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Scenery

Focus on Ireland

Classic Group

This tour has other variations available

Everyday Price From

$2,338

$2,750

7 days

No Countries

Overview

From the dizzying 700-foot-high Cliffs of Moher near Galway Bay to the grandiose Georgian architecture of Cork, this experience of Ireland is unlike any other. Take a stroll through the grounds of Trinity College with access to the famous Book of Kells in Dublin, see the Titanic’s last port of call in Cobh and feast on a Farm-to-Table meal in a Killarney guesthouse. This family-run kitchen is the domain of chef John Sheehan and his wife Freda, who serve up nothing but authentic Irish recipes—guaranteed to inspire and delight. The once kissed, never forgotten Stone of Eloquence at Blarney Castle enthralls visitors from far and wide, while historic Galway delights the imagination.

Locations Visited

Dublin, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Adare, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Cobh, Blarney Castle, Cork, Kilkenny

Countries Visited

Ireland

Travel Style

Guided Vacation

Accommodations

6 nights included

Age Requirements

Minimum age 5

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Itinerary

COLLAPSE ALL EXPAND ALL

Day 1

In Dublin’s Fair City

Begin your afternoon exploration on an orientation of Dublin with a Local Expert. Pass St. Patrick's Cathedral and Christchurch Cathedral. See the 9th century Book of Kells and walk the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College. Enjoy a warm and friendly dinner with drinks and the opportunity to mingle and get to know your fellow travelers over the course of the evening.

  • Accommodation

    Clayton Burlington Road, Dublin


  • Meals

    Dinner

Leave Dublin and set off through the delightful landscapes of the Emerald Isle. Cross Ireland's longest river, the river Shannon, to reach historic Galway, the City of the Tribes, at the mouth of the Corrib River. Easily one of Ireland’s most fun and lively cities, the streets are lined with buskers, the region is known for its famous oysters and the pubs are full of Irish charm. Join your Travel Director to see the Church of St. Nicholas, where Christopher Columbus reputedly prayed before setting off for his discovery of America. Also see the pre-medieval Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President, John F. Kennedy.

  • Accommodation

    Harbor, Galway


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Take the scenic route through the mysterious rocky limestone landscape of the Burren, with its underground caverns, streams and rare flora. Stop at the Exhibition Center, situated next to the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher with breathtaking views of the Clare Coast. Continue past the city of Limerick, stop in quaint Adare and take a relaxed village walk to see its thatched-roof cottages. In the evening, stay in the center of the action in lively Killarney. Gateway to the famous Ring of Kerry, Killarney has been welcoming travelers, who appreciate the spectacular scenery of woodlands and lakes, for over 250 years.

  • Accommodation

    Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner

This morning enjoy Brendan 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 Ross Castle, admiring the incredible scenery of the National Park. After, take a leisurely excursion around the magnificent Ring of Kerry with stunning views of mountains and sea. Pass through the small towns of Killorglin, where the famous Puck Fair takes place, and Cahersiveen, birthplace of the great patriot, Daniel O'Connell. Follow the narrow road as it winds along the cliffs to the fishing town of Waterville. 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. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a Farm-to-Table dinner. Enjoy some Irish home cooking at the family-run kitchen of chef John Sheehan. Join John and his wife, Freda, for drinks and a personal insight into classic Irish recipes that are loved throughout the world and help preserve this intangible cultural heritage. Then, settle down for a night of great food and drink in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

  • Accommodation

    Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner

Drive to the historic port town of Cobh, which was the last port of call for the Titanic. Walk through the Queenstown Story exhibition at the Heritage Center, which recounts the era of Irish emigration and the life of this once great passenger port. Continue to visit the 15th century Blarney Castle, home of the famous Stone of Eloquence - once kissed, never forgotten! Then Continue on to Cork along the spacious Grand Parade and South Mall and see the City Hall and fine Georgian houses en route to your hotel. In the evening, raise your glass and revel in rich flavors at a lively dinner.

  • Accommodation

    Maldron South Mall, Cork


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner

Drive through prime farmland to 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. Then, return to Dublin and your hotel. The rest of the evening is at your leisure to further explore if you wish.

  • Accommodation

    Clayton Burlington Road, Dublin


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Your memorable trip comes to an end.

  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

Dining Summary

  • 4 Dinner (D)
  • 6 Breakfast (B)

Choice Highlights

  • Explore the scenery of Killarney National Park on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.
  • Join a gentle hike with a nature guide in Killarney National Park and admire stunning mountains, lakes, woods and waterfalls. Stroll along the lake shore and past the impressive 15th Century Ross Castle and the famous Muckross Estate, a charming 19th Century mansion and grounds. Alternatively, enjoy a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.

Additional Included Highlights

  • Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
  • Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
  • 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.
  • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
  • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
  • If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with us, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Authentic Dining

  • Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner, an opportunity to get to know each other over a meal.
  • Join in the 'craic' over dinner with fabulous local flavors in a city famed for its food.

Brendan Choice

  • Explore the scenery of Killarney National Park on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.
  • Join a gentle hike with a nature guide in Killarney National Park and admire stunning mountains, lakes, woods and waterfalls. Stroll along the lake shore and past the impressive 15th Century Ross Castle and the famous Muckross Estate, a charming 19th Century mansion and grounds. Alternatively, enjoy a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.

Brendan Experiences

  • A stunning combination of cobblestone walkways, emerald-green lawns and 18th-century architectural gems, Trinity College is one of Europe’s elite universities and counts poet Oscar Wilde among its alumni. Tour the enchanting college campus with a Local Expert and discover insights into its impressive history. Enjoy access to view the famous Book of Kells, an exquisite manuscript of the four gospels of the Christian New Testament, renowned for the intricacy, detail and majesty of the illustrations.

Iconic Experience

  • Cliffs of Moher

    Towering cliffs and the dramatic sea, the Cliffs of Moher has inspired countless travelers. Visit the Exhibition Center and look out over the Wild Atlantic Way from these majestic cliffs that rise over 700 feet high. Gain insights from your Travel Director into the cliffs’ geology, history and the species that find sanctuary in its nooks and crannies.
  • 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.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

  • Meet passionate guesthouse owners John and Freda at their beautiful home in Killarney, where you'll hear more about their farm-to-table concept, while enjoying a delicious meal made from fresh ingredients sourced within a five mile radius. John and Freda have a policy that all food is sourced locally from farms and the coast of the Emerald Isle.  They educate their visitors about sustainable consumption and the benefits of eating fresh homegrown produce. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 12

Top Rated Highlights

  • See Custom House and travel along the River Liffey. See the Guinness Storehouse, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral.
  • Fascinating stories and interesting locals take center stage on your orientation of the historic heart of Galway. Visit the Lynch Memorial Window. Then make your way to the Church of St. Nicholas - the largest medieval parish church in Ireland in continuous use, Spanish Arch and Eyre Square.
  • Experience a village walk through the main street lined with thatched cottages.
  • Enjoy hearing of the history of Killarney during your city orientation.
  • Venture into a world of towering cliffs, lush lakelands, beaches, fields dotted with sheep, rocky coastline, remote villages and historical sites, as you journey the magical Ring of Kerry. This 111-mile circular route is the best place to admire Ireland's scenic beauty and truly one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
  • The Queenstown Story at Cobh retraces the steps of Irish emigration from the famine of 1845 to the great ocean liner era of the 1950s. This is a must for those with Irish ancestors who crossed the Atlantic during this time.
  • Your Travel Director will show you the Grand Parade and South Mall, along with City Hall and the Opera House.
  • Take in the sights of the medieval city of Kilkenny with its majestic castle and river walk.

Well-being

  • Enjoy the comfort of the luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
  • Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Dates & Prices

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Terms & Conditions

Trip Notes:

  • ​International Air: Please note that airfares are not included. We will quote you the lowest possible airfare available on the day you book.
  • ​Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1 of itinerary.

Terms & Conditions:

  • ​Prices listed are per person, land only and based on double occupancy. Single room supplements are available. 
  • Guided Vacations: ​'Price with Current Deals' reflects current applicable 'Early Payment Discounts' or 'Last Minute Deals.' Early Payment Discounts (land only) savings vary by itinerary, are not valid on all vacations/departure dates and are subject to availability; not valid with all other promotional offers. Last Minute Deals are available on select departures only and only available to travelers departing from the United States; not combinable with Early Payment Discounts or any other promotional offers; full payment due at time of booking. All discounts are for new bookings only, subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Call or request a quote for complete details.
  • ​'Exclusive Costco Member Price' is available upon member login. 
  • For 'Costco Vacations of a Lifetime: Private Chauffeur Ireland itinerary, price shown is the final base price, exclusive to Costco members and already reflective of any special member savings.
  • Please see all separate Vacations of a Lifetime Private Chauffeur Ireland Terms & Conditions.
  • ​​​Trip prices and information are correct at the time of the trips going live online, however are subject to confirmation - please confirm all details at time of quote and booking.
  • For full details, please refer to our Terms & Conditions page.
  • Other conditions may apply. CST#2084503-20