Iowa State Football Game in Dublin & Ireland’s Ancient East, August 22 - 29, 2025
Call 800.486.4816 or email one of our travel consultants at ireland@questtraveladventures.com for more information
ALTERNATIVE ROUTE AUGUST 18 -25 ENDING WITH THE GAME IN DUBLIN AFTER STOPS IN COUNTY CLARE, GALWAY, AND DONEGAL - CLICK HERE
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$250 HOLDS YOUR PLACE
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- $250 HOLDS YOUR PLACE -
7 Night, 8 Day Tour Of Ireland, curated by PBS Travel Show Host Michael Londra
Price is land only. Airfare is booked separately. Price includes luxury coach, services of driver / guide, entrance to all tourist sites, hotels, all breakfasts and most dinners, see details below.
Join us on a celebration of Ireland AND Iowa State. Who better to curate for you, the magic of Ireland than top PBS travel show host, internationally acclaimed Irish tenor and Ames resident, Michael Londra. On this trip Michael brings you to his part of Ireland, the Ancient East. After a celeration of Iowa State football in the iconic Aviva stadium, Michael will excort you to his home county and other unforgettable spots around the South and East of Ireland.. Enjoy some local insight as you explore wonders of the majestic Irish countryside, hear the best of Irish music, and meet surprise guests along the way on this week-long tour.
ALTERNATIVE ROUTE AUGUST 18 -25 ENDING WITH THE GAME IN DUBLIN AFTER STOPS IN COUNTY CLARE, GALWAY, AND DONEGAL - CLICK HERE
Cost : $3899.00
Single Supplement : $1099.00
AT A GLANCE
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After landing at Dublin Airport and completing customs, meet your CIE Tours driver/guide and transfer to your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring Dublin or relaxing. Enjoy an independent dinner and gather with Michael to get to know everyone and meet fellow Cyclone fans.
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Spend the morning and afternoon at leisure. Explore Dublin’s top sites, like Phoenix Park or the Croke Park Museum. In the evening, head to Aviva Stadium for the college football game between ISU and Kansas State.
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Enjoy a full day with a Hop-on Hop-off pass, visiting iconic Dublin attractions and shopping along Nassau Street, Grafton Street, or Henry Street. Experience the city's dining scene in its many restaurants or pubs.
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Travel to Enniskerry to visit Powerscourt House and Gardens, home to exquisite flora. Explore Powerscourt Distillery with a guided tour and whiskey tasting. Delight in a classic Irish dinner followed by a concert with Michael Londra.
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Visit Johnstown Castle Gardens, featuring over two hundred varieties of trees and shrubs. Continue to Hook Lighthouse, the oldest operating lighthouse in Ireland. Return to Wexford for a guided walking tour through its historic streets.
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Depart Wexford for the House of Waterford Crystal and see the art of glass blowing and cutting. Visit the nearby 18th-century Bishop’s Palace before heading to Malzards Pub in Kilkenny for a Hurling Experience. Enjoy leisure time at your hotel before dining together.
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After breakfast, explore Kilkenny Castle, historic home of the Butlers, Earls, and Dukes of Ormonde. Visit the Kilkenny Design Center, showcasing contemporary Irish craft. Later, tour Ballykeefe Distillery for a whiskey tasting. Return to your hotel in Kilkenny to relax.
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All too soon, your Irish adventure comes to an end. Depart for the United States with memories that will last a lifetime.
August 21
DEPART THE UNITED STATES
Depart your hometown and take an overnight flight across the Atlantic. Enjoy in- flight entertainment and meal service as you travel to start your vacation.
August 22
DUBLIN ARRIVAL, MEET YOUR HOST MICHAEL, SETTLE IN TO DUBLIN
Arrive at Dublin Airport, complete customs and immigration. At 9am, meet your CIE Tours driver/guide in the Arrivals Hall and board a luxury motorcoach for a comfortable ride to Trinity City Hotel, located in the heart of Dublin. Check in and settle into your comfortable and well-appointed room. Explore Dublin at your leisure. Visit iconic landmarks like Trinity College and the Book of Kells or stroll through the serene St. Stephen's Green. For history enthusiasts, the EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum offers fascinating insights into the history of Irish emigration.
Alternatively, take a walk along the River Liffey, take in the bustling atmosphere of Grafton Street, or relax in one of Dublin’s charming cafes. Enjoy an independent dinner at one of Dublin's many excellent restaurants. Whether you prefer traditional Irish fare or international cuisine, Dublin has a dining option for you. Later, experience authentic Irish music and culture at a local venue with your fellow travelers. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow Iowa State supporters and share your experiences.
August 23
GAME DAY
Enjoy free time to rest or further explore Dublin. Optional visits include the Dublin Writer’s Museum, which celebrates the city’s literary heritage, Phoenix Park, one of the largest enclosed parks in any European capital city, or Croke Park Museum, which offers an insight into the history of Gaelic games.
Or how about tailgating in one of Dublin’s iconic pubs. We can for sure point you in the right direction. Lots of Cyclone fans will be staying in your hotel.
The main event happens this afternoon.! Head to Aviva Stadium for an epic college football game between ISU and Kansas State. Experience the electric atmosphere as fans fill the stands and the excitement builds for an unforgettable night. Capture the thrill of the game and the camaraderie of fellow fans. Go Cyclones!
August 24
Enjoy a full day at leisure with a Hop On Hop Off pass to explore Dublin at your own pace. Visit must-see museums like the National Museum, National Gallery, or the Writers Museum. Shop along Nassau Street, Grafton Street, or Henry Street, where you can find everything from high street fashion to unique Irish crafts and souvenirs. Dine in one of Dublin's many restaurants or pubs. Choose from a variety of dining experiences, from casual pub grub to fine dining. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Dublin’s nightlife, whether you prefer a quiet evening at a traditional pub or a night of dancing and music.
August 25
THE GREAT ESTATE AND THE GREAT EXCAPE FROM THE CITY TO MICHAEL’S HOME COUNTY
·Begin your day with a scenic journey to the picturesque village of Enniskerry, nestled in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains. Visit the magnificent Powerscourt House, a grand estate with a rich history dating back to the 13th century. Spend time exploring the terraced Italian gardens, marvel at the intricate statuary, and wander through the diverse and meticulously maintained floral displays, including the Japanese gardens and the walled garden. Head to the renowned Powerscourt Distillery on the estate. Enjoy a guided tour that takes you through the whiskey-making process, from grain to glass. Savor the unique flavors during a whiskey tasting session.
Continue your journey to Wexford, a charming town renowned for its maritime history and cultural heritage. Check into the luxurious Ferrycarrig Hotel, where you can settle comfortably into your room and enjoy the stunning views of the River Slaney. Join your group for a delightful classic Irish dinner overlooking the banks of the river, featuring local specialties and traditional dishes. Cap the evening off with an exclusive VIP concert from Michael Londra and some remarkable traditional musicians.
August 26
WEXFORD WALKING TOUR (BULL RING, SESKAR ABBEY, THEATRE ROYAL) HOOK LIGHTHOUSE, JOHNSTOWN CASTLE GARDENS,
Kick off the day with a visit to the breathtaking Johnstown Castle & Gardens, a botanical haven that boasts over 200 species of trees and shrubs, developed in the mid 19th Century and are set aside from the ornamental castle. The 4-acre walled garden and hothouses, originally designed by Daniel Robertson, who also designed the impressive gardens at the Powerscourt Estate and Wells House have been painstakingly restored by the head gardener and over 100 volunteers and have over two hundred different kinds of trees and shrubs. The estate is anchored by the Disneyesque Castle, truly a secret beauty in Ireland.
Journey to the Hook Peninsula to visit the historic Hook Lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses in the world and the oldest operating lighthouse in Ireland. Learn about its storied past and the vital role it has played in maritime navigation.
Return to Wexford for a gentle walking tour with a knowledgeable local guide. Discover the town's rich history as you stroll through winding streets, observe the remnants of the town walls, explore the famous bull ring, and visit Selskar Abbey and the Theater Royal. You have the option to stay in town for a dinner in one of Wexford incredible seafood restaurants and head back to the hotel to relax by the river or the incredible sports and leisure center.
August 27
A CRYSTAL VISIT, A STROLL THROUGH A PALACE AND A MEDIEVAL CITY
Say good bye to Michael as you depart from Wexford and head to Waterford, Ireland's oldest city, for an immersive tour of the House of Waterford Crystal. Witness the artistry involved in glass blowing and cutting and admire the stunning and unique masterpieces created by skilled craftsmen.
Explore the nearby 18th-century Bishop’s Palace, a well-preserved Georgian residence that offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the period. Afterwards, journey to Kilkenny and stop at Malzards Pub for an engaging Hurling Experience. Learn about this ancient Celtic sport, its rules, and its significance in Irish culture. Truly, an exciting sport for Cyclone fans to learn about and maybe have a go at.
Check into your hotel in the vibrant city of Kilkenny. Enjoy a group dinner featuring hearty Irish fare and take some time to relax and socialize.
August 28
A CASTLE AFTER BREAKFAST AND A DROP OF WHISKEY….A FEW DROPS.
After a hearty breakfast, visit the iconic Kilkenny Castle, the ancestral home of the Butler family, Earls, and Dukes of Ormonde. Explore the richly decorated state rooms, art galleries, and extensive formal and informal gardens overlooking the scenic Nore River. Visit the Kilkenny Design Center, Ireland’s leading contemporary craft and design hub, housed in the restored stables and coach houses of Kilkenny Castle. Enjoy an authentic Irish lunch at the center's restaurant and browse the artisan stalls showcasing a wide array of locally made crafts and designs.
·Travel to Ballykeefe to experience a guided tour and tasting at the Ballykeefe Distillery, a family-owned distillery known for its sustainable practices. Michael recommends the pot still whiskey here. Learn about the distillation process and sample some of their premium spirits. Return to your hotel in Kilkenny for a free evening, with the option to dine at a nearby venue and explore the city's lively pubs. There are a lot of them.
August 29
THE JOURNEY HOME
Before boarding your flight, enjoy last-minute shopping at the duty-free stores, where you can pick up souvenirs and gifts for loved ones. Perhaps grab a bite to eat at one of the airport's restaurants. Depart for the United States with memories that will last a lifetime. As you settle into your flight, reminisce about the stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and that game, memories all together that made your trip unforgettable.
ALTERNATIVE ROUTE AUGUST 18 -25 ENDING WITH THE GAME IN DUBLIN AFTER STOPS IN COUNTY CLARE, GALWAY, AND DONEGAL - CLICK HERE
Located on the doorstep of Trinity College and only a 5-minute stroll from Temple Bar The Trinity City Hotel is at the heart of the new beat of Dublin.
Irish owned and distinctively furnished, we’re here to surprise you with imaginative interiors and contemporary rooms, strong Wi-Fi, valet parking, good coffee, decadent cocktails and a varied menu in our Courtyard Restaurant or Brunswick Bar, whatever you need, when you need it.
Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel is surely the most ideally located hotel in Kilkenny City and the only Kilkenny city centre hotel with a swimming pool. The hotel is perfectly located for all the best things to do in Kilkenny and is right next to Kilkenny City's top landmarks such as the magical Kilkenny Castle, the Smithwick's Experience, the intriguing Medieval Mile Museum and St. Canice’s Cathedral with its Round Tower
Ferrycarrig Hotel Wexford
The nationally and internationally renowned 4 Star Ferrycarrig Hotel, boasts one of the most inspiring locations of any hotel in Wexford or Ireland, with sweeping views across the river Slaney. The hotel’s guest rooms have been cleverly designed to soak up the amazing views that lie just outside your window. All of Ferrycarrig Hotel's 102 bedrooms overlook the River Slaney Estuary. Located just 3km from vibrant Wexford Town Ferrycarrig offers the ideal base to explore all the South East has to offer. Walk on sandy beaches, stroll through thousands of years of fascinating history or just relax taking in breath-taking views of the coastline...
Dining options include Reeds Restaurant, a stunning river-front restaurant. Beautifully crafted cuisine, top class locally sourced produce delivered with amazing creativity from our top class culinary team and enjoyed with memorable views in a relaxed environment. Reeds Restaurant has been awarded 2 AA Rosettes for 7 years in a row (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022). Named Best Hotel Restaurant in Wexford for two years and listed in the top 5 restaurants in Leinster by the Restaurant Association of Ireland.
Interested in booking your vacation?
Call 800.486.4816 or email one of our travel consultants at ireland@questtraveladventures.com for more information