Country Roads of Ireland - End Dublin, Small Group, Summer
Country Roads of Ireland - End Dublin, Small Group, Summer
$5995
Country Roads of Ireland - End Dublin, Small Group, Summer
12 Days Starting and ending in Dublin
Visiting: Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Cork, Blarney Castle, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Ennistymon, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Londonderry, Giant's Causeway, Belfast
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Let the luck of the Irish be with you on this 12-day guided tour across Ireland. Start the tour in Dublin, where you get up close to the Book of Kells, an ancient Gospel manuscript filled with mythical beasts and Celtic knots. In Kilkenny, visit the majestic Kilkenny Castle. A chef will share traditional Irish recipes at a farm-to-table feast in Killarney. You'll see the Ring of Kerry, a mystical, verdant peninsula dotted with seaside villages. Finally, step onto Giant's Causeway with it's basalt columns carved onto the coast by volcanic lava, or a giant's feet, if Irish myth is to be believed.
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Killarney: Explore the scenery of Killarney National Park on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.
- Killarney: Join a gentle hike with a nature guide in Killarney National Park and admire stunning mountains, lakes, woods and waterfalls. Stroll along the lake shore and past the impressive 15th Century Ross Castle and the famous Muckross Estate, a charming 19th Century mansion and grounds. Alternatively, enjoy a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.
Top Rated Highlights
- Dublin: See Custom House and travel along the River Liffey. See the Guinness Storehouse, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral.
- Cahir: See one of the largest castles in Ireland dating back to the 13th century.
- Cork: Ireland's second city - "Rebel Cork" dates back to the 7th century. Your Travel Director will show you the Grand Parade and South Mall, along with City Hall and the Opera House on an insightful orientation tour encompassing the development of the religious settlement of St. Finbarr, to Viking raiding and settlement, to the creation of the Norman city and Merchant Princes. You’ll love learning the tales and history of this port city and enjoy hearing the lilt of the Cork accent.
- Ring of Kerry: Venture into a world of towering cliffs, lush lakelands, beaches, fields dotted with sheep, rocky coastline, remote villages and historical sites, as you journey the magical Ring of Kerry. This 111-mile circular route is the best place to admire Ireland's scenic beauty and truly one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
- Killarney: Enjoy hearing of the history of Killarney during your city orientation.
- Dingle Peninsula: Enjoy a scenic drive to Slea Head past the sandstone mountains.
- Ballygally: Explore this seaside town with your Travel Director.
- Carrickfergus: See the immense Castle as your drive around it.
- Belfast: Meet Hilda, a true Belfast local, having lived in the same house her entire life. During your panoramic tour, hear about the history of the city and learn why Hilda is proud of its progress and current prosperity. You'll also see the City Hall, Queen's University, Parliament Building at Stormont and murals in different locations indicating political sentiments of local residents.
- Cliffs of Moher: Towering cliffs and the dramatic sea, the Cliffs of Moher has inspired countless travelers. Visit the Exhibition Center and look out over the Wild Atlantic Way from these majestic cliffs that rise over 700 feet high. Gain insights from your Travel Director into the cliffs’ geology, history and the species that find sanctuary in its nooks and crannies.
- Galway: Fascinating stories and interesting locals take center stage on your orientation of the historic heart of Galway. Visit the Lynch Memorial Window. Then make your way to the Church of St. Nicholas - the largest medieval parish church in Ireland in continuous use, Spanish Arch and Eyre Square.
Make Travel Matter
Killarney: Meet passionate restaurant owners John and Freda at their beautiful guesthouse in Killarney, where you'll hear more about their Farm-to-Table concept, while enjoying a delicious meal made from fresh ingredients sourced within a five mile radius. John and Freda have a policy that all food is sourced locally from farms and the coach of the Emerald Isle. On the farm they also grow and harvest all their own fruit and veg. They educate their visitors about sustainable consumption and the benefits of eating fresh homegrown produce. This experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption & Production.
Giant's Causeway: Visit the legendary Giant's Causeway, site of wonders. At the visitor center, learn about the efforts to protect biodiversity and ecosystems, participating in habitat restoration. The National Trust charity has been undertaking replanting activities in Innisfree Farm, adjacent to the Causeway. By sowing a field of Herbal Ley seed mixes containing up to 17 different species, they have prioritized biodiversity and quality food production leaving a low carbon footprint. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
Authentic Dining
Dublin: Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner, an opportunity to get to know each other over a meal.
Ballygally: The Irish call it 'craic' - the warm feeling resulting from the confluence of music, drink, good food, laughter, and conversation. And after circumnavigating the Emerald Isle, there's bound to be a fair share of craic at your grand finale Celebration Dinner. Sláinte!
Insight Choice
Killarney: Explore the scenery of Killarney National Park on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.
Killarney: Join a gentle hike with a nature guide in Killarney National Park and admire stunning mountains, lakes, woods and waterfalls. Stroll along the lake shore and past the impressive 15th Century Ross Castle and the famous Muckross Estate, a charming 19th Century mansion and grounds. Alternatively, enjoy a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Dublin
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Dublin.
Accommodation Name: Clayton Burlington Road, Dublin
Meals Included: Dinner
Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner, with the opportunity to mingle and get to know your fellow travelers.
Day 2: In Dublin’S Fair City Relaxed Start
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Dublin.
Accommodation Name: Clayton Burlington Road, Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accompanied by a Local Expert, become acquainted with Dublin’s elegant squares during an orientation of the city. Discover Custom House, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Enjoy entrance to the 9th century Book of Kells and a walk through the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College.
Day 3: A Journey From Dublin To Cork
Location: Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Cork
Accommodation: The Kingsley Hotel, Cork.
Accommodation Name: The Kingsley, Cork
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, visit one of the country’s main racehorse breeding centers. Continue to the acclaimed 100 year old Japanese Gardens where you can ‘journey through life’ during a walk through the beautiful surrounds. Travel to the medieval city of Kilkenny to visit the majestic Kilkenny Castle. With a Local Expert, learn how the castle was built in 1195 after the Norman Conquest of Ireland and admire its beautifully restored Victorian era rooms. Continue through Cahir and see its imposing 13th-century castle, featured in the film 'Excalibur', on the way to Cork. On arrival, your Travel Director will show you around the compact university city, with its vibrant waterfront and grand Georgian parades.
Day 4: Across The Mountains To Killarney Relaxed Start
Location: Cork, Blarney Castle, Killarney
Accommodation: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa.
Accommodation Name: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel to the ruined Blarney Castle. Will you hang upside down from the ramparts to kiss the stone and ensure a lifetime of eloquence? Travel across the majestic Derrynasaggart Mountains to the lively town of Killarney. For your Farm-to-Table dining experience, enjoy some Irish home cooking in the kitchens of chef John Sheehan. Join John and Freda, your hosts at the 19th Green Guesthouse, and savor the delicious flavors of fresh local cuisine on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Gather together at a Farm-to-Table dinner, using responsibly sourced ingredients from the local community, and gain personal insight into classic Irish recipes that are loved throughout the world.
Day 5: Ring Of Kerry Experience Relaxed Start
Location: Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Killarney
Accommodation: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa.
Accommodation Name: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start your day with Insight Choice. Choose a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys. Alternatively, join a gentle hike with a Local Expert along the lake shore and past the grounds of Ross Castle, admiring the incredible scenery of the National Park. While there aren't any mountains to climb, walkers should be fit, have good walking shoes or boots, sunscreen and rain gear. Then explore around the magnificent Ring of Kerry. Here, mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is breathtaking beyond words. Journey past lush lakelands and around towering cliffs as you appreciate sweeping sea views. Continue through delightful villages like Sneem and cross the peat bogs of the Black Mountains to Moll’s Gap to admire Queen Victoria’s Ladies View. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Maybe take the opportunity to hire a bicycle and enjoy one of the many scenic trails around the lake or through the National Park.
Day 6: Around The Dingle Peninsula Relaxed Start
Location: Killarney, Dingle Peninsula, Ennistymon
Accommodation: Skellig Hotel, Dingle.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continue driving with views of wide skies, peaceful towns and coastal scenery of the Dingle Peninsula — the setting for the film Ryan’s Daughter. Drive to dramatic Slea Head at the peninsula’s far end, before journeying to reach your hotel.
Day 7: The Cliffs Of Moher And Galway Relaxed Start
Location: Ennistymon, Cliffs of Moher, Galway
Accommodation: Connemara Coast Hotel (Sea View Rooms), Galway.
Accommodation Name: Connemara Coast (Sea View Rooms), Galway
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey to the Visitor Center at the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Clare Coast before a delightful drive through the strange, rocky landscape of the Burren to Galway Bay. On arrival, see the Lynch Memorial and Church of St. Nicholas, where Christopher Columbus reputedly prayed before his voyages to America. See the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President, John F. Kennedy.
Day 8: Free Day Galway Or Aran Islands Relaxed Start
Location: Galway
Accommodation: Connemara Coast Hotel (Sea View Rooms), Galway.
Accommodation Name: Connemara Coast (Sea View Rooms), Galway
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend a day at leisure to relax and enjoy Galway. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to the Aran Islands? A genuine highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way. With their cliffs and spectacular coastal views, the islands are a true Irish experience.
Day 9: Derry Londonderry
Location: Londonderry
Accommodation: Maldron Hotel Derry, Londonderry.
Accommodation Name: Maldron Hotel Derry, Londonderry
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Admire the Blue Stack Mountains of Donegal as you cross into Northern Ireland, bound for the ancient walled city of 'Derry.' What better way to experience sightseeing than with one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers, Ronan, as he takes you on a tour inside the city walls, still topped with cannons. Walk down Shipquay Street, with its elegant Georgian houses, to the Gothic Guildhall.
Day 10: Walk In The Giant’S Steps Relaxed Start
Location: Giant's Causeway
Accommodation: Ballygally Castle Hotel, Co. Antrim.
Accommodation Name: Ballygally Castle, Co. Antrim
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey to the iconic Giant's Causeway for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Learn how the National Trust is enabling farming and biodiversity to work together, supporting both wildlife and quality food production. Next, prepare yourself for miles of breathtaking beauty as you travel along the road clinging to the Antrim Coast. Continue onto your hotel, overlooking Ballygally Bay. For those who are brave enough, perhaps check out The Ghost Room, in one of the castle’s turrets? In the evening, please join us for a finale Celebration Dinner, where old-fashioned hospitality is blended with good food and wine for an experience that delights the senses.
Day 11: The Antrim Coast To Belfast Relaxed Start
Location: Belfast
Accommodation: Titanic Hotel
Accommodation Name: Titanic, Belfast
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continue around the Antrim Coast, past the huge Norman castle at Carrickfergus, to arrive in the Northern Ireland capital of Belfast. Meet your Local Expert for a passionate city tour including views of the City Hall, Queen's University, the Parliament Building at Stormont and murals in different locations indicating political sentiments of local residents.
Day 12: Depart For Dublin
Location: Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast
An early departure transfer will arrive at Dublin airport.
What's Included
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Choice Highlights
Choose between two carefully selected activities in Killarney: explore the scenery of Killarney National Park on a horse-drawn jaunting car or join a gentle hike with a nature guide.
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Top Rated Highlights
Experience top-rated highlights such as seeing Dublin's Custom House, Christchurch Cathedral, and St. Patrick's Cathedral, visiting Cahir Castle, exploring Cork, and journeying through the Ring of Kerry.
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Make Travel Matter
Participate in experiences that support sustainable practices, such as dining at a farm-to-table restaurant in Killarney and visiting the Giant's Causeway to learn about biodiversity efforts.
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Authentic Dining
Enjoy authentic dining experiences, including a warm and friendly dinner in Dublin and a celebration dinner in Ballygally.
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Insight Choice
In Killarney, choose between exploring the national park on a horse-drawn jaunting car or joining a hike with a nature guide.
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Dining Summary
The tour includes 5 dinners and 11 breakfasts.
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Insight Experiences
Enjoy unique experiences such as visiting Trinity College in Dublin, exploring the Irish National Stud in Kildare, and touring Kilkenny Castle with a local expert.
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Transport
Travel in style with a dedicated Travel Director, exploring Ireland's scenic routes and iconic landmarks. Enjoy comfortable transportation between destinations, including Dublin, Cork, Killarney, Dingle Peninsula, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Londonderry, Giant's Causeway, and Belfast.
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Accommodation
Experience comfort and luxury at the Clayton Burlington Road in Dublin, The Kingsley in Cork, Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, Falls & Spa in Ennistymon, Connemara Coast in Galway, Maldron Hotel Derry, Ballygally Castle in Co. Antrim, and Titanic Hotel in Belfast.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as a trip to the Aran Islands are not included in the tour package.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included in the tour package.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 11 Breakfast (B)
Insight Experiences
- Dublin: A stunning combination of cobblestone walkways, emerald-green lawns and 18th-century architectural gems, Trinity College is one of Europe’s elite universities and counts poet Oscar Wilde among its alumni. See the enchanting college campus and discover insights into its impressive history. Enjoy access to view the famous Book of Kells, an exquisite manuscript of the four gospels of the Christian New Testament, renowned for the intricacy, detail and majesty of the illustrations.
- Kildare: Horse racing is key part of Irish culture; and you'll get a rare peek into it over your visit to the Irish National Stud. Set in Kildare at the breeding ground of champions and the birthplace of legends, explore the foaling unit, museum and the stallions that continue to make racing history. As the only stud farm in Ireland open to the public, learn the insights of horse-racing at a site whose former visitors include queens and presidents.
- Kilkenny: Visit Kilkenny Castle with a Local Expert. On a guided tour, learn the history of this magnificent castle and that of the powerful family that came to call it home for so many centuries. Amble through the Picture Gallery, library, drawing room, nursery and bedrooms decorated in 1830s splendor as well as the rolling parkland formal terraced rose garden, woodlands and man-made lake.
- Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone, the famous stone of eloquence, are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. Take your turn at giving it a peck knowing that the stone was sourced from 330-million-year-old limestone.
- Londonderry: There's no better way to experience sightseeing than with one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers, Ronan, as he takes you on a tour inside the city walls. See the Gothic Guildhall and the Georgian houses of Shipquay Street.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes unique experiences such as visiting Trinity College in Dublin to see the Book of Kells, exploring the Irish National Stud in Kildare, and touring Kilkenny Castle with a local expert. Additionally, you can participate in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Giant's Causeway to learn about biodiversity efforts.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional experiences available, such as a trip to the Aran Islands, which is not included in the tour package.
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What dining experiences are offered on the tour?
The tour offers authentic dining experiences, including a warm and friendly dinner in Dublin and a celebration dinner in Ballygally. Additionally, there is a Farm-to-Table dining experience in Killarney, where you can enjoy Irish home cooking using responsibly sourced ingredients.
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What are the accommodation options during the tour?
Accommodation options include the Clayton Burlington Road in Dublin, The Kingsley in Cork, Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, Falls & Spa in Ennistymon, Connemara Coast in Galway, Maldron Hotel Derry, Ballygally Castle in Co. Antrim, and Titanic Hotel in Belfast.
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What is the transportation arrangement for the tour?
The tour provides comfortable transportation with a dedicated Travel Director, allowing you to explore Ireland's scenic routes and iconic landmarks. Transportation is provided between destinations such as Dublin, Cork, Killarney, Dingle Peninsula, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Londonderry, Giant's Causeway, and Belfast.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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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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