Ireland with Spike for St. Patrick’s Day! (2026)

Depart U.S. at night. Flights are currently $587-1,000 depending on flight time & cabin choice.

Arrive to Dublin Airport: Welcome to Ireland! Our luxury minicoach will pick us up and take us out to the west coast, maybe stopping along the way to see a few ancient wonders. We’ll start our Ireland journey with two nights in a charming heritage town with great pubs.
Westport is famous for its colorful shopfronts and lively music scene. It’s a true slice of authentic Irish life and a great contrast to the big cities we’ll visit later.

This morning we will head out on The Wild Atlantic Way, the world’s longest defined coastal touring route, stretching over 1,555 miles along Ireland’s western edge, offering dramatic landscapes and charming villages.
We’ll spend a few hours exploring Achill Island. It’s Ireland’s largest island and renowned for its dramatic Atlantic scenery—towering sea cliffs, rugged peaks, and pristine beaches. Visitors are drawn to its unspoiled landscapes and historic deserted villages. You’ll even see where some movies were filmed here, like The Banshees of Inisherin.

Galway is a vibrant city renowned for its artistic atmosphere, colorful streets, and lively pub culture. Today you’ll have time to explore the boutique shops, and watch street performers in a city filled with lively music and “craic.” We’ll spend the night in the heart of the city so you can soak up the legendary music pubs.

Right outside our hotel door is Eyre Square, the heart of Galway and the home for Festival Village this St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Free concerts, circus performances, and local artists and vendors will be here all day and night. The boats parked down the street in the Claddagh Basin will be lit up green tonight in anticipation of the holiday’s arrival.

We continue our journey south to picturesque Kilkenny… maybe stopping to see some historic ancient ruins along the way. Medieval narrow alleys snake between an imposing castle and a historic 13th century cathedral, this town will give you the feel for salt-of-the-Earth Ireland.
Tonight, there’s Paddy’s Day fireworks over Kilkenny Castle and even more fireworks in the traditional Kilkenny pubs!

Kilkenny St. Patrick’s Day Festival: The parade will take place through the medieval streets today, celebrating Irish culture.
This week is also the Kilkenny Trad Fest, with free gigs in pubs and hotels around the city across the weekend. You’ll experience inspiring traditional Irish music in the pubs.

Welcome to Dublin! First, I’ll lead us on a little mini walking tour of the city on our way to lunch. We will trace Ireland’s stone age roots and its Viking origins as we visit places like Dublin Castle, Trinity College, The River Liffey, Christ Church and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. We’ll learn about Ireland’s history, customs, music and culture.

Today is a free day in Dublin for you to explore. I’ll provide a “Guide To Dublin” and help you plan your day. It’s a good chance to visit some landmarks or do some last minute souvenir shopping.

Today, we say goodbye to Ireland and head to Dublin Airport for our journey home.
***Unless*** you want to stay longer! I’ll plan optional additional days for anyone who isn’t ready to go home.