Ireland in a Week | Classic | Winter | 2024/2025
Ireland in a Week | Classic | Winter | 2024/2025
Ireland in a Week | Classic | Winter | 2024/2025
8 Days Starting and ending in Dublin, Ireland
Visiting: Dublin, Kilkenny, Clonmel, Blarney, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Derry/Londonderry, Belfast
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WWIRMA19
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable winter journey through Northern Ireland with the "Ireland in a Week" tour. Begin your adventure in Dublin, where you'll meet your travel companions and enjoy a lively evening at Temple Bar. Discover the medieval charm of Kilkenny, explore ancient castles in Clonmel, and marvel at the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. In Galway, savor Irish stew while enjoying live music, and visit the prehistoric fortress of Dún Aonghasa. Experience the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Giant’s Causeway and delve into Belfast's rich history with a visit to the Titanic museum. Travel comfortably by coach, with opportunities for local explorations, and enjoy accommodations in well-appointed hotels. This cultural tour promises a week filled with history, stunning landscapes, and the warm hospitality of Ireland.
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: Hotel
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, Dinner
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: Derry/Londonderry
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Derry (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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: Belfast
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
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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Dinner on Day 1
Meet your new travel squad for dinner and end the day with a lively night of festivities at the cobbled lanes of Temple Bar in Dublin.
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Dinner on Day 2
Tuck into an included dinner and then head off into Clonmel to explore ancient castles and quirky pubs.
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Dinner on Day 3
Step into a local pub in Galway and down Irish stew over live music and chats with locals.
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Dinner on Day 5
Enjoy an included dinner in Derry/Londonderry.
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Breakfast on Day 8
Say goodbye at breakfast as it will be the last bite our crew has together.
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Visits to Key Attractions
Visits to key attractions such as the Cliffs of Moher, Dún Aonghasa, Giant’s Causeway, and the Titanic museum in Belfast are included.
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Local Guide in Derry/Londonderry
Learn about the history of Derry/Londonderry from a wise Local Guide.
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Included Experience
Experience Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Derry/Londonderry, Giant's Causeway, and Belfast with guided tours and local insights.
What's Not Included
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Meals Not Mentioned
Any meals not specifically mentioned in the inclusions are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional activities, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should 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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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from Dublin are not included.
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Travelodge Plus Dublin City Center, Talbot Hotel Clonmel, Travelodge Galway City Hotel, Holiday Inn Express Derry, and Holiday Inn Express Belfast City.
Dining Summary
- 7 Breakfast (B)
- 3 Dinner (D)
Included Experience
- 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.
- 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.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
Travel between destinations is primarily by coach, with opportunities for bicycle rides in Kilkenny and other local explorations.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes several meals: dinner on days 1, 2, 3, and 5, and breakfast on day 8. Any meals not specifically mentioned in the inclusions are not included.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Travelodge Plus Dublin City Center, Talbot Hotel Clonmel, Travelodge Galway City Hotel, Holiday Inn Express Derry, and Holiday Inn Express Belfast City.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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What are some of the key attractions visited during the tour?
The tour includes visits to key attractions such as the Cliffs of Moher, Dún Aonghasa, Giant’s Causeway, and the Titanic museum in Belfast.
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Will there be a local guide during the tour?
Yes, there will be a local guide in Derry/Londonderry to provide historical insights.
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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.
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We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
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We look after you every step of the way.