Ireland in a Week | Classic | Summer | 2025
Ireland in a Week | Classic | Summer | 2025
$2015
Ireland in a Week | Classic | Summer | 2025
8 Days Starting and ending in Dublin
Visiting: Dublin, Kilkenny, Clonmel, Blarney, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Derry/Londonderry, Giant's Causeway, Belfast
Tour Overview
Think you know about Ireland? Our 8-day trip offers the full Irish travel experience. Visiting historical Galway, gazing out from the Cliffs of Moher, puckering up for the Blarney stone and taste-testing Guinness come as standard; but exploring the sights of Kilkenny by bike & seeing the UNESCO World Heritage site of the jaw-dropping Giant’s Causeway? Well, now we’re talking.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Dublin
Location: Dublin
Accommodation Name: Travelodge Plus Dublin City Centre (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Céad míle fáilte, meaning one hundred thousand welcomes, is what you get in this city packed with heritage, character, and more cute pubs than you could crawl in a week. Meet up with your Trip Manager this afternoon, then meet your new travel squad for dinner and then end the day with a lively night of festivities at the cobbled lanes of Temple Bar. Guinness, anyone?
Day 2: Dublin To Clonmel
Location: Dublin, Kilkenny, Clonmel
Accommodation Name: Talbot Hotel Clonmel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
That's us done with Dublin…for now. But fear not Dub-lovers, we'll get another taste of this fine place before our trip comes to an end. Break up your coach hangs with some bicycle time in a city sure to leave you wanting Irish in your blood. Explore the castle, a cathedral and take in all of the medieval charm that Kilkenny has to offer before we hit the road again. Welcome to Clonmel! But not before the chance to sample some of Ireland's famous whiskey at the Jameson's Distillery in Midleton. After we arrive in the evening, we'll tuck into an included dinner and then head off into town together to explore.
Day 3: Clonmel To Galway
Location: Clonmel, Blarney, Cliffs of Moher, Galway
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Travelodge Galway City Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Clonmel, it's been fun, but we have to leave you now. Next up, we're off to an Irish city that was propelled into the pop culture stratosphere by none other than Ed Sheeran. Anyone wanna guess where? Irish folklore tells us there's a chunk of limestone built into a castle that grants its kissers the gift of the gab. Pucker up kids, we're paying her a visit! Whether heights are your cup of Irish Breakfast or not, these impressive cliff faces are not to be missed! From the moment we arrive in Galway, you'll understand why 2 nights were needed here. Everything you've dreamed Ireland to be is tucked into this small, atmospheric city. Step into a local pub and down Irish stew over live music and chats with locals. Outside will be just as lively, with buskers & colourful buildings lining the streets.
Day 4: Galway
Location: Galway
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Travelodge Galway City Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Try your tongue at some Gaelic and carry on exploring gorgeous Galway. Head up to Dún Aonghasa (the ruins of a prehistoric fortress) - make sure you take photos, this area is not for the faint-hearted! Irish life, you so sweet.
Day 5: Galway To Derry/Londonderry
Location: Galway, Derry/Londonderry
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Derry (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Goodbye Galway, hello more Irish eye-candy. Here the 17th century walls stand at 8 metres high speaking of times gone by when this area was in battle. Times may have changed, but we're still keen to soak up the history and learn a thing or two from our wise Local Guide.
Day 6: Derry/Londonderry To Belfast
Location: Derry/Londonderry, Giant's Causeway, Belfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ramada by Wyndham Belfast City Centre (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we've got a one way ticket to Belfast and a whole lot more exploration to do. UNESCO World Heritage site of the Giant’s Causeway - also known as those giant rock columns you've probably drooled over on Pinterest, needs to be seen to be believed. Get those hashtags ready, a snap with the group is essential on the mind-blowing natural formation. Next up - we'll arrive in Belfast. Concluding the day will be a driving tour and a trip to the Titanic museum where the world's most famous ship was built.
Day 7: Belfast To Dublin
Location: Belfast, Dublin
Accommodation Name: Travelodge Plus Dublin City Centre (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
With one night left in Ireland and on tour, we're on the fast track to Dublin where our Irish fairytale first began. A promise is a promise. Here we are back in the city that started our Ireland infatuations. Use this second stint to do your missed critical activities such as visiting the Guinness Storehouse where you can learn how to pull a pint the Irish way. Tonight you can choose to end your week in Ireland at a Free Time Add-On farewell dinner.
Day 8: End Dublin
Location: Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast
We leave Ireland today with leprechauns in our hearts and memories in our souls. Say goodbye at breakfast as it will be the last bite our crew has together.
What's Included
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Meals
Meals included are breakfast and dinner on certain days.
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Local Guide
A local guide will be available in Belfast to show all the landmarks and provide insights into the city’s history.
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Transportation
Transportation between cities and attractions is included.
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Entry to Attractions
Entry to attractions such as the Giant’s Causeway, Blarney Castle, and the Cliffs of Moher is included.
What's Not Included
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Flights
Flights to and from Dublin are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees, if applicable, are not included.
Mode of Transport
Transportation between cities and attractions is included, ensuring a seamless travel experience throughout the tour.
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Travelodge Plus Dublin City Centre, Talbot Hotel Clonmel, Travelodge Galway City Hotel, and Holiday Inn Express Derry.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 7 Breakfast (B)
Included Experience
- Giant's Causeway: Sure, rock formations may sound a bit dull on paper, but this quirky natural wonder has to be seen to be believed.
- Belfast: Hang with a local guide to see all the landmarks and learn about the city’s checkered history.
- Blarney Castle: Your chance to kiss the Blarney Stone and get the ‘gift of the gab’. And to visit the medieval Irish castle.
- Cliffs of Moher: These rugged, photogenic cliffs have been the star of many films, including a Harry Potter one.
- Galway: Tread the cobbles of this well-loved Irish city with your new Contiki crew. See Lynch’s Castle, Eyre Square and all the best pubs.
- Derry/Londonderry: One for the history fans. Take a look around Ireland’s only walled city, built in the 17th Century.
FAQs
- London: Travelling to (and through) the UK & Northern Ireland? You’ll need Essential Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)From January 8, 2025, UK law means that if you’re entering/transiting through the United Kingdom (UK) and Northern Ireland you’ll need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before you travel. Confused? Don’t be – just read on here.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Travelodge Plus Dublin City Centre, Talbot Hotel Clonmel, Travelodge Galway City Hotel, and Holiday Inn Express Derry.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, meals included are breakfast and dinner on certain days.
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Is there a local guide available during the tour?
Yes, a local guide will be available in Belfast to show all the landmarks and provide insights into the city’s history.
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What transportation is included in the tour?
Transportation between cities and attractions is included.
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Are entry fees to attractions included in the tour package?
Yes, entry to attractions such as the Giant’s Causeway, Blarney Castle, and the Cliffs of Moher is included.
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Are flights included in the tour package?
No, flights to and from Dublin are not included.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Are optional activities included in the tour package?
No, optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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What personal expenses are not included in the tour package?
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Are visa fees included in the tour package?
No, visa fees, if applicable, are not included.
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What can I expect on the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will meet up with your Trip Manager in Dublin, have dinner with your travel group, and end the day with a lively night of festivities at the cobbled lanes of Temple Bar.
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What activities are planned for the second day of the tour?
On the second day, you will leave Dublin, explore Kilkenny, visit the Jameson’s Distillery in Midleton, and arrive in Clonmel for dinner and exploration.
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What highlights can I expect on the third day of the tour?
On the third day, you will visit Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone, see the Cliffs of Moher, and arrive in Galway for two nights of exploration.
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What is planned for the fourth day in Galway?
On the fourth day, you will explore Galway, visit the ruins of Dún Aonghasa, and enjoy the local culture and atmosphere.
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What historical site will we visit on the fifth day?
On the fifth day, you will visit Derry/Londonderry, explore the 17th-century walls, and learn about the history from a local guide.
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What can I expect on the sixth day of the tour?
On the sixth day, you will visit the Giant’s Causeway, take a driving tour of Belfast, and visit the Titanic museum.
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What activities are planned for the last day in Dublin?
On the last day in Dublin, you can visit the Guinness Storehouse and explore any missed attractions before the tour ends.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
Trusted Agent
Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.
Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot – the highest-rated high-street travel agent.
We look after you every step of the way.
