Top Irish Cities with Distillery & Brewery Tours
Explore Ireland's top cities and drinks
Experience the ultimate distillery and brewery Irish adventure, complete with a rental car for effortless exploration. Stay in handpicked hotels across Kilkenny, Cork, and Dublin, enjoying tours of the Smithwick’s Brewery in Kilkenny, Jameson Distillery near Cork, Guinness Storehouse, and more! Choose the 8-night option to add nights in Killarney, or the 10-night option to add nights in Killarney and more time in Dublin.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Dublin (DUB)
- Manual rental car included for the duration of the trip – upgrade to automatic available
- Pickup and drop off at Dublin Airport
- 2 nights in Kilkenny at Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel, or similar
- Smithwick’s Kilkenny Experience: Tour & Pint
- 2 nights in Cork at The Address Cork Hotel, or similar
- The Jameson Experience in Midleton
- 2 nights in Dublin at Maldron Hotel Newlands Cross, or similar
- Trilogy Tasting Experience at Pearse Lyons Distillery in Dublin
- Guinness Storehouse Admission and Self-Guided Tour
Choose the 8-night option to add a stay in Killarney!
Great Ways to Explore
Explore Kilkenny, Cork, and Dublin with included tours.
Explore at leisure with a rental car.
Discover Dublin's top sights like St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Enjoy distillery/brewery tours, tastings, and more.
Visit the Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone.
Uncover Ireland’s charm, from lively cities to scenic countryside during this jampacked adventure. Start in Kilkenny, where you'll have a chance to experience its beautiful architecture and vibrant pub scene. With your included Smithwick's Kilkenny Experience, you'll also learn more about and sample the Emerald Isle's oldest ale.
Next, you'll drive to Cork where you'll be greeted by its medieval flair. Take advantage of your included Jameson Experience – a guided tour of the famed Distillery that offers a look into the crafting process followed by a tasting.
The final leg of your vacation brings you to Ireland's iconic capital city! Enjoy included tours of the Pearse Lyon's Distillery and the Guinness Storehouse by day, and finish your nights with delicious meals and a pint from the Temple Bar District.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Dublin (DUB)
- Manual rental car included for the duration of the trip – upgrade to automatic available
- Pickup and drop off at Dublin Airport
- 2 nights in Kilkenny at Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel, or similar
- Smithwick’s Kilkenny Experience: Tour & Pint
- 2 nights in Cork at The Address Cork Hotel, or similar
- The Jameson Experience in Midleton
- 2 nights in Dublin at Maldron Hotel Newlands Cross, or similar
- Trilogy Tasting Experience at Pearse Lyons Distillery in Dublin
- Guinness Storehouse Admission and Self-Guided Tour
Choose the 8-night option to add a stay in Killarney!
Explore Kilkenny, Cork, and Dublin with included tours.
Explore at leisure with a rental car.
Discover Dublin's top sights like St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Enjoy distillery/brewery tours, tastings, and more.
Visit the Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone.
Uncover Ireland’s charm, from lively cities to scenic countryside during this jampacked adventure. Start in Kilkenny, where you'll have a chance to experience its beautiful architecture and vibrant pub scene. With your included Smithwick's Kilkenny Experience, you'll also learn more about and sample the Emerald Isle's oldest ale.
Next, you'll drive to Cork where you'll be greeted by its medieval flair. Take advantage of your included Jameson Experience – a guided tour of the famed Distillery that offers a look into the crafting process followed by a tasting.
The final leg of your vacation brings you to Ireland's iconic capital city! Enjoy included tours of the Pearse Lyon's Distillery and the Guinness Storehouse by day, and finish your nights with delicious meals and a pint from the Temple Bar District.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Prices From:
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Departure Month:
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Day 1. Welcome to Kilkenny!
Once you have arrived at the airport, pick up your rental car and head to your accommodation in Kilkenny. Spend the evening exploring the city’s cobbled streets and soaking up the lively pub atmosphere.
The Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel is an exceptionally beautiful hotel with 118 spacious guestrooms all complete with free Wi-Fi, comfortable accommodations and stunning views of the city. Although you will be within walking distance of a variety of restaurants and pubs in Kilkenny, the hotel also offers its guests the option to dine on site. Try out the Ormonde Lounge for a comfortable yet sumptuous bite to eat paired with a cocktail. There is also O'Reilly's Restaurant for a more vibrant atmosphere and a more extensive menu, or Savour where you can browse a creative dinner menu incorporating the best local produce. Enjoy the hotel's many other amenities including the KO Spa, fitness center and more!
Situated on Kilkenny’s most exclusive street, the Pembroke Hotel is right in the center of action. Just a 4-minute walk from Kilkenny Castle, you'll be able to walk to all of the city's top attractions with ease. The hotel offers luxury 4-star accommodation with 74 quiet, spacious guest rooms all featuring air conditioning and complimentary Wi-Fi. Statham’s Restaurant combines traditional hospitality with delicious local Kilkenny produce. Statham's Bar, with its easygoing and relaxed atmosphere, is a great place to meet, drink and dine in Kilkenny city center. From brunch to lunch, from afternoon tea, to all day dining specials, they offer something for everyone throughout the day and evening.
Built on over 40 acres of parkland, the Newpark Hotel provides family-friendly elegance for visitors to the area. The dedicated staff works tirelessly to make sure you and your family receive top-notch service. Many of the spacious, well-appointed rooms include serene views of the green gardens and parkland. Scott's Bar & Bistro has a sparkling reputation for delicious, locally sourced food and is a favorite among the locals.
Strike out for day trips to discover the treasures of Kilkenny, or stay on-property to take advantage of the hotel's many exciting amenities. Newpark hotel offers family room accommodations and activities everyone can enjoy, such as the Newpark adventure trail, where you can catch glimpses of the alpacas and llamas that live there. The Krazy Kats Kids Club is bustling with activity and affords parents a few hours to slip off to unwind at the Escape Health Club and Spa.
Day 2. Kilkenny
Take advantage of your Smithwick’s Kilkenny Experience Tour today, where you'll learn about Ireland's oldest ale and enjoy a freshly poured pint. Once the tour has ended, consider exploring Kilkenny Castle and the beautiful grounds or browse the city’s artisan shops.
Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny: Tour & Pint
Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny is a new multi-sensory and interactive experience that will take visitors on a journey through the medieval origins of brewing on the site of the St. Francis Abbey Brewery, to the arrival of John Smithwick in the 1700’s, and right up to the present day.
Visitors will be fully immersed in the history of Smithwick’s, Ireland’s oldest beer brand, the amazing heritage of the Smithwick’s family and its place in Kilkenny, a city steeped in history and brewing.
The tour includes a giant 7-foot-high hologram monk welcoming you to the brewery. When you start the tour it will be in a monastery-like cavern, just as it was when the monks came there all those centuries ago, and it will be lit by candlelight - making it even more atmospheric.
During the tour, the Smithwick’s brewing process will be brought to life with visitors having the opportunity to experience the smells, tastes, and textures of the raw materials involved in creating the perfect pint of ale.
Day 3. Kilkenny - Cork
Today, you will head south to the vibrant city of Cork! Along the way, stop at the Rock of Cashel, a striking medieval site perched atop a limestone hill. Spend your evening discovering Cork’s buzzing culinary scene.
The elegant Address Cork presides with an air of grandness from the top of Military Hill in the historic area of St. Luke’s, providing the perfect location for leisure in the heart of Cork City.
The impressive facade of this wonderful red brick Victorian building gives any visitor a sense of the rich history of the area, and a clear example of 1870’s Irish architecture at its best. Cork’s newest eatery, McGettigan’s Cookhouse & Bar was launched at The Address Cork and is committed to using locally sourced ingredients. It provides a relaxed and enjoyable environment for its guests – including a new outdoor decking area.
The Address Cork is ideally located just minutes from some of Cork City's main shopping areas and tourist attractions including; Blarney Castle, The English Market, Opera Lane Shopping district, Cork City Opera House, and the Fota Wildlife Park, to name but a few. It’s a short distance from Cork City's Bus Station in Parnell Place, and Kent Railway Station, and just 5 minutes from Cork City Airport.
Located right in the heart of Cork city center and overlooking the River Lee, the Maldron Hotel South Mall makes sightseeing in Ireland's Rebel City easy. You'll be just steps from Cork's bustling center with easy access to the famous English Market, Crawford Art Gallery, Cork City Hall and Cork Opera House to name a few attractions. The main shopping streets including St. Patrick’s Street and Opera Lane are just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel. Comfortable and spacious rooms are equipped with a large flat screen TV, laptop safe, tea/coffee making facilities, free WiFi and a dual rain shower. Choose from two restaurants and a coffee shop serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.
The Stunning Cork's Vienna Woods Country House Hotel is an18th-century property with a rich history, perched on a height overlooking the Glashaboy River. This Regency-style building was originally constructed in 1756 by architect Davis Ducart as a summer lodge for Lord Barrymore, and can be found deep within the scenic Glanmire Valley, just a 10-minute drive from Cork city center.
The hotel offers spacious rooms intricately designed in an antique-style, featuring private baths, showers, free Wi-Fi, TVs, and tea/coffee-making facilities.
Guests can enjoy exceptional dining at Crawford’s Restaurant, which serves a delightful mix of Irish and international cuisine. A daily buffet breakfast and casual bar menu ensure there’s something to savor throughout the day.
The hotel’s elegant conservatory overlooks beautifully landscaped gardens, while the outdoor patio provides a peaceful spot for drinks and relaxation.
Nearby attractions include the Páirc Uí Chaoimh stadium, just two miles away, and the Douglas and Frankfield golf courses, both within a 10-minute drive, offering plenty of activities to complement this tranquil countryside escape.
The Garryvoe Hotel in Cork, Ireland offers visitors beautiful rooms and great amenities. The hotel is only feet from Ballycotton Bay, and is close to golf courses and other areas of interest. Dine on fresh seafood at the Lighthouse Bar & Grill or the Cave bar, then go for a swim in the pool or hot tub. Enjoy the spa and fitness center too! Rooms offer free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee making facilities, satellite TV, and gorgeous countryside or ocean views.
Day 4. Cork
Dive into Ireland's whiskey-making heritage with the Jameson Experience tour. You'll enjoy a guided tour of the distillery, learn about the crafting process, and sample some of the finest Irish whiskey.
In the evening, consider exploring Cork's lively markets and riverfront charm.
Jameson Experience in Midleton
Set on 15 acres that have been beautifully restored, this is where the true heart of Irish whiskey beats. This fully guided tour around the original distillery brings the stories of Jameson's rich history to life, and you'll learn about the hard working people and field-to-glass processes responsible for the whiskey that bears John Jameson’s name..
On this tour, one of the friendly Jameson Ambassadors will guide you around some of their key buildings, including the warehouses and the Micro-distillery. The tour includes a tutored comparative tasting of three famous whiskeys, one being Jameson. Guided tours last approximately 2 hours and end with a complimentary Jameson Signature Drink.
Day 5. Cork - Dublin
Today, you will make your way to your final hotel in Dublin. Take advantage of your Pearse Lyons Distillery tour, where you’ll sample exceptional Irish whiskeys in a unique setting.
Use the afternoon to uncover Dublin’s history at landmarks such as Trinity College and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Located just outside Dublin's city center, you'll have easy access to Ireland's vibrant capital by either local bus or taxi. Enjoy close smooth access to the M50 for day trips, sightseeing, and self-guided tours. Start each morning with the hotel's Vitality Breakfast, which offers a wide selection of cooked foods, cereals, pastries, fruit, and more. An on-site bar and lounge, as well as restaurant Grain & Grill, are also open daily for lunch and dinner. 297 spacious guestroom are brightly decorated and are soundproofed to ensure the best night's sleep possible.
The Address Connolly is ideally located in the heart of Dublin City Centre, just a short walk from all of Dublin’s most popular venues, shopping streets, entertainment districts, and tourist attractions. This design-driven hotel offers an eclectic mix of luxe interiors and traditional design pieces all sourced from and crafted in Ireland.
The Address Connolly promises the ultimate 4-star hotel experience full of special touches that surprise and delight. The Address Connolly boasts newly refurbished guestrooms, its own fitness center, and Scandinavian saunas, plus the independently branded bar and restaurant within the hotel, McGettigans Cookhouse. The Cookhouse provides a casual, diverse, and relaxed dining environment serving international cuisine with an extensive cocktail list, craft beers, and specially selected wines. The food curation focuses on sustainability, seasonality, and locality for its inspiration and is open for both lunch and dinner.
Just steps from bustling O'Connell Street and a short walk from Dublin's other iconic sites, Maldron Hotel Parnell Square offers contemporary comfort in a fabulous location. Step into a bright, naturally lit lobby and admire the modern, colorful decor. Check-in with the friendly 24-hour reception team, then head up to your spacious room. Open the door to crisp air conditioning, complimentary WiFi, flat-screen TV, plush bedding, and much more.
Once you settle in, treat yourself to a delicious meal at the onsite Stir Cafe & Bar! Enjoy traditional Irish cuisine paired with a perfect pint. Too cozy to leave your room? Order room service!
Pearse Lyons Distillery @ St James - Trilogy Tasting Experience
Pearse Lyons Distillery at St. James is a new chapter for The Liberties, Dublin. Family history, a personal passion for brewing and distilling, and an entrepreneurial spirit has inspired the restoration of St. James’ Church. At Pearse Lyons Distillery, whiskey is only part of our story. Whether you are an intrepid whiskey enthusiast, culturally curious or just an inquisitive Dubliner, you are sure to enjoy a journey through 800 years of history at St. James with our local storytellers.
Our Distillery Tour gives an insight into the whiskey heritage and stories behind the iconic Dublin district known as The Liberties. Visitors can also touch, taste and smell every step of the distilling process, meet with our distillers and taste our signature Pearse Irish Whiskey. Our guided tours are hosted by our team of friendly storytellers, who will regale you with stories of Dublin's Liberties; otherwise known as The Golden Triangle.
Each tour includes: A guided tour of the history of St. James Cemetery, sensory experience- touch, taste and smell every step of the distilling process in the working distillery, and sample three of the signature Pearse Irish Whiskeys
Day 6. Dublin
Wrap up your vacation with your final included tour of the Guinness Storehouse – Dublin’s most famous attraction. Learn the secrets behind Ireland's iconic stout and enjoy a perfectly poured pint at the Gravity Bar, offering panoramic views of the city.
Guinness Storehouse
A visit to the magical home of Guinness is a must for anyone visiting Dublin. The Guinness Storehouse® is Ireland’s number one visitor attraction, located in the heart of the Guinness Brewery at St James’s Gate.
Housed in a former fermentation plant, this seven-story historical building is central to Dublin's and Ireland's heritage, and has been continually updated to create a blend of fascinating industrial tradition, with a contemporary edge.
The adventure begins the moment you walk through the door and into the building’s giant, pint-shaped heart of glass – and tells a dramatic story that begins over 250 years ago and ends in Gravity Bar, where visitors will receive a complimentary pint of Guinness while relaxing and enjoying spectacular views over Dublin.
Includes:
- Self-guided tour of Guinness Storehouse (tour visit is approximately 2 hours)
- Pint of Guinness or soft drink in Gravity Bar (under 18 receive soft drink)
Day 7. Depart Ireland
Unfortunately, your adventure in Ireland has come to an end. Gather your belongings and head to the airport to return your car rental and board your flight home.
Fly home!
We have selected the most economical flight schedule for you. Please note that shorter and more convenient flight options may be available at an additional cost.
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Escorted vacation packages are per person based on two travelers (unless otherwise specified), and typically include hotel accommodations; transportation with professional driver/guide; sightseeing as listed, some meals, local taxes, hotel service charges and porterage of one (1) suitcase per person, due to limited capacity on motor coaches. Space is limited and prices may be restricted to certain travel dates, length of stay or room type. Driver and guide gratuities are not included, and are at the discretion of the traveler. Terms and conditions apply. Minimum child ages and handicapped traveler restrictions may apply on escorted tours; please call for details.
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