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Visit a noble estate in the heart of County Wicklow, known as the “Garden of Ireland.” Meet your guide and then drive to the Powerscourt Estate, passing scenic glens of wild heather and serene landscapes that have inspired countless poets over centuries. Turn into the estate’s grand avenue, lined with 200-year-old beech trees, and enjoy a warm welcome from your host. You may choose to join a guided tour, or you may explore the house and gardens at your own pace. With map in hand, set out to uncover its rich history, which dates back to the 12th century. Enjoy a stroll through the formal Italian and Japanese gardens, ranked third best in the world by National Geographic Magazine in 2014. You will also have time to browse the gift shop for quality linens, crafts and delicacies before returning to your ship.

Set off on a captivating journey through Dublin’s most famous landmarks and historic buildings. Disembark your ship in Dún Laoghaire and drive through the scenic Irish countryside to Dublin. Pass the old Parliament House and Ireland’s oldest university, Trinity College, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I; Trinity’s library is home to the world-famous Book of Kells, a hand-illuminated manuscript of the Gospels. View the brightly painted Georgian Doors of Dublin, the National Gallery of Ireland, St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Founded in 1190, St. Patrick’s is perhaps best known for its association with Jonathan Swift, who was dean here from 1713 to 1745. Learn more about its history during an inside visit. Afterward, return to your ship.

Taste this famous drink’s ruby-black nectar and discover its origin on a visit to Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse. Visitors will learn what goes into making a pint of Ireland’s most famous export on this exclusive Connoisseur Experience. The dramatic story begins more than 250 years ago and ends in the Guinness Storehouse’s Connoisseur Bar. “Meet” Arthur Guinness and find out how the drink that carries his name has traveled around the world. Spend some time in the advertising gallery, where Guinness advertising material both past and present is displayed. And discover how important good technique is to “pulling the perfect pint”—from the way to hold the glass and the speed at which the stout enters it to the time it takes for the pint to settle and the final touch that gives it its creamy head. Then sit back, relax and savor your pint of “the black stuff.”

Journey back in time through the “Garden of Ireland” on your way to a delicious culinary treat in County Wicklow. This former glacial land is a harmonious landscape of rolling pastureland, lush forests and mist-shrouded mountains within which sits the Ballyknocken House & Cookery School. A charming four-star bed-and-breakfast, Ballyknocken is home to Catherine Fulvio, a highly acclaimed TV chef and food writer. A regular contributor to Irish Garden magazine, Catherine has also appeared on NBC’s Today Show. In Ballyknocken’s kitchen, you will discover how flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, butter, cream and eggs can create the perfect teatime delicacy—scones. Following the baking demonstration, you are invited to sit and enjoy freshly baked scones served with homemade jam and coffee or a “cupán tae” (cup of tea). Afterward, explore the picturesque herb garden and stroll around the Victorian farmhouse before heading back to your ship.

Venture through the countryside to a family-owned farm for a fun-filled day immersed in Irish culture. Surrounded by the rich grasslands of County Meath, Causey Farm raises sheep and cattle, as well as a small herd of Connemara ponies. Upon arrival, receive a warm welcome from your hosts, the Murtagh family, then try your hand at different farm-based activities. You will have an opportunity to join in a game of hurling while discovering its long history in Irish culture. Then, participate in a working demonstration with the farm’s sheep dogs and master the art of baking brown bread. Afterward, head to the cozy farmhouse to enjoy a traditional Irish ceilidh, a popular form of folk dancing, accompanied by rollicking music and a lunch of delicious Irish fare. At the end of your visit, you will return to your ship.

Admire the natural splendor of the “Garden of Ireland” during a panoramic excursion through the Irish countryside. County Wicklow is famous for the rounded summits of its eponymous mountains, rugged Irish Sea shoreline, wild heather-covered glens and verdant landscapes dotted with grand country estates. Visit the manicured beauty of Powerscourt House and Gardens, a lavish estate set against the backdrop of the Wicklow Mountains. Enjoy free time to explore the formal Italian and Japanese gardens or choose to watch a video on the history of the residence and grounds. Then, travel to Glendalough, nestled in a tranquil mountain valley, where you will tour the surviving ruins of a 6th-century monastic settlement, followed by free time for independent exploration. During your excursion, you will stop for a hearty lunch at a local eatery. Afterward, you will return to your ship.

Visit Malahide Castle, a 14th-century fortress, and enjoy a heartly lunch at an Irish tavern. Embark on a scenic drive through the countryside, gazing at the dramatic coastline of North County Dublin. Arrive at Malahide Castle for a guided tour of this historic estate that boats an impressive collection of period furniture and portrait paintings from the National Gallery. Continue your drive through seaside villages to Howth, home to the Abbey Tavern. Nestled beside the ruins of an 11th-century abbey, this traditional venue offers a hearty Irish lunch accompanied by lively music and dance. Enjoy the cozy ambiance as you tap your feet to the rhythm of authentic Irish entertainment. Your appetite sated, continue your panoramic drive over the summit of Howth Head, with vistas over Dublin Bay and the distant Dublin Mountains, enroute to your awaiting ship.

See the sights of Dublin, soak up Irish hospitality and enjoy an award-winning dram at the Pearse Lyons Distillery. Begin with a panoramic drive that will introduce you to the city’s sights, such as the Grand Customs House, the Bank of Ireland—formerly the old House of Parliament—and Trinity College. Get a glimpse into Dublin’s Victorian past as you pass St. Stephen’s Green—once the site of public hangings. Arrive at the Old Storehouse pub to enjoy a lunch of hearty Irish fare accompanied by dancing and music. See the intricacies of Irish dancing that have enjoyed international success due to Broadway-style shows such as Riverdance during the toe-tapping performance. Continue your journey to The Liberties, a vibrant neighborhood with deep roots in distillation and brewing. Here, you will visit the award-winning Pearse Lyons Distillery for a whiskey tasting, perhaps purchasing a bottle to take home with you.

Trace Ireland’s literary heritage during visits to its oldest university and MoLI, and see the Book of Kells. Transfer by motor coach to Trinity College and set out on foot to explore the campus. Listen as your guide shares tales about the university’s history and its famous alumni, including Bram Stoker and Samuel Beckett, then step inside the Museum Building to glimpse the domed entrance hall and decorative carvings, inspired by Aesop’s Fables. Continue to the Old Library for a self-guided journey through the Book of Kells Experience and see the famed manuscript up-close. Leaving Trinity College behind, head to a nearby restaurant for a traditional lunch, followed by free time in the Temple Bar district. Gain further insight into Irish literary heritage through immersive multimedia exhibits and rare recordings at the Museum of Literature Ireland. After, return to your ship.

Traverse the waters of Dublin Bay in a Rigid Inflatable Boat and glimpse the famed lighthouses that mark its coast. Begin your journey at the harbor, where you will meet your skipper, board your RIB and listen to a short safety briefing before setting out along the water. Dublin Bay was classified as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2015 in recognition of its globally significant natural ecosystem. As your skipper navigates your vessel along the coast, view the East and West Pier lighthouses of Dún Laoghaire Harbour. Pass by Dalkey Island, home to ancient monastic ruins, and keep watch for seals, cormorants and more. Gaze upon the iconic silhouettes of the Muglins Lighthouse and Poolbeg Lighthouse as you journey back to the harbor. If weather permits, you may also spot the Bailey Lighthouse, perched atop the cliffs of Howth Head, before concluding your RIB ride and returning to shore.

Discover the secrets of preparing iconic whiskey cocktails at the Jameson Distillery in the heart of Dublin. Board your motor coach and begin your day with a panoramic drive through Ireland’s capital city. View architecture from the medieval, Georgian and modern eras as you travel through the city streets before arriving at the Jameson Distillery on Bow Street, located on the site of the original 18th-century distillery. Upon arrival, you will join a skilled bartender for a private cocktail-making class. Under their guidance, learn how to prepare three whiskey cocktails: a Jameson Whiskey Sour, Jameson Old Fashioned and Jameson Punch. Cap your visit with a drink in the Jameson Bar, surrounded by memorabilia from the distillery’s past, and receive a complimentary journal to take home as a memento of your experience. After, reboard your coach and return to your awaiting ship.

Call at the Teeling Whiskey Distillery to discover the intricate processes involved in creating this iconic spirit. Travel by motor coach through Dublin to the Liberties, the city’s historic distilling district, where you will visit the Teeling Whiskey Distillery. At the time of its establishment in 2015, it was Dublin’s first new whiskey distillery in more than 125 years. Upon arrival, you will set out with your guide through the operational floors to learn about more than 300 years of whiskey history. Explore the craft of whiskey making and gain insight into the five stages of production, from milling and mashing to maturation. Enjoy a sampling of the Teeling Trinity: Teeling Small Batch, Teeling Single Malt and Teeling Single Grain whiskeys. Conclude your visit with an Irish coffee made with Teeling whiskey, coffee and the distillery’s secret blend, then return to your awaiting ship.

Learn about Ireland’s horse racing legacy during a visit to the Irish National Stud & Gardens. Drive by motor coach to this thoroughbred breeding farm, located in the heart of County Kildare and renowned for producing some of the finest racehorses in Europe. Upon arrival, set out with your guide for an opportunity to view stallions, mares and foals, including retired champions from the Living Legends team. Continue to the Irish Racehorse Experience and gain a deeper insight into the world of thoroughbred racing as you listen to an expert discuss Ireland’s horse-racing heritage. After, explore the two on-site gardens; the serene Japanese gardens, located at the end of the “Life of Man” path, and St. Fiachra’s Garden, named in honor of the patron saint of gardeners. Enjoy scones paired with tea or coffee before returning to your ship.

Experience the authentic atmosphere of a traditional Irish pub during a live music performance. Travel by motor coach to Taylor’s Three Rock in Rathfarnham, the largest thatched pub in Ireland. Upon arrival, step inside and take your seat for a performance of Irish music, song and dance. The island’s rich musical heritage spans centuries, shaped by distinctive instruments, lively rhythms and melodies that have been handed down through the generations. Sit back and soak up the atmosphere as the resident band presents a spirited selection of Irish songs, while skilled dancers display the precise footwork and energetic choreography that characterizes traditional Irish dancing. Enjoy a drink of your choice during the performance and be immersed in Irish hospitality. At the end of the show, return to your coach for the journey back to your awaiting ship.