Few countries capture the heart and soul like Ireland. And few journeys bring its people, stories, music, art and nature together as irresistibly as this lively adventure does. From the cobbled lanes of old Dublin to the Wild Atlantic Way hugging the windswept west coast, each day of discovery reveals a new layer of Irish identity. Our journey spans millennia as we wander ancient sites like the cliffside fort of Dún Aonghasa, explore the Aran Islands where Gaelic is still spoken, stand atop the nearly 2,000-foot-high Slieve League sea cliffs, forage for native culinary plants and seaweed, and trace the history of the Troubles in Derry. In the evenings, cozy up in convivial pubs for fiddle reels and storytelling as we meet Ireland’s keepers of tradition, sharing their heritage in word, song and whisky. Sláinte!
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Trip Highlights
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Meet Ireland's People Through Our Personal Ties
Connect with our warm, welcoming Irish friends and learn about their lives, including farmers, fishermen, cheesemakers and more
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Embrace Vibrant, Enduring Culture in Story & Song
In classic pubs and private performances, join Irish musicians, dancers and storytellers for an immersion in Ireland's rich arts heritage
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Explore Wild Shores & Gaelic Traditions on the West Coast
Following the Wild Atlantic Way north, with a ferry journey to the Aran Isles en route, admire rugged coastal scenery and enduring Irish heritage in language and customs
An Insider's Encounter with Ireland You Won't Find Anywhere Else
You’ll find plenty of guided tours of Ireland out there. But we are pretty sure none is as novel and distinctive as this one. Our itinerary is crafted to give you unusual access to Irish life as it’s lived by everyday people. See what’s in store:
Tap Our Local Relationships for Special Access
When you join us, you’ll meet people you wouldn’t be likely to encounter on a more conventional tour or on your own — farmers, foragers, cheesemakers, oyster producers, storytellers, musicians, community leaders and more.A Small Group—No More Than 12—Allows for Genuine Exchange
Most Ireland tours involve big groups aboard motorcoaches. Not here. With just 12 guests, we’re small enough to have access to private spaces, intimate experiences and personal conversations. You’ll feel like an honored guest, not an anonymous tourist.A Slower Pace Enhances Your Encounter with Real Irish Life
We deliberately focus on fewer places, with more time in each, so you are able to linger and soak up the experience and the ambience. We’re based in just four locations, so no rushed one-night stays and tiring, long drives. You’ll find a more meaningful encounter with Ireland as a result.Experience Living Irish Culture as It Exists Today
While we don’t forego special highlights, our focus is beyond the typical tourist sites. You’ll meet people where they live, work, eat, drink and celebrate. Travel through traditional Gaeltacht regions, including the Aran Islands, to hear the ancient Irish language spoken. Your journey becomes about Ireland’s people, more than its monuments—although we don’t miss those, either. It’s an unusual blend of experiences and activities you won’t find elsewhere.Discover Fresh, Windswept Nature on the Wild Atlantic Way
Just because we highlight Ireland’s culture, we don’t leave nature out—in fact, Irish heritage is deeply tied to it, from traditional sheep farmers in the Aran Islands to storytellers sharing myths steeped in wild sea cliff settings. On this itinerary, you’ll follow a lengthy stretch of the rugged west coast on the Wild Atlantic Way, a showcase route for some of Ireland’s most dramatic scenery.Dip into Northern Ireland & Its History on Our Unique Itinerary
Many Ireland trips don’t take you over the border into Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. On our day trip to Derry from Donegal, we explore the history of Irish nationalism and sectarian divisions, getting an intimate view of the Troubles, and the sensitive reconciliation since, through a personal witness storytelling event.Travel with a Top Expedition Leader & Insightful Local Guides
You'll be with a highly capable Expedition Leader from start to finish, whose deep knowledge of Ireland’s past and present ties together your diverse experiences. And you'll also meet a diverse slate of characters along the way, local people who share their lives and stories with us, revealing personal dimensions of place that only a local guide can offer.