Best of Ireland
10 Days | 1 Country | 10 Cities
- Blarney Castle
Tour Type: Country Explorer
Brochure Type: Preview Europe and Britain 2024
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.
Sightseeing Highlights
- Explore Dublin with a Local Specialist
- Discover Waterford, Killarney, Limerick and Galway
- Visit the Glasnevin Trust in Dublin, Famine Ship in New Ross, the crystal showroom at Waterford, Blarney to kiss the stone and gain the 'gift of the gab', Adare, Bunratty Folk Park, Cliffs of Moher, Connemara and Kylemore Abbey
- View King John's Castle in Limerick and the Marian Shrine in Knock
- See St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, St. Mary's Cathedral in Limerick and Galway Cathedral
- Scenic Drive of the Ring of Kerry
Dining Highlights
- 9 breakfasts
- 1 high tea
- 5 dinners
First class travel Highlights
- Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Daily breakfast and up to half your evening meals
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- Optional Experiences and free time
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Handcrafted Highlights
Call 866-547-5362 for more information or to book today! Mention code 16145463
- Tour Operator
- Trafalgar Tours
- Duration
- 10 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Dublin | Welcome to Dublin: Write your own lively tale of legends and iconic landscapes during this epic encounter with Ireland's treasures. We begin our journey in the whimsical capital of Dublin, joining a Local Specialist to see the sights. Irish history takes centre stage this evening as we visit Glasnevin Trust for an informative and poignant tour with a Local Specialist. Our visit will Make A Difference to its efforts to preserve Irish history and we'll hear stories about some of the country's bravest characters and enjoy a Welcome Reception with our fellow travellers and Travel Director. Maldron Parnell Square/Clayton Ballsbridge |
| Day 2 | Waterford | Through the Scenic County Wicklow to Waterford: 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. We continue to Waterford, where we'll stay overnight. This afternoon, we celebrate the centuries-old craft of flint glass creations, as we Dive Into Culture at the House of Waterford Crystal and witness talented master craftsmen at work. Fitzwilton/Dooley's |
| Day 3 | Blarney and on to Killarney | Journey to Blarney and on to Killarney: Today, we travel through County Cork and pursue the 'gift of the gab' at Blarney Castle, where you'll have a chance to kiss the famous stone. Arrive in Killarney for a two-night stay. Killarney Towers/Hotel Killarney |
| Day 4 | A Day on the Ring of Kerry | A Day on the Ring of Kerry: Ireland's soul-stirring Ring of Kerry takes centre stage today as we embark on a scenic drive past its mountains, lakes and lush green countryside - unquestionably one of the most scenic routes in Ireland. We'll 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 | Lively Limerick | Onwards to Lively Limerick: We continue through the windswept countryside, arriving in Adare, one of the prettiest villages in Ireland. On arrival in Limerick, we'll 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. Great National South Court/Greenhills |
| Day 6 | the Cliffs of Moher and Onwards to Galway | Admire the Cliffs of Moher and Onwards to Galway: We journey to the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, which plunge over 200 metres into the Atlantic waters below. Gain insights into the history of these imposing sheer cliffs during a visit to the 'Atlantic Edge' exhibition. Later, we arrive in Galway with some time at leisure to see its beautiful stone Cathedral or stroll through Eyre Square. Connacht |
| Day 7 | Connemara | A Day Exploring Stunning Connemara: Connemara's 'savage beauty' is yours to explore today as we tread in the footsteps of Oscar Wilde who described its 'wild and mountainous splendour' as magnificent. Admire the views on the scenic drive to Kylemore Abbey, now a Benedictine monastery, where we will embark on an included visit to the country's most romantic castle and walk through its exquisite Victorian Walled Garden. |
| Day 8 | Knock and on to Sligo | A Pilgrimage to Knock and on to Sligo: Our journey takes us to Westport House where we'll Connect With Locals and 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, we stop in the pilgrimage town of Knock to view the Marian Shrine where villagers witnessed an apparition of Our Lady in 1879. We arrive in Sligo this evening, our home for the night. Clayton |
| Day 9 | Lively Dublin | Return to Lively Dublin: Our journey continues south to Dublin. Here we'll enjoy some free time to take a walk down Grafton Street or stroll along the Liffey. This evening, we close the chapter on an epic journey through Ireland, joining our fellow travellers for a memorable Farewell Dinner. Clayton Dublin Airport |
| Day 10 | Ireland | Farewell Ireland: After a hearty Irish breakfast, we bid our Travel Director and fellow travellers a fond farewell as our Irish holiday comes to an end. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers. |
- Dates/Pricing
- Active/Adventure
- Fitness Center
- Urban Adventure
- Cultural/Educational
- Festival
- Photography
- Shopping
