Scenic Ireland - Small Group
Scenic Ireland - Small Group
$4725
Scenic Ireland - Small Group
10 Days Starting and ending in Dublin, Ireland
Visiting: Dublin, Kilkenny, Killarney, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Sligo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SBIREN26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Eco Conscious, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Ireland with the "Scenic Ireland - Small Group" tour. This immersive experience offers a blend of cultural exploration and natural beauty, taking you from the vibrant streets of Dublin to the medieval charm of Kilkenny, and the breathtaking landscapes of the Ring of Kerry. Discover the iconic Cliffs of Moher, explore the historic heart of Galway, and delve into the literary heritage of Sligo. Enjoy authentic Irish dining experiences, including a visit to the Guinness Storehouse and a culinary exploration in Westport. With guided tours led by local experts, you'll gain deep insights into Ireland's rich history and stunning scenery. Whether you choose a horse-drawn jaunting car ride or a gentle hike in Killarney National Park, this tour promises unforgettable memories in a small group setting, ensuring a personalized and enriching travel experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Dublin
Location: Dublin
Accommodation Name: Riu Plaza The Gresham, Dublin
Meals Included: Dinner
With soul-stirring landscapes of rugged cliffs and rolling hills, the 'Emerald Isle' has lured the most curious of travelers for centuries. Get your bearings and discover Dublin’s past and present on an insightful orientation tour with your Travel Director past the Georgian Squares and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Hear stories of Ireland's largest church dating back to the 1100s, gain all the insights learning how Jonathan Swift was once installed as Dean and ultimately laid to rest. After an afternoon celebrating the icons of scenic Ireland, embrace its fine cuisine over dinner.
Day 2: Dublin And Kilkenny
Location: Kilkenny
Accommodation Name: Kilkenny
Meals Included: Breakfast
Learn the story behind the name at the Guinness Storehouse where you’ll sip your way through history, starting with the founder, Arthur Guinness, signed a 9,000 year lease on St. James’s Gate Brewery in Dublin. After an enlightening morning, arrive in 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 on an orientation. Visit Kilkenny Castle, founded after the Norman conquest of Ireland and rebuilt, extended and adapted over 800 years.
Day 3: Blarney Castle And Killarney Relaxed Start
Location: Killarney
Accommodation Name: Killarney Oaks
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Visit Blarney Castle, steeped in centuries of Irish folklore and legend, is famous for its enchanting grounds and the legendary Blarney Stone. Visitors from around the world come to kiss the stone, believed to bestow the 'gift of the gab.' Take your turn at giving it a peck knowing that the stone was sourced from 330-million year-old limestone. Next, head to Killarney, gateway to the famous Ring of Kerry, that has been welcoming travelers who appreciate the spectacular scenery of woodlands and lakes, for over 250 years. Enjoy an orientation with your Travel Director and relive the highlights of the day over a Dine-Around evening of local cuisine.
Day 4: Killarney And The Ring Of Kerry
Location: Killarney
Accommodation Name: Killarney Oaks
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, take in Killarney with 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 the 15th Century Ross Castle. Famous for its 'forty shades of green,' the Ring of Kerry has inspired writers and poets for centuries. Drink in the beauty of the coastal drive lined with beaches, colorful seaside villages and views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Day 5: Cliffs Of Moher And Galway
Location: Cliffs of Moher
Accommodation Name: Clayton, Galway
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
All aboard the Ferry from Tarbert to Killmer bringing you to an up close and personal encounter with the towering Cliffs of Moher. Take in views of the Clare Coast and the pounding Atlantic, where puffins find sanctuary in its nooks and crannies. Gain insights into the cliffs’ geology and history before driving through the rocky landscape of the Burren to Galway. Upon arriving in Galway, your Travel Director will lead an orientation tour to help you get acquainted with the city. In the afternoon, you can join a Galway Walking Tour to visit notable sights such as the Lynch Memorial, Church of St. Nicholas, Spanish Arch, and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late U.S. President John F. Kennedy. End your day with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant featuring live music.
Day 6: Galway Free Day Relaxed Start
Location: Galway
Accommodation Name: Clayton, Galway
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ireland’s cultural center and the festival capital of Ireland, Galway hosts 122 festivals per year. One might say the city’s artistic side is reflected in actor Peter O’Toole, who has a strong connection with Galway. O’Toole claimed that he was born in Galway before being taken to England as a baby and built a house outside Clifden in the county. You’ll feel Galway’s fun, bohemian vibe come to life over your free day at leisure to discover this bustling port city. You could join an Optional Experience to the iconic Aran Islands, a must-see of scenic Ireland.
Day 7: Galway To Sligo Relaxed Start
Location: Sligo
Accommodation Name: Sligo Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
The seaside town of Westport will charm any traveler. Your Local Expert leads you on a culinary walk for a tasting of the local favorites and to learn about the town's heritage - from its settlement 5,000 years ago to today. The town is famous for its sustainability and Westport House - a heritage home museum celebrating 300 years of Irish heritage, a quaint stone bridge, Rockfleet Castle and Burrishoole Abbey tied to the 16th-century pirate queen Grace O’ Malley. Meaning “abounding in shells,” the town of Sligo will enchant the most curious of travelers. An orientation tour introduces you to the charms of the town. Later, perhaps join an Optional Experience Sligo Drive along the scenic shores of Sligo Bay.
Day 8: Sligo Relaxed Start
Location: Sligo
Accommodation Name: Sligo Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
Embark on an insightful MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to Rosses Point, a small maritime village near the intriguing town of Sligo under the guidance of a Local Expert and maritime archaeologist. With the afternoon free in Sligo, take the opportunity for an in-depth look at one of the historic houses, museums or the Yeats memorial building. The Yeats Building in the heart of Sligo is a gathering space for literary culture and the arts. Its permanent exhibition and contemporary exhibitions and give you local insights into this land that was an inspiration for Yeats.
Day 9: Sligo To Dublin Relaxed Start
Location: Dublin
Accommodation Name: Camden Court, Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart Sligo this morning to conclude your scenic Ireland tour in Dublin. Your journey finishes with a memorable dinner.
Day 10: Depart Dublin
Location: Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your journey comes to an end after breakfast.
What's Included
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Local Expert Tours
City tours of Dublin, Kilkenny, Killarney, Galway, and Sligo with Local Experts are included.
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Blarney Castle
Visit Blarney Castle and take your turn at kissing the Blarney Stone.
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Scenic Cruise
Enjoy a scenic cruise across Shannon Estuary.
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Cliffs of Moher
Visit the Cliffs of Moher and the Exhibition Center.
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Transport
Ferry from Tarbert to Killmer is included.
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MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience
Embark on an insightful experience to Rosses Point with a Local Expert and maritime archaeologist.
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Transport Description
Travel through Ireland with ease, including a scenic ferry ride from Tarbert to Killmer, and enjoy guided tours and local experiences in a comfortable small group setting.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as the Galway Walking Tour and the visit to the Aran Islands are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from Dublin are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Ireland with ease, including a scenic ferry ride from Tarbert to Killmer, and enjoy guided tours and local experiences in a comfortable small group setting.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at Riu Plaza The Gresham in Dublin, Kilkenny, Killarney Oaks, Clayton in Galway, and Sligo Park, offering a blend of modern amenities and traditional charm throughout your journey in Ireland.
Dining Summary
9 Breakfast (B)5 Dinner (D)
Insight Experiences
Kilkenny: Visit Kilkenny Castle with a Local Expert. On a guided tour, learn the history of this magnificent castle and that of the powerful family that came to call it home for so many centuries. Amble through the Picture Gallery, library, drawing room, nursery and bedrooms decorated in 1830s splendor as well as the rolling parkland formal terraced rose garden, woodlands and man-made lake.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.
Summary
Killarney: Choose between a ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys and a hike through Killarney National Park with a Local Expert.• City tours of Dublin, Kilkenny, Killarney, Galway and Sligo, with Local Experts • Blarney Castle • Scenic cruise across Shannon Estuary • Visit Cliffs of Moher
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are offered in Killarney National Park?
In Killarney National Park, you can choose between a ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys or a gentle hike with a nature guide. Both options allow you to explore the stunning scenery, including mountains, lakes, woods, and waterfalls.
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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 have the opportunity to explore the Exhibition Center and enjoy breathtaking views over the Wild Atlantic Way. The cliffs rise over 700 feet high, and you will gain insights into their geology, history, and the species that inhabit the area.
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What is included in the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Sligo?
The MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Sligo includes a guided walk along a coastal promenade and path with a Local Expert. You will learn about Sligo's connection to the sea, its shipping history, and the Yeats family, while enjoying stunning harbor and island views.
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What dining experiences are included in Dublin?
In Dublin, you will visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn about Ireland's national drink and enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant, where you can toast your travels. Additionally, there is an opportunity to join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner.
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What activities are available in Galway during the free day?
During the free day in Galway, you can explore the city at your leisure, experiencing its vibrant cultural scene. There is also an optional experience to visit the iconic Aran Islands, which is a must-see for those interested in scenic Ireland.
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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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May 04, 2025 - May 13, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Aug 23, 2026 - Sep 01, 2026Book with Confidence
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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
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