Best of Ireland
Explore Ireland in depth: historic Dublin, the scenic Ring of Kerry, Killarney, cultural Limerick, the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, bohemian Galway & more
Overview
Style | Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 16 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. (Some exceptions, including special promotional packages, may accommodate up to 30.) More of these packages
Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout |
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Departures | April – November 2025 | Group Size | 16 travelers max |
Themes | History & Culture, Bucket List, Nature & Wildlife | ||
Activity Level | Moderate | ||
What to Expect | This moderately-paced, escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness. | ||
Already booked? | Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more. |
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Embark on a journey through Ireland's enchanting landscapes and rich heritage on this captivating tour. Beginning in the bustling capital of Dublin, immerse yourself in the city's vibrant culture and history, from the iconic Guinness Storehouse to the historic EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum. Traverse the rugged coastline of the Wild Atlantic Way, marveling at the majestic Cliffs of Moher and the serene beauty of the Ring of Kerry. Dive into the country's natural beauty as you wander Killarney and Connemara National Parks. Explore charming villages steeped in tradition, where lively pubs resonate with traditional Irish music and warm welcomes await. Visit ancient castles and monastic ruins, each bearing witness to Ireland's storied past, including the iconic Blarney and Bunratty Castles. Along the way, encounter the genuine hospitality of the Irish people, whose warmth and wit will make you feel right at home. From the bustling cities to the tranquil countryside, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through the heart and soul of the Emerald Isle.
Package includes
- Flights
- Coach
- Transfers
- Hotel
- Meals
- Guides
- Round-trip flights from New York (JFK) or Newark (EWR) on scheduled carriers, including taxes & fees
- All ground transportation and transfers
- 8 nights accommodations in First Class and Superior hotels
- 13 meals: 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 4 dinners
- Comprehensive tour program including entrance fees
- Professional, English-speaking tour director and local guides
Optional add-ons
- Flights from other cities are available. Request pricing when making your reservations.
- Optional Jaunting Car Ride through Killarney National Park
Why you'll love it
- Explore Dublin's iconic landmarks and famous streets on a guided tour.
- Experience the state-of-the-art interactive EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum.
- Taste your way through Ireland's history at the Guinness Storehouse and Gravity Bar.
- Ascend Blarney Castle and kiss the famous Blarney Stone.
- Discover the Ring of Kerry and admire the surrounding beauty of the villages, mountains, lakes, and beaches.
- Enjoy the stunning scenery of Killarney National Park, Ireland’s first national park.
- Explore the rooms and chambers of Bunratty Castle and indulge in a medieval banquet in the Great Hall.
- Marvel at the Cliffs of Moher, towering 700 feet over the Atlantic Ocean.
- Journey through the beautiful Connemara region, a land of lakes, rivers, bogs, and mountains
- Wander through Kylemore Abbey and admire the neo-Gothic architecture of the monastery, including the famous miniature cathedral, the Gothic church.
- Visit a sheep farm to experience a sheepdog demonstration.
- Enjoy a farewell dinner paired with a lively Celtic Nights show.
Itinerary at a Glance
- 1 Depart USA
- 2 Arrive Dublin
- 3 Dublin
- 4 County Cork
- 5 County Kerry
- 6 Killarney, Limerick & Cashel
- Optional Excursion: Jaunting Car Ride through Killarney National Park, $29
- 7 Cashel & Cong
- 8 Connemara National Park, Galway & Cong
- 9 Dublin
- 10 Return to USA
Dates & Prices
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Depart USA
- Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Dublin, Ireland
Day 2 Arrive Dublin
- Upon arrival, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel
- See Dublin's highlights during a walking tour
- Meet your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in a traditional Irish pub
Davenport Hotel or similar Dinner
Full Day ItineraryFáilte (welcome) to Ireland! Upon arrival in Dublin, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Most flights arrive early in the morning, but the hotel will allow you to safely store your luggage while you explore the city.
By early afternoon, meet your guide and depart for a walking tour of Dublin. Located on the island's east coast, this vibrant and modern city has a rich cultural heritage and has been an essential center for art, literature, education, and politics since the 11th century. Learn about Dublin's history as you admire some of the city's iconic landmarks, including City Hall, Millennium Bridge over River Liffey, Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin Castle, and Trinity College.
This evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner at a traditional Irish pub.
Day 3 Dublin
- Tour the EPIC Emigration Museum
- Taste Ireland's history at the Guinness Storehouse and Gravity Bar
Davenport Hotel or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryAfter breakfast, visit EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum. This state-of-the-art interactive experience sits in the beautiful vaults of the 1820 Custom House Quarter building in Dublin's Docklands, the original departure point for many of Ireland's emigrants. Let this experience inspire and guide you on a journey to discover the stories of Irish emigration worldwide, from early times to the modern day.
Next, stop at the Guinness Storehouse and Gravity Bar to taste Ireland's history through its world-famous beer, Guinness. Learn about the 250-year-old history of this iconic beverage as you wander through seven floors dedicated to the brew's origins, production, and impact on Irish culture. Then, head up to the top floor for a visit to the Gravity Bar. This bar boasts stunning 360-degree views of Dublin and is the perfect place to enjoy a pint while admiring the view!
Day 4 County Cork
- Visit the Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone
- Experience a behind-the-scenes tour of the Jameson Distillery
Great Southern Killarney Hotel or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryThis morning, head to Blarney Castle. Dating back to 1446, the castle was built by Cormac MacCarthy, King of Munster. The iconic site is famous for its "Blarney Stone," which legend says bestows the gift of eloquence on anyone who kisses it. The castle also features gardens, waterfalls, and a tower with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
Later, have the opportunity to expand your knowledge of Irish whiskey with an extended tour through the Jameson Distillery. Watch a short film on the more profound history of the critical distillery buildings, including a tasting of premium whiskeys throughout the tour.
In the evening, travel to Killarney to check into your hotel.
Day 5 County Kerry
- Tour the Ring of Kerry, enjoying stops at the Ladies' View and Torc Waterfall
- Ride through the countryside of Killarney National Park
Great Southern Killarney Hotel or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryThis morning, drive to the Ring of Kerry. This circular route in County Kerry encompasses some of the country's most beautiful and rugged scenery. Stop at Torc Waterfall for breathtaking views of the nearly 100-foot waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. Then, admire the gorgeous panoramas of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountain range from Ladies' View, named after Queen Victoria's ladies-in-waiting who visited this spot during her visit in 1861.
Next, visit the Killarney National Park, one of Ireland's first national parks. The park's rolling hills and lush greenery provide beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere as you soak in the gorgeous countryside. Along the way, your guide will share stories and facts about the park's history and wildlife, making it an educational and fun trip.
Afterward, head back to the hotel for an evening spent at leisure.
Day 6 Killarney, Limerick & Cashel
- Spend the morning at leisure in Killarney
- Enjoy a tour of the Iveragh Peninsula
- Visit the Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
- Experience a medieval-style banquet dinner at Bunratty Castle
Cashel Palace or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryAfter breakfast, enjoy a quiet morning at leisure, relishing the sights of Killarney, a town on the shores of Lough Leane in County Kerry. Then, enjoy a superb tour of the Iveragh Peninsula, admiring the brightly painted houses and the charming towns and villages. Next, make a stop in the town of Limerick, where you will be able to enjoy a walk around town and refreshments.
In the afternoon, visit the Bunratty Castle, originally a Viking trading camp in 970. Experience the past of rural Irish life as you explore the various rooms and chambers, learning more about the castle's value in Irish history and medieval living. The castle is accompanied by the Bunratty Folk Park, situated on 26 acres of countryside.
In the evening, enjoy a four-course medieval banquet in the Great Hall of Bunratty Castle. Eat well and be entertained by the world-famous Bunratty Castle Singers.
Optional Excursion: Jaunting Car Ride through Killarney National Park, $29Take a ride through Killarney National Park by pony and trap, also known as a jaunting car, to discover areas of the park that you might not otherwise visit by foot. The park's rolling hills and lush greenery provide beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere while your trusty steed takes you on an adventure through the countryside. Along the way, your guide will share stories and facts about the park's history and wildlife, making it an educational and fun trip.
Day 7 Cashel & Cong
- Admire the medieval Rock of Cashel
- Witness the dramatic, breathtaking Cliffs of Moher
- Experience a traditional Irish evening with a 3-course meal
The Lodge at Ashford Castle or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryThis morning, depart for Galway to see the city's bustling streets and stunning landscapes. First, stop along the way to visit the Rock of Cashel. This 12th-century historic site features a large round tower, an impressive Gothic cathedral, high crosses, and other structures that make it an iconic symbol of Irish heritage. The site was once the seat of the kings of Munster and has been associated with numerous mythological tales throughout history.
Next, drive along the coast to reach the Cliffs of Moher, rising 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean and extending over nine miles. One of Ireland's most visited tourist attractions, the cliffs offer spectacular views of the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, and the Maumturks and Twelve Pins mountain ranges. On a clear day, you can see the coasts of Connemara and Kerry. The area also features an array of wildlife, including puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, fulmars, and gulls.
End the day in Cong, where you will check into your hotel. Tonight, experience a traditional Irish evening complete with a three-course meal.
Day 8 Connemara National Park, Galway & Cong
- Travel through stunning Connemara National Park
- Indulge your tastebuds in a private Galway craft food tour
- Visit Kylemore Abbey
- Experience a sheepdog demonstration at a local farm
The Lodge at Ashford Castle or similar Breakfast & lunch
Full Day ItineraryToday, journey through the beautiful Connemara Region, a land of lakes, rivers, bogs, and mountains. Gaelic is still the spoken language in this area of small villages, and little has changed since the beginning of time. Connemara is a vast peninsula bordered by the arid and rocky coastline of Galway Bay in the south, a land known for its stone walls and thatched cottages. Admire the fjord of Killary Harbour and the steep mountains overlooking numerous lakes and large bog areas on its northern shore, accompanied by spectacular ocean views.
For lunch, enjoy a variety of craft foods during a private walking tour in one of Galway's most iconic restaurant areas. Experience the city's community in a fun environment for a two-course lunch with wine. Then, head to the Westend of Galway to Sarah Jenkins atelier to gain insight into the craft of weaving and learn how to make the ancestral St. Brigid's Cross, which is commonly hung in the homes of Irish folk to protect their space.
Continue to Kylemore Abbey in the Kylemore Pass. Mitchell Henry built the house in 1868 after spending his honeymoon there. The architecture is best described as neo-Gothic, and the house still displays all the characteristics of that period. One of Kylemore Abbey's most notable features is its miniature cathedral, built in 1870 and known locally as the Gothic church.
Lastly, visit a sheep farm to experience a sheepdog demonstration. Learn about the different breeds of sheep, followed by an introduction to the farmer's most essential tools, his border collies. Next, witness how to take a flock of sheep from the mountaintop to the sheep pen during a superb herding demonstration by the farmer and his dogs.
Day 9 Dublin
- In the morning, travel Ireland's West Coast back to Dublin
- Enjoy a lively farewell dinner and a Celtic Nights show
Davenport Hotel or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryIn the morning, travel to the West Coast of Ireland, heading back to Dublin. On the way, admire the stunning landscapes and beautiful towns and villages of the Irish countryside. During this panoramic drive, you will discover more of Ireland's history and heritage with leisure stops along the way, from the medieval center of Athlone to various beautiful country parks. Return to Dublin in the late afternoon.
This evening, enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers featuring a Celtic Nights show.
Day 10 Return to USA
- Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA
Breakfast
Hotels
In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.
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Trip Details
- What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
- Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Please review the visa & entry requirements.
- Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
- Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
- Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
- What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
- What should I know about Ireland? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.