Best of Ireland
10 Days Starting and ending in Dublin
Visiting: Dublin, Kilkenny, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Limerick, Cliffs of Moher, Connemara, Sligo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
IRBOZM19
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 54
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
0-0
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$3075
$2614 (USD)
Operator discount: -$461
-15%
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Best of Ireland" tour, a captivating journey through the heart of Ireland's most scenic landscapes and historic landmarks. This meticulously crafted tour invites you to explore the vibrant city of Dublin with a local specialist, uncover the ancient mysteries of Waterford, Killarney, Limerick, and Galway, and marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry. Highlights include a visit to the Dunbrody Famine Ship, the crystal-clear insights of Waterford's showroom, the legendary Blarney Castle, and the serene Kylemore Abbey. With luxury air-conditioned coach travel, cherry-picked hotels, and an array of meals included, your Irish adventure promises a blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and the warmth of Irish hospitality. From kissing the Blarney Stone to scenic drives and engaging local experiences, this tour is a celebration of Ireland's rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and enchanting stories.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Welcome To Ireland
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge
Write your own lively tale of legends and iconic landscapes during this epic encounter with Ireland's treasures. We begin our journey in the whimsical capital of Dublin, joining a Local Specialist to see the sights. Irish history takes centre stage this evening as we visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, one of the few buildings of medieval Dublin still left standing, for a Welcome Reception with your fellow travellers and Travel Director. You’ll get a taste for the centuries of history you’re about to explore first-hand, learning how the very place you’re standing in has played an integral role in Ireland’s history for over eight centuries and how its most prominent office holder was none other than Jonathan Swift, the famous author.
Day 2 : Through The Scenic County Wicklow And Waterford To Kilkenny
Location: Kilkenny
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel 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. We continue to Waterford. This afternoon, we celebrate the centuries-old craft of flint glass creations, as we Dive Into Culture at the House of Waterford Crystal and witness talented master craftsmen at work. Arrive in Kilkenny where we will stay for the night.
Day 3 : Journey To Blarney And On To Killarney
Location: Killarney
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Killarney
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. Arrive in Killarney for a two-night stay. During your journey, your Local Specialist will share fascinating anecdotes about the area and Ireland. In the evening perhaps join an optional Gaelic Roots show. Using traditional instruments, Irish dance and time-honoured 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
Accommodation Name: Hotel Killarney
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ireland's soul-stirring Ring of Kerry takes centre stage today as we embark on a scenic drive past its mountains, lakes and lush green countryside – unquestionably one of the most scenic routes in Ireland. We'll 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: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Greenhills Hotel Conference and Leisure Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast
We continue through the windswept countryside, arriving in Adare, one of the prettiest villages in Ireland. On arrival in Limerick, we 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: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Connacht Hotel Galway
Meals Included: Breakfast
The sheer Cliffs of Moher plunge dramatically into the Atlantic Ocean, providing endless ocean views and wonderful photographic opportunities during your experience at this UNESCO-listed highlight along the Wild Atlantic Way. You’ll be enchanted by its irresistible landscapes, but more so the interactive visitor centre which will bring the whole experience to life from the perspective of the resident wildlife that find sanctuary here. Later, we arrive in Galway with some time at leisure to see its beautiful stone Cathedral or stroll through Eyre Square.
Day 7 : A Day Exploring Stunning Connemara
Location: Connemara
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Connacht Hotel Galway
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Connemara's 'savage beauty' is yours to explore today as we tread in the footsteps of Oscar Wilde who described its 'wild and mountainous splendor' as magnificent. Stop at Brigit's Garden, a Celtic heritage garden, on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Admire the views on the scenic drive to Kylemore Abbey, now a Benedictine monastery, where we 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
Location: Sligo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Clayton Hotel Sligo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Our journey takes us to Westport House where we'll Connect With Locals and indulge in a memorable Be My Guest experience with tales of the Pirate Queen, and enjoy Banoffee and Baileys flavours in the Drawing Room of this stately 18th-century home. Heading north, we stop in the pilgrimage town of Knock to view the Marian Shrine where villagers witnessed an apparition of Our Lady in 1879. We arrive in Sligo this evening, our home for the night.
Day 9 : Return To Lively Dublin
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Hotel Dublin Airport
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Our journey continues south to Dublin. Here we’ll enjoy some free time to take a walk down Grafton Street or stroll along the Liffey. This evening, we close the chapter on an epic journey through Ireland, joining our fellow travellers for a memorable Farewell Dinner.
Day 10 : Farewell Ireland
Location: Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a hearty Irish breakfast, we bid our Travel Director and fellow travellers a fond farewell as our Irish holiday comes to an end.
What's Included
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Expert Travel Director and Professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver to guide you through your journey.
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Porterage and Restaurant Gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities included, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
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Cherry-Picked Hotels
Stay in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted for a comfortable stay.
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Hotel Tips, Charges, and Local Taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are taken care of so you can relax.
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Meals
Enjoy breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals included in your tour.
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Must-See Sightseeing and Surprise Extras
Experience must-see sightseeing tours with added surprise extras for an unforgettable journey.
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Audio Headsets for Flexible Sightseeing
Use of audio headsets for flexible sightseeing tours.
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Luxury Air-Conditioned Coach
Travel in comfort in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys).
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Optional Experiences and Free Time
Enjoy optional experiences and free time to explore at your own pace.
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Accommodation as Detailed in the Itinerary
Accommodation as detailed in the itinerary, ensuring a comfortable stay throughout your tour.
What's Not Included
Mode of Transport
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Check out our Q&As
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Are there any exclusions in the Best of Ireland tour?
Yes, international travel is excluded from the Best of Ireland tour.
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What are the inclusions of the Best of Ireland tour?
The inclusions of the Best of Ireland tour are an expert Travel Director and professional Driver, all porterage and restaurant gratuities, cherry-picked hotels, all hotel tips, charges, and local taxes, breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals, must-see sightseeing and surprise extras, use of audio headsets for flexible sightseeing tours, luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi, optional experiences and free time, accommodation as detailed in the itinerary, convenient airport transfers at destination, and a fully guided tour experience.
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What are the highlights of the Best of Ireland tour?
The highlights of the Best of Ireland tour include exploring Dublin with a Local Specialist, discovering Waterford, Killarney, Limerick, and Galway, visiting the Dunbrody Famine Ship in New Ross, the crystal showroom at Waterford, Blarney Castle to kiss the stone and gain the 'gift of the gab', Adare, Bunratty Folk Park, Cliffs of Moher, Connemara, and Kylemore Abbey, viewing King John's Castle in Limerick and the Marian Shrine in Knock, seeing St. Mary's Cathedral in Limerick and Galway Cathedral, and a scenic drive of the Ring of Kerry.
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What is the ending location of the Best of Ireland tour?
The ending location of the Best of Ireland tour is Dublin.
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What type of accommodation is included in the Best of Ireland tour?
The Best of Ireland tour includes cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted for a comfortable stay.
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What type of transportation is provided on the Best of Ireland tour?
The Best of Ireland tour provides luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys).
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What is the starting location of the Best of Ireland tour?
The starting location of the Best of Ireland tour is Dublin.
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Are meals included in the Best of Ireland tour?
Yes, breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals are included in the Best of Ireland tour.
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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.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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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.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar 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 trafalgar 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