archaeology and legends of ancient Ireland from 9000 B.C. to 1167 A.D. with style and substance.
The Book of Kells
Written by the keeper of manuscripts at Trinity College, this book features 110 color illustrations, including enlargements, of some of the more spectacular decorations in this most famous of medieval manuscripts.
A Traveller's History of Ireland
From the Celts to the Norman invasions to modern-day Ireland, this short history is highly recommended for those who would like a brief overview of the Emerald Isle through the centuries.
The Truth about the Irish
An irreverent A-to-Z guide to all things Irish by a native son and shrewd comic commentator, who casts aside many myths, starting with the first entry - A for alcohol (the Irish have the lowest per capita consumption of alcohol in the E.U., after Greece and Italy).
Sun Dancing, A Vision of Medieval Ireland
This wonderfully inspired combination of scholarship and historical fiction, set at the monastery on Skellig Michael, carries the reader back to Ireland's early monastic tradition.
Connemara Mollie, An Irish Journey on Horseback
Hilary Bradt (publisher of Bradt Guides) recalls her journey across rural Ireland among the people of Galway, Mayo, Clare and Kerry in the 1980s in this sweet -- and sublimely affecting -- memoir.
A Brief History of Ireland
Killeen traces the successive waves of warriors and colonists through the Celts, Vikings and Normans to Henry VIII, the era of rebellion and patriots to modern times in this brisk, measured history.
A Course Called Ireland
Not just a quest to play every seaside course in the Emerald Isle (60 by the time he got to Ulster), Tom Coyne's entertaining portrait of Ireland, its people, pubs and quirks illuminates "Uncommon Acts of Irish Hospitality."
Ireland, A Traveler's Literary Companion
Organized geographically, this anthology of short stories and tales by contemporary Irish authors captures the spirit, history and allure of Ireland.
The Hill Bachelors
No one writes better short fiction than William Trevor. This collection of 12 stories captures the life and people of rural Ireland.
How the Irish Saved Civilization
This bestselling history tells the generally unknown story of Ireland's preservation of classical learning in the Dark Ages, revealing how the saints and scholars, monks and scribes labored to reproduce the important texts that spread as they evangelized Europe.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
9 days
8 nights
What's Included
14 meals (
7B, 2L, 5D
)
1 expert-led lecture
10 expert-led field trips
2 performances
An experienced Group Leader
7 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive Dublin, To Cork, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Cork
Meals:
D
Stay:
Clayton Hotel Cork City
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
Orientation: 5:30 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This program is staffed with a Group Leader who will accompany us throughout the program and deal with logistics, deliver informal talks, conduct some field trips, and serve as an information resource on program-related topics. At various points during the program, we will be joined by local experts, who will lecture and conduct field trips. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
In the hotel dining room, we’ll have a plated and served dinner with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
3
Cork, Cobh, Titanic Trail, The Queenstown Story
Location:
Cork
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Clayton Hotel Cork City
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 40 miles, approximately 2.5 hours. Walking approximately 1.5 miles, periods of standing; paved streets, some cobbled areas, gravel paths, grass lawns. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice. Transport arrangements and driving distances for dinner with local families vary.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room, we’ll have a full Irish breakfast buffet with varying choices including a variety of eggs, breakfast meats, tomato, potatoes, cereals, fruit, toast, pastries and jams, plus juices, coffee, tea water.
Morning:
Boarding a motorcoach, we’ll set out for a panoramic field trip around Cork with commentary provided by a local expert who will explain the historical and architectural significance of major sites along our route. We’ll see the 19th-century Gothic Revival cathedral dedicated to the city’s patron saint Finbarr, the haunting remains of the iconic St Anne’s Asylum buildings overlooking the River Lee, and the 1930s City Hall built after the Irish War of Independence. Our field trip will finish in the bustling city center, where we will have some time for independent exploration.
Lunch:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will have a lecture on Irish Culture delivered by a local expert in a function room at a local hotel. At the conclusion of our lecture we'll board our motorcoach for our transfer to Cobh. Here we will join our local expert for a gentle walk on the Titanic Trail through Cobh, a picturesque seaside town steeped in maritime history. It was the final port of call for the ill-fated RMS Titanic and the departure point for many immigrants to the Americas. We'll follow their story at the Queenstown Story Heritage Centre where we can retrace the steps of the 2.5 million adults and children who emigrated from Ireland on coffin ships, early steamers, and finally on the great liners. After the field trip, we’ll meet members of the families who will host our dinners this evening, and travel to their homes.
Dinner:
In the homes of local host families from the surrounding area, we’ll be treated to family-style meals featuring traditional dishes. Whilst chatting with our hosts and savoring home-cooked Irish cuisine, we’ll learn about the rhythm of daily Irish life. This hosted dinner is subject to confirmation dependent on restrictions and availability.
Evening:
After returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening is at leisure.
Day
4
The Ring of Kerry, Kissane Sheep Farm
Location:
Cork
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Clayton Hotel Cork City
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 215 miles, approximately 7 hours; stops for field trips. Walking approximately 3 miles, periods of standing; varied terrain including paved streets, grass with uneven rocky areas, stone paving, gravel paths, sandy beach.
Breakfast:
In the hotel.
Morning:
This morning we’ll travel by motorcoach with a local expert to explore the Ring of Kerry. We’ll drive to Killarney and begin our panoramic journey around this famous area of outstanding natural beauty. The circuit will take in the towns of Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Caherdaniel, and Sneem. We will also learn about the special geography and climate as we travel around.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like in the delightful village of Waterville.
Afternoon:
The picturesque village of Sneem comprises two squares, North and South, with a bridge acting as a knot between them. We’ll have some time to explore the village independently on foot as we continue our field trip around the Ring of Kerry. After regrouping, we will also visit the family-run Kissane Sheep Farm in Kenmare, County Kerry. A traditional, working farm with approximately 1,000 mountain sheep and hundreds of lambs, the farm is run by John and Anne Kissane, and has been in the hands of the same family for the last 150 years. One of the farmers will lead us around the fields and yards, explaining the Kissanes’ efforts to preserve the heritage of Irish mountain sheep farming, and we’ll see some of the seasonal activities that take place on the farm.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant en route back to Cork, we’ll have a plated and served meal.
Evening:
After returning to the hotel by motorcoach, the remainder of the evening is at leisure.
Day
5
Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle, Blarney Stone
Location:
Cork
Meals:
B
Stay:
Clayton Hotel Cork City
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 130 miles, approximately 3.5 hours. Walking approximately 3 miles, periods of standing; varied terrain including paved streets, grass with uneven rocky areas, gravel paths, wooden boardwalks; steps to some areas at Rock of Cashel and Blarney Castle, including stone spiral staircases.
Breakfast:
In the hotel.
Morning:
We'll board the motorcoach this morning and ride to the Rock of Cashel. A spectacular high medieval site dominating sweeping plains, its chapel, cathedral, and castle are full of fascinating history. During our field trip at this historic seat of the Kingdom of Munster, we’ll gain an understanding of southern Ireland’s history both before and after the Norman Conquest.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like in Cashel.
Afternoon:
This afternoon, we will make our way by motorcoach to Blarney Castle – home of the famous Blarney Stone. Tradition dictates that the gift of eloquence is conferred on all those who kiss the stone! Our Group Leader will introduce the castle’s 800-year history en route and, once we arrive, we’ll have some time to explore the castle and grounds independently. Following our visit, we will return to Cork by motorcoach. The remainder of the day will be free for independent exploration.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
6
Transfer to Dublin, Waterford
Location:
Dublin.
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Academy Plaza Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 190 miles, approximately 4.5 hours. Walking approximately 1.5 miles, periods of standing; paved streets, gravel paths.
Breakfast:
In the hotel.
Morning:
Once checked out of the hotel, we’ll begin our journey via motorcoach to Dublin, via Waterford. While here, we'll visit the House of Waterford Crystal to see the traditional artisan skills of mouth blowing, hand finishing, sculpting, and engraving, which results in the incredible crystal glass pieces. Following the visit, we'll walk the short distance to the Waterford Treasures Museum, a complex comprised of a medieval stone tower, a Georgian bishop’s palace and a modern purpose-built museum building.
Lunch:
At a local Restaurant.
Afternoon:
We’ll explore the Waterford Treasures Museum with a local expert who will explain highlights of the collections. The museum’s exhibitions present artifacts from more than a thousand years of Waterford’s history, from the Viking age to the 1970s. After completing our transfer by motorcoach, we will check into the hotel with some time to unpack and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
In the hotel dining room, we’ll have a plated dinner.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
7
Trinity College, Book of Kells, National Museum, Free Time
Location:
Dublin.
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Academy Plaza Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 5 miles, approximately 1 hour. Walking approximately 3 miles, periods of standing; paved streets, some cobbled areas, gravel paths.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room, we’ll have a breakfast buffet featuring a variety of hot and cold items to choose from, plus juice, coffee, tea, water.
Morning:
We will walk down the bustling and historic heart of Dublin - O’ Connell Street - and cross the River Liffey to Trinity College, sometimes referred to as the University of Dublin, which dates back to 1592 and is one of the seven ancient universities of Britain and Ireland. While here, we will learn in detail about the history and art of this monumental institution as we are led through its beautiful grounds by a student of the university. It is also home to the Book of Kells, one of the finest examples of illuminated manuscript in the world. The artistry and attention to detail in its spellbinding calligraphy and illuminations truly is a sight to behold. The book, dating back to 800 C.E., is considered Ireland’s finest national treasure. We’ll have some time to explore the Book of Kells exhibition independently at the end of our field trip. We will continue by motorcoach to the National Museum of Ireland, which hosts a collection of four million objects from all over the world — with a specific focus on the history of Ireland. Our Group Leader will provide an introduction, followed by time for independent exploration.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Free time. This block of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
8
Free Time, Irish Music & Dance
Location:
Dublin.
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Academy Plaza Hotel
Activity Note
Walking approximately 1 mile during group activities; paved streets. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
In the hotel.
Morning:
Free time for independent exploration in Dublin and the surrounding area.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
We’ll have some more free time for independent exploration in Dublin and the surrounding area.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant in Dublin, we’ll have a plated and served meal featuring traditional Irish food while accompanied by a performance by local musicians. We’ll spend our last evening enjoying music and song as we bid farewell to Ireland and our newfound friends.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.
Day
9
Program Concludes
Location:
Dublin.
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon.
Breakfast:
In the hotel. Some participants may depart prior to breakfast, whereupon a boxed breakfast will be provided. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
14 Meals
7 Breakfasts
2 Lunches
5 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Oct 14, 2026 - Oct 22, 2026
- Apr 23, 2025 - May 01, 2025 (Cork to Dublin.)
- May 07, 2025 - May 15, 2025 (Cork to Dublin.)
- May 14, 2025 - May 22, 2025 (Cork to Dublin.)
- May 21, 2025 - May 29, 2025 (Cork to Dublin.)
- Jun 04, 2025 - Jun 12, 2025 (Cork to Dublin.)
- Jul 02, 2025 - Jul 10, 2025 (Cork to Dublin.)
- Jul 30, 2025 - Aug 07, 2025 (Cork to Dublin.)
- Aug 13, 2025 - Aug 21, 2025 (Cork to Dublin.)
- Sep 03, 2025 - Sep 11, 2025 (Cork to Dublin.)
- Sep 10, 2025 - Sep 18, 2025 (Cork to Dublin.)
- Oct 15, 2025 - Oct 23, 2025 (Cork to Dublin.)
- Apr 22, 2026 - Apr 30, 2026 (Cork to Dublin.)
- May 06, 2026 - May 14, 2026 (Cork to Dublin.)
- May 13, 2026 - May 21, 2026 (Cork to Dublin.)
- May 20, 2026 - May 28, 2026 (Cork to Dublin.)
- Jun 03, 2026 - Jun 11, 2026 (Cork to Dublin.)
- Jun 10, 2026 - Jun 18, 2026 (Cork to Dublin.)
- Jul 01, 2026 - Jul 09, 2026 (Cork to Dublin.)
- Jul 29, 2026 - Aug 06, 2026 (Cork to Dublin.)
- Aug 12, 2026 - Aug 20, 2026 (Cork to Dublin.)
- Aug 19, 2026 - Aug 27, 2026 (Cork to Dublin.)
- Sep 02, 2026 - Sep 10, 2026 (Cork to Dublin.)
- Sep 09, 2026 - Sep 17, 2026 (Cork to Dublin.)
- Oct 14, 2026 - Oct 22, 2026 (Cork to Dublin.)
Participant Reviews
Based on 49 Reviews
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This was a wonderful trip! I was interested, entertained and cared for. I enjoyed the dinner with a family (though I had reservations before hand!), the Blarney Castle and grounds (not just a tourist attraction), and the Archeological Museum the most. The food was interesting and we had lots of choices. The activity level was as described. Our guide David was terrific. This is a great pick for a first visit to Ireland!
— Review left October 7, 2024
The Best of Ireland is a wonderful tour with many fascinating places to visit, much to learn and experience. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect.
— Review left October 3, 2024
We very much enjoyed our time in Ireland with Road Scholar and would definitely recommend this trip to others. Our accommodations in Cork and Dublin were well selected, not only for what was available to see in those cities, but also as jumping off points for day trips to other attractions such as Cobh, the Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle, and Waterford. These places and sites were well selected and afforded plenty of opportunity to view the beautiful Irish countryside. Meals and accommodations were good also, and we had a first rate and very helpful trip leader. So, good job Road Scholar!!
— Review left September 29, 2024
We had a beautiful honeymoon experience!!!
— Review left September 28, 2024
The trip was fabulous .
Coner our guide for the trip was very good, gave great suggestions & was overkill a very good guide considering his youthfulness.
— Review left September 21, 2024
Great trip...never a boring day....learned a lot and saw my grandmother's homeland in the process....
— Review left September 20, 2024
The 8 day Best of Ireland is an excellent opportunity to learn more about this country and the many invasions it has experienced over the years. It is a great exposure to gorgeous geography and good music.
— Review left August 12, 2024
My wife and I just returned from the eight day Road Scholar trip "The Best Of Ireland". This is an outstanding trip to major cities in Ireland from the southeast coast to the west, ending in Dublin. This has been our eighth tour with Road Scholar (inside and outside the U.S.A) and can highly recommend this company to anyone who doesn't just want to visit, but wants to learn quality, interesting information through the many guides and mini-tours within each program!
— Review left August 9, 2024
Excellent Guide for our trip. She was very knowledgeable and very organized and helpful.
The downfall was there was a couple on our trip with COVID who didn't abide early on with masks or isolation. I then got covid from them and was hospitalized in Dublin.
Our guide was very helpful getting us to a hospital and making sure my husband was taken care of at our hotel.
— Review left August 9, 2024
My wife and I had a wonderful time on this trip to Ireland. The trip was planned and managed very well and the itinerary was fascinating. We enjoyed our time in Cork as well as the visits to Blarney Castle (the gardens in particular), the ring of Kerry, in Dublin Trinity College and the tour of Waterford, as well as a wonderful night out with our group and leader to a local pub where the atmosphere and entertainment were very memorable.
We want to commend our tour leader Jack Redmond who was just wonderful. Incredibly knowledegable, witty and entertaining, Jack was the major reason our tour was so memorable. He really took care of the group, and we particularly appreciate his kindness on the first night when we had to skip dinner due to a family memorial service and Jack arranged to have dinner sent to our room. We were also so taken with Jack meeting us at 2:00 AM on our departure day to make sure we made our travel connection to the airport. Jack is really exceptional.
In terms of feedback on improving the tour we would suggest that for the Ring of Terry tour, which is sensational, there be more opportunity to get off the bus and do some walking in that beautiful nature area. Also while the group meals were enjoyable from a social standpoint the food could be improved upon.
Thanks again for a wonderful memory,
Marvin Berkowitz
Sharon Serinsky
— Review left July 22, 2024
This is a good way to introduce yourself to Ireland and Ireland to you.
— Review left July 12, 2024
A very enjoyable visit to Cork, Cobh, Ring of Kerry and Dublin areas. It was busy but not hectic, with enough free time for individual interests. (Personally, I might have enjoyed fewer meals on own.) I was travelling solo but found the group very friendly and welcoming, as on past Road Scholar trips. The amazing museums, lovely scenery, friendly local people, and dinner with local hosts in Cobh were highlights for me.
— Review left June 4, 2024
Just finished with Best of Ireland program, our 7th. While educationally it was a bit uneven with some local instructors and guides more interesting and informative than others, we absorbed a lot of information and visited many interesting sights in a short time. The accommodations in Cork were excellent, Dublin hotel not so good. High points for us were Trinity College tour including Book of Kells and library, Waterford tours, dinner with local family in Cobh, exploration of Blarney Castle and grounds, and a border collie sheep herding demo - quite the variety of highs suggesting there's plenty to satisfy on this "best of" program. Our overall tour guide was excellent keeping us to a tight RS schedule while always attending to our needs and imparting valuable information on Irish history and culture along the way. We had an excellent group of 22 and made many new friends.
— Review left May 28, 2024
Great chance to experience Cork and southwest Ireland as well as rich diversity of Dublin.
— Review left May 26, 2024
First trip with Road Scholar - I did this trip with two cousins of Irish descent to learn more about our ancestry and Ireland. This trip was fully satisfying - we had local tour guides, a fast paced agenda, great food and accommodations, and learned a lot. Would definitely travel with Road Scholar again.
— Review left May 21, 2024
Excellent program, well coordinated and very informative!
— Review left May 19, 2024
Fascinating program with unique educational opportunities. Not your typical tour.
— Review left May 4, 2024
IT is a wonderful educational program if that is your total focus.
— Review left September 28, 2023
A Week on the Emerald Isle was a great way to experience 2 important cities in Ireland and the nearby historical, cultural and natural sites for the first time. Whetted my appetite to see more of this lovely country.
— Review left September 20, 2023
First time Road Scholar traveler and we will return. Well organized, reasonably priced, and so many different adventures offered. We traveled Ireland and could not have seen or learned so much about this beautiful country without Road Scholar. Very satisfied with our first trip!
— Review left August 13, 2023
This program provided a wealth of educational information about each site we visited. Highly recommended!
— Review left August 4, 2023
Schedule the Ireland Emerald Isle tour for your next trip abroad!
And get ready to have FUN!!!
— Review left July 15, 2023
Going on this trip to Ireland was a lifelong dream and it exceeded my expectations. Our delightful leader who was knowledgeable and talented would impart lots of information and sing us great old Irish ballads. I really couldn't have asked for more.
— Review left June 21, 2023
This was an excellent trip, with an amazing group leader, Richard. We saw a lot of interesting sites in Dublin and in and around Cork and learned a great deal about Ireland and its history. We also really liked the people we met.
— Review left June 16, 2023
Great introduction to Ireland in just the right amount of time. Knowledgeable guides and instructors throughout ensure you learn about the Irish history you thought you knew and, in my case, opened my eyes to details I didn't know. Coupled with great scenery and plenty of activities to satisfy a variety of interests, this trip is worth it.
— Review left May 29, 2023
This was our first Road Scholar trip. We really enjoyed every aspect of it.
The group leader was fantastic and the trip was very well organized.
We will definitely be taking advantage of other Road Scholar trips in the future.
— Review left May 26, 2023
A
— Review left May 26, 2023
This was our first trip with Road Scholar. Definitely won't be our last!
— Review left May 19, 2023
If nothing else go to Ireland for the beauty of it! This tour was so good I would do it again. The history of the country, the people good and bad was so well presented, a real honest reflection of whats there. Traveling in a group is I think the best way to do these tours as the dynamic of the group adds to the experience. I have had such good luck with the groups- people I want to keep in touch with after the trip. The pure pleasure of not having to think about anything other then the experience is just wonderful!
— Review left May 15, 2023
Nothing to add
— Review left May 7, 2023
If you have the opportunity to go on this trip, seize it! Our guide was exceptional. And you can't beat the scenery along the Ring of Kerry.
— Review left May 7, 2023
Our tour of Ireland was delightful and very educational. This was our first Road Scholar Program but we certainly would like to do more. Our guide Frank was very good at making sure the trip went well and that people's needs were met.
— Review left October 3, 2022
Absolutely wonderful experience. Beautiful country side, friendly people, Road Scholar personnel were accommodating, knowledgeable, and very friendly, absolutely perfect.
— Review left August 24, 2022
This was an amazing trip. Our tour guide, Brendan Doherty, was the epitome of the perfect tour leader. He was so knowledgeable of the history of Ireland, that you felt that you too knew Ireland. Brendan was so concerned about the safety and health of all of us. As an example, Brendan made sure that every meal had a dairy-free option for my son. In Ireland with the fabulous cheeses and milk products, dairy free is difficult. But Brendan was always checking with the restaurant folks to make sure of the dairy-free options.
The tour itself was a great introduction to the beauty of Ireland. It had just the right number of tours and free time. Brendan had many great suggestions for free time fun.
Our hotels were comfortable, but Ireland was experiencing a heat wave for a few days. Our hotel in Cork was not air conditioned, so that meant some uncomfortable nights. The hotel itself was so beautiful and the staff were very accommodating. Location of the hotel in Cork and Dublin was perfect. We easily walked to some incredible sights and restaurants.
One evening in Cobh, a town close to Cork, we had dinner with a local family. Our host was so delighted to have us that any awkwardness disappeared immediately. It was a great way to learn about everyday life in Ireland. What a special night that was.
If I had to rate this tour, it would be a 10 out of 10: great guide, beautiful scenery, right number of tours and free time, lovely hotels with great locations, amazing food, comfy bus and excellent driver and reasonably priced.
— Review left August 19, 2022
This was a fantastic trip with great people, beautiful sites, great food and drink.
Jim Ward made the trip enjoyable and provided a lot of information. It all ended too quickly.
— Review left August 7, 2022
The Best of Ireland (South) is an excellent program - perfect for one's first foray into Ireland. I learned quite a bit and eagerly look forward to a return trip to continue exploring the Emerald Isle.
— Review left August 6, 2022
Road Scholar's program "The Best of Ireland" is a "must do" for first time visitors to the Republic of Ireland. The program is well planned, educational, and a stress-free way to enjoy the experience. Road Scholar provides top-level educational leaders that really enhance the experience. The educational aspect is mixed with wonderful accommodations and food, a lot of fun, and opportunities for free time exploration.
— Review left August 5, 2022
The program was well planned, the accommodations, transport, meals, etc. were fine, and the leader outstanding.
— Review left July 22, 2022
This tour gives such a full, rich experience of Ireland! One day you are in an interactive museum about the Irish emmigration to America and the next you are cradling a baby lamb on a traditional Irish sheep farm. You'll photograph gorgeous wide landscapes on the Ring of Kerry, and see up close amazing gold jewelry crafted many years B.C. and preserved in a peat bog. You'll hear wonderful stories -- often peppered with good Irish humor -- and great Irish music. For us, the thread through all of it was a wonderful guide and the lovely people we met in our group. Lots of wonderful memories to hold onto!
— Review left May 22, 2022
Great week!
— Review left May 13, 2022
This was my first Road Scholar trip (Best of Ireland) and it was a great experience. The seven days flew by but gave me a real understanding of the Irish people and culture. Our group was small and everyone got along well. Can't wait to go on another adventure!
— Review left May 2, 2022
The Best of Ireland: a Week on the Emerald Isle is a wonderful introduction to this beautiful land with a incredible history. The people we met were welcoming and lively. Hint: never try to spar verbally with the Irish. To your delight, likely lose.
— Review left September 20, 2021
Wonderful opportunity to learn about Ireland while experiencing the beauty of the country.
— Review left September 18, 2021
What a trip! We highly recommend The Best of the Emerald Isle. Didk Daley helped us make good use of any free time. We’ll worth the money. 10,000 thanks
— Review left September 16, 2021
A must see program.
— Review left August 22, 2019
Road Scholar allows you to focus on the experience and not get bogged down in maps, driving, stays, etc. I could just enjoy Ireland w/o having the stress of driving, finding hotels, etc. The background information given by our host allowed to understand and absorb the sights, and not simply gloss over them.
— Review left June 24, 2019
This trip was a best-ever adventure for my three friends and me. It was truly a well-planned sampler of all things Irish and a wonderful introduction to a beautiful country and its welcoming people.
— Review left June 9, 2019
I found the tour's mix of structured and free time to be just right. The physical demands rating of "3" was accurate overall, but some days the amount of walking and climbing stairs was not very much at all. The various presenters and entertainers were all quite good. Our hotels' locations were convenient, allowing those who wanted to explore more in the evenings to find restaurants and bars nearby.
— Review left April 22, 2019
I came away from this program proud of my 1/4 Irish heritage. I was very moved by our visit to Cobh, the port where my great-great-grandfather likely embarked for America in the early 1800s.
— Review left April 22, 2019
