Country Roads of Ireland - End Belfast, Small Group, Summer

Country Roads of Ireland - End Belfast, Small Group, Summer

22 Views
12 Days From

$5695

$5685

Country Roads of Ireland - End Belfast, Small Group, Summer

12 Days Starting in Dublin and ending in Belfast

Visiting: Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Cork, Blarney Castle, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Dingle, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Londonderry, Giant's Causeway, Ballygalley, Antrim Coast, Belfast

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Specialist Group:

Family/Kids

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

12 - 24

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

5-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:
English
Activities:

Hiking, Walking

From:
$5695
$5685 (USD) Operator discount: -$10

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Let the luck of the Irish be with you on this 12-day guided tour across Ireland. Start the tour in Dublin, where you get up close to the Book of Kells, an ancient Gospel manuscript filled with mythical beasts and Celtic knots. In Kilkenny, visit the majestic Kilkenny Castle with a Local Expert. A chef will share traditional Irish recipes at a farm-to-table feast in Killarney. You'll see the Ring of Kerry, a mystical, verdant peninsula dotted with seaside villages. Finally, step onto Giant's Causeway with it's basalt columns carved onto the coast by volcanic lava, or a giant's feet, if Irish myth is to be believed.

Highlights

  • Killarney: Enjoy a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys as you explore the lush scenery of Killarney National Park.

  • Dublin: Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner, an opportunity to get to know each other over a meal with wine.

  • Dublin: A stunning combination of cobblestone walkways, emerald-green lawns and 18th-century architectural gems, Trinity College is one of Europe’s elite universities. Enjoy access to view the famous Book of Kells.

  • Londonderry: Experience sightseeing with one of Northern Ireland’s best storytellers, Ronan, as he takes you on a tour inside the city walls.

  • Giant’s Causeway: Visit the legendary Giant’s Causeway, site of wonders. Learn about the efforts to protect biodiversity and ecosystems.

  • Ring of Kerry: Venture into a world of towering cliffs, lush lakelands and remote villages, as you journey the magical Ring of Kerry.

  • Cliffs of Moher: Stop by the Exhibition Centre and look out over the Wild Atlantic Way from these majestic cliffs.

  • Galway: Enjoy an orientation tour of the many landmarks in Galway such as the Lynch Memorial, Church of St. Nicholas, Spanish Arch and Eyre Square.

Places You'll See

Cliffs Of Moher

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Welcome To Dublin

Location: Dublin

Accommodation: Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Dublin.

Accommodation Name: Clayton Hotel Burlington Road

Meals Included: Dinner with Wine

Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner, with the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a meal with wine.

Day 2: In Dublin’S Fair City

Location: Dublin

Accommodation: Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Dublin.

Accommodation Name: Clayton Hotel Burlington Road

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accompanied by a Local Expert, become acquainted with Dublin’s elegant squares during an orientation of the city. Discover Custom House, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Enjoy entrance to the 9th century Book of Kells and a walk through the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College.

Day 3: A Journey From Dublin To Cork

Location: Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Cork

Accommodation: The Kingsley Hotel, Cork.

Accommodation Name: The Kingsley Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

In the morning, visit one of the country’s main racehorse breeding centres. Continue to the acclaimed 100 year old Japanese Gardens where you can ‘journey through life’ during a walk through the beautiful surrounds. Travel to the medieval city of Kilkenny to visit the majestic Kilkenny Castle. With a Local Expert, learn how the castle was built in 1195 after the Norman Conquest of Ireland and admire its beautifully restored Victorian era rooms. Continue through Cahir and see its imposing 13th-century castle, featured in the film 'Excalibur', on the way to Cork. On arrival, your Travel Director will show you around the compact university city, with its vibrant waterfront and grand Georgian parades.

Day 4: Across The Mountains To Killarney Relaxed Start

Location: Cork, Blarney Castle, Killarney

Accommodation: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa.

Accommodation Name: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Travel to the ruined Blarney Castle. Will you hang upside down from the ramparts to kiss the stone and ensure a lifetime of eloquence? Or enjoy a sensory walk in the extensive and varied estate gardens. Travel across the majestic Derrynasaggart Mountains to the lively town of Killarney. For your Farm-to-Table dining experience, enjoy some Irish home cooking in the kitchens of chef John Sheehan. Join John and Freda, your hosts at the 19th Green Guesthouse, and savour the delicious flavours of fresh local cuisine on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Gather together at a Farm-to-Table dinner, using responsibly sourced ingredients from the local community, and gain personal insight into classic Irish recipes that are loved throughout the world.

Day 5: Ring Of Kerry Experience Relaxed Start

Location: Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Killarney

Accommodation: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa.

Accommodation Name: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start your day with Insight Choice. Choose a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys. Alternatively, join a gentle hike with a Local Expert along the lake shore and past the grounds of Ross Castle, admiring the incredible scenery of the National Park. While there aren't any mountains to climb, walkers should be fit, have good walking shoes or boots, sunscreen and rain gear. Explore around the magnificent Ring of Kerry. Here, mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is breathtaking beyond words. Journey past lush lakelands and around towering cliffs as you appreciate sweeping sea views. Continue through delightful villages like Sneem and cross the peat bogs of the Black Mountains to Moll’s Gap to admire Queen Victoria’s Ladies View. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Maybe take the opportunity to hire a bicycle and enjoy one of the many scenic trails around the lake or through the National Park.

Day 6: Around The Dingle Peninsula Relaxed Start

Location: Killarney, Dingle Peninsula, Dingle

Accommodation: Skellig Hotel, Dingle.

Accommodation Name: Skellig Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Continue driving with views of wide skies, peaceful towns and coastal scenery of the Dingle Peninsula — the setting for the film Ryan’s Daughter. Drive to dramatic Slea Head at the peninsula’s far end, before reaching your hotel on the shores of Dingle Peninsula. With the evening at leisure, why not treat yourself to a relaxing experience at the hotel's spa? Offering holistic and therapeutic treatments, the Peninsula Spa is the perfect place to unwind after a busy day of exploring the coast.

Day 7: The Cliffs Of Moher And Galway

Ethan

Location: Dingle, Cliffs of Moher, Galway

Accommodation: Connemara Coast Hotel (Sea View Rooms), Galway.

Accommodation Name: Connemara Coast Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Journey to the Visitor Centre at the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Clare Coast before a delightful drive through the strange, rocky landscape of the Burren to Galway Bay. On arrival, see the Lynch Memorial and Church of St. Nicholas, where Christopher Columbus reputedly prayed before his voyages to America. See the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President, John F. Kennedy.

Day 8: Free Day Galway Or Aran Islands Relaxed Start

Location: Galway

Accommodation: Connemara Coast Hotel (Sea View Rooms), Galway.

Accommodation Name: Connemara Coast Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Spend a day at leisure to relax and enjoy Galway. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to the Aran Islands? A genuine highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way. With their cliffs and spectacular coastal views, the islands are a true Irish experience.

Day 9: Derry Londonderry

Location: Galway, Londonderry

Accommodation: Maldron Hotel Derry, Londonderry.

Accommodation Name: Maldron Hotel Derry

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Admire the Blue Stack Mountains of Donegal as you cross into Northern Ireland, bound for the ancient walled city of 'Derry.' What better way to experience sightseeing than with one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers, Ronan, as he takes you on a tour inside the city walls, still topped with cannons. Walk down steep Shipquay Street, with its elegant Georgian houses, to the Gothic Guildhall.

Day 10: Walk In The Giant’S Steps Relaxed Start

Location: Londonderry, Giant's Causeway, Ballygalley

Accommodation: Ballygally Castle Hotel, Co. Antrim.

Accommodation Name: Ballygally Castle Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Journey to the iconic Giant's Causeway for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Learn how the National Trust is enabling farming and biodiversity to work together, supporting both wildlife and quality food production. Next, prepare yourself for miles of breathtaking beauty as you travel along the road clinging to the Antrim Coast. Continue onto your hotel, overlooking Ballygally Bay. For those who are brave enough, perhaps check out The Ghost Room, in one of the castle’s turrets? In the evening, please join us for a finale Celebration Dinner, where old-fashioned hospitality is blended with good food and wine for an experience that delights the senses.

Day 11: The Antrim Coast To Belfast Relaxed Start

Location: Ballygalley, Antrim Coast, Belfast

Accommodation: Titanic Hotel

Accommodation Name: Titanic Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Continue around the Antrim Coast, past the huge Norman castle at Carrickfergus, to arrive in the Northern Ireland capital of Belfast. Meet your Local Expert for a passionate city tour including views of the City Hall, Queen's University, the Parliament Building at Stormont and murals in different locations indicating political sentiments of local residents.

Day 12: Depart Belfast

Location: Belfast

Meals Included: Breakfast

Departure transfers arrive at Belfast George Best City Airport and Belfast International Airport.

What's Included

  • Meals

    Enjoy 12 breakfasts and 5 dinners with wine, including a Welcome Dinner in Dublin and a Celebration Dinner in Ballygally.

  • Transport

    Travel in comfort with luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi and the services of a Travel Director.

  • Accommodations

    Stay in hand-picked hotels in prime locations, including the Clayton Hotel Burlington Road in Dublin and the Titanic Hotel in Belfast.

  • Experiences

    Choose between two carefully selected activities in Killarney, enjoy a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car, or join a gentle hike with a nature guide in Killarney National Park.

  • Local Experts

    Gain the insights of local experts like the storyteller Ronan in Londonderry and a working member of the Irish Stud Farm in Kildare.

  • Sightseeing

    Visit iconic sights including the Cliffs of Moher, Giant's Causeway, and the Ring of Kerry.

  • Cultural Experiences

    Meet passionate locals like John and Freda in Killarney for a farm-to-table dining experience and learn about sustainable consumption.

  • MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

    Participate in experiences that advance UN Sustainable Development Goals, like visiting the Giant's Causeway to learn about biodiversity protection.

What's Not Included

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from the start and end of the tour are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

  • Optional Experiences

    Any optional experiences outside the scheduled tours or activities are not included and may incur an additional cost.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, mini-bar, and room service are not included.

  • Additional Meals

    Meals other than those specified in the inclusions are not covered.

  • Airport Transfers

    Airport transfers outside the itinerary start and end dates, or if you have booked additional nights accommodation, are not included.

Mode of Transport

Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.

Accommodation

Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.

Check out our Q&As

  • What countries does the tour visit?

    The tour visits Ireland, Northern Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

  • Are there any special meals included?

    Yes, the tour includes special meals such as dinners with wine in selected locations and a farm-to-table dining experience in Killarney.

  • What is the starting location of the tour?

    The tour starts in Dublin.

  • What are some of the highlights of the tour?

    Highlights include visiting the Giant's Causeway, learning about biodiversity and ecosystems, exploring the Cliffs of Moher, kissing the Blarney Stone, and enjoying a scenic drive on the Ring of Kerry.

  • What is the ending location of the tour?

    The tour ends in Belfast.

  • What is the accommodation like?

    Hotel and restaurant tips are included, and all taxes and porterage charges at hotels are covered. The tour ensures bags are carried for you and promptly delivered to your hotel door.

  • What is the policy on airport transfers?

    If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, transfers are available at scheduled times. For flights outside these times, or if you have booked additional nights' accommodation, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

  • Are there any activities included in Killarney?

    Yes, in Killarney, you can choose between a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car or join a gentle hike with a nature guide in Killarney National Park.

  • Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?

    Yes, complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi is available where possible.

  • How many breakfasts and dinners are included?

    The tour includes 12 breakfasts and 5 dinners with wine.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1978.

  • 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.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • 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.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

Reviews of this Operator

Peggy Lindenborn  

Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily

02-Nov-2021

Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily is a delightful trip and our travel guides and driver, Enzo, Chris and Greg were amazing and made the trip very memorable. We saw so many places and had great experiences along the way! Thanks to them for such a wonderful vacation.!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Best of Spain & Portugal

11-Jan-2023

Great itinerary, good pace, tour director was friendly and very knowledgeable and organised. Bus was very spacious and driver was great. Yes would recommend insight to friends and families

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Jacqueline Thornberry  

Scenic Iceland and the Northern Lights

31-Oct-2021

The number is our group was small which meant we got to know each other. Our tour guide, Laura Spiers, was excellent as was our driver. The food was good, and of course everything we saw in Iceland was beautiful and educational.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Kathryn Ronca  

Enchanting Canyonlands

08-Nov-2021

The trip was fantastic. Everything was well planned and exceeded my expectations. All insight personal were courteous helpful and professional Ann Manual and Kevin were a topnotch team There was attention to every detail and at all times felt safe and always a personal touch to the trip. The motor coach was clean and roomy and there was multiple wipe downs during the day All hotels were top notch and all staff at the hotels and restaurants were helpful and courteous I would recommend this trip as it gave you a fantastic view of the natural wonders of the the West.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Patrick Ong  

Italian Intermezzo

12-Jan-2023

This trip is absolutely amazing! Worth every Penny! Our Tour guide did not Disappoint.

Feefo Trusted Reviews

Dates & Availability

Instant Booking Available

Monday - Friday

Jul 29, 2024 - Aug 09, 2024
$5695 $5685 (USD)

Operator discount: -$10 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Monday - Friday

Jul 28, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025
$6275 $6265 (USD)

Operator discount: -$10 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.