Focus on Ireland - Classic Group
Focus on Ireland - Classic Group
Focus on Ireland - Classic Group
7 Days Starting and ending in Dublin
Visiting: Dublin, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Adare, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Cobh, Blarney Castle, Cork, Kilkenny
Tour operator:
Tour code:
B906AZM20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
From the dizzying 700-foot-high Cliffs of Moher near Galway Bay to the grandiose Georgian architecture of Cork, this experience of Ireland is unlike any other. Take a private tour of Trinity College with access to the famous Book of Kells in Dublin, see the Titanic’s last port of call in Cobh and feast on a Farm-to-Table meal in a Killarney farmhouse restaurant. This family-run kitchen is the domain of chef John Sheehan and his wife Freda, who serve up nothing but authentic Irish recipes—guaranteed to inspire and delight. The once kissed, never forgotten Stone of Eloquence at Blarney Castle enthralls visitors from far and wide, while the old fortress town of Athone on the River Shannon, shines a light on the history of Galway, and the City of the Tribes.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: In Dublin’S Fair City
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Dublin.
Accommodation Name: Clayton Burlington Road, Dublin
Meals Included: Dinner
Meet your Travel Director at 14:00 for an orientation of Dublin. Pass the St. Patrick's Cathedral and Christchurch Cathedral. See the 9th century Book of Kells. Walk the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College. Enjoy a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner with drinks and the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over the course of the evening.
Day 2: To Galway, City Of The Tribes Relaxed Start
Location: Dublin, Galway
Accommodation: Harbour Hotel Galway.
Accommodation Name: Harbour, Galway
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leave Dublin and set off through the delightful landscapes of the Emerald Isle. Cross Ireland's longest river, the river Shannon, to reach historic Galway, the City of the Tribes, at the mouth of the Corrib River. Easily one of Ireland’s most fun and lively cities, the streets are lined with buskers, the region is known for its famous oysters and the pubs are full of Irish charm. Join your Travel Director to see the Church of St. Nicholas, where Christopher Columbus reputedly prayed before setting off for his discovery of America. Also see the pre-medieval Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President, John F. Kennedy.
Day 3: The Cliffs Of Moher, Adare And Killarney Relaxed Start
Location: Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Adare, Killarney
Accommodation: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa.
Accommodation Name: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Take the scenic route through the mysterious rocky limestone landscape of the Burren, with its underground caverns, streams and rare flora. Stop at the Exhibition Centre, situated next to the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher with breathtaking views of the Clare Coast. Continue past the city of Limerick, stop in quaint Adare and take a relaxed village walk to see its thatched-roof cottages. In the evening, stay in the center of the action in lively Killarney. Gateway to the famous Ring of Kerry, Killarney has been welcoming travellers, who appreciate the spectacular scenery of woodlands and lakes, for over 250 years.
Day 4: 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, Dinner
This morning enjoy an Insight Choice. Choose to join a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys. Alternatively, admire incredible scenery on 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. After, take a leisurely excursion around the magnificent Ring of Kerry with stunning views of mountains and sea. Pass through the small towns of Killorglin, where the famous Puck Fair takes place, and Cahersiveen, birthplace of the great patriot, Daniel O'Connell. Follow the narrow road as it winds along the cliffs to the fishing town of Waterville. 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. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a Farm-to-Table dinner. Enjoy some Irish home cooking at the family-run kitchen of chef John Sheehan. Join John and his wife, Freda, for drinks and a personal insight into classic Irish recipes that are loved throughout the world and help preserve this intangible cultural heritage. Then, settle down for a night of great food and drink in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
Day 5: Cobh And Blarney Castle On The Way To Cork Relaxed Start
Location: Killarney, Cobh, Blarney Castle, Cork
Accommodation: Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City.
Accommodation Name: Maldron South Mall, Cork
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Drive to the historic port town of Cobh, which was the last port of call for the Titanic. Walk through the Queenstown Story exhibition at the Heritage Centre, which recounts the era of Irish emigration and the life of this once great passenger port. Continue to visit the 15th century Blarney Castle, home of the famous Stone of Eloquence - once kissed, never forgotten! Then Continue on to Cork along the spacious Grand Parade and South Mall and see the City Hall and fine Georgian houses en route to your hotel. In the evening, raise your glass and revel in rich flavours at a lively dinner.
Day 6: Kilkenny And Dublin
Location: Cork, Kilkenny, Dublin
Accommodation: Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Dublin.
Accommodation Name: Clayton Burlington Road, Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive through prime farmland to the medieval city of Kilkenny, with its majestic castle and river walk. Browse the medieval mile showcasing the hub of Ireland’s arts and crafts scene along its narrow lanes. Then, return to Dublin and your hotel. The rest of the evening is at your leisure to further explore if you wish.
Day 7: Depart Dublin
Location: Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your memorable trip comes to an end.
What's Included
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Meals
4 Dinners (D) and 6 Breakfasts (B) are included.
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Activities
Choose between two carefully selected activities in Killarney National Park: a horse-drawn jaunting car ride or a gentle hike with a nature guide.
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Personal Radio Headsets
Personal radio headsets are provided to give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights without missing any of your Local Expert's commentary.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
Hotel and restaurant tips are included, so you won't have to worry about how much to give or search for foreign currency.
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Baggage Handling
Baggage handling is included, with bags promptly delivered to your hotel door.
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Insight Flourish
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, a local specialty representing the destination.
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Wi-Fi
Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available) is included to help you stay connected with friends and family.
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Transfers
Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates.
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Welcome Dinner
Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner in Dublin.
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Luxury Coach
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
What's Not Included
If your flights are outside the scheduled times, or you have booked additional nights' accommodation, you may need to purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style on Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom, ensuring a comfortable journey throughout Ireland.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the Clayton Burlington Road in Dublin, Harbour Hotel in Galway, Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, and Maldron South Mall in Cork, offering a mix of modern amenities and local charm.
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 6 Breakfast (B)
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
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.
- 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.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I choose from in Killarney National Park?
In Killarney National Park, you can choose between exploring the scenery on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys or joining a gentle hike with a nature guide to admire the stunning mountains, lakes, woods, and waterfalls.
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What is included in the Insight Flourish experience?
The Insight Flourish experience includes special moments where your Travel Director will delight you with a local specialty representing the destination.
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Are hotel and restaurant tips included in the tour?
Yes, hotel and restaurant tips are included in the tour, so you won't have to worry about how much to give or search for foreign currency.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. The coaches are sanitized before the start of the tour and maintained to very high standards, with physical distancing measures implemented.
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What can I expect during the visit to the Cliffs of Moher?
During the visit to the Cliffs of Moher, you will stop at the Exhibition Centre and look out over the Wild Atlantic Way from the majestic cliffs that rise over 700 feet high. Your Travel Director will provide insights into the cliffs’ geology, history, and the species that find sanctuary in its nooks and crannies.
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What is the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Killarney?
The MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Killarney involves a Farm-to-Table dinner at the family-run kitchen of chef John Sheehan. You will join John and his wife, Freda, for drinks and a personal insight into classic Irish recipes, followed by a night of great food and drink in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
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What historical sites will I see in Dublin?
In Dublin, you will see Custom House, travel along the River Liffey, and see the Guinness Storehouse, Christchurch Cathedral, and St. Patrick's Cathedral. You will also visit Trinity College to see the famous Book of Kells.
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What is special about the visit to Blarney Castle?
At Blarney Castle, you will have the opportunity to kiss the famous Stone of Eloquence, which is said to bestow the power to persuade, flatter, and coax.
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What can I expect during the visit to the Queenstown Story at Cobh?
During the visit to the Queenstown Story at Cobh, you will retrace the steps of Irish emigration from the famine of 1845 to the great ocean liner era of the 1950s. This is a must-see for those with Irish ancestors who crossed the Atlantic during this time.
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What will I see during the orientation tour of Cork?
During the orientation tour of Cork, your Travel Director will show you the Grand Parade and South Mall, along with City Hall and the Opera House. You will learn about the development of the religious settlement of St. Finbarr, Viking raiding and settlement, the creation of the Norman city, and the Merchant Princes.
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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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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions