Once in a Lifetime Tour of the Emerald Isle

From Broadway to Bunratty, a transatlantic cultural immersion of theater, castles, and coastal beauty

✨ 1. Across time zones and traditions

In late July, we left the familiar rhythm of home behind and stepped into something larger — a transatlantic journey blending performance, history, and hospitality. Organized by Broadway Across America, this itinerary began in New York City before carrying us across the Atlantic to explore five distinct regions of Ireland: Bunratty, Killarney, Cashel, Powerscourt, and Dublin.

Whether sipping Guinness at the Storehouse or watching Once on Broadway, every moment felt carefully chosen — a once-in-a-lifetime tour, exactly as promised.

🗽 Stop 1: New York City, USA

📍 The Westin Times Square, 270 W 43rd St, New York, NY
⏳ 1 Night (July 25–26)
🎭 Event: Welcome Reception at Hurley’s
🎟️ Event: “Once” at Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre

🏨 Check-In and Orientation

Our arrival at the Westin Times Square was easy and efficient. The hotel’s location, just steps from Broadway, placed us right in the thick of the city’s vibrant theater district. Our room looked eastward toward the Times Square and featured the Westin’s signature amenities — a plush bed, soft robes, and a modern bath that offered a quiet retreat from the city’s energy below.

Downstairs, we checked in at the Broadway Across America welcome desk, where we met Gregg, our tour escort for the week. Friendly and organized, Gregg would be the point person throughout our journey — handling logistics and guiding us along the itinerary. It was a helpful touchpoint and gave everyone a chance to meet and start putting names to faces.

🍸 Welcome Reception at Hurley’s

That evening, the group gathered at Hurley’s Saloon on West 48th Street for a welcome reception. The atmosphere was relaxed and conversational, with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and the low hum of Broadway just outside. It was a casual kickoff — informal, well-paced, and perfect for mingling with fellow travelers.

🎟️ Evening at the theater: Once

After the reception, we made our way on foot to the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre for a performance of Once. The show, based on the 2007 indie film, told the story of two musicians brought together by their shared love of songwriting. Its minimalist staging allowed the music and emotion to shine, with the musicians performing live on stage with the cast — lending to the production a raw, intimate quality. Quietly powerful and rooted in the theme of connection, it set an appropriate tone for the journey ahead.

✈️ Travel Day: New York to Ireland

📍 Location: JFK International Airport, Queens, NY, USA
⏳ Time Spent: Approx. 4–5 hours (including transfer and check-in)
🍽️ Lunch Experience: Sardi’s Restaurant, 234 W 44th St, NYC — with cast meet-and-greet from Once
🛫 Flight: Aer Lingus EI108, New York (JFK) to Dublin (DUB)

Our final morning in Manhattan was intentionally unstructured, allowing for some last-minute city exploration. A few of us wandered through Central Park, while others browsed boutiques along Fifth Avenue or grabbed a bagel and coffee from a nearby deli. By late morning, we returned to the Westin, checked out, and stored our luggage with the bell desk ahead of our group lunch.

🍽️ Lunch at Sardi’s — Broadway Meets Backstage

We reconvened at Sardi’s Restaurant, a legendary fixture of the Theater District known for its caricature portraits and long-standing ties to Broadway. Our group had a private space on the fourth floor, where we were joined by several cast members from Once. The cast spoke with us candidly about the show’s development, their lives on stage, and what it takes to keep the performance fresh each night.

It was an engaging, behind-the-scenes look at the Broadway experience — made even more memorable by the opportunity to ask questions, take photos, and chat casually with the performers we’d seen just the night before.

✈️ Departure for Dublin

After lunch, we boarded our motor coach and made the drive to JFK International Airport. As we left the city behind, a quiet anticipation began to build: the cultural prologue was over — and Ireland awaited.

That evening, we boarded Aer Lingus Flight EI108, settling into our overnight transatlantic journey. As New York’s skyline slipped away beneath us, visions of castles, cliffs, and Celtic music began to take shape.

We landed in Dublin just after sunrise, greeted by the cool morning air. After clearing customs and collecting our luggage, we rejoined Gregg, our tour escort, and met our Irish coach and driver from Bartons of Maynooth. With everyone accounted for, we boarded the bus and began the scenic westward journey toward County Clare.

☕ Lunch at Racket Hall Country House

Roughly halfway across the country, we made a stop in Roscrea for a welcome lunch at Racket Hall Country House. The meal was informal but comforting — freshly made sandwiches, warm scones with jam and cream, and pots of tea and coffee. It was a relaxing moment to reset after the overnight flight and long drive.

🏰 Stop 2: Bunratty, Co. Clare

📍 Bunratty Castle Hotel, Bunratty, Ireland
⏳ 1 Night (July 27–28)
🥪 Lunch Stop: Racket Hall Country House, Roscrea
🛍️ Free Time: Blarney Woollen Mills
🍷 Evening Event: Earl’s Banquet at Bunratty Castle

By late afternoon, we arrived at Bunratty Castle Hotel, a traditional yet comfortable property located just steps from the famed 15th-century Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. After checking in, we had time to freshen up and explore the surrounding village before the evening’s event.

A few of us wandered over to the Blarney Woollen Mills gift shop nearby — a great stop for classic Irish souvenirs like wool scarves, knitwear, and local crafts. On the way back, we happened upon a group of bridesmaids dressed in elegant gowns, also heading toward the castle — an unexpected encounter that added a charming, local touch to the evening.

🍷 Earl’s Banquet at Bunratty Castle

As dusk settled over the village, we made our way by foot to Bunratty Castle for the Earl’s Banquet — a theatrical dining experience that blends medieval storytelling, music, and traditional Irish fare.

Upon entering the grounds, we were greeted by hosts dressed in medieval costume and offered goblets of mead, a honey wine once reserved for nobility. It was the perfect opening act.

Inside, we ascended narrow, torch-lit stone staircases to reach the main banquet hall. Long wooden tables stretched the length of the candlelit room, surrounded by flickering sconces and rustic tapestries. The four-course meal included warm soup, chicken, seasonal vegetables, and a flaky apple tart for dessert.

Throughout dinner, a troupe of singers and musicians performed a lively mix of ballads, harmonies, and storytelling — all true to the era. A harpist filled the space with soft, resonant music from a full-sized Irish harp, while a fiddler added rhythm and flair during more spirited moments. Guests were encouraged to clap, laugh, and even join in — creating a warm, immersive experience that balanced historic charm with genuine hospitality.

The next morning after breakfast, we left Bunratty and headed west toward Ireland’s Atlantic coast. Our first stop came in Ennis, a charming town known for its narrow medieval streets and local character. We stretched our legs with a short walk, taking in the town’s mix of traditional shopfronts and winding lanes.

🏛️ Visit to Clare Heritage Centre

Next, we visited the County Clare Heritage Centre, a small but thoughtful museum offering insight into rural Irish life across generations. The exhibits included tools, furnishings, and everyday objects that reflected the simplicity and resilience of past eras.

🥩 Michael Hynes Butchers

Before continuing, we made an impromptu stop at Michael Hynes Butchers, where the proprietor warmly welcomed us inside. He shared stories of the shop’s history and proudly displayed his fresh cuts — a spontaneous, authentic moment that gave us a taste of daily life in County Clare.

🍽️ Lunch and Stroll in Lahinch

From Ennis, we continued west to Lahinch, a small seaside town known for its surf culture and long oceanfront promenade. We had some free time here to grab lunch at one of the many cafés or pubs and take a short walk along the shoreline. Though our time was brief, the fresh salt air and wide views provided a peaceful interlude before the afternoon’s main event.

🌊 Cliffs of Moher

That afternoon, we arrived at the Cliffs of Moher — towering sandstone and shale cliffs that rise more than 700 feet above the Atlantic. Spanning nearly nine miles along the County Clare coast, the cliffs have stood for over 300 million years, shaped by endless wind and sea. On a clear day, it’s possible to spot the Aran Islands to the west and the Kerry Mountains far to the south.

We followed the marked pathways along the edge, pausing at multiple viewpoints to take in the dramatic drop-offs and crashing surf below. The scene was vast and humbling, yet somehow serene. The wind tugged at our jackets, puffins circled the rocky ledges, and everywhere you looked was the kind of landscape that etches itself into memory.

The visitor center, built discreetly into the hillside, offered helpful exhibits on the area’s geology, wildlife, and environmental protection efforts. Inside, a short film simulated a bird’s-eye flight over the cliffs — a nice touch for those less inclined toward heights.

🛳️ Ferry Across the Shannon Estuary

Now en route to Killarney, we boarded the Shannon Dolphin, a car ferry that carried us across the Shannon Estuary — linking County Clare with County Kerry. The short crossing added a memorable change of pace to the evening, marking our transition from one Irish region to the next.

🌁 Stop 3: Killarney, Co. Kerry

📍 The Malton Hotel, Town Centre, Killarney
⏳ 2 Nights (July 28–30)
🛑 Stops in Route: County Clare Heritage Centre, Ennis, Cliffs of Moher, Ferry Across the Shannon Estuary
🍽️ Lunch: On our own during Free time in Lahinch

By evening, we reached Killarney and checked into The Malton Hotel, a stately property located in the heart of town. Surrounded by six acres of gardens and just a short walk from local pubs and shops, it made an ideal home base for the next two nights. After check-in, the evening was free — many of us ventured out into Killarney to explore, enjoy dinner, or simply unwind after a full day of travel and sightseeing.

🚐 Day Tour: Ring of Kerry

📍 Ring of Kerry Loop, departing from Killarney
⏳ Full Day (July 29)
🐑 Event: Sheepdog Demonstration
🏡 Visit: Muckross House & Gardens
🍽️ Dinner: Salvador’s Restaurant, Killarney

🛣️ Scenic Drive Through the Ring of Kerry

We started the morning with another classic Irish breakfast — brown bread, fresh eggs, and hot tea — before boarding our motor coach for a short ride to the beginning of one of Ireland’s most celebrated scenic routes: the Ring of Kerry. This circular drive unfolded through a shifting landscape of rolling farmland, rugged coastline, and distant mountain ranges. Stone walls crisscrossed the hillsides, enclosing green pastures where sheep grazed lazily, while quiet villages appeared along the way with their small cafés, and country churches.

As we traveled, our guide shared stories from Irish folklore, pointed out historical landmarks, and helped us understand the layered history of this stunning region. The blend of natural beauty and cultural context made for a deeply immersive experience.

🐑 Sheepdog Demonstration

One of the stops came at a hillside farm, where we attended a sheepdog demonstration. A local farmer explained how working dogs are trained to respond to whistles and hand signals. We watched as a border collie expertly guided a flock across the field, reacting with speed and precision to the farmer’s subtle commands. It was a highlight of the day — a glimpse into a traditional way of life still very much alive in rural Ireland.

🏡 Muckross House & Gardens

In the afternoon, we toured Muckross House, a 19th-century mansion set beside Muckross Lake in Killarney National Park. Built in 1843 for Henry Arthur Herbert and Mary Balfour, the estate reflected the grandeur of Anglo-Irish aristocracy. The interior featured carved staircases, high-ceilinged drawing rooms, and carefully curated furnishings that offered a look into the domestic life of the Victorian era.

A standout detail was the 1861 visit by Queen Victoria. To prepare, the Herberts undertook extensive renovations at their own expense — re-landscaping the gardens and refurbishing much of the house to meet royal standards. Ironically, the cost of these upgrades contributed to the family’s later financial decline.

Outside, the formal gardens provided just as much interest. We walked among flower beds, boxwood hedges, and walled enclosures, with long views stretching toward the lake and distant hills. The gardens felt both cultivated and wild — a balance of design and natural beauty that made Killarney National Park such a distinctive setting.

🍕 Dinner at Salvador’s

Returning to The Malton in the early evening, we ventured out into town for dinner and found our way to Salvador’s Restaurant, located at 9 High Street. Its casual yet varied menu offered everything from wood-fired pizza to Irish comfort food.

The highlight, however, was the conversation. We spoke at length with the owner — a young Polish woman — who shared how she came to run a restaurant in Killarney, her love for the area, and the challenges of blending traditions from home with the Irish hospitality scene. It was a fitting close to a full day — one that combined panoramic scenery with personal stories and unexpected connections.

Departing mid-morning from Killarney, we began a scenic journey northeast through the Golden Vale, one of Ireland’s most agriculturally rich regions. The landscape unfolded in waves of lush, fertile farmland — a patchwork of green fields and hedgerows that gave this region its name and reputation.

🏙️ Midday Stop in Cork

By midday, we reached Cork, Ireland’s second-largest city and one with deep cultural and maritime roots. Founded in the 6th century by Saint Finbarr, Cork evolved from a monastic center into a vital port city that played a major role in trade, politics, and shipbuilding throughout the centuries.

Today, its geography is shaped by the River Lee, which splits into multiple channels, creating an island-like layout connected by over two dozen bridges. The result is a city of walkable streets, vibrant neighborhoods, and layered history.

We had time for lunch and casual exploration near the English Market, a covered Victorian marketplace brimming with food stalls, local produce, and artisan goods. Some wandered to nearby shops; others enjoyed a riverside stroll or stopped into a pub before regrouping at the coach.

🏰 The Rock of Cashel

Our afternoon destination was the Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland’s most striking historic sites. Rising dramatically from the surrounding plains, this limestone outcrop has served as a political and religious center for over a millennium.

According to legend, it was here that St. Patrick converted King Aengus to Christianity, using the shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity. The site later became the seat of the Kings of Munster before being granted to the Church in 1101 — ushering in centuries of ecclesiastical development.

Today, the Rock is home to an extraordinary collection of medieval structures, including:

• Cormac’s Chapel (1127): A rare example of Romanesque architecture in Ireland, featuring carved doorways, sandstone walls, and faded frescoes — some of the oldest medieval wall paintings in the country.
• The Cathedral (13th century): A large Gothic structure with a central tower and high vaulted ceilings, once the heart of religious life here.
• The Round Tower (c. 1100): Standing over 90 feet tall, this is one of the best-preserved towers of its kind, offering sweeping views of the Tipperary countryside.
• The Hall of the Vicars Choral (15th century): Where laymen who sang during services once lived and practiced, now restored and housing visitor exhibits.
• High Crosses and Grave Slabs: Scattered throughout the site, they mark the resting places of clergy and local nobility.

We spent time both with our guide and on our own, exploring the grounds at our own pace. One powerful moment came while standing on the cathedral steps, gazing out toward a massive, jagged boulder sitting in the yard below — an unexpected feature that seemed to anchor the ruin to its rugged landscape.

Another lasting impression was found just beside the cathedral, in the ancient cemetery. The gravel path wound through a scatter of weathered headstones — some leaning with age, others carved with Latin script or faint symbols of rank and belief. Many belonged to clergy and local nobility, laid to rest facing the morning sun. It was a quiet, grounded contrast to the imposing stone walls just steps away.

🎭 Evening Performance: Brú Ború Cultural Centre

Following our visit to the Rock of Cashel, we stopped at the nearby Brú Ború Cultural Centre, nestled at the base of the hill. Operated by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, the center is dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Irish music, dance, and folklore. While there, we were invited to return that evening for a live performance — an offer we eagerly accepted.

After a short drive to our accommodations at Dundrum House Hotel, we had time to check in and unwind. The hotel, an 18th-century estate surrounded by 200 acres of countryside, balanced Georgian charm with modern comforts. The property featured elegant rooms, walking trails, and a cozy bar — the kind of place that encourages relaxed conversation and quiet moments between events.

Later that evening, several of us arranged transport and returned to Brú Ború for the performance. The theatre was intimate, with tiered seating that offered a close view of the action on stage. What followed was an energetic showcase of traditional Irish music, group dancing, and solo performances, blending historic expression with contemporary passion.

After the show, the cast invited us into a small adjoining room for a more personal gathering. One by one, they shared meaningful solos, dances, and songs — pieces rooted in family stories or regional styles. Then came an unexpected twist: they asked if we had anything to contribute. One of our fellow travelers stepped forward and sang an impromptu ballad, earning warm applause and sealing the connection between performers and audience.

🕍 Stop 4: Cashel & Dundrum

📍 Dundrum House Hotel, Co. Tipperary
⏳ 1 Night (July 30–31)
🛑 Stops in Route: Cork, the Rock of Cashel
🍽️ Lunch: On our own during Free time in Cork
🎭 Evening Event: Brú Ború Cultural Centre Performance

We arrived at Dundrum House Hotel in the early evening, surrounded by green fields and quiet countryside. Originally built in the 1730s for the O’Dwyer family, the Georgian estate has served many purposes over the centuries — from stately home to golf resort — though much of its period architecture remains intact. The setting was serene, but the halls carried a sense of age that lingered just beneath the surface.

That evening, a few of us gathered in the bar for a nightcap, joined by Gregg, our ever-resourceful tour escort. Conversation turned to the history of the building, and the bartender began sharing stories — spoken plainly, but with a weight that made us all pause.

The bartender spoke of cold spots in empty hallways, sightings in disused wings, and historic photos where unexplained figures occasionally appeared. We weren’t alone in being unsettled — even Gregg, the voice of reason, admitted the atmosphere was eerie.

The hotel’s creaking floors, antique decor, and lack of other visible guests only added to the effect. It was the kind of night where every whisper of wind sounded like footsteps, and every shadow felt just a little too still.

Without question, this was the most haunted — and most unforgettable — night of the tour.

After breakfast and one final look at the golden fields of Tipperary, we headed east toward County Wicklow, long celebrated as “The Garden of Ireland.” Our destination: the elegant Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt, nestled into the wooded foothills near Enniskerry. As we wound our way through winding country roads, the landscape shifted from pastoral farmland — softening the colors of the grounds and adding a sense of calm to our arrival.

🌿 Stop 5: Powerscourt, Co. Wicklow

📍 The Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt, Enniskerry
⏳ 2 Nights (July 31–August 2)
🌸 Free Time: Powerscourt Gardens, Spa, Café Avoca
🍽️ Dinner: Enniskerry Inn

We arrived just after midday, the grand façade of the hotel coming into view like something out of a dream. Built in the Palladian style, the Ritz-Carlton sits adjacent to one of Ireland’s most storied estates — Powerscourt House and Gardens — which date back to the 13th century.

Originally a medieval castle, the property was later transformed into a stately Georgian mansion in the 18th century under the direction of architect Richard Castle. Though the original house was gutted by fire in 1974, its exterior was meticulously restored, and today it serves as a gateway to the sprawling gardens beyond.

Inside, the hotel offered understated luxury: deep armchairs, soft lighting, and panoramic views of Great Sugarloaf Mountain in the distance. Our rooms overlooked formal lawns and the sound of rainfall tapping against the windows only heightened the sense of retreat.

🌸 Afternoon at Leisure: The Estate and its Gardens

That afternoon, a few of us borrowed umbrellas from the concierge and stepped out to explore the Powerscourt Gardens, which are among the finest in Europe. Even in the drizzle, the estate felt enchanted. We wandered past symmetrical terraces and classical statues, through lush walled gardens, and alongside lily-filled ponds that reflected the silvery sky.

Nearby, the Tower Valley path led us to a small stone tower known as Pepperpot Tower, modeled after a pepper shaker owned by Lady Wingfield. We climbed its spiral staircase for a panoramic view of the treetops and ornamental gardens.

As we made our way through Tower Valley, a wooded area at the edge of the estate, we found ourselves dwarfed by an astonishing grove of giant sequoia trees — also known as Wellingtonias. Their cinnamon-red bark stood out brilliantly against the soft greens of the Irish landscape, and their sheer size felt almost mythical. Even in a garden filled with history and grandeur, these trees commanded attention.

These sequoias were planted in the mid-19th century, shortly after the species was first brought to Europe from California. Powerscourt was one of the first estates in Ireland to cultivate them. In fact, the estate was part of the great Victorian tradition of plant collecting — when wealthy landowners and botanists imported exotic species from around the world to display on their properties.

🐾 A visit to the pet cemetery

We paused by the Pet Cemetery, which at first seemed whimsical but turned out to be deeply personal — with carefully inscribed headstones for family dogs, ponies, and even a beloved cow named Eugenie. It offered a quiet, unexpected window into the lives of the Wingfield family, who lived here for generations.

🍽️ Evening in Enniskerry Village

Later that evening, we went out on our own to Enniskerry Village and found our way to The Enniskerry Inn. The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming — a friendly mix of locals enjoying the evening. Upstairs, we sat by a window overlooking the village square. Over plates of grilled beef with arugula and seared steak with crisp roast potatoes, we talked through the memories we’d gathered — aware that the journey was nearing its end.

📚 Day trip: Dublin City

📖 The Book of Kells at Trinity College
🛍️ Shopping: Grafton Street
🍺 Visit: Guinness Storehouse
🍽️ Farewell Dinner: The Brazenhead Pub

Our final full day began with a scenic drive into Dublin, where a panoramic coach tour introduced us to the capital’s unique blend of history and personality. We passed stately Georgian terraces, leafy parks, bridges over the River Liffey, and public statues that hinted at the city’s literary legacy. The scale felt compact but layered — every street seemed to hold centuries of stories.

📜 The Book of Kells at Trinity College

Our first major stop was Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest university, founded in 1592. At its heart lies the breathtaking Long Room Library, a soaring, vaulted hall lined with rich woodwork and over 200,000 of the college’s oldest books. Busts of great thinkers line the central aisle, and shafts of soft light filter through high windows, giving the entire space the hushed reverence of a cathedral.

But the main draw is found just before entering the Long Room — in a separate, dimly lit gallery that housed the Book of Kells, one of the world’s most treasured medieval manuscripts.

Created by Celtic monks around the year 800 AD, the Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript of the four Gospels, written in Latin on calfskin vellum. What makes it so remarkable is the artistry: swirling Celtic motifs, interlaced animals, and symbolic figures — all rendered in painstaking detail, some only visible under close inspection. Only a few pages are displayed at a time and rotated regularly to protect the delicate inks and pigments. The exhibit also explains how these pigments were made, from minerals, plants, and even insects, giving insight into the labor and devotion behind every page.

Photography wasn’t allowed in the Book of Kells gallery, but we were able to take photos in nearby exhibits — including one of a stunning Persian illuminated manuscript that caught our attention. Written in elegant calligraphy and accompanied by vivid miniature paintings, it was likely part of Trinity’s extensive global manuscript collection, which highlights rare works from cultures beyond the Western canon.

Though the Book of Kells itself eluded our cameras, the visit left a vivid impression — a reverence for books not just as texts, but as sacred objects of beauty, mystery, and history.

🛍️ Midday Break on Grafton Street

From Trinity College, we walked a short distance to Grafton Street, Dublin’s iconic pedestrian shopping corridor. We browsed store windows, watched a few street musicians, and stopped for lunch at Lost Society, a stylish venue tucked into a historic building.

🍽️ Lunch at Lost Society

Lunch was casual and satisfying. We ordered bowls of the soup of the day, served with Guinness and treacle brown bread, along with a slow-cooked BBQ pork sandwich paired with crispy shoestring fries. The setting had a relaxed, contemporary feel — the kind of place where locals mix with visitors over good food in a comfortable space.

🍺 Guinness Storehouse Experience

In the afternoon, we visited the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin’s most popular attraction and the headquarters of Ireland’s best-known brand. The building itself is shaped like a giant pint glass, and the self-guided tour spans seven floors, each dedicated to different parts of the brewing and branding process.

We moved through displays on the ingredients — water from the Wicklow Mountains, Irish barley, hops, and the proprietary yeast strain — followed by exhibits on barrel-making, global marketing campaigns, and vintage Guinness advertisements. One floor was entirely dedicated to the brand’s iconic typography and illustrations, including the famous toucan.

The highlight came on the fourth floor, where we attended a short pouring class and received our “Guinness Perfect Pourer” certificate — a fun, hands-on way to engage with the experience. Finally, we made our way up to the Gravity Bar, a glass-walled lounge offering panoramic views over Dublin. With a freshly poured pint in hand, we could see rooftops, steeples, and the slow movement of the Liffey below.

🎻 Farewell dinner at The Brazenhead

That evening, we gathered for a farewell dinner at The Brazenhead, recognized as Ireland’s oldest pub, dating back to 1198. Tucked into a stone-walled corner of the city, the pub is full of character — low ceilings, wood beams, and the layered feel of centuries of guests.

Dinner was hearty and traditional, with generous servings of Irish staples and flowing drinks. As we ate, we were treated to a session of live storytelling, a blend of myth, history, and humor delivered with perfect Irish timing. It was more than entertainment — it was a reflection of everything we’d encountered on the trip: warmth, history, community, and a bit of magic.

It was a fitting final chapter to an unforgettable journey.

✈️ Return Day: Farewell to Ireland

📍 Dublin Airport, County Dublin, Ireland
⏳ Approx. 2–3 hours (check-in and departure)
🛫 Flight: Aer Lingus EI105, Dublin to New York (JFK)
🧳 Connection: Domestic flights to home cities

Our final morning arrived quickly. After a light breakfast at the Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt, we gathered our bags, exchanged farewells, and boarded the coach one last time.

At Dublin Airport, we moved through check-in and security with practiced ease. The mood was quiet, reflective. We had come for castles, cliffs, music, and history — and we found them all. But what we took home were the things in between: conversations shared, local moments noticed, and friendships formed across miles and borders.

🚶 Independent Travelers Note: Several evenings and lunches throughout the tour were self-guided; staff were available with helpful local suggestions.

📋 Land Tour Summary

📍 Starting City: New York City, USA
🗺 Itinerary Name: Once In a Lifetime New York & Ireland Itinerary
🚌 Tour Provider: Broadway Across America – Escorted Land Tour
📆 Dates: July 25 – August 2
⏳ Duration: 9 Days
⛔ Main Stops: New York City, Bunratty, Killarney, Cashel, Powerscourt

Escorted Land Tour Disclaimer:

Descriptions of escorted land tours on OceansAfoot are independently written and based on personal participation. OceansAfoot is not affiliated with any travel agency, land operator, or hospitality provider mentioned. All observations reflect the traveler’s own experience and are intended for informational use only.

© OceansAfoot