Delve into Ireland and its past on this tour, which mixes in plenty of hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path sights among the tried-and-true favorites.
Trip Highlights:
- Cliffs of Moher
- Aran Islands Excursion
- Cobh Heritage Centre
- Clonmacnoise Monastic Site
- Sean’s Bar in Athlone
- Irish National Stud & Gardens
- Foley's Bar Dinner & Entertainment
- Dun Aengus Fort
- Dunbrody Famine Ship
- Irish Night at The Abbey Tavern
Hotels:
- Dunboyne Castle Hotel | (1 Nt)
- Newpark Hotel | Kilkenny (2 Nts)
- Killarney Towers Hotel | Killarney (2 Nts)
- Salthill Hotel | Galway (2 Nts)
- Radisson Blu Royal Hotel | Dublin (2 Nts)
Dublin Arrival & Malahide Castle
Your tour departs at 2:00 PM from Dunboyne Castle Hotel. Start your vacation with a visit to Malahide Castle, first built in 1185 and filled with medieval artifacts. Enjoy a welcome drink with your group before dinner at your hotel. (D)
National Stud & KilKenny Walk
Visit the home of equine royalty: the Irish National Stud in Kildare, the heart of Irish horse racing. Some of the world’s finest thoroughbreds live in these beautiful surroundings. Walk through the gardens before traveling on to Kilkenny, where you’ll enjoy lunch in the Kilkenny Design Centre. Take a walking tour with a local guide to see the gems along the Medieval Mile, a stretch of city streets from cathedral to castle, with buildings dating back as far as the 13th century. Dine independently and explore as you wish this evening. (B, L)
House of Waterford Crystal & Dunbrody Famine Ship
Visit the House of Waterford Crystal: see skilled artisans create crystal masterpieces on a factory tour then, join a local guide for a walking tour of Waterford; discover the history of this port city, the oldest in Ireland, and its many colorful characters. Take time to explore independently. In New Ross, you’ll visit the Dunbrody Famine Ship, a replica of a vessel that in the 1840s brought desperate emigrants fleeing famine to new lives in North America. (B, D)
Cobh Heritage Centre & Blarney Castle
Travel south to Cobh, the last port of call of the Titanic and where many places associated with the liner still exist. Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre, which traces the history of emigration over a number of centuries from Ireland to North America. At Blarney Castle, kiss the famous stone or stroll through the spacious parklands to view Blarney House before traveling to your hotel. (B, D)
Dingle Peninsula & South Pole Inn
Visit Moriarty’s in the beautiful Gap of Dunloe. Then discover the glorious south shore of the Dingle Peninsula with views of heathery mountains, sandy stretches of beach, and rocky headlands. At the South Pole Inn, learn about Tom Crean, an early Irish explorer who braved the Antarctic. Browse around the town of Dingle and enjoy a drink, dinner and entertainment at Foley’s Bar and Restaurant. (B, D)
Cliffs of Moher & Galway
Ferry across the River Shannon before driving to the Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700 feet above churning Atlantic swells. Walk along the top of the cliffs; on a clear day you can see great views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. Take in a sheepdog demonstration to see highly skilled dogs work with farmers to herd their flock. Savor homemade scones with tea before heading to Galway for a panoramic city tour. (B, D)
Aran Islands & Dun Aengus
Set out on a ferry across Galway Bay for Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands. The hardy islanders still speak the Irish language and maintain traditional fishing and farming methods. Visit Dun Aengus, a huge prehistoric fortress perched on sheer cliffs above the Atlantic. Relax with a casual lunch in Kilronan, the island’s main village, followed by free time for exploring before returning by ferry. (B, L)
Clonmacnoise & Abbey Tavern
Visit Clonmacnoise, a monastic settlement founded in 545 AD and set on the banks of the River Shannon. Marvel at elaborate high Celtic crosses decorated with biblical scenes, and walk around the many church ruins and two round towers. Continue on to Dublin for free time before an evening at the Abbey Tavern, featuring a lively show of traditional entertainment over dinner. (B, D)
Independent Dublin Sightseeing
Enjoy a day in Dublin independently on the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour and a visit to your choice of one of Dublin’s top attractions – Guinness Storehouse, Teeling Distillery, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, Jameson Distillery Bow St. Experience, or the GPO Museum. (B)
Tour Ends in Dublin after breakfast. (B)
It was a dream come true, more wonderful than I had imagined. So much history and the people were as beautiful as the cites.
We had a great trip! I highly recommend for anyone interested in taking in all Ireland has to offer. Every place we went, everywhere we stayed, all recommendations were perfect.
Our tour guide Murt was the very best! We had so much fun and we learned so much.
Great tour! The excursions were amazing and so were the hotels we stayed in. Frankie our guide was amazing. His knowledge of your history was more than I could have asked for. He made the the trip!
Pricing:
• $3,295 per person (double occupancy): This means the cost is $3,295 per person, based on two people sharing a room. Each person pays this amount if they are sharing the accommodation with a travel companion.
• $845 Single Supplement: This additional charge applies to travelers who wish to have a room to themselves. If you prefer not to share a room, the total cost for your stay will be $3,295 plus an extra $845 for single occupancy, bringing the total to $4,140.
Inclusions:
All on-tour transportation including shuttles and ferries
Welcome get-together drink with the group
Free Wi-Fi on coaches so you can stay connected along the way
Deluxe documents wallet and backpack to keep you organized
All local taxes, hotel service charges & handling of one suitcase per person
Early booking discount
Hotel accommodations
Entrance fees/vouchers to listed attractions and entertainment
Dining Experiences:
- 9 Breakfasts (B)
- 2 Lunches (L)
- 6 Dinners (D)
- including a welcome dinner at Dunboyne Castle Hotel.
Pricing does not include:
- Air fare*
- Travel Insurance
- Tipping (Note: It is customary to tip coach drivers and tour specialist)
*Airline tickets can be booked through us once flights become available
Note: If you book your own flights from North America be sure to book one day earlier than the tour start date.
1. History Enthusiasts: If you love exploring historical sites-from medieval castles to famine ships-this tour is packed with rich history dating back centuries.
2. Cultural Explorers: People who are eager to dive into Irish culture, including local artisan crafts like Waterford Crystal and learning about Irish emigration.
3. Nature Lovers: The Dingle Peninsula, Cliffs of Moher, and Aran Islands offer breathtaking natural beauty that nature enthusiasts will relish.
4. Adventure Seekers: If you enjoy walking tours, ferry rides, and exploring off-the-beaten-path places, this itinerary provides plenty of opportunities for adventure.
5. Food & Drink Lovers: From lunch at the Kilkenny Design Centre to drinks at Foley’s Bar and traditional fare at the Abbey Tavern, this tour offers a variety of authentic Irish culinary experiences.
6. Animal Lovers: The stop at the Irish National Stud and the sheepdog demonstration are perfect for anyone who loves animals and is interested in Ireland’s equine and farming traditions.
7. Fans of Leisurely Exploration: With free time in Galway, Dublin, and other cities, this tour offers a balance of guided experiences and independent exploration.
1. People Who Prefer a Relaxed Pace: This itinerary is quite busy with multiple activities planned for each day, which might be overwhelming for those seeking a slower pace.
2. Individuals with Mobility Issues: There are multiple walking tours, visits to medieval sites with uneven terrain, and independent exploration days, which could be challenging for those with limited mobility.
3. Travelers Who Don’t Enjoy Group Activities: If you prefer traveling alone or dislike group meals and activities, this tour might feel too structured.
4. People Looking for a Beach or Resort Vacation: This tour focuses on history, culture, and nature rather than beach or resort relaxation.
5. Those Who Are Not Interested in History or Cultural Sites: Many days are spent visiting castles, heritage centers, and monastic ruins, so it might not be ideal for travelers who aren’t passionate about these subjects.
6. Travelers Seeking Luxury Accommodations: While the accommodations are comfortable (4 & 5 star), this is a guided tour that focuses more on cultural experiences rather than high-end luxury stays.
7. People Who Dislike Early Starts and Scheduled Activities: This tour has a structured schedule, with some early starts and planned activities, which may not suit those who prefer spontaneous travel.
Join us for this 10-day, 9-night journey through the heart of Ireland, where history, beauty, and adventure await.
From the vibrant streets of Dublin to the mystical Cliffs of Moher, this is a once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity to experience Ireland like never before.