About the Journey 

Discover an enchanting land of emerald green landscapes, warm hospitality, poetry, music, and storied castles. From Dublin to Galway, Killarney and Kilkenny, this journey showcases Ireland’s many highlights. 

Begin in the capital of Dublin, staying at the historic Shelbourne Hotel on St. Stephen’s Green, then travel west to County Galway, often referred to as “old Ireland.” From your home base in the village of Bearna, set out to explore the rugged landscape of Connemara and its beautiful Kylemore Abbey, the fabled Aran Islands, and the majestic Cliffs of Moher. 

Ride a horse-drawn carriage through Killarney National Park and drive the stunning Ring of Kerry, then visit the iconic Blarney Stone. Spend time in the medieval town of Kilkenny with its stunning 12th-century castle, then return to Dublin to conclude the adventure. Throughout this classic tour, enjoy traditional storytelling, fascinating history, and the atmosphere of charming local towns. 

For those wishing to continue the journey, an optional post-tour extension to Northern Ireland is available. 

Accommodation 

The Shelbourne Dublin 
This storied hotel stands at the center of Dublin, overlooking St. Stephen’s Green and offers easy access to many cultural attractions, including St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Trinity College. The Shelbourne, built in 1824, offers three restaurants, three bars, a terrace, spa with massage services (for a fee), salon (for a fee), fitness center, indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, laundry and dry-cleaning services (for a fee), and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, tea- and coffee-making facilities, TV, and phone. 

The Twelve Bearna, County Galway 
This boutique-style hotel sits on the west coast of Ireland just a short drive from Galway City and its many shops, restaurants, and pubs. The Twelve’s 48 rooms combine classic Irish culture with many up-to-date amenities including two restaurants, a bar, bakery, spa with massage and beauty services (for a fee), laundry and dry-cleaning services (for a fee), and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access. Each air-conditioned guest room includes private bath with hair dryer, balcony, entertainment tablet, minibar, tea- and coffee-making facilities, in-room safe, TV, and phone. 

Killarney Royal Townhouse Killarney 
Owned and managed by the Scally family for three generations, Killarney Royal Townhouse stands in the heart of Killarney’s town center. . This boutique-style hotel offers a restaurant and bar, lobby lounge, laundry and dry-cleaning services (for a fee), and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, tea- and coffee-making facilities, in-room safe, TV, and phone. 

Pembroke Hotel Kilkenny 
Located at the top of High Street, Kilkenny’s primary shopping district, Pembroke Kilkenny offers beautiful views of the city and of neighboring Kilkenny Castle. With its marble façade and tinted glass windows, this boutique-style hotel is enhanced with contemporary facilities including a restaurant and bar, spa with massage and beauty services (some for a fee), laundry and dry-cleaning services (for a fee), and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, tea- and coffee-making facilities, in-room safe, TV, and phone. 

Barberstown Castle Hotel Straffan, County Kildare 
With a history that dates back to 1288 CE, the Barberstown Castle Hotel opened as a guest house in 1971 and was the home of renowned rock star Eric Clapton from 1979–1987, during which scores of luminaries came to stay and play music with one of history’s finest guitarists. The hotel was improved and enlarged over the centuries, blending Victorian and Elizabethan architecture to create the elegant country manor that exists today. Built on 20 acres of beautifully manicured grounds, the hotel offers a restaurant, garden bar, Irish pub, library, laundry and dry-cleaning services (for a fee), and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access. Each of the 55 guest rooms is uniquely decorated and includes antique furniture, private bath with hair dryer, tea- and coffee-making facilities, TV, and phone. 

Reservations 

Registration is not yet open for this journey. Please request a brochure or contact the Princeton Journeys team at journeys@princeton.edu / 609.258.8686 with questions. 

Pricing 

• $7,995 per person, double occupancy (land only)
• $8,892 including roundtrip economy airfare from Boston or New York (Air-inclusive price includes an estimated $597 in airline taxes and fees, which are subject to change). Air arrangements from other gateway cities and business class upgrades are available for an additional cost.
• Single supplement: $1,995