Visit the Dingle Peninsula for the festive season and experience the Christmas pastimes, celebrations and feasts of the Irish at home and in history. Depending on demand, it may be possible to arrange a performance of a children’s Nativity play by local school pupils.
You will be astonished by the range of traditional foods on offer, many of which are not generally known except to specialists (special dietary needs will be accommodated, though koshrus or halal cannot be guaranteed). You will marvel at the lively and colourful street parades of “The Wran” in Dingle.
A day-by-day plan to guide your journey.
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Day 1
Pickup & Transfer
Pick up from airport
Transfers to Dromoland Castle
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Day 2
Historical Castles, Cultural Experiences, and Evening Entertainment
Pick up from hotel
King John’s Castle (1200), Bunratty Castle (15th Century), or Foynes Flying Boat Museum
Lunch
Storytelling (in Listowel), or performance of children’s Nativity play (in West Kerry)
Hotel and meal Ballyferriter
“Bothántaíocht” – an evening of music, song, storytelling and perhaps dance
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Day 3
Spiritual Tour, Beach Walk, and Traditional Irish Cuisine
Pick up from hotel
Spiritual Tour
Lunch
Beach Walk
“Christmas on the Blasket” (illustrated talk)
Meal in Murphys, featuring potato cakes, champ, colcannon, “Steaimpí” or “Bocstaí” – traditional potato dishes which can be fried, boiled or baked
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Day 4
Christmas Eve
Traditional Christmas Foods, Nativity Scenes, and Midnight Mass
Pick up from hotel
Traditional Christmas Foods on the peninsula from local experts
Lunch – ling (langa/bod mór) or cod (trosc/bod rua) make traditional fish meals for this day.
A visit to one or more of the traditional “Cribs”, Manger Nativity scenes in homes and churches – or assembling a crib for yourselves
Hotel freshen up
Midnight Mass at Carraig Church
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Day 5
Christmas Day
Traditional Christmas Swim, Scenic Drive, and Festive Dinner
Pick up from hotel
Traditional Christmas swim – if desired
Slea Head Drive to include ceremonial sites
Return to Hotel: Christmas Dinner usually consists of a stuffed roast bird, with baked ham, two or three types of potato, vegetables usually including sprouts, parsnip, cauliflower and carrots, and two or three different sauces. While turkey is most usually the main dish, roast goose is also traditional, as is duck, either of which could be served with a similar combination of sides.
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Day 6
Stephen’s Day (“Lá an Dreoilín”, Wren Day)
“Wran” Tradition Talk, Parades, and Evening Entertainment
Talk on the “Wran” tradition in Dingle, and possible participation
Parades at 2pm
Evening meal, music and entertainment provided by hotel
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Day 7
Free Day, Dingle Visit, and Evening of Irish Music
Free day
Taxi transfer to and from Dingle
Evening meal at Tigh an tSaorsaigh followed by Irish music
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Day 8
Ring of Kerry Tour, Forge Visit, and Dinner at Anvil Restaurant
Ring Of Kerry Guided Tour
Visit to the Forge in Boolteens (Na Buailtíní)
Dinner in Anvil Restaurant
Return to hotel
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Day 9
Brandon Creek, Spiritual Slea Head Drive, and Dinner in Dingle
Brandon Creek
Spiritual Slea Head Drive
Afternoon tea
Dinner in Ashe’s Restaurant Dingle
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Day 10
Killarney Tour with Jaunting Car Ride and Dinner in Dingle
Guided Tour of Killarney including Jaunting Car Ride
Dinner in Dingle
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Day 11
New Year’s Eve
Painting workshop
Walk at Sladin beach and lighthouse
Lunch
Return to hotel for new year’s celebrations
Dinner in hotel, followed by in-house entertainment
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Day 12
Cliffs of Moher
Cliffs of Moher, Lunch, and Presentation Dinner at Dromoland Castle
We were connected to Jeaici through a friend of a friend and could not have been happier with our daytrip on Dingle peninsula! Absolutely our favorite day of the trip to Ireland, and not just because of the stunning scenery and local charm. Touring with Jeaici gave us a glimpse of the history, culture and language that has shaped this special place. We had so much fun laughing and learning together as a family. Jeaici wove together stories and memories that delighted everyone in our group, from age 6 to 76! At a time when vacation time is more precious than ever, we highly recommend booking with Jeaici!
Mike & Donna
Thank you for a memorable trip around Ireland. We really appreciate your knowledge, punctuality, and great sense of humour. However at the top of the list are your excellent driving skills. Thank you for not only a safe but always relaxing drive. Wishing you all the best
Michaele Robertson
Barry Wansbrough, Canada
Jeaici was our driver for 8 wonderful days in Ireland in May 2023. We travelled with him from Dublin across to the west coast and up the Wild Atlantic Way. We learned so much from him about Irish language, life and culture during our hours in the car. He was lovely to be with - a skilled driver who is funny, punctual and unfailingly helpful. Whether we wanted to seek out old family burial sites or to experience local craft workshops, he made it happen. We have no hesitation in recommending his services enthusiastically.
Cathy and Paul
We have enjoyed our tour, your knowledge and history of Ireland and especially the "Irish Humour"
Kaye Ferriter
USA
We were very fortunate to have Jeaici as our tour/guide in 2022 and 2023. He really added an extra dimension to our trip. He was extremely knowledgeable about what we were seeing and Irish culture and history. He is especially knowledgeable about the Dingle area. He made our trip very special.
Paula
Thank you for your promptness, courteous attitude and insight on our incredible visit to Ireland. You are a treasure!
Joseph O’Keefe
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
So very rare to find someone like Jeaici who combines a light touch of humor, a seasoned flexibility, and a knowledge of history as wide as the Irish morning sky. He’s living, breathing “sean-nos” — the reliable, old school lyrical embodiment of love, work, faith, and family in Ireland. Don’t just book him, book him immediately!
Linda
Thank you so much for driving us around Ireland. You made the journey very enjoyable. It was wonderful to meet you. Thanks again.
Sharon Germano
USA
Jeaici provided our very large group of extended family, ranging in age from 1 to 74, with the most delightful and comprehensive tour of the southwestern portion of Ireland. From his use of traditional language to his careful planning, he made sure we had the best experience we could possibly have. Ireland is such a beautiful country and to learn and be shown about it from a born-and-bred islander totally enhanced our experiences. We were there for 2 weeks, threw last-minute challenges at Jeaici, had multiple stops and needs and requirements - he handled it all with grace, aplomb and true professionalism. I can't say enough about the services provided!
Beth
Thanks for driving us all around and sharing stories, laughs. You made our first journey to Ireland memorable. Best wishes.
Claire and Doug
Thanks for driving all over Ireland and sharing your love of your country.