The Heart of Ireland
The Heart of Ireland
The Heart of Ireland
10 Days Starting and ending in Dublin, Ireland
Visiting: Dublin, Waterford, Cape Clear Island, Killarney, Cliffs of Moher, Birr
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GP-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on "The Heart of Ireland" tour and immerse yourself in the rich culture and stunning landscapes of Ireland. Begin your journey in Dublin, exploring iconic sites like St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Trinity College. Experience the thrill of hurling in Freshford, wander the charming streets of Kilkenny, and visit the magical Kissing Stone in Blarney. Discover the heritage of Cape Clear Island, enjoy a jaunting car ride in Killarney, and marvel at the Cliffs of Moher. Savor local flavors at Rathbaun Farm and Ahascragh Distillery, and witness the majesty of the Irish National Stud in Kildare. Conclude your adventure back in Dublin, cherishing the memories of Ireland's heart and soul.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Dublin,Ireland
Location: Dublin
Accommodation Name: The Samuel Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
This evening, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.
ARRIVE IN DUBLIN, IRELAND Céad mile fáilte—a hundred-thousand welcomes! This evening, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Day 2: Dublin
Location: Dublin
Accommodation Name: The Samuel Hotel
DUBLIN Take a morning orientation drive to see O’Connell Street, Georgian squares, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Trinity College. Free time this afternoon.
DUBLIN Ireland’s Capital City DUBLIN Take a morning orientation drive to see O’Connell Street, Georgian squares, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Trinity College. Free time this afternoon.TOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS “In Dublin’s fair city where girls are so pretty,” you’ll also find great personality and charm. The charisma of Dubliners and the bounty of pubs here is matched only by the gorgeous Georgian Squares, 12th-century St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the legendary library of Trinity College.
Day 3: Dublin,Freshford,Kilkenny,Waterford
Location: Waterford
Accommodation Name: Granville Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
FRESHFORD [LF] Learn from an expert about hurling, one of Ireland’s native Gaelic games. KILKENNY Time to explore one of Ireland’s most quaint towns. 122 mi / 196 km
DUBLIN–FRESHFORD–KILKENNY–WATERFORD Hit the Sliotar! FRESHFORD [LF] Learn from an expert about hurling, one of Ireland’s native Gaelic games. KILKENNY Time to explore one of Ireland’s most quaint towns. (B,D)122 mi / 196 kmLOCAL FAVORITECULTURE & TRADITION Hurling is a game of stick (caman) and ball (sliotar), recognized as being the oldest and fastest field sport in the world, going back 3,000 years. Today it is played around the world but is an integral part of Irish life and culture. Hear all about it from an expert and take the opportunity to give it a go!
Day 4: Waterford,Blarney,Rosscarbery
Location: Waterford
Accommodation Name: Celtic Ross Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
BLARNEY Visit the village known for its magical Kissing Stone.ROSSCARBERY Free time. 125 mi / 202 km
WATERFORD–BLARNEY–ROSSCARBERY Spend Your Day Your Way in WaterfordWATERFORD Explore Waterford on an included YourChoice Excursion.TAKE YOUR PICKExplore your way today with your choice of excursions:WALK THE VIKING TRIANGLE Join a Waterford local on a guided walk through Ireland’s oldest city. Enjoy two cathedrals, four national monuments, and eleven centuries of rogues and rascals along the way, delivered in a witty, entertaining style, by a master storytellers.OR:CRYSTAL CLEAR Waterford is synonymous with the luxury crystal manufacture that bares its name. At the House of Waterford Crystal you are guided through the mould room and the blowing, cutting and engraving departments to see how the highly skilled master craftsmen create majestic Waterford Crystal.BLARNEY Visit the village known for its magical Kissing Stone.ROSSCARBERY Free time. (B,D)125 mi / 202 km
Day 5: Rosscarbery. Excursion To Cape Clear Island
Location: Cape Clear Island
Accommodation Name: Celtic Ross Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
BALTIMORE Visit the village whose heritage revolves around sailing and fishing.CAPE CLEAR ISLAND [LF] Take a ferry to the remote island where a local islander describes life for the 110 residents on a walking tour. 57 mi / 91 km
ROSSCARBERY. EXCURSION TO CAPE CLEAR ISLAND Island Life BALTIMORE Visit the village whose heritage revolves around sailing and fishing.CAPE CLEAR ISLAND [LF] Take a ferry to the remote island where a local islander describes life for the 110 residents on a walking tour. (B)57 mi / 91 kmLOCAL FAVORITEA FERRY GOOD DAY Cape Clear Island is just 3 miles long by 1 mile wide. Situated 8 miles off the coast of West Cork, it is the southernmost inhabited part of Ireland with its own distinct culture and history. An islander guide will talk about life on the island as you take you on a stroll from North to South Harbour. On the ferry journey to and from Cape Clear, watch for whales, leatherback turtles, dolphins, and even sharks. A truly memorable experience!
Day 6: Rosscarbery,Killarney,Adare,Limerick
Location: Killarney
Accommodation Name: Limerick Strand Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
RING OF KERRY Panoramic drive around part of Ireland’s spectacular southwestern peninsula.KILLARNEY Take a jaunting car ride through the national park, followed by free time.ADARE Stop in the quaint village to see its thatched cottages. 139 mi / 224 km
ROSSCARBERY–KILLARNEY–ADARE–LIMERICK A Jaunting Good Time RING OF KERRY Panoramic drive around part of Ireland’s spectacular southwestern peninsula.KILLARNEY Take a jaunting car ride through the national park, followed by free time.ADARE Stop in the quaint village to see its thatched cottages. (B)139 mi / 224 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS County Kerry is home to the exquisite natural beauty of a rugged and mountainous expanse in Killarney National Park. A horse-drawn jaunting car ride is a great way to experience this natural wonderland, including the 1,000-foot Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland. Nestled at the foot of these mountains, the Lakes of Killarney’s shores and woodlands share this magical place with waterfalls and dramatic skies above Ross Castle.
Day 7: Limerick,Cliffs Of Moher,Rathbaun Farm,Galway,Birr
Location: Cliffs of Moher
Accommodation Name: Country Arms Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
CLIFFS OF MOHER Visit the 668-foot-high cliffs above the Atlantic Ocean.RATHBAUN FARM [LF] Try your hand at scone baking, learn about sheep herding, and enjoy coffee and scones at an Irish farm.GALWAY Free time. 165 mi / 266 km
LIMERICK–CLIFFS OF MOHER–RATHBAUN FARM–GALWAY–BIRR Sheep and Scones CLIFFS OF MOHER Visit the 668-foot-high cliffs above the Atlantic Ocean.RATHBAUN FARM [LF] Try your hand at scone baking, learn about sheep herding, and enjoy coffee and scones at an Irish farm.GALWAY Free time. (B,D)165 mi / 266 kmLOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES Someone’s in the kitchen in Rathbaun Farm, just outside of Galway. You can don an apron and whip up your own delicious home-made scones, served with fresh preserves and whipped cream. Learn about the long-time tradition of sheep farming in this beautiful Irish landscape.
Day 8: Birr
Location: Birr
Accommodation Name: Country Arms Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
AHASCRAGH Visit Ahascragh distillery.SHANNONBRIDGE Enjoy lunch in a local pub.BIRR Free time this afternoon. 63 mi / 102 km
BIRR Whiskey and Waters AHASCRAGH Visit Ahascragh distillery.SHANNONBRIDGE Enjoy lunch in a local pub.BIRR Free time this afternoon. (B)63 mi / 102 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTWHISKEY GALORE! Ahascragh Distillery a historic old mill building has been brought back to life by careful restoration to become Ireland’s first zero emissions distillery, powered completely by renewable energy and cutting-edge technology. On your guided tour you’ll hear all about their award-winning passion for sustainability, from the heat pump technology to sustainable packaging, heritage preservation and community engagement. And the whiskey’s good too!
Day 9: Birr,Kildare,Dublin
Location: Dublin
Accommodation Name: Hilton Dublin City
Meals Included: Breakfast
KILDARE Visit the world renowned Irish National Stud.DUBLIN Free time this afternoon. 98 mi / 157 km
BIRR–KILDARE–DUBLIN The Winner’s Circle KILDARE Visit the world renowned Irish National Stud.DUBLIN Free time this afternoon. (B)98 mi / 157 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURE & TRADITION The Irish National Stud is home to the long tradition of Ireland’s love of horses. This horse breeding facility in County Kildare, considered the beating heart of Ireland's thoroughbred industry, continues to inspire all who visit. Hear about some of the world’s most magnificent champion stallions that have made racing history since the turn of the 20th century.
Day 10: Dublin
Location: Dublin
Accommodation Name: Hilton Dublin City
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
DUBLIN Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at The Samuel Hotel in Dublin, Granville Hotel in Waterford, Celtic Ross Hotel in Rosscarbery, Limerick Strand Hotel in Limerick, Country Arms Hotel in Birr, and Hilton Dublin City in Dublin.
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Meals
Daily breakfast and several dinners are included throughout the tour.
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Welcome Dinner
Meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel on the first evening.
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Orientation Drive in Dublin
Take a morning orientation drive to see O’Connell Street, Georgian squares, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Trinity College.
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Hurling Experience
Learn from an expert about hurling, one of Ireland’s native Gaelic games, in Freshford.
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Visit to Blarney
Visit the village known for its magical Kissing Stone.
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Cape Clear Island Excursion
Take a ferry to Cape Clear Island and enjoy a walking tour with a local islander.
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Ring of Kerry Drive
Enjoy a panoramic drive around part of Ireland’s spectacular southwestern peninsula.
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Jaunting Car Ride in Killarney
Take a jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park.
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Cliffs of Moher Visit
Visit the 668-foot-high Cliffs of Moher above the Atlantic Ocean.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, and tips are not included.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions and activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
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Meals Not Mentioned
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
Accommodation
Dublin: The Samuel Hotel, Waterford: Granville Hotel, Rosscarbery: Celtic Ross Hotel, Limerick: Limerick Strand Hotel, Birr: Country Arms Hotel, Dublin: Hilton Dublin City
Notes
This tour includes some walking on rough terraine on Cape Clear Island.
Check out our Q&As
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What activities are included in Dublin on Day 2?
On Day 2 in Dublin, you will take a morning orientation drive to see O’Connell Street, Georgian squares, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Trinity College. The afternoon is free for you to explore on your own.
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What can I expect to learn about in Freshford?
In Freshford, you will learn from an expert about hurling, one of Ireland’s native Gaelic games. Hurling is recognized as the oldest and fastest field sport in the world, going back 3,000 years.
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What are the options for the YourChoice Excursion in Waterford?
In Waterford, you can choose between two excursions: a guided walk through the Viking Triangle with a local guide, or a tour of the House of Waterford Crystal where you can see how the luxury crystal is made.
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What will I experience on Cape Clear Island?
On Cape Clear Island, you will take a ferry to the remote island where a local islander will describe life for the 110 residents on a walking tour. You may also see whales, leatherback turtles, dolphins, and even sharks during the ferry journey.
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What is included in the visit to Rathbaun Farm?
At Rathbaun Farm, you will try your hand at scone baking, learn about sheep herding, and enjoy coffee and scones. This experience provides a taste of traditional Irish farm life.
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What will I see during the panoramic drive around the Ring of Kerry?
During the panoramic drive around the Ring of Kerry, you will experience Ireland’s spectacular southwestern peninsula, including the rugged and mountainous expanse of Killarney National Park.
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What is special about the Ahascragh Distillery visit?
The Ahascragh Distillery is Ireland’s first zero emissions distillery, powered completely by renewable energy. You will learn about their sustainable practices and enjoy a guided tour of the facility.
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What can I expect at the Irish National Stud in Kildare?
At the Irish National Stud in Kildare, you will learn about Ireland’s thoroughbred industry and hear about some of the world’s most magnificent champion stallions that have made racing history.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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Low Deposit
Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP 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 globus 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.
Enquire for huge savings
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