Overview
Itinerary
Write your own lively tale of legends and iconic landscapes during this epic encounter with Ireland's treasures. We begin our journey in the capital of Dublin, joining a Local Specialist to see the sights.
This evening sees you visiting EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum, for some drinks and canapes. Stay: Clayton Ballsbridge, Sandymount
Journey through the scenic countryside of County Wicklow, 'The Garden of Ireland', and on to New Ross – the ancestral home town of John F. Kennedy. Dive Into Culture and gain insights into the plight of the starving Irish emigrants who boarded the Dunbrody Famine Ship to flee the potato famine. Continue to Waterford.
This afternoon, celebrate the centuries-old craft of flint glass creations, as you Dive Into Culture at the House of Waterford Crystal and witness talented master crafters at work. Arrive in Kilkenny where you will stay for the night. (B/D) Stay: Kilkenny
Today, pursue the 'gift of the gab' at Blarney Castle, where you'll have a chance to kiss the famous stone. Consider joining an Optional Experience for a traditional pony and trap ride through the beautiful Bourn-Vincent National Park. Arrive in Killarney for a two-night stay. During your journey, your Local Specialist will share fascinating anecdotes about the area and Ireland.
In the evening perhaps join an optional Gaelic Roots show. Using traditional instruments, Irish dance and time-honoured folk songs, this energetic show will have you tapping your feet and singing along in no time. (B/D) Stay: Killarney, Killarney Towers
Ireland's soul-stirring Ring of Kerry takes centre stage today as you embark on a scenic drive past its mountains, lakes and lush green countryside – unquestionably one of the most scenic routes in Ireland. See Daniel O'Connell's Cahirciveen, the fishing village of Waterville, Moll's Gap and the Black Valley, whose remoteness saw it become the last area in Ireland to receive electricity. (B)
Continue through the windswept countryside, arriving in Adare, one of the prettiest villages in Ireland.
On arrival in Limerick, you will enjoy views of St. Mary's Cathedral, the Treaty Stone and the 13th-century King John's Castle during an orientation tour. Delve into an Ireland of old, as you discover the day-to-day life of the Irish during the 18th and 19th centuries on your included visit to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park this afternoon. (B) Stay: The Inn at Dromoland, Greenhills
The sheer Cliffs of Moher plunge dramatically into the Atlantic Ocean, providing endless ocean views and wonderful photographic opportunities during your experience at this UNESCO-listed highlight along the Wild Atlantic Way. You'll be enchanted by its irresistible landscapes, but more so the interactive visitor centre which will bring the whole experience to life from the perspective of the resident wildlife that find sanctuary here.
Later, arrive in Galway with some time at leisure to see its beautiful stone Cathedral or stroll through Eyre Square. (B) Stay: Connacht
Connemara's 'savage beauty' is yours to explore today as you tread in the footsteps of Oscar Wilde who described its 'wild and mountainous splendor' as magnificent. Stop at Brigit's Garden, a Celtic heritage garden, on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Admire the views on the scenic drive to Kylemore Abbey, now a Benedictine monastery, where you will embark on an included visit to the country's most romantic castle and walk through its exquisite Victorian Walled Garden. (B/D)
Your journey takes you to Westport House to indulge in a memorable Be My Guest experience with tales of the Pirate Queen, and enjoy Banoffee and Baileys flavours in the Drawing Room of this stately 18th-century home. Heading north, stop in the pilgrimage town of Knock to view the Marian Shrine where villagers witnessed an apparition of Our Lady in 1879. Arrive in Sligo this evening, your home for the night. (B/L) Stay: Clayton
Continue south to Dublin. Here you'll enjoy some free time to take a walk down Grafton Street or stroll along the Liffey.
This evening, close the chapter on an epic journey through Ireland, joining your fellow travellers for a memorable dinner. (B/D) Stay: Clayton Dublin Airport
After a hearty Irish breakfast, we bid our Travel Director and fellow travellers a fond farewell as our Irish holiday comes to an end. (B)
Write your own lively tale of legends and iconic landscapes during this epic encounter with Ireland's treasures. We begin our journey in the capital of Dublin, joining a Local Specialist to see the sights.
This evening sees you visiting EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum, for some drinks and canapes. Stay: Clayton Ballsbridge, Sandymount
Journey through the scenic countryside of County Wicklow, 'The Garden of Ireland', and on to New Ross – the ancestral home town of John F. Kennedy. Dive Into Culture and gain insights into the plight of the starving Irish emigrants who boarded the Dunbrody Famine Ship to flee the potato famine. Continue to Waterford.
This afternoon, celebrate the centuries-old craft of flint glass creations, as you Dive Into Culture at the House of Waterford Crystal and witness talented master crafters at work. Arrive in Kilkenny where you will stay for the night. (B/D) Stay: Kilkenny
Today, pursue the 'gift of the gab' at Blarney Castle, where you'll have a chance to kiss the famous stone. Consider joining an Optional Experience for a traditional pony and trap ride through the beautiful Bourn-Vincent National Park. Arrive in Killarney for a two-night stay. During your journey, your Local Specialist will share fascinating anecdotes about the area and Ireland.
In the evening perhaps join an optional Gaelic Roots show. Using traditional instruments, Irish dance and time-honoured folk songs, this energetic show will have you tapping your feet and singing along in no time. (B/D) Stay: Killarney, Killarney Towers
Ireland's soul-stirring Ring of Kerry takes centre stage today as you embark on a scenic drive past its mountains, lakes and lush green countryside – unquestionably one of the most scenic routes in Ireland. See Daniel O'Connell's Cahirciveen, the fishing village of Waterville, Moll's Gap and the Black Valley, whose remoteness saw it become the last area in Ireland to receive electricity. (B)
Continue through the windswept countryside, arriving in Adare, one of the prettiest villages in Ireland.
On arrival in Limerick, you will enjoy views of St. Mary's Cathedral, the Treaty Stone and the 13th-century King John's Castle during an orientation tour. Delve into an Ireland of old, as you discover the day-to-day life of the Irish during the 18th and 19th centuries on your included visit to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park this afternoon. (B) Stay: The Inn at Dromoland, Greenhills
The sheer Cliffs of Moher plunge dramatically into the Atlantic Ocean, providing endless ocean views and wonderful photographic opportunities during your experience at this UNESCO-listed highlight along the Wild Atlantic Way. You'll be enchanted by its irresistible landscapes, but more so the interactive visitor centre which will bring the whole experience to life from the perspective of the resident wildlife that find sanctuary here.
Later, arrive in Galway with some time at leisure to see its beautiful stone Cathedral or stroll through Eyre Square. (B) Stay: Connacht
Connemara's 'savage beauty' is yours to explore today as you tread in the footsteps of Oscar Wilde who described its 'wild and mountainous splendor' as magnificent. Stop at Brigit's Garden, a Celtic heritage garden, on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Admire the views on the scenic drive to Kylemore Abbey, now a Benedictine monastery, where you will embark on an included visit to the country's most romantic castle and walk through its exquisite Victorian Walled Garden. (B/D)
Your journey takes you to Westport House to indulge in a memorable Be My Guest experience with tales of the Pirate Queen, and enjoy Banoffee and Baileys flavours in the Drawing Room of this stately 18th-century home. Heading north, stop in the pilgrimage town of Knock to view the Marian Shrine where villagers witnessed an apparition of Our Lady in 1879. Arrive in Sligo this evening, your home for the night. (B/L) Stay: Clayton
Continue south to Dublin. Here you'll enjoy some free time to take a walk down Grafton Street or stroll along the Liffey.
This evening, close the chapter on an epic journey through Ireland, joining your fellow travellers for a memorable dinner. (B/D) Stay: Clayton Dublin Airport
After a hearty Irish breakfast, we bid our Travel Director and fellow travellers a fond farewell as our Irish holiday comes to an end. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Explore Dublin
- Discover Waterford, Killarney, Limerick and Galway
- Visit the Dunbrody Famine Ship in New Ross, the Crystal showroom at Waterford, Blarney Castle to kiss the stone and gain the 'gift of the gab', Adare, Bunratty Folk Park in Bunratty, Cliffs of Moher, Connemara and Kylemore Abbey
- View King John's Castle in Limerick and the Marian Shrine in Knock
- See St. Mary's Cathedral in Limerick and Galway Cathedral
- Scenic drive of the Ring of Kerry
Be My Guest
- Westport: Enjoy a traditional High Tea with your hosts, the Hughes family, in the drawing room of their historic home, Westport House. Savor traditional banoffee and Baileys flavors while delighting in stories about the house's history and tales of the Pirate Queen.
Dive Into Culture
- New Ross: Explore the tragic history of Ireland's famine emigration at the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience, a replica of one of the original ships used in the 1800s.
- Waterford: Learn how crystal is crafted at the House of Waterford Crystal during a workshop tour.
Iconic Experience
- Dublin: A Local Specialist will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House.
- Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. But to do so, you must dangle from the ramparts! Visit Blarney Castle and see the famous Stone of Eloquence.
- Adare: Experience a village walk through the main street lined with thatched cottages.
- Limerick: See Limerick's iconic landmarks during an orientation with your Travel Director.
- Bunratty: Visit the impeccably-preserved Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.
- Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden: Visit the turreted Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey. This monastery was founded in 1920 for Benedictine Nuns who fled Belgium in World War I.
- Knock: In the pilgrimage town of Knock, visit the beautiful Marian Shrine, where the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph and John the Evangelist are said to have appeared to the townsfolk in 1879.
Make Travel Matter®
- Galway: Brigit's Garden offers a peaceful journey through Ireland's Celtic heritage. With your Local Specialist, explore the native woodlands and wildflower meadows. The gardens, inspired by the Celtic festivals, feature a rich biodiversity and native rewilding. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Land
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences (Additional Cost) and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 1 Lunch (L)
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
- Explore Dublin
- Discover Waterford, Killarney, Limerick and Galway
- Visit the Dunbrody Famine Ship in New Ross, the Crystal showroom at Waterford, Blarney Castle to kiss the stone and gain the 'gift of the gab', Adare, Bunratty Folk Park in Bunratty, Cliffs of Moher, Connemara and Kylemore Abbey
- View King John's Castle in Limerick and the Marian Shrine in Knock
- See St. Mary's Cathedral in Limerick and Galway Cathedral
- Scenic drive of the Ring of Kerry
Be My Guest
- Westport: Enjoy a traditional High Tea with your hosts, the Hughes family, in the drawing room of their historic home, Westport House. Savor traditional banoffee and Baileys flavors while delighting in stories about the house's history and tales of the Pirate Queen.
Dive Into Culture
- New Ross: Explore the tragic history of Ireland's famine emigration at the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience, a replica of one of the original ships used in the 1800s.
- Waterford: Learn how crystal is crafted at the House of Waterford Crystal during a workshop tour.
Iconic Experience
- Dublin: A Local Specialist will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House.
- Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. But to do so, you must dangle from the ramparts! Visit Blarney Castle and see the famous Stone of Eloquence.
- Adare: Experience a village walk through the main street lined with thatched cottages.
- Limerick: See Limerick's iconic landmarks during an orientation with your Travel Director.
- Bunratty: Visit the impeccably-preserved Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.
- Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden: Visit the turreted Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey. This monastery was founded in 1920 for Benedictine Nuns who fled Belgium in World War I.
- Knock: In the pilgrimage town of Knock, visit the beautiful Marian Shrine, where the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph and John the Evangelist are said to have appeared to the townsfolk in 1879.
Make Travel Matter®
- Galway: Brigit's Garden offers a peaceful journey through Ireland's Celtic heritage. With your Local Specialist, explore the native woodlands and wildflower meadows. The gardens, inspired by the Celtic festivals, feature a rich biodiversity and native rewilding. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Land
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences (Additional Cost) and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 1 Lunch (L)
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
You’ll enjoy the icons and hidden gems with a Local Specialist by your side. Read more
With one on every itinerary, Be My Guest ensures your journey is truly one-of-a-kind, wherever it takes you. Read more
Find yourself overnighting in accommodations with stories as rich as the destinations you’re exploring. Read more
You’ll enjoy the icons and hidden gems with a Local Specialist by your side. Read more
With one on every itinerary, Be My Guest ensures your journey is truly one-of-a-kind, wherever it takes you. Read more
Find yourself overnighting in accommodations with stories as rich as the destinations you’re exploring. Read more
Trip Reviews (3) Most Recent 'Best of Ireland' Reviews
We seemed to spend longer than necessary at some stops and not long enough at others. We also found the tour specifically catered for the American market. Don't get me wrong we have nothing against Americans, it was just that most of the sights we visited were related back to Irish/American history more so than anything else. We visited a JFK Memorial and a cemetery where the guide spoke about all the links to America rather than other countries.
We found it challenging to find locals to chat to because we visited very touristy areas rather than places off the beaten track. The majority of tourists were American (even our tour group was 90% American) so everywhere we went we heard American voices more so than Irish accents and Irish custom. Our tour director was very nice and she did her best to look after us and help us to have fun. We didn't do any of the optional excursions as the dinners were pricey and we had seen enough castles.
Brochure
Trafalgar UK & Ireland (2025-26)
Brochure
Trafalgar UK & Ireland (2025-26)
Availability
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Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Trafalgar. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Trafalgar. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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