Best of Ireland
Best of Ireland
Best of Ireland
10 Days Starting and ending in Dublin
Visiting: Dublin, New Ross, Waterford, Kilkenny, Blarney Castle, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Adare, Limerick, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Connemara, Westport, Knock, Sligo
Tour Overview
An in-depth encounter with the Best of Ireland awaits, from spectacular sights like the Cliffs of Moher and Ring of Kerry to the past and present showcased in Dublin, Galway and pretty Adare. You’ll learn all about Irish famine history, former kings and how to embrace the craic.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Ireland
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Clayton Ballsbridge
Accommodation Name: Clayton Ballsbridge, Sandymount
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.
Day 2: Through The Scenic County Wicklow And Waterford To Kilkenny Dive Into Culture
Location: Dublin, New Ross, Waterford, Kilkenny
Accommodation: Hotel Kilkenny
Accommodation Name: Kilkenny
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 3: Journey To Blarney And On To Killarney
Location: Kilkenny, Blarney Castle, Killarney
Accommodation: Hotel Killarney
Accommodation Name: Killarney, Killarney Towers
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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-honored folk songs, this energetic show will have you tapping your feet and singing along in no time.
Day 4: A Day On The Ring Of Kerry
Location: Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Killarney
Accommodation: Hotel Killarney
Accommodation Name: Killarney, Killarney Towers
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ireland's soul-stirring Ring of Kerry takes center 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.
Day 5: Onwards To Lively Limerick
Location: Killarney, Adare, Limerick
Accommodation: Greenhills Hotel Conference and Leisure Center
Accommodation Name: The Inn at Dromoland, Greenhills
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 6: Admire The Cliffs Of Moher And Onwards To Galway
Location: Limerick, Cliffs of Moher, Galway
Accommodation: Connacht
Accommodation Name: Connacht
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 center 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.
Day 7: A Day Exploring Stunning Connemara
Location: Galway, Connemara, Galway
Accommodation: Connacht
Accommodation Name: Connacht
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 8: A Pilgrimage To Knock And On To Sligo Connect With Locals
Location: Galway, Westport, Knock, Sligo
Accommodation: Clayton
Accommodation Name: Clayton
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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 flavors 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.
Day 9: Return To Lively Dublin
Location: Sligo, Dublin
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel Dublin Airport
Accommodation Name: Clayton Dublin Airport
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 travelers for a memorable dinner.
Day 10: Farewell Ireland
Location: Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a hearty Irish breakfast, we bid our Travel Director and fellow travelers a fond farewell as our Irish holiday comes to an end.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Optional Experiences and free time
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On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International round-trip airfare and airport transfers
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended
Mode of Transport
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Dining Summary
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 1 Lunch (L)
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.
Check out our Q&As
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar 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 trafalgar 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