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Complete Ireland Small Group Adventure: Dublin, Belfast, Galway & More

Duration
13 Days
Prices From:
US$ 4,738

FIRST-CLASS | SMALL GROUP: A complete tour of Ireland, this small group adventure takes you to the most famous sights and towns of the Emerald Isle, from the staggering Giant’s Causeway to the delicate crystal of Waterford.


This small group experience (maximum 16 participants) gets you off the beaten track so you get a real feel for the country. Our guides are hand-picked for their pride and passion for their country. Transportation is in modern Mercedes Benz mini-coaches and accommodation is in 3 star country hotels and B&Bs.

This 13-day trip through Ireland sets out from Belfast, discovering the many natural and cultural highlights of the island before disembarking in Dublin.

Your guide will meet you in Dublin for the beautiful trip to Belfast. This day includes the Giant’s Causeway, an incredible collection of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns that hug the coast of Northern Ireland. In Belfast itself, devote some time to the Titanic Quarter, which is part waterfront regeneration, part historic attraction. You’ll stop in at Derry to see another side of the North before returning to the Republic of Ireland itself, where an overnight stay in Donegal lets you enjoy one of the most invigorating natural landscapes in the country.

Pay your respects to the poet Yeats in County Sligo before immersing yourself in the megalithic history of Carrowmore, home to thirty tomb monuments dating back up to 3700BC. Then visit the edge of Europe at Achill Island, before exploring Connemara. You can enjoy its namesake national park and admire the Twelve Bens, or take a boat ride through Killary Fjord before overnighting in Westport. Turning inland, enjoy the lovely village of Cong before exploring Galway, where an evening at leisure gives you time to enjoy some local hospitality, and the city’s legendary entertainment scene.

Onward, following the cliffs of Burren, which feature some of Ireland’s earliest Christian settlements alongside ancient pagan ruins. Visit the Cathedral of Kifenora, and the famous Cliffs of Moher, keeping an eye out for local sea birds. Then spend three nights in Killarney, your base for exploring County Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula. This is one of Ireland’s most scenic regions, with amazing views of the surrounding islands, cliff top walks, and lively harbours. Killarney itself is a major hub of Irish music and culture, and a delightful spot to return to each evening. The Ring of Kerry is another of Ireland’s most popular scenic routes, taking you to the Cathersiveen ring fort, Daniel O’Connell’s birthplace, and within sight of Ireland’s highest mountain.

Fancy a chance to kiss the Blarney Stone? Today’s the day, as you visit Macroom and Blarney Castle – though kissing the actual stone may be harder than you think! Then explore west Cork before going on to the east, where you’ll visit Waterford and the famous Waterford Crystal factory. Spend a final night in Kilkenny before returning to Dublin, where you may wish to stay an extra few days to visit Trinity College, take a literary tour, or lose a night or two at the famous Temple Bar.

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Duration
13 Days
Prices From:
US$ 4,738

Itinerary View Trip Map

Day 1

Taxi Dublin Airport to Dublin City Hotel

Duration30 Minutes

Brooks Hotel Dublin

Situated only minutes from Grafton Street in the fashionable heart of Dublin city, Brooks Hotel is the perfect place to stay, whether for business or pleasure. Most of the city's key attractions are within walking distance to the hotel and include: the best shopping streets in the capital, St. Stephen's Green, the Guinness storehouse the Irish parliament building, Dail Eireann, Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin Castle, Trinity College and many popular art galleries, theatres, museums and entertainment venues. The Luas servicing Dundrum shopping centre is just a few minutes' walk away and the Dart station is only 10 minutes' walk from the hotel.

Meal Plan Full Breakfast
Duration1 Night
Accommodation

Brooks Hotel Dublin

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Location View map
  • starstarstarstar

    Brooks Hotel Dublin



    Situated only minutes from Grafton Street in the fashionable heart of Dublin city, Brooks Hotel is the perfect place to stay, whether for business or pleasure. Most of the city's key attractions are within walking distance to the hotel and include: the best shopping streets …

    Situated only minutes from Grafton Street in the fashionable heart of Dublin city, Brooks Hotel is the perfect place to stay, whether for business or pleasure. Most of the city's key attractions are within walking distance to the hotel and include: the best shopping streets in the capital, St. Stephen's Green, the Guinness storehouse the Irish parliament building, Dail Eireann, Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin Castle, Trinity College and many popular art galleries, theatres, museums and entertainment venues. The Luas servicing Dundrum shopping centre is just a few minutes' walk away and the Dart station is only 10 minutes' walk from the hotel.

    Facilities

    • 24 Hour Reception
    • Air Conditioning
    • Bar
    • Business Centre
    • Fitness Centre
    • Housekeeping Service
    • Laundry
    • Library
    • Lounge
    • Meeting Rooms Available
    • Room Service

    More Details

    Preferred Hotel
Day 2

Belfast, the Antrim Coast and Giant's Causeway

Please make your own way to the starting point - opposite the Kilkenny Shop (Nassau St, Dublin) - for the 9:00am departure. Ensure you arrive at least 30 minutes early. This morning, you will meet your tour guide in Dublin for the first leg of the Journey and take off for Belfast. You will have a tour of some of the key areas in the city and visit the redeveloped Titanic Quarter.

In the afternoon, head to the Antrim Coast and Glens. You will ride along the coastline from Ballycastle to the famous Giant's Causeway, which you can explore before heading to Portrush. Overnight in Portrush.

Duration1 Night
Accommodation

Moderate Hotel Portrush

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Location View map
  • starstarstar

    Moderate Hotel Portrush



    We try to reserve accommodation that's no more than a 20-minute walk from the town centre. We regularly check our accommodation partners to ensure they reach a certain standard.

    We try to reserve accommodation that's no more than a 20-minute walk from the town centre. We regularly check our accommodation partners to ensure they reach a certain standard.

    More Details

Day 3

Derry and Donegal

Today, the first stop is in Derry, designated a UK City of Culture. Spend some time exploring the old city or one of the many museums or galleries before crossing the border back into the People's Republic of Ireland. Travel into one of the most remote parts of the country, County Donegal, with its stunning scenery and strong Gaelic culture. You will travel through national parks and fishing villages. Overnight stop in Donegal.

Meal Plan Breakfast
Duration1 Night
Accommodation

The Central Hotel

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  • starstarstar

    The Central Hotel



    Located in the Diamond at the heart of Donegal Town, The Central offers varied dining, regular live entertainment and complimentary leisure facilities. Owned by the White Hotel Group, the Central Hotel Donegal sits amid the town's 25 bars and restaurants and is a short walk …

    Located in the Diamond at the heart of Donegal Town, The Central offers varied dining, regular live entertainment and complimentary leisure facilities. Owned by the White Hotel Group, the Central Hotel Donegal sits amid the town's 25 bars and restaurants and is a short walk from the famous Donegal Bay Waterbus. 'Just Williams' Carvery and a restaurant are both on-hand for meals, whilst the popular Upper Deck Bar plays host to regular live entertainment. The purpose-built leisure centre has a swimming pool, spa bath, steam room and gym - an excellent choice for a rainy day!

    Facilities

    • 24 Hour Reception
    • Bar
    • Lift/elevator
    • Lounge
    • Meeting Rooms Available
    • Restaurant
    • Sauna
    • Smoke Free Hotel
    • Spa Tub
    • Steam Room

    More Details

Day 4

Carrowmore and County Mayo

Travel south from Donegal into County Sligo and to the resting place of the famous poet, W.B Yeats. Take in the mountain scenery of Ben Bulben and the largest collection of megalithic tombs in Carrowmore. The route turns westward into County Mayo, an area hit hard by the great potato famine. You arrive at the edge of Europe at Achill Island, an area of majestic peace and quiet. After a time here, you will travel to Westport where the evening is at your leisure.

Meal Plan Breakfast
Duration2 Nights
Accommodation

Mill Times Hotel

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  • starstarstar

    Mill Times Hotel



    Situated in the heart of the bustling town of Westport County Mayo, the Mill Times Hotel is a boutique hotel, with exceptional customer service standards. This independently run hotel is ideally located on Mill Street in the heart of this picturesque town. It is the …

    Situated in the heart of the bustling town of Westport County Mayo, the Mill Times Hotel is a boutique hotel, with exceptional customer service standards. This independently run hotel is ideally located on Mill Street in the heart of this picturesque town. It is the perfect base to visit all the attractions that the Westport has on offer. Westport has recently become one of Ireland's first Smarter Travel Demo Town, one of three centres in Ireland. It aims to reduce car dependence and promote walking, cycling, car sharing and public transport.

    Facilities

    • 24 Hour Reception
    • Bar
    • Conference Centre
    • Internet Access - Wireless
    • Parking
    • Reception
    • Telephone
    • TV

    More Details

Day 5

Connemara

Today is a relatively flexible day in the Connemara region, and will depend on the weather or your group's preferences. Possibilities include Connemara National Park, a Killary fjord boat trip, Clifden, Sky Road, and the Twelve Bens of Connemara. Tonight in Westport, it is highly recommended you sample some local seafood.

Meal Plan Breakfast
Day 6

Cong and Galway

You leave Westport this morning and head inland through the heart of the Connemara to the village of Cong. Visit Cong Abbey, or the Quiet Man Museum, then pass through the Maam Valley to Galway city. Here your guide and some group members will leave you. You have the afternoon and evening at your leisure in Galway, and will be met at your accommodation by your new guide in the morning.

Meal Plan Breakfast
Duration1 Night
Accommodation

Jury's Inn Galway

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    Jury's Inn Galway



    Located on the busy hub of Quay Street with a beautiful view overlooking Galway Bay, Jurys Inn Galway is perfectly situated in the heart of this historic city centre. With the Spanish Arch (1584) and Medieval City Wall (dating back to the 13th century) just …

    Located on the busy hub of Quay Street with a beautiful view overlooking Galway Bay, Jurys Inn Galway is perfectly situated in the heart of this historic city centre. With the Spanish Arch (1584) and Medieval City Wall (dating back to the 13th century) just a two minute walk from our Galway hotel and Eyre Square Shopping Centre and Galway train station within a ten minute walk from Jurys Inn, we are perfectly placed for guests wanting transport links, retail therapy and historic city attractions!

    Facilities

    • Bar
    • Accessible Facilities
    • Business Centre
    • Laundry facilities
    • Reception
    • Room Service
    • Telephone

    More Details

Day 7

Burren to Killarney

This morning, you will be met by your guide and travel along the coast to the Burren. This is a land of limestone pavements, barren hillsides, rare flora, early Christian settlements and ancient stone monuments. You will spend most of the morning exploring this unique area before going on to Kilfenora, for a visit to the old cathedral and lunch in the village. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, which drop almost 700 feet straight into the crashing Atlantic waves. Walk the cliff top trails, watch numerous seabirds or visit the award winning environmental exhibition.

Your journey this afternoon will be scenic and take you on a ferry ride, ending up in charming Killarney. The pubs here are great for food and most have live music in the evenings.

Meal Plan Breakfast
Duration3 Nights
Accommodation

Arbutus Hotel

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    Arbutus Hotel



    A Family Run, historic hotel in the heart of Killarney, where you will find old world charm with new world comforts. The Arbutus is a member of Irish Country Hotels, a unique collection of family owned and run hotels in Ireland, which you will find …

    A Family Run, historic hotel in the heart of Killarney, where you will find old world charm with new world comforts. The Arbutus is a member of Irish Country Hotels, a unique collection of family owned and run hotels in Ireland, which you will find are the most friendly hotels throughout Ireland, offering traditional hospitality, friendly and personal service and the only hotel group to have achieved Guaranteed Irish status.

    Facilities

    • 24 Hour Reception
    • Children's Facility
    • Daily Housekeeping
    • Laundry Service
    • Lobby Fireplace
    • Luggage Storage
    • Porter Service
    • Restaurant
    • Safety Deposit Box
    • Telephone

    More Details

Day 8

Dingle Peninsula

Spend today exploring the wonderful Dingle Peninsula, one of the most scenic parts of Ireland and a heartland of Gaelic culture and tradition. The first stop of the day is the beach at Inch, a vast expanse of sand facing out into the Atlantic, then on through the town of Dingle and to Slea Head. Here you will see impressive views of the nearby Blasket Islands and the mountains in the Ring of Kerry. You may be able to walk on beaches and clifftop trails while enjoying the scenery. The circuit of Slea Head leads back to Dingle town with its brightly coloured buildings and busy harbor.

You will return to Killarney for the afternoon where you may spend time in town or visit the national park.

Meal Plan Breakfast
Day 9

Ring of Kerry

Today, you will drive along the Ring of Kerry a classic route consisting of views of Ireland's highest mountain, Daniel O'Connell's birthplace and the Cahersiveen ring fort. Eventually, you will reach Portmagee, a great place to sample local seafood for lunch. From here, the road drops to sea level and you pay a visit to Derrynane House.

The tour then continues on around the Ring with stops at Moll's Gap and the Ladies View. There will just be time for a short walk to the Torc Waterfall before arriving back in Killarney.

Meal Plan Breakfast
Day 10

Blarney and West Cork

You head toward Kinsale today, with some interesting stops along the way. Visit the market town of Macroom and the Blarney Castle. You may get the chance to kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Here, you will leave your next new guide and transfer to a new bus. You will head with your new group to the beautiful coastline of West Cork ending up in the fishing village of Kinsale. The town is famous for its food and you will have a free evening to explore the narrow streets, pubs and restaurants.

Meal Plan Breakfast
Duration1 Night
Accommodation

Moderate Hotel Kinsale

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  • starstarstar

    Moderate Hotel Kinsale



    We try to reserve accommodation that's no more than a 20-minute walk from the town centre. We regularly check our accommodation partners to ensure they reach a certain standard.

    We try to reserve accommodation that's no more than a 20-minute walk from the town centre. We regularly check our accommodation partners to ensure they reach a certain standard.

    More Details

Day 11

Waterford and Kilkenny

Explore the highlights of the South East starting with the historic port of Cobh. Continue east towards Waterford, Ireland's oldest city. Visit the famous Waterford Crystal factory or one of the museums. In the afternoon, travel north to Kilkenny voted Ireland's friendliest city for the evening.

Meal Plan Breakfast
Duration1 Night
Accommodation

Moderate Hotel Kilkenny

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Location View map
  • starstarstar

    Moderate Hotel Kilkenny



    We try to reserve accommodation that's no more than a 20-minute walk from the town centre. We regularly check our accommodation partners to ensure they reach a certain standard.

    We try to reserve accommodation that's no more than a 20-minute walk from the town centre. We regularly check our accommodation partners to ensure they reach a certain standard.

    More Details

Day 12

Return to Dublin

You have a couple hours to explore Kilkenny before departing for the Wicklow Mountains. The area contains some of Ireland's highest peaks and most impressive valleys. The mountains are made of granite and the deep valleys have been carved out by glaciers. Cross the famous Sally Gap before descending a short distance back to Dublin. The tour ends back at the meeting point - opposite the Kilkenny Shop (Nassau St, Dublin) - around 7:30pm. You are free to make your own arrangements from here.

Meal Plan Breakfast

Brooks Hotel Dublin

Situated only minutes from Grafton Street in the fashionable heart of Dublin city, Brooks Hotel is the perfect place to stay, whether for business or pleasure. Most of the city's key attractions are within walking distance to the hotel and include: the best shopping streets in the capital, St. Stephen's Green, the Guinness storehouse the Irish parliament building, Dail Eireann, Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin Castle, Trinity College and many popular art galleries, theatres, museums and entertainment venues. The Luas servicing Dundrum shopping centre is just a few minutes' walk away and the Dart station is only 10 minutes' walk from the hotel.

Meal Plan Full Breakfast
Duration1 Night
Accommodation

Brooks Hotel Dublin

More Info

Location View map
  • starstarstarstar

    Brooks Hotel Dublin



    Situated only minutes from Grafton Street in the fashionable heart of Dublin city, Brooks Hotel is the perfect place to stay, whether for business or pleasure. Most of the city's key attractions are within walking distance to the hotel and include: the best shopping streets …

    Situated only minutes from Grafton Street in the fashionable heart of Dublin city, Brooks Hotel is the perfect place to stay, whether for business or pleasure. Most of the city's key attractions are within walking distance to the hotel and include: the best shopping streets in the capital, St. Stephen's Green, the Guinness storehouse the Irish parliament building, Dail Eireann, Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin Castle, Trinity College and many popular art galleries, theatres, museums and entertainment venues. The Luas servicing Dundrum shopping centre is just a few minutes' walk away and the Dart station is only 10 minutes' walk from the hotel.

    Facilities

    • 24 Hour Reception
    • Air Conditioning
    • Bar
    • Business Centre
    • Fitness Centre
    • Housekeeping Service
    • Laundry
    • Library
    • Lounge
    • Meeting Rooms Available
    • Room Service

    More Details

    Preferred Hotel
Day 13

Taxi Dublin City Hotel to Dublin Airport

Duration30 Minutes

Other Information

DEPARTURES:

Saturday's & Tuesday's from April to October

PRICE INCLUDES:

  • Private arrival and departure airport transfers
  • 12 nights in moderate and first-class accommodations
  • Transportation in a Mercedes minicoach (max 16 guests) including:
    • Services of a professional driver/guide
    • Ferry, bridge crossing and road tolls
  • Breakfast daily (excluding day 1) 

PRICE EXCLUDES:

  • Travel insurance
  • Transfers to meet tour
  • International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
  • Meals and beverages not mentioned
  • Gratuities
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Visa fees if applicable

OTHER INFORMATION:

Please make your own way to the departure point for the tour on Day 2. Ensure you arrive at least 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure time. Because we believe in time off the bus and give you opportunities to take nature walks we recommend you bring suitable clothing and footwear for your tour. The Emerald Isle can be a wet place!! If you have mobility problems or special requirements please let us know when booking. Unless otherwise notified passengers are restricted to one medium sized suitcase/bag (maximum 15 kilos) and one carry-on bag per person.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.

DP DUBTPK13DIE
17 Oct 2023
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