7-Nights Memorable Ireland Escorted Tour from $1,999

Europe Express

OFFER ID 1245709

Memorable Ireland Escorted Tour
This seven-night journey of discovery begins in Dublin, where guests have a day to enjoy the culture and sights of the city before departing on the escorted portion of the trip. After leaving the capital, guests are off to the Blarney Castle and Blarney Woollen Mills, followed by an overnight at a bed and breakfast in Kerry. Up next is a scenic ride in a jaunting car past the mountains, lakes, peat bogs, and forests of the magnificent Ring of Kerry. Departing Killarney the next day, visit the iconic Cliffs of Moher, tour the lunar-like landscape of the Burren, and enjoy an optional medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle. From there, guests are off to Galway to visit the stunning Galway Cathedral and embark on a cruise along panoramic Lough Corrib. Included in the stay here will be an exploration of Connemara National Park with a visit to Kylemore Abbey. Stops at the ruins of medieval Clonmacnoise Monastery and Trinity College will highlight the return trip to Dublin, capped off by an optional evening of entertainment in a local pub.

7 nights from $1,999 per person

Itinerary

Click here for Full Itinerary Details

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Depart USA
Your trip begins with an overnight transatlantic flight to Dublin. Relax and enjoy the in-flight meal service and onboard entertainment.

Day 2: Welcome to Ireland
Upon arrival at Dublin airport, collect your luggage and proceed to the arrivals hall. Transfer to the hotel (own arrangements) You are free to explore the city at your leisure this afternoon. Dinner at the hotel tonight.

Overnight: 3 or 4 Star Hotel in Dublin
Meals: Dinner

Day 3: Blarney Castle & Kerry
Today meet with your coach and English speaking driver/guide and depart Ireland's Capital and travel to County Kerry. En route stop in the town of Blarney for a visit to Blarney Castle. Here you will find the legendary Stone of Eloquence. Kiss it & you'll never again be lost for words. Enjoy some time for shopping at Blarney Woollen Mills. It was bought in 1976 by a former worker and has been transformed into what is perhaps the largest quality craft shop in Ireland. Continue to your Kerry hotel.

Overnight: 4 Star Hotel in Killarney or Kerry region
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Ring of Kerry
Today you can enjoy a superb tour of the Iveragh Peninsula, which will give you the opportunity to discover the Ring of Kerry. Taking in spectacular scenery - mountains, peat bogs, lakes and magnificent view of the Atlantic Ocean. Leaving Killarney pass through Killorglin, famous for its Puck Fair, then to Glenbeigh where the cliff road affords panoramic views of the Dingle Peninsula and Dingle Bay. Passing through the peat bogs one arrives at the sea town of Waterville. Continue to Sneem Village, famous for its brightly colored houses. Next today enjoy transportation of a different kind! A pony and trap (also known as a Jaunting Car) helps you discover areas of Killarney National Park that you might not otherwise visit. Relax aboard a jaunting car as your Jarvey (driver) takes you through the magnificent scenery of the National Park. Today enjoy dinner on your own in one of the many restaurants or pubs in Killarney town.

Overnight: 4 Star Hotel in Killarney or Kerry region
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Burren & Cliffs of Moher
Travel northwards to Tarbert and take a short boat ride across the mouth of the river Shannon to land on Clare's shore at Killimar. Travel along the coast to the Cliffs of Moher. The most majestic cliffs in Ireland rise from the Atlantic Ocean and extend for over seven kilometers. On a clear day, you can admire the Aran Islands, the Connemara Mountains and the many sea birds that colonise this place to nest in spring. Enjoy a tour of the Burren Region. The Burren is a strange and unique region in Europe; it is a high plateau of porous limestone situated in Northern Clare. The limestone is bare with no trees growing here or land covering the stone. But the Burren is not as deserted as we believe: the cracks allow different types of flowers to grow all year round. The rocks hide many caves like Ailwee. Continue to Limerick

Overnight: 4 Star Hotel in Limerick
Meals: Breakfast

OPTIONAL EVENING: Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle
Bunratty Castle was built in the 15th century by the Earl of Thomond and stands on the banks of the Raite River in County Clare. From here the Earl ruled over his chiefdom and was known for his generosity and his lavish entertainment and banquets. For over 40 years the ladies of Bunratty Castle, aided and abetted by the Earl's Butler, have welcomed guests from the four corners of the globe to join them at The Earl's Banquet. The entertainment today is provided by the superb Bunratty Singers and is a fitting compliment to the lively mead reception, a four-course meal and of course good wine. Guests are invited to enjoy an unforgettable evening in the splendor of this magnificent castle. A true step back in time to Medieval Ireland.

Day 6: Galway City & Lough Corrib Cruise
This morning travel to Galway city and get oriented with this beautiful place which has attracted many musicians and artists. Visit Galway Cathedral, one of the largets and most impressive buildings in Galway built between 1958 and 1965. Next enjoy a cruise on Lough Corrib (not available on the March tour - an Irish coffee making demonstration will be included instead) . Visitors are provided with wonderful views of the historic monuments and scenery, which is what make this one of the most spectacular waterways in Ireland. Dinner at the hotel this evening.

Overnight: 4 Star hotel in Galway
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 7: Connemara
Today travel through the beautiful Connemara Region filled with lakes, rivers, bogs and mountains. Enjoy some time at leisure in Connemara National Park. Visit Kylemore Abbey, built in 1868 by Mitchell Henry, and see its most famous feature, the miniature Cathedral. It has been home to the Irish order of Benedictine nuns since 1920.

Overnight: 4 Star hotel in Galway
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Dublin's Fair City
Depart Galway for Dublin today. En route visit Clonmacnoise on the banks of the Shannon. Explore the visitors center and take a tour to see the high towers, the 11th century cathedral and the wonderful high crosses. Continue on to Dublin to discover Dublin's Fair City. The North side of the ciy offers striking monuments such as the GPO (General Post Office) on O'Connell Street and the Phoenix Park, the largest public park in Europe. The city's south side appears more sophisticated with its vast Georgian squares and is home toTrinity College, Dublin Castle and two Anglican Cathedrals. Visit Trinity College, Ireland's oldest university and home to the Book of Kells.

Overnight: 4 Star Hotel in Dublin
Meals: Breakfast

OPTIONAL EVENING: Evening Entertainment at Taylors Three Rock (or similar)
Taylor's Three Rock is a lively pub located in Rathfarnham, 30 minutes from Dublin city center. It hosts a fine restaurant and an excellent Irish night of music and dance. Guests are encouraged to dine early and be ready for the music, which starts at 9:00pm. A ballad group(4 musicians typically) will regale visitors with ballads both happy and sad and will (after a few pints) have visitors singing along with them. The music is interrupted for a short while to allow guests to catch their breaths and enjoy the best of Irish Dancing - guaranteed to get feet tapping. A final song or two from the musicians will send the visitors into the night with fond memories of a memorable night in a Dublin Pub.

Day 9: Dublin/USA
After a final breakfast, transfer to Dublin Airport for your departure flight home (own arrangements).

Meals: Breakfast

Featured Destinations

Dublin

Dublin enjoys one of the loveliest natural settings in Europe. Dublin attracts visitors from around the world with its old world charm and friendly atmosphere. Most of the architecture dates from the 18th century, when Dublin enjoyed great prominence and prosperity. Also of interest are stately Georgian houses which front Merrion Square. O'Connell Street is considered the commercial center of Dublin. Perhaps the most memorable feature of Dublin is the traditional pub, where visitors can enjoy conversation over fine Irish brew. The city also offers many fine parks, including St. Stephen's Green and Phoenix Park. National Gallery's renowned collection includes works by such famous masters as Rembrandt and Monet. Trinity College's Old Library is home to the most cherished treasure, the Book of Kells, a manuscript of the Gospels. Admire Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Enjoy the exhibits in impressive National Museum. Self-guided walking tours include Old City Trail, Georgian Heritage Trail and the Cultural Trail.

Excursions

Dublin: Highlights of Dublin City - 8 hours

Ireland, known affectionately as the “the Emerald Isle” is renowned for its excellent hospitality and you can be assured of a warm welcome by your guide and driver, who will meet you at the port. Discover the history, literary heritage and culture that lies behind Dublin’s elegant Georgian architecture and famous landmarks, during your full-day tour.

Founded in the 16th-century, Trinity College is Ireland's oldest university and holds the Book of Kells, a greatly treasured example of early Irish manuscript illumination. History lovers may opt to visit the nearby Treasury of the National Museum or EPIC - the interactive museum commemorating the emigration of 10 million Irish. For those interested in art, the National Gallery houses a superb collection.

Afterwards make a lunchtime pit stop at the Guinness Storehouse, where you learn how a pint of the world-famous Guinness is created. The heart of the building is modelled on a giant pint glass, which would hold approximately 14 million pints of Guinness beer if filled! Enjoy a complimentary pint of Guinness in the Gravity Bar, which boast 360-degree views of the capital.

Complete your touring this afternoon, with a visit to St. Patrick's Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland and final resting place of Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels. Here, take a guided tour of the impressive staterooms which are a longtime symbol of British rule in Ireland, before being transferred back to your ship.

Highlights:

Admire the grandeur of St Patrick's Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland and final resting place of Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels
Pour yourself a pint of Ireland’s finest at the Guinness Storehouse to discover the country’s most famous export

Tour Duration: 8 hours

Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information

Physical Activity Level: Light

Inclusions:

Private transport by Mercedes E-class or similar for 1 and 2 passengers, VW Caravelle (7 passenger seats) or similar for 3 and 4 passengers and 12-seater or similar for 5 and 6 passengers.
Expert local guide for 8 hours of sightseeing in Dublin
Entrance fees to all sights and museums
All taxes

Exclusions

All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
Gratuities
Supplement for public holidays
Anything not specifically mentioned in the "inclusions" list above

Dublin - Dublin City & Powerscourt - Full Day Tour

Dublin: An Introduction to Dublin - 4 hours

Killarney

Limerick

Galway

Galway is a city, a county, and an experience to be savoured and remembered. The historic city of the tribes dances to a beat uniquely it's own. There is a certain chemistry and vibrancy to this friendly university city, which many delight in, and few forget. Music, festivals, horse racing, pubs, restaurants, shops, theatres and most of all -Galway people, combine to create this atmospheric medieval city of culture. From this pulsating heart the rest of the county flows.

Galway Bay, immortalised in song, its beauty unchanging. Scenic Gaeltacht areas including the Aran Islands. Connemara, with the picturesque town of Clifden as its capital. Mountains, castles and stone walls, banks of turf, long sandy beaches, clear lakes, joyful leaping streams and flowing rivers. The mighty Shannon, delightful countryside punctuated by pretty villages, traditional pubs.

Photo used with permission
from Joe Desbonnet, www.galway.net

Excursions

Inishmore, Aran Islands - 8 hours Full Day

On the very edge of Europe, is an Island rich in the language, culture and heritage of Ireland, unique in its geology and archaeology and in its long tradition of gentle hospitality. Here is a place to sense the spirit of Gaelic Ireland, to touch the past, but with all the comforts and facilities of the present. Aran will take you back to an Ireland of Celts and Early Christians. This is an island of great peace and tranquility, but it is also an island of great fun and activity. A timeless land in an endless sea, weathered monuments on awesome cliffs, great labyrinths of limestone, meandering walls, patchwork fields, quiet beaches and a welcoming island people.

This morning we will depart from Galway and take a ferry to Inishmore, the largest of the three islands, the other islands being Inishmaan and Inisheer. The Islands are located off the West Coast of Galway about 18km out from Rossaveal Harbour in Connemara. Inishmore is approx. 13km long, and contains 3,092 ha. with a native population of about 900. Kilronan the chief center and port.
Landing in Kilronan on Inishmore, you are met by your driver in a horse drawn buggy for a guided tour of the Island and visiting one of its more impressive stone forts called Dun Aonghasa. It is semi-circular structure, resting on the edge of a perpendicular cliff rising 100 meters out of the ocean. The fort consists of an inner court 50 meters across surrounded by a wall six meters high and five meters thick at the base.

Visit the Aran Islands Interpretative Centre which highlights the unique history, spirit and landscapes of the Aran Islands. The center details the geology, history and present lifestyle of the islands. See how the legendary currachs, those open-topped, often tar-coated, boats that skim over the waves, are made. Also on display are details of the fish species off the islands and how the islanders have long used seaweed to create patches of soil that could be cultivated for crops, in between the dry stone walls that crisscross the islands and divide its tiny fields. The islands' other craft traditions, including weaving of the famous Aran sweaters, are also documented.

Duration: 8 hours

Included:
Enjoy a pub lunch on Inishmore

Departing the island by ferry you return to Galway City.
Note: it is also possible to fly to Inishmore.

Pricing: Please inquire

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

09/25/2023 - 10/03/2023

from $2,299 per person

10/09/2023 - 10/17/2023

from $1,999 per person

10/16/2023 - 10/24/2023

from $1,999 per person

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $1,999 per person

Length

7 Nights

Air City

Call for airfares from your city.

Vacation Rating

Deluxe

Remarks

All prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy, and are subject to change based on availability.

Hotel Availability: All packages are subject to availability at time of booking. Hotels that are on request may not be available and a comparable alternate will be offered.

Please Note: The hotels listed on the escorted tours may be subject to change up until 07 days prior to departure.

City Taxes are not included.
A city tax on hotel stays may be charged and collected directly from you at the time of checkout. These taxes vary by hotel category and city, and may change at any time based on local legislation.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1245709

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