Jigs and Swigs in Ireland

August 23 - 31, 2025

The Ashling is located along the LUAS (Dublin Tram system) which is an easy way to get around. The closest stop is the Museum Stop, to the left as you come out of the doors of the hotel. You can purchase tickets at kiosks at each stop. Just make sure to push the button to open the door on the way in, and out 😉

Nancy Hands - Old style traditional Pub

PHX Bistro - Lovely small restaurant along the quays with delicious food for lunch and dinner

Smithfield Square - Home to Jameson’s Dublin tour, as well as several quick food options, pubs, restaurants, and cafes.

Helpful Travel Tips

🛂 Make a copy of your passport and credit card information - keep these separate from your passport and credit cards in case they are lost.

☔️ Weather is consistently inconsistent. Pack layers. Temperatures in summer are generally 60-70 degrees, but there can be heat waves

🚿 Washcloths are seen as a personal item and many hotels do not provide them

🌡️ Because temperatures rarely warrant it, many buildings and hotels do not have AC

🚨 Emergency number is 999
💰1 Euro = About $1.15
Tax is always included in price listed

💸 When taking cash out of ATM, DECLINE the currency conversion. You'll still get your cash, but will pay less in fees.

🌡️ Easy, but not exact, temp conversion to Fahrenheit. Double the temp in C, and add 30. Ex. 10C = 50F and 20C = 70F. Works for "what to wear today" but not baking or science experiments 

🛍️ Convenience Stores: Londis, Tesco, Spar, Centra

💳 Can use credit cards for most purchases- if given an option, typically it is better to use EUR as currency. It will show up on statement as USD.

☕ Coffee and Tea are typically served after dessert at restaurants.

☝️ When dining out, especially in pubs, you must ask for your check when you're done. They will assume you're enjoying yourselves otherwise.

💳 If using a credit card to pay for a meal at a restaurant and you want to add a tip- you must tell server the amount before they run the card.

🥤 Sodas are small and do not come with free refills.

About currency, cash, tipping, converters, etc.

Itinerary

(Please note that timings may change due to a number of factors, this is to give you an idea of what to expect)
Day 1: August 23, 2025 – Touchdown in Dublin

Welcome to Dublin! Fly in on your preferred carrier or join us, if you arrive early, at the cozy Ashling Hotel. Take advantage of your day in Dublin to explore at your leisure before checking in to the hotel at 3 pm. After a chance to rest up, meet your fellow travelers over a welcome drink- Cheers to a great time in Ireland!
When you arrive to the Dublin Airport- all flights arriving from the US will come into Terminal 2- you’ll proceed to immigration then into the baggage area. After you’ve collected all of your belongings you’ll be out in the Arrivals Hall. When you are ready to depart, go past the yellow abstract sculpture, across the pedestrian skybridge, turn left and take elevator down to floor 0. Exit the elevator and turn right to find the taxi rank.

5:00pm Meet fellow travelers in hotel bar

Day 2: August 24, 2025 – Culture & Dance

Start your day with the best breakfast in Dublin—an epic spread of options to fuel your adventure. Next, dive into Irish culture with a private session led by Mollie Guidera, the sensational social media star behind @IrishWithMollie. Not only will you get insider tips on Irish culture and language, but you’ll also bust some moves in an Irish dance-inspired Zumba class. After a refresh, enjoy the afternoon at your leisure or join us for an optional visit to the historic Kilmainham Gaol**.  Then get ready for an evening of culinary delights. We have an unforgettable food tour through Dublin’s vibrant streets, featuring a delectable three-course meal, local craft beers & ciders, and an Irish Coffee-making session to cap off the night. 

Breakfast at the hotel is included - at your leisure, just give your room number upon entering
9:45am Meet in Grattan Suite (Floor 2) for our lesson with Mollie Guidera
Afternoon at leisure or
2:45pm Depart hotel to head to Kilmainham Gaol if you’ve pre-registered for the excursion. You’ll have time to see the museum before your guided tour
5:15pm Pick up those not participating in Kilmainham Gaol from Ashling Hotel
5:30pm FlavourTrails Food Tour (meeting place is 59 South William St, if you’re planning on meeting us there and won’t be on the coach with the group)

Day 3: August 25, 2025 – Westward Bound

Wave goodbye to Dublin as we embark on a scenic journey west. We’ll break up the four-hour drive with a few stops including Limerick for the iconic King John’s Castle. Arrive in Dingle by late afternoon and check into the Dingle Skellig Hotel. Your evening is free—take in the harbor views, indulge in a spa session, or hit up one of Dingle’s legendary pubs.
If you’re interested in booking anything at the spa- do so ASAP.

8:15am Check out and load coach with luggage for departure
8:30am Depart the hotel
11:30am Tour King John’s Castle in Limerick
Opportunity for lunch on your own in Limerick
1:30pm Depart Limerick City
4:00pm Approximate check in to Dingle Skellig Hotel
Free Evening

Things to do in Dingle

Day 4: August 26, 2025 – Scenic Splendor

Get ready for a scenic extravaganza as we tackle the stunning Sea Head Loop on the Dingle Peninsula. This lesser-known route offers breathtaking views and a chance to meet some friendly baby lambs. After a picturesque morning, we’ll swing by Dingle Distillery for a taste of local spirits. The rest of the day is yours—either dive deeper into Dingle’s charm or relax and soak in the vibes.

9:00am Coach departs for Scenic Slea Head Drive
11:30am Tour the Dingle Distillery
Free Afternoon and Evening

Day 5: August 27, 2025 – Jigs, Swigs & Cliffs

Gear up for a northward jaunt to County Clare, famous for its traditional music and views of the Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy our lively Jigs and Swigs® event—get your groove on with a jig class and savor a delicious “swig” with lunch post class. After lunch, get in a short hike, view the Cliffs of Moher, do some souvenir shopping, or just chill out in Doolin before we head to our charming accommodation at Old Ground Hotel in Ennis, where dinner is included.

7:00am Group Breakfast Reservation
7:50am Check out and load coach with luggage for departure
Depart the hotel, we’ll make stop along our journey for a toilet break and take a short ferry across the Shannon
12:00pm Jigs and Swigs class followed by included lunch at Vaughn’s Pub in Kilfenora
2:30-3:45pm Free time in Doolin
4:45pm Approximate check in to the Old Ground Hotel
6:30pm Included group dinner at the hotel

Day 6: August 28, 2025 – Galway Vibes

Sleep in or explore Ennis at your own pace this morning. After check-out, we’ll journey to Galway for a unique GAA (Gaelic Athletic League) Experience. Learn the ropes of Ireland’s favorite sports from those who know best before checking into the Victoria Hotel for a two-night stay. Freshen up and enjoy an included dinner at the hotel, gearing up for your Galway exploration.

10:15am Check out and load coach with luggage for departure
10:30am Depart the hotel for Galway
12:00-1:30pm Opportunity for lunch on your own
2:00-5:00pm GAA Experience
5:30pm Approximate check in to Victoria Hotel off Eyre Square
7:00pm Included group dinner at the hotel

Day 7: August 29, 2025 – Free Day in Galway

Take this day to explore Galway at your leisure! Galway is brimming with culture, music, and fantastic food, so let the day unfold as you wish.

Day 8: August 30, 2025 – Seaside Farewell

We’re heading back east to the Bracken Court Hotel in Balbriggan, just north of Dublin. But first, a must-do—visit Sean’s Bar, the oldest pub in Ireland, dating back to 900 AD. Enjoy the rich history and a perfect pint. This afternoon we’ll arrive at our seaside hotel, where you can stroll to the beach before our farewell dinner. It’s the perfect end to an incredible journey.
9:15am Check out and load luggage on coach for departure
9:30am Depart hotel
11:00am Stop at Sean’s Bar in Athlone
Opportunity for lunch on your own
3:30pm Approximate check in to Bracken Court Hotel
6:30pm Included Farewell dinner at the hotel.

Day 9: August 31, 2025 – Slán Abhaile! (Safe home!)

For those not extending their stay, today is the day you’ll make your way at your leisure to Dublin airport—just a short 20-minute taxi ride away. Until next time, Ireland!

Trip Map

This is a link to a group photo album set up just for this group, for anyone interested. You’ll be able to share photos and videos with each other, as well as download each other’s photos. At the end, you’ll even have the option to create a photo book.