Dublin

Embrace the Emerald Isle's time-honored traditions and discover present-day modernizations during a hop-on / hop-off tour of the city, visits to a museum and brewery, and an evening filled with lively storytelling and music.

Itinerary

Day +1: En Route from U.S.

Day +2: Arrive in Dublin, Ireland
Upon arrival to Dublin Airport set off on an entertaining hop-on / hop-off tour of the city.

Founded in 841 by the Vikings, Dublin's interesting past and many monuments illustrate its fascinating history. Today this cosmopolitan capital of the Irish Republic is host to more than one million residents. Begin with a dedication to Ireland’s most famous literary son at the Oscar Wilde statue in Merrion Square. Continue past the sprawling campus of Trinity College, pausing at the imposing gates. Stop at the Molly Malone statue to hear the part mythological, part historical tale of this icon. See Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin’s oldest working structure, which has been welcoming pilgrims for more than 1,000 years. Continue through Temple Bar, a pleasant cobbled area full of restaurants and shops during the day and a lively warren of bustling bars after nightfall. Finally, cross the River Liffey by the unique, white-arched Ha’penny Bridge.

Later experience an unforgettable dinner featuring live music and dancing at The Merry Ploughboy Irish Music Pub (or similar venue). Touted as "the only pub in Ireland owned and run by traditional musicians," this establishment is an award-winning place that brings life and gaiety to a city steeped in history and culture.
Overnight: The Davenport (D)

Day +3: Dublin
Indulge in a full Irish breakfast at the hotel followed by time to explore Dublin at leisure. Perhaps visit a café for Irish coffee and conversation with the locals, pop into the charming shops on Grafton Street, or simply meander the cobblestone roads and take in the picturesque sights of this bustling city.

Mid-morning visit EPIC, The Irish Museum of Emigration. This state-of-the-art, interactive, and award-winning facility is located inside the beautiful vaults of the 1820 Custom House Quarter building in Dublin’s Docklands. It inspires and guides a journey of discovery with stories of Irish emigration around the world, from early times to modern day. Over centuries, some 10 million people have left the island of Ireland. Step through 20 themed galleries to learn why people chose to leave, see how they influenced the world, and feel the connection between descendants and Ireland today. Through engaging displays, short movies and interesting artifacts, remarkable stories of sacrifice, endurance and adventure are brought to life. EPIC is a must-see to learn more about Ireland, and for those interested in personal Irish ancestry, the Irish Family History Centre is also located here.

On tap this afternoon is Guinness Brewery's exclusive Connoisseur Experience at the Guinness Storehouse. Back in 1759, an enterprising brewer named Arthur Guinness took a 9,000-year lease on this brewery for an annual rent of £45. Opened in 1904, the Storehouse was an operational plant for fermenting and storing Guinness. Today, the brewery is Ireland's most popular tourist attraction and Europe's largest stout-producing brewery. It also features a very fine exhibition dedicated to the Guinness story. Learn the craft of making this quintessential brew—the ingredients, brewing process, time and passion.

At the Guinness Academy discover the art of pulling a pint of Guinness—a six-step ritual as legendary as the beer itself—taking 119.5 seconds from iconic surge of the pour to the eventual settle. In the private Connoisseur Bar, taste the different types of Guinness while an expert guide/barman orchestrates a journey right to the heart of the black liquid. Raise a glass and toast Sláinte! (an Irish expression meaning "to good health").
Overnight: The Davenport (B)

Day +4: Dublin | Flight to Glasgow | Main Program Begins
After breakfast take a complimentary group transfer to Dublin Airport for the flight to Glasgow, Scotland, to join guests for the main program. (B)

B = Breakfast, D = Dinner

Pre-tour space is limited. We recommend reserving early for best availability.

This pre-tour is not escorted by an Orbridge Travel Director. Included sightseeing is accompanied by a local guide.

(Itinerary subject to change.)

Activity Level

Moderate

Activities are generally not very strenuous, but a fair amount of walking can be expected. It is our expectation that guests on this program are able to follow a guide through paved and unpaved streets of even and uneven terrain at an average pace for two hours. Guests should have the ability to walk up and down stairs without assistance. Due to the nature of some structures, handrails may not be present, and facilities for people with disabilities may be limited. Participation in itinerary activities is up to the individual.

Accommodations

The Davenport

The Davenport is a traditional, stylish boutique property located in the heart of Georgian Dublin and reimagined with outstanding 21st-century facilities. Built as a church in 1863, it still retains its original neo-classical exterior frontage and recreates the elegance and charm of that era. The hotel features 114 guest rooms, an on-site restaurant, and a bar that’s frequented by guests and locals. Conveniently located in Merrion Square, it's within minutes of Grafton Street, O’Connell Street, Trinity College, city centre museums, and Dublin’s galleries.

Room Amenities: Individual climate control, spacious sitting area, TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, phone, coffee and tea maker, iron and ironing board, and en suite bathroom with sundries and hair dryer.

(Accommodations subject to change.)

Pre-Tour Rate**

Double: $1,699
Single: $1,999
—airfare to main program not included—

Pre-tour rate is per person based on double occupancy except where noted as Single, in U.S. dollars. Single availability limited. Airfare not included.

What's Included

2 nights accommodations at The Davenport (or similar)
2 breakfasts and 1 dinner
Hop-on / hop-off city tour of Dublin
Admission to EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum
Admission to the Guinness Storehouse including the Connoisseur Experience
Dinner and live Irish music at The Merry Ploughboy Irish Music Pub (or similar)
Gratuities to local guides, drivers, porters, and wait staff for included meals
Group airport transfers for guests arriving and departing during the suggested times