10 Days 1 Country 4 Cities
Best of Ireland
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Departure date
Dublin, Ireland
Return date
Dublin, Ireland
About this trip
Learn why the Irish say, "if you're lucky enough to be Irish, you're lucky enough", on this journey through Connemara, the stronghold of the O'Donnell Clan, and to beautiful Adare.
Trip type: Country Explorer i
Trip code: IRBO
accommodation
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9 full breakfasts
-
5 dinners
-
1 cream tea
All transport shown.
What's Included
Sightseeing Highlights
-
CITY TOUR in Dublin
-
ORIENTATION of 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, the Burren, mystical Connemara and Kylemore Abbey
-
VIEW St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, King John's Castle and St. Mary's Cathedral in Limerick
-
SEE the Cathedral of Galway
-
SCENIC DRIVE along the Ring of Kerry
What's Included
Dining
-
9 full breakfasts
-
5 dinners
-
1 cream tea
What's Included
Travel Highlights
-
Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
-
Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
-
Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
-
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
-
Hand-picked Trip Highlights
-
Optional Experiences and free time
-
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
-
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
-
An expert Travel Director and a professional Driver
-
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
-
VIP entry to many sights
-
Specific transfer information can be found on the airport transfers page
Airport Transfers
1. Arrive Dublin – Afternoon Sightseeing
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 of drinks and canapés with our fellow travellers and Travel Director.
2. Dublin – Co. Wicklow – New Ross – 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.
Dinner
Optional Experiences
Irish Folk Fun
During this evening of entertainment, you'll get the chance to experience Irish hospitality in the best folk tradition. Enjoy a drink while locals sing and play music for you.
Adult Price: €27.00
Explore Waterford's History
Join us in Waterford, where the history dates back as far as the Vikings. Your Local Specialist will bring the historic area to life through stories and anecdotes; one guest even described the trip as the "best history lesson ever".
Adult Price: €17.00
3. Waterford – Youghal – Blarney – Killarney (2 Nights)
Journey via the historic seaport town of Youghal, once home to Sir Walter Raleigh, 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.
Dinner
Optional Experiences
Experience a Jaunting Cart Ride
Enjoy a traditional pony and trap ride through the beautiful Bourn-Vincent National Park. During your journey, your Local Specialist will share fascinating anecdotes about the area and Ireland.
Adult Price: €22.00
Celtic Steps
Enjoy a spectacular evening of Irish music, song and dance performed by champion dancers and musicians and showcasing the music of Kerry and beyond.
Adult Price: €36.00
4. Ring of Kerry Excursion
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 Black Valley, whose remoteness saw it become the last area in Ireland to receive electricity.
Optional Experiences
Irish Ceilidh Evening
The Irish Ceilidh epitomises how music and dance were enjoyed in rural Ireland, especially on festive occasions. The craic - welcoming, jolly, fun and informal - is accompanied with plenty of food and drink. There's no more enjoyable way to understand Irish culture.
Adult Price: €67.00
Visit Muckross House and its Gardens
Come with us to Muckross House and its beautiful gardens. With a backdrop of oak-clad mountains, enjoy taking in the towering azaleas and rhododendrons as you meander along the shores of the lakes. The 18th century house contains some wonderful examples of furniture and paintings, including a portrait of King James VI, for whom Shakespeare wrote Macbeth.
Adult Price: €21.00
Gaelic Roots
A tour de force of traditional Irish song, music and dance, Gaelic roots showcases Ireland at its best. 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.
Adult Price: €34.00
Irish Folk Theatre and Dinner
Join us as we embrace the folklore and spirit of old Ireland’s life and times, when even the most everyday chore would be celebrated. Siamsa Tire players will cast a charm you'll remember forever. Beforehand, enjoy a hearty Irish meal in a local restaurant. This experience will be offered for those trips that stay at Tralee.
Adult Price: €69.00
5. Killarney – Adare – Bunratty – Limerick
We continue through the windswept countryside, arriving in Adare, one of the prettiest villages in Ireland. On arrival in Limerick, where 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.
Optional Experiences
Irish Ceilidh Evening
Come along and experience the craic at a special ceilidh evening. Enjoy a drink and some local specialities, watch some traditional Irish dancing, and sing along to some familiar Irish melodies.
Adult Price: €64.00
6. Limerick – Cliffs of Moher – Galway (2 Nights)
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.
Optional Experiences
City of the Tribes Walk and Dinner
Join us on a stroll in the centre of the bustling medieval port of Galway. Then, we'll meet our Local Specialist who will enthral us with stories as we meander through the streets while taking in the main historical sights. Enjoy a hearty three-course meal with a choice of classic traditional Irish dishes. One drink will be included.
Adult Price: €49.00
7. Connemara Excursion
Connemara's 'savage beauty' is yours to explore today as we tread in the footsteps of Oscar Wilde who described its "wild 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.
Dinner
Optional Experiences
Galway Castle Banquet
Join us on a drive to Galway Castle where you'll begin your evening of medieval entertainment. This will be accompanied by a delicious dinner where wine will flow, and you’ll be treated to songs and the marvellous Irish art of story-telling.
Adult Price: €69.00
Trad on the Prom
The best in Irish dancing from the most-awarded performers in Ireland. Combined with some of Ireland's best musical talent, this show is truly "can’t miss".
Adult Price: €37.00
8. Galway – Knock – Sligo
Our journey takes us to Westport House where we'll 'Connect With Locals' and indulge in a memorable 'Be My Guest' morning tea 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.
Be My Guest
Optional Experiences
Scenic Drive And Dinner
This evening you’ll discover the beauty of the land, as we take a scenic drive off the beaten track. Later, enjoy dinner in a local restaurant with a choice of drink included.
Adult Price: €47.00
9. Sligo – 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.
Farewell Dinner
Optional Experiences
Luxurious River Shannon Cruise
The longest river in the British Isles, the River Shannon is immortalised in songs and legends. Come with us for a cruise on this majestic river, through the beautiful rolling countryside of counties Leitrim and Roscommon. You’ll also enjoy refreshments on the luxurious Moon River Pleasure Cruiser.
Adult Price: €31.00
10. Depart Dublin
After a hearty Irish breakfast, we bid our Travel Director and fellow travellers a fond farewell as our Irish holiday comes to an end. Transfers are available. Conditions apply.
Available Departures
Please see http://www.trafalgar.com:80/en-za/tours/best-of-ireland for the latest discounts & departure information.
The Trafalgar Difference
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Connect with Locals
Enjoy a traditional Be My Guest High Tea hosted in the Drawing Room of a stately 18th-century home near the charming town of Westport. (Day 8) -
Dive into Culture
Explore the tragic history of Ireland's famine emigration at the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience, a replica of one of the original famine ships used in the 1800s. (Day 2).
Learn how delicate Irish crystal is crafted at the House of Waterford Crystal during a workshop tour. (Day 2) -
Local Specialists
For included sightseeing in Dublin -
Make a Difference
Visit to the Glasnevin Cemetery Museum in Dublin, where an expert historian will reveal the cemetery's importance to Irish history and explain how your visit helps fund its preservation. (Day 1)
Find out what makes Trafalgar different.
Click here to see other trip recommendations
What's Included
Sightseeing Highlights
-
CITY TOUR in Dublin
-
ORIENTATION of 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, the Burren, mystical Connemara and Kylemore Abbey
-
VIEW St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, King John's Castle and St. Mary's Cathedral in Limerick
-
SEE the Cathedral of Galway
-
SCENIC DRIVE along the Ring of Kerry
What's Included
Dining
-
9 full breakfasts
-
5 dinners
-
1 cream tea
What's Included
Travel Highlights
-
Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
-
Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
-
Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
-
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
-
Hand-picked Trip Highlights
-
Optional Experiences and free time
-
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
-
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
-
An expert Travel Director and a professional Driver
-
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
-
VIP entry to many sights
-
Specific transfer information can be found on the airport transfers page
Airport Transfers
Why Trafalgar?
The Trafalgar Experience
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MeetMeet warm-hearted locals and like-minded travellers. Along your journey of discovery, stop to share stories and flavours with local farmers, chefs and winemakers. Pause to admire the handicrafts and rich traditions of amazing artisans. Explore the essence of Europe through captivating accounts shared by expert historians and savvy local guides.
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Best of Ireland