Ireland
From shamrocks to leprechauns and 40 shades of green, the Emerald Isle is warm and inviting. Ireland is an addictive place to explore. Within a few miles you can travel from plunging cliffs to flat pastureland to towering mountains to gloomy peat bog. Follow its craggy coastlines and rolling hills to historic castles and cosy pubs where friendly locals chats animatedly over pints of Guinness. You can spend the night in ancient castles or state-of-the-art hotels. dine on fine Irish cuisine or snack on fish and chips in a paper bag. Ireland will delight with its unique traditions, beauty and personality.
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| Tour Type | Trip Name | No. Days | Bookings | Prices per person |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escorted Tour | Treasures of Ireland | 6 | Contact Us | From $1,550.00 |
| Escorted Tour | Enchanting Emerald Isle | 8 | Contact Us | From $1,950.00 |
| Escorted Tour | Castles & Manors | 8 | Contact Us | From $3,395.00 |
| Escorted Tour | Best of Ireland | 10 | Contact Us | From $2,625.00 |
Treasures of Ireland
‘Céad míle fáilte’ – A hundred thousand welcomes await you in Ireland. Embrace the free-spiritedness of your hosts as you explore soulful Dublin and secure your gift of the gab with a Blarney kiss. Admire inspiring Irish landscapes along the Ring of Kerry and striking Cliffs of Moher, and learn about Cobh’s tragic Titanic history.
| Itinerary | ||
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| Day 1: Arrive Dublin | Welcome to Dublin. Discover the city's charms on a guided tour with a Local Specialist. Walk the cobbled courtyard of Trinity College to visit its library and the ornate Book of Kells. Later make an exclusive visit to one of the city's unique treasures, The Little Museum of Dublin, after it has closed its doors to the public for a Welcome Reception with canapés and drinks. |
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| Day 2: Dublin - Glendalough - Waterford - Cork | Leave the bustling Irish capital for the peaceful 6th century monastic ruins at Glendalough. The 100-foot-tall Round Tower, the Cathedral, and St. Kevin's Cross are highlights of your stop. Travel on to see more delicate works of art during your Cultural Insight experience at the House of Waterford Crystal in Waterford. Later head to Cork, the 'Rebel County', where you have a free evening. |
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| Day 3: Cork - Cobh - Blarney - Killarney | Visit the Heritage Centre in Cobh to learn about the city's history and legacy. From the Great Famine and the 'coffin ships' to the doomed Titanic and Lusitania, this unique display presents the Queenstown Story in a way like no other. Then head to Blarney where you can climb to the top of Blarney Castle to kiss the famed stone and acquire the 'gift of the gab'. Arrive later in picturesque Killarney. |
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| Day 4: Killarney | This morning enjoy free time in Killarney or stop at Torc Waterfall for a leisurely guided walk with a Local Specialist. Continue your day winding around the picture-perfect Ring of Kerry. Take in the views of coast and sea, fields and rolling hills in this landscape that has inspired artists and poets for centuries. Join your companions this evening for a memorable Be My Guest dinner on a traditional farm in Killarney. Please Note: The walk travels over wooded paths. While there are no mountains to climb, walkers need to be reasonably fit and have good walking shoes or boots, sunscreen and raingear. Approx. 3 miles/4.8 km/2 hours. |
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| Day 5: Killarney - Foynes - Cliffs of Moher | Your first stop today is the Flying Boat Museum in Foynes, the refuelling point for Pan Am's Flying Boat, the Yankee Clipper, from 1939-1945. Gain a Cultural Insight as you board a replica Boeing 314 to experience life as a passenger. Toast the last day of your trip with your fellow travellers and Travel Director when you enjoy a delicious Irish coffee in the place where it was allegedly invented in the 1940s by Joe Sheridan - a chef in Foynes. Later travel to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher which rise up to 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic waves before continuing on to your hotel in Limerick. |
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| Day 6: Limerick - Depart Shannon | It's time to say farewell to the Emerald Isle and your travel companions at the end of your holiday. Transfers are available. Conditions apply. Please Note: Your coach returns to Dublin from Shannon on Day 6. You are welcome to utilise this complimentary transfer. Drop-off in Dublin will be at the Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport at approximately 4pm depending on traffic. |
| Inclusions | |
|---|---|
| Meals: | 5 breakfasts, 2 dinners |
| Transport: | Airport Transfers & Luxury air-conditioned coach |
| Accommodation: | 5 nights |
| Guide: | An expert Travel Director & separate Driver |
| Entrance Fees & Touring: | Entrance fees & activities as per itinerary |
Enchanting Emerald Isle
Centuries of Irish heritage and culture are revealed on this adventure across the windswept valleys of Ireland from Dublin’s Crypt at Christ Church Cathedral to the Anglo-Norman Kilkenny Castle on the River Nore. See the ‘lost’ town of Newtown Jerpoint founded in the 12th century and visit a traditional Irish farm for tea, fresh scones and a bit of sheep herding.
| Itinerary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day 1: Arrive Dublin | Welcome to Dublin. Meet your Local Specialist this afternoon for a guided city tour. View the colourful doors in elegant Georgian Squares, St. Patrick's Cathedral and more. Later gather for a Welcome Reception and exclusive visit to the Crypt at Christchurch Cathedral. Built in 1172 the underground chambers house memorials, artefacts, and altar-pieces. |
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| Day 2: Dublin – Strokestown – Enniscrone | Admire the rolling green countryside as you cross from Dublin to Ballina. Stop for a visit to magnificent Strokestown Park House, an 18th century mansion with original furnishings. In the old stables is the Irish Famine Museum, one of the world's best private archives dedicated to the potato famine of the 1840s, where you gain a Cultural Insight into the plight of the Irish people. After time to view the exhibits, continue to Enniscrone set on the River Moy. |
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| Day 3: Enniscrone – Connemara – Galway | Travel to the pretty town of Westport, then on to Connemara. Visit Kylemore Abbey, once a family home. Strikingly situated on Lake Kylemore, this 19th century neo-Gothic wonder now serves as a Benedictine monastery. After time to see the walled Victorian gardens, continue to Galway, the "City of Tribes". View Galway Cathedral, an impressive stone church dating back to only 1965. |
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| Day 4: Galway – Cliffs of Moher – Killarney | This morning visit Ireland’s most spectacular natural wonder at the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way – the Cliffs of Moher. There's time to take in the endless ocean views before taking the ferry across the Shannon estuary and on to Killarney. |
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| Day 5: Killarney | Travel the Ring of Kerry, one of the most scenic drives on the Emerald Isle. Lakes, mountains, ocean and coast come together in a landscape that has inspired poets, artists and musicians for centuries. This afternoon enjoy free time in Killarney or stop at Torc Waterfall for a chance to join a Local Specialist for a leisurely guided walk, taking you along the lakeshore and past the farmlands of the 19th century Muckross Estate. Please Note: This leisurely paced walk meanders over wooded paths and lakeshore trails. Walkers should wear good walking shoes for a stroll through picturesque surrounds. |
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| Day 6: Killarney – Blarney – Kilkenny | Your first stop today is at Blarney Castle, where you'll have a chance to kiss the famous Blarney Stone and receive the “gift of the gab”. Browse through the Blarney Woollen Mills, then travel on to Co. Kilkenny. Here you will discover the 'lost' town of Newtown Jerpoint which was founded in the 12th century before meeting local farmers Joe and Maeve O'Connell at their home, Belmore House, where the town was unearthed. Hear the tale of the ‘lost’ town and meet the farm sheepdog before relishing a Be My Guest dinner. Arrive later at your hotel in Kilkenny. |
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| Day 7: Kilkenny – Dublin | Visit Kilkenny Castle, an Anglo-Norman mansion that sits majestically over the River Nore, with a Local Specialist. In the castle basement you'll find the Butler Gallery, one of Ireland's most important art galleries outside of Dublin. Later return to Ireland's capital where you visit Trinity College to admire the Book of Kells. Toast the Emerald Isle with your fellow travellers at a Farewell Dinner at a traditional Irish pub. |
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| Day 8: Depart Dublin | Slan abhaile or "safe homeward" as you transfer to the airport where your holiday ends. Transfers are available. |
| Inclusions | |
|---|---|
| Meals: | 7 breakfasts, 5 dinners |
| Transport: | Airport Transfers & Luxury air-conditioned coach |
| Accommodation: | 7 nights |
| Guide: | An expert Travel Director & separate Driver |
| Entrance Fees & Touring: | Entrance fees & activities as per itinerary |
Castles & Manors
A complete circle of Ireland including fairy tale castle and manor house stays. Visit the ancient city of Dublin, the wild Cliffs of Moher and the island’s ’emerald’ countryside. See the wilderness of Connemara and stay in Galway’s Ballynahinch Castle, built in the 1580s by Donal O’Flaherty, the first husband of Ireland’s fearsome pirate queen, Grace O’Malley.
| Itinerary | ||
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| Day 1: Arrive Dublin | Welcome to Dublin the lively Irish capital. This afternoon meet your Local Specialist for a guided tour. View St. Patrick's Cathedral, colourful Georgian Squares and the vibrant, modern city. Then raise a glass of the "black stuff" and drink in sweeping Dublin views at the Gravity Bar atop the Guinness Storehouse as you gain a Cultural Insight into this famous Irish product. Later savour free time and a Welcome Reception including dinner with Irish beer or wine. |
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| Day 2: Dublin – Kildare – Cashel – Killarney | Head across the rolling countryside to Kildare. Stop for a visit to the Irish National Stud for a Cultural Insight into the fascinating world of Ireland's thoroughbred industry. See the foaling unit, museum and of course the powerful and regal stallions. Visit the spectacular Rock of Cashel with a Local Specialist, where you view its majestic ecclesiastical ruins. Continue to Killarney, the town on the lakes where your evening is free. |
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| Day 3: Killarney | This morning enjoy free time in Killarney or you might wish to join a Local Specialist for a leisurely guided walk at Torc Waterfall. Later enjoy spectacular scenery, driving around the Ring of Kerry. Take in views of coast and sea, hills and green fields as you travel through this unspoiled land that has inspired artists and poets for centuries. Please Note: This leisurely paced walk meanders over wooded paths and lakeshore trails. Walkers should wear good walking shoes for a stroll through picturesque surrounds. |
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| Day 4: Killarney – Cliffs of Moher – Galway – Connemara | Head north and stop to visit the stunning Cliffs of Moher, rising up to 700 feet above the Atlantic. Afterwards continue to County Galway and visit the Connemara Marble artisan workshop for a Cultural Insight where you will learn all about the famous green jade-like marble. Later continue through beautiful scenery to the magnificent Ballynahinch Castle for a relaxing two-night stay. |
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| Day 5: Connemara | Drive through the scenic landscapes of Connemara, taking in views of rugged mountains, shimmering lakes and endless shades of green. Make a stop in the picturesque town of Clifden, set between the Twelve Bens Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. Then on to visit Kylemore Abbey, a magnificent castellated structure built as a family home and now inhabited by a group of Benedictine nuns. The extensive walled Victorian garden is a delight to the senses. Later return to your castle hotel for dinner. |
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| Day 6: Connemara – Sligo – Roscommon | Venture north to Sligo. Here, amid the hills and loughs that inspired the lyrical lines penned by the poet William Butler Yeats, you will be welcomed to a private home for a bit of food, fun, and poetry. Damien and Paula Brennan live in, a modern abode with rustic touches overlooking beautiful Lough Gill. Inside, you will find walls adorned with contemporary Irish paintings and a table set for a Be My Guest feast prepared by Paula, a noted chef. Damien is an expert on W.B. Yeats. Delicious food, fine company, and the poetry of Yeats come together for a heart-warming meal. Then travel to Roscommon and Kilronan Castle Hotel the ancestral home of the Tenison family and the legendary Colonel King Tenison. It is one of a few Irish castle estates that can trace its history back to royal families. |
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| Day 7: Roscommon – Strokestown – Dublin | This morning consider taking a luxurious relaxing cruise on the River Shannon. Stop for a visit to magnificent Strokestown Park House, an 18th century mansion with original furnishings. In the old stables is the Irish Famine Museum, one of the world's best private archives dedicated to the potato famine of the 1840s where you gain a Cultural Insight into the plight of the Irish people. Return to Dublin and relish a Farewell Dinner with newfound friends. |
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| Day 8: Depart Dublin | You will be transferred to the airport, where your Emerald Isle adventure concludes. Transfers are available. |
| Inclusions | |
|---|---|
| Meals: | 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners |
| Transport: | Airport Transfers & Luxury air-conditioned coach |
| Accommodation: | 7 nights |
| Guide: | An expert Travel Director & separate Driver |
| Entrance Fees & Touring: | Entrance fees & activities as per itinerary |
Best of Ireland
Ravishingly beautiful and enchanting to explore, you’ll soon learn why the Irish say if you’re lucky enough to be Irish, you’re lucky enough… Visit the Ring of Kerry and unspoilt region of Western Ireland featured in John Wayne’s ‘The Quiet Man’. See the stronghold of the O’Donnell Clan and beautiful Dingle Peninsula, as well as Adare, one of Ireland’s prettiest villages.
| Itinerary | ||
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| Day 1: Arrive Dublin | Spend the morning relaxing and enjoying the sights of Dublin. Later meet your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a sightseeing tour of this wonderful city with a Local Specialist. This evening visit Glasnevin Trust for an informative and poignant tour with a Local Specialist where you will hear stories about some of the brave characters from recent Irish history. Enjoy a Welcome Reception of drinks and canapés and get to know your fellow travellers. |
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| Day 2: Dublin – Co. Wicklow – New Ross – Waterford | Head through scenic Co. Wicklow known as The Garden of Ireland and on to New Ross - the ancestral home town of John F. Kennedy. Visit the Dunbrody Famine Ship to gain a Cultural Insight into the plight of Irish Emigrants. Later arrive in Waterford and see how the famous crystal is crafted during your guided tour of the visitor centre to gain a Cultural Insight. |
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| Day 3: Waterford – Youghal – Blarney – Killarney | Travel via the historic seaport town of Youghal, once home to Sir Walter Raleigh. At Blarney, gain the 'gift of the gab' as you have a chance to kiss the famous stone. Arrive later in Killarney, your home for the next two nights. |
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| Day 4: Killarney | Today we experience Ireland's most scenic coastal drive around the Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the Ring of Kerry. It is undoubtedly one of the most magical and varied places in the whole of Ireland and is truly a photographer's delight. We will also see Daniel O'Connell's Cahirciveen, the fishing village of Waterville, the Black Valley and Moll's Gap. Here mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is often breathtaking beyond words. |
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| Day 5: Killarney – Adare – Bunratty – Limerick | Explore the beauty of the Dingle Peninsula with its beautiful beaches and rugged landscape. Later we travel to Adare, one of the prettiest villages in Ireland. Enjoy an included visit to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park dedicated to life in Ireland during the 18th and 19th century. |
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| Day 6: Limerick – Cliffs of Moher – Galway | This morning your orientation of Limerick includes views of St. Mary’s Cathedral, King John’s Castle and the Treaty Stone. Visit the magnificent Cliffs of Moher and see the history of the cliffs brought to life with a visit to the ‘Atlantic Edge' exhibition. Later arrive in Galway with free time to see the Cathedral or stroll through Eyre Square. |
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| Day 7: Galway | This unspoilt region of Western Ireland is captured in the film 'The Quiet Man' featuring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara. Today see the untouched landscape of the Connemara with its picturesque mountain ranges and golden beaches that stretch out into the Atlantic. During your scenic drive, stop at Kylemore Abbey for an included visit to the country's most romantic castle and walk through the Victorian Walled Garden. Travel on to Westport House for a memorable Be My Guest experience. Enjoy a welcome drink in the impressive drawing room which features James Wyatt's 19th century sky ceiling and an impressive original parquet floor. After a guided tour of the house you will be hosted for a High Tea. |
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| Day 8: Galway – Knock – Donegal – Sligo | Heading north stop in the town of Knock to view the Marian Shrine. See the grave of Irish poet W.B. Yeats in the churchyard of Drumcliff. Visit the town of Donegal and view the castle which was once the stronghold of the O'Donnell Clan. Later arrive in Sligo. |
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| Day 9: Sligo – Dublin | Travel back to Dublin where you will have time to explore this lively city. Walk down Grafton Street and see the street performers and musicians or walk the banks of the River Liffey and cross the Ha’penny Bridge. Tonight join your fellow travellers for a Farewell Dinner. |
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| Day 10: Depart Dublin | After a hearty Irish breakfast, say farewell to your Travel Director and fellow travellers as your Irish holiday comes to an end. Transfers are available. |
| Inclusions | |
|---|---|
| Meals: | 9 breakfasts, 1 cream tea, 5 dinners |
| Transport: | Airport Transfers & Luxury air-conditioned coach |
| Accommodation: | 9 nights |
| Guide: | An expert Travel Director & separate Driver |
| Entrance Fees & Touring: | Entrance fees & activities as per itinerary |