Discover the Countryside of the Emerald Isle with Roland’s Ultimate Guide
Discover the Countryside of the Emerald Isle with Roland’s Ultimate Guide
Are you planning a trip to Europe? Follow me on a journey through the Emerald Isle — Ireland’s spellbinding countryside — with Collette Tours. Armed with a camera and curiosity, I joined a small group of travellers guided by local experts who revealed Ireland’s history, music, and landscapes in unforgettable ways.
This was my first small-group tour, and I quickly realized why people rave about the experience. Every stop, meal, and hotel felt effortless — perfectly curated so we could focus on discovery.
A Warm Irish Welcome in Dublin
After landing in Dublin, our chauffeur greeted us at arrivals with our names on a placard and a smile — the Irish warmth begins immediately. We checked into the RIU Plaza The Gresham Dublin, an elegant property built by Thomas Gresham in 1807. Located on lively O’Connell Street, it’s steps from monuments, shops, and cafés.
Dublin’s blend of history and rhythm is irresistible. From the iconic Ha’penny Bridge to the literary charm of Marsh’s Library (founded 1707), every site tells a story. Of course, no visit is complete without music-filled evenings in the Temple Bar District, where violins spill out into cobblestone streets.
Day 1 – Culture, Faith & Festive Spirit
With Collette Tours, we dove deeper into Dublin’s cultural soul. Our welcome reception took place in the crypt of Christ Church Cathedral, a hauntingly beautiful setting steeped in history. A local historian guided us through Georgian Dublin, Phoenix Park, Trinity College, and the stately squares that define the city.
Each stop blended storytelling, architecture, and laughter — the signature mix that makes Ireland unforgettable.
Day 1 – Culture, Faith & Festive Spirit
With Collette Tours, we dove deeper into Dublin’s cultural soul. Our welcome reception took place in the crypt of Christ Church Cathedral, a hauntingly beautiful setting steeped in history. A local historian guided us through Georgian Dublin, Phoenix Park, Trinity College, and the stately squares that define the city.
Each stop blended storytelling, architecture, and laughter — the signature mix that makes Ireland unforgettable.
Day 2 – Thoroughbreds & Kings
Leaving the city, we headed to the Irish National Stud in East Cork. Watching newborn foals — some just 24 hours old — roam the pastures was magical. The manicured gardens and reflecting ponds made it a photographer’s dream.
Rock Of Cashel
In the afternoon, we reached the Rock of Cashel, also called Cashel of the Kings. St. Patrick once preached here, and legends still echo through the ruins. Sheep grazed lazily along the hillsides as we explored one of Ireland’s most cinematic landmarks.
Day 4 – Cork, Kinsale & Whiskey Wonder
Our overnight stay at the Garryvoe Hotel was pure delight. Family-owned since 1900, it offers warm hospitality, spacious rooms, and postcard views — open fields behind, a five-mile beach ahead. That evening, the Northern Lightsdanced above the shoreline — an unexpected, unforgettable gift.
Old Midleton Distillery
The next morning brought a spirited start at the Old Midleton Distillery, home of Jameson Irish Whiskey. Guided by a witty expert, we learned about fermentation, cask aging, and flavour profiles before sampling a signature whiskey cocktail.
Later, free time in the coastal town of Kinsale gave us a taste of local life — colourful shops, sea air, and the best fish & chips I’ve ever eaten.
Exploring Kinsale: A Charming Coastal Adventure
We had our first opportunity to explore independently in the afternoon without guides. We visited the charming coastal town of Kinsale, Emerald Isle. This beautiful village is brimming with local shops, restaurants, and fresh products to buy. The Bay Area offered stunning views. We found a little spot serving the best and biggest fish and chips. It was the highlight of our entire trip. It was a perfect mix of exploration, local flavour, coastal beauty, and ice cream.
A Taste of Italy: Beauty and Elegance in the Garden
The Italian section was particularly captivating with its magnificent columns, elegant buildings, and lush greenery. Creepers, hanging baskets, and vines draped from the structures add to the enchanting atmosphere. What started as a half-day visit will have quickly become a whole day. We have spent the entire day exploring all the different sections of the garden.
Check out my images. These are just a few of the over 100 photos I captured of my experiences in Emerald Isle. Each photo provides a small glimpse into the beauty of Garnish Island!
Day 7 – The Dingle Peninsula
Driving along Slea Head, the scenery unfolded like a painting — rugged cliffs, emerald meadows, and mist that made the colours glow. At Dunquin Pier, I descended to the shoreline for a dramatic vantage. Fog rolled in and out, transforming each shot. Few places capture Ireland’s wild beauty like this.
Day 8 – Aran Islands (Inishmore)
A ferry ride carried us to the remote Aran Islands, where stone walls replace fences and life follows a gentler rhythm. We visited a local goat farm producing Parmesan-style cheese, watched playful kids (the goat kind!), and enjoyed generous tastings.
That night, we stayed in a cozy seaside cabin — simple comfort with views stretching toward the Atlantic.
Day 9 – Dún Aonghasa & Cliffs of Moher
We began the day hiking to Dún Aonghasa, a prehistoric fort perched atop sheer cliffs. The view of the Atlantic was humbling and worth every step. Nearby, the Seven Churches ruins offered another glimpse into Ireland’s spiritual past.
Our journey ended at the majestic Cliffs of Moher, rising 700 feet above the ocean. I’d seen them from above before, but viewing them from a boat at sea level revealed their full power. It was the perfect finale to our Emerald Isle adventure.
A Surprise Stop: The Deck of Cards Houses
One of the most memorable moments of our trip was an unexpected stop at the Deck of Cards Houses — a colourful row of homes stacked in perfect harmony along the hillside. This wasn’t even on the itinerary, but that’s the beauty of small-group travel with Collette — spontaneous discoveries that make the journey unforgettable.
Scroll through the images above to see why this surprise stop became one of my favourite highlights of the trip.
Why I Love the Emerald Isle
What moves me most about Ireland is its contrasts — quiet mornings wrapped in fog, followed by lively pub nights filled with song. The warmth of its people matches the richness of its landscapes. Every visit feels like a reunion with nature, history, and good company.
Discover the World in Comfort: Small-Group Travel with Collette
Collette Tours makes travel seamless and soulful. Flights, hotels, meals, and experiences are expertly curated so you can focus on the journey. Small groups mean more access — hidden gardens, local tastings, private storytelling sessions — and more time to connect with your surroundings.
If you’ve never joined a small-group tour, start here. It’s travel without stress — just wonder.
FAQ – Ireland with Collette Tours
Typically, 9 to 10 days, including Dublin, Cork, Dingle, the Aran Islands, and the Cliffs of Moher.
Collette’s small-group tours average 20 guests — intimate enough for flexibility, large enough for fun.
Yes, round-trip flights from Canada and most major cities are included in the package.
Breakfasts and several dinners are included, featuring local cuisine and hand-selected hotels.
Late spring through early fall offers ideal weather and lush green scenery — though Ireland’s charm truly lasts year-round.
About the Author
Roland Bast is a Canadian travel photographer and visual storyteller based in Ottawa. A proud member of TMAC (Travel Media Association of Canada), he specializes in capturing authentic, emotion-driven stories that connect travellers to place.
Written and photographed by Roland Bast.
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