Best of Ireland

tourhub | Trafalgar | Best of Ireland | IRBOZN20 | Map

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10 Days From

~~$3350~~

$2948

Best of Ireland

10 Days Starting and ending in Dublin, Ireland

Visiting: Dublin, Kilkenny, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Limerick, Cliffs of Moher, Connemara, Sligo

Tour operator:

Trafalgar

Tour code:

IRBOZN20

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural, Eco Conscious, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Religion and Spiritual

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $3350 $2948 (USD) Operator discount: -$402 -12%

NB: Prices correct on 18-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Ireland with the "Best of Ireland" tour. This cultural adventure begins in Dublin, where you'll explore the vibrant capital and visit the EPIC Irish Emigration Museum. Travel through the scenic landscapes of County Wicklow, Waterford, and Kilkenny, diving into Ireland's rich history at the Dunbrody Famine Ship and Waterford Crystal. Experience the magic of Blarney Castle, the breathtaking Ring of Kerry, and the iconic Cliffs of Moher. Discover the art of sustainable salmon smoking in Lisdoonvarna and enjoy a traditional High Tea at Westport House. From the wild beauty of Connemara to the spiritual town of Knock, this tour offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and stunning scenery. With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and delicious meals, this tour promises an enriching and memorable Irish experience.

Highlights

Explore the vibrant city of Dublin.
Discover the historic towns of Waterford, Killarney, Limerick, and Galway.
Visit the iconic Blarney Castle and kiss the famous stone.
Marvel at the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Experience the scenic beauty of the Ring of Kerry.
Explore the stunning landscapes of Connemara and visit Kylemore Abbey.
Learn about traditional salmon smoking at the Burren Smokehouse in Lisdoonvarna.
Enjoy a traditional High Tea at the historic Westport House.

Places You'll See

monika___sz

Cliffs Of Moher, Ireland

Stunning View From The Cliffs Of Moher, County Clare, Ireland

Classiebawn Castle, Mullaghmore, Sligo

Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland

travellingaid

Cliffs Of Moher, Ireland

Kilkenny, Ireland

Killarney, Ireland

Blarney Castle

Benbulben Mountain, County Sligo

Temple Bar Street, Dublin, Ireland

The Shannon River Running Through Limerick, Ireland

A Beautiful Deer In Autumn In Killarney National Park, Ireland

The Famous "Ladies View", Ring Of Kerry, Ireland

travellingaid

Limerick, Ireland

Limerick And The Shannon River, Ireland

Ring Of Kerry

Kilkenny Rope Bridge, Ireland

Ross Castle, Killarney National Park, Ireland

Sligo Town, County Sligo

Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny

Ring Of Kerry, Ireland

Penny Bridge, Dublin, Ireland

Itinerary

tourhub | Trafalgar | Best of Ireland | IRBOZN20 | Route Map

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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. Begin your 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: 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: 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. During your journey, your Local Specialist will share fascinating anecdotes about the area and Ireland. Arrive in Killarney for a two-night stay. 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: Ring of Kerry

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: 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: Cliffs of Moher

Accommodation: Connacht

Accommodation Name: Connacht

Meals Included: Breakfast

The Cliffs of Moher are a must-see along the Wild Atlantic Way. The towering cliffs plunge into the Atlantic, offering endless ocean views and perfect spots for taking photos. Explore the interactive visitor center, where you can see the cliffs through the eyes of the wildlife that call this UNESCO site home, bringing the whole experience to life. Later, you’ll meet Brigitta at her family-run Irish smokehouse for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Discover the secrets of their organic salmon, learn how the kiln and smokebox work, and savor the distinctive flavors of their award-winning smoked salmon. Arriving in Galway, enjoy time at leisure to admire its beautiful stone Cathedral or wander through vibrant Eyre Square–it’s yours to explore at your own pace.

Day 7: A Day Exploring Stunning Connemara

Location: Connemara

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. 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: 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: 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, bid your Travel Director and fellow travelers a fond farewell as your Irish holiday comes to an end.

What's Included

Expert Travel Director and Driver

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included in the tour.
Cherry-picked Hotels

Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted, are included in the tour.
Porterage and Gratuities

All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour.
Hotel Tips and Taxes

All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are included in the tour.
Sightseeing and Extras

Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are included in the tour.
Audio Headsets

Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing are included in the tour.
Luxury Coach

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation is included in the tour.
Optional Experiences

Optional Experiences and free time are included in the tour.
Hotel Standards

On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

What's Not Included

Flights

International round-trip airfare and airport transfers are not included.
Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.

Mode of Transport

Travel in luxury with an air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable journey across Ireland's scenic landscapes.

Accommodation

Stay in carefully selected hotels such as Clayton Ballsbridge in Dublin, Hotel Kilkenny, and Killarney Towers, offering comfort and convenience throughout your journey in Ireland.

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

What unique cultural experiences are included in the Best of Ireland tour?

The tour includes a visit to the Dunbrody Famine Ship in New Ross to learn about Ireland's famine emigration history, a workshop tour at the House of Waterford Crystal to see how crystal is crafted, and a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Burren Smokehouse in Lisdoonvarna to discover traditional salmon smoking.
What is the Be My Guest experience in Westport?

In Westport, the Be My Guest experience includes enjoying a traditional High Tea with the Hughes family in the drawing room of their historic home, Westport House. Guests will savor traditional banoffee and Baileys flavors while listening to stories about the house's history and tales of the Pirate Queen.
What scenic drives are part of the tour?

The tour features a scenic drive through the Ring of Kerry, which is known for its mountains, lakes, and lush green countryside, offering some of the most picturesque views in Ireland.
What can I expect to see at the Cliffs of Moher?

At the Cliffs of Moher, you can expect to see towering cliffs that plunge into the Atlantic Ocean, offering breathtaking views and perfect photo opportunities. The interactive visitor center provides insights into the wildlife that inhabits this UNESCO site.
What is the significance of the Marian Shrine in Knock?

The Marian Shrine in Knock is significant because it is the site where villagers witnessed an apparition of Our Lady in 1879, making it a popular pilgrimage destination.

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.
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.
How long has the tour company been trading?

Since 1947
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.
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

Yes

Reviews of this operator

Renato Arrieta

Best tour I joined so far

14-Jan-2023

My first time with Trafalgar and I see no reason why I should not join them again.

Feefo Trusted Reviews

King Ng, Lafayette, California

Very well planned trip with timely breaks during the coach ride..

08-Nov-2021

It was a well organized tour group and we hit lots of interesting and beautiful scenes. Like our previous trips with Trafalgar, tourists were treated with well manner and professional tour guide/director, making our trip very enjoyable and delightful!

Feefo Trusted Reviews

Trusted Customer

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14-Jan-2023

We really did see the best of Egypt and beyond. Our tour guide, Mohammad, guided us through the rich history and the urban and rural life of such a unique and delightful country. We felt very safe and pampered.

Feefo Trusted Reviews

Marshal Daguio

Wonderful Best Of Turkey

06-Nov-2021

It was my first time with Trafalgar Tour and I had a wonderful trip from day 1 till the last day. The Tour Director, Yocel Atik is very knowledgeable and Excellent. The health director and coach driver are helpful and supportive as well. The hotels selected were comfortable especially Rixos Hotel and Movenpick Hotel. The Best of Turkey is better than I expected.

Feefo Trusted Reviews

Barbara, Canada

Irish Experience

09-Nov-2021

I am single and travel alone. I always feel secure and well-looked after when I travel with Trafalgar

Feefo Trusted Reviews

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