Overview
Itinerary
Set out to explore the Wild Atlantic Way. Visit the Slieve League Cliffs, offering stunning views over the Sligo Mountains and Donegal Bay. Three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher, these iconic cliffs are amongst the highest and most scenic in Europe. Afterward, travel back in time to eighteenth century Ireland when you visit the thatched cottages of Glencolmcille, a folk village maintained by the local community of southeast Donegal. Continue on to Donegal Town and enjoy time to shop and explore at your leisure. (B)
Arrive in Galway, a lively city of medieval relics and modern flare.
This afternoon, explore the city with a local guide, with stories about city, from being a major trading city in the medieval period, through to the present day.
Tonight dinner is at a local restaurant. (B/D) Stay: The House Hotel (2 Nights)
Today, enjoy a lunch at a traditional Irish pub, owned by the same family for 200 years. Listen to stories about the family ancestors, and the social role that pubs play within rural communities.
Afterwards, watch a hurling demonstration, a traditional sport of Ireland, with the opportunity to participate yourself! Continue to Kilkenny, one of Ireland's most charming cities. (B/L) Stay: Kilkenny River Court Hotel (2 Nights)
This morning, it's your choice! Enjoy a leisurely day to explore the town and Kilkenny Castle on your own -OR- travel just outside of town to the ruins of Jerpoint Abbey, a Cistercian abbey founded in the 12th century. You will also attend a captivating demonstration at a family-owned glass company and learn about the important role Kilkenny plays in Irish design and craftsmanship. No matter what activities fill your day, come together in the evening for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Sláinte! (B/D)
Your Irish adventure starts in Dublin, built upon layered history and featuring a lively local culture.
This evening, toast the start of your journey with dinner at a local restaurant. (D) Stay: Hyatt Centric The Liberties (2 Nights)
Start your morning with an Impact Moment and walk with an expert from Secret Street Tours, a non-profit organization that encourages and supports citizens formerly affected by homelessness to be guides in their own city. See the city through their eyes and gain insight into their life story as you discover Dublin's Liberties district. Visit EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, and trace how so many Irish fled to foreign lands. The remainder of the day is yours to explore on your own.
Later you may join an optional tour to the Guinness Storehouse, followed by dinner at a traditional pub. (B)
This morning, cross the border into Northern Ireland and arrive in Belfast. Ride through town in a traditional black taxicab with a guide, taking in different murals and iconic buildings along the way. Pause at the Peace Wall, which separates the Catholic and Protestant communities, adorned with political graffiti.
This afternoon, enjoy time at leisure in Belfast before joining your fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D) Stay: Europa Hotel (2 Nights)
Visit the ethereal Giant's Causeway, walking in the footsteps of mythical legends. Marvel at the hexagonal basalt slabs, that according to legend, were formed by gargantuan beasts crossing the crashing waves. (B)
Make your way to Derry, a growing artistic and cultural hub, and site of the infamous Bloody Sunday massacre. Delve into the city's local history on a guided tour before continuing on to the pretty town of Donegal. Embark on an expert-led tour of castle ruins, right in the heart of the town. In County Donegal tonight, connect with an age-old heritage when an esteemed seanchaí – a traditional Gaelic storyteller – joins you for dinner. (B/D) Stay: Mill Park Hotel (2 Nights)
Set out to explore the Wild Atlantic Way. Visit the Slieve League Cliffs, offering stunning views over the Sligo Mountains and Donegal Bay. Three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher, these iconic cliffs are amongst the highest and most scenic in Europe. Afterward, travel back in time to 18th century Ireland when you visit the thatched cottages of Glencolmcille, a folk village maintained by the local community of southeast Donegal.
Continue on to Donegal Town and enjoy time to shop and explore at your leisure. (B)
Enjoy a morning with free time to explore before departing Donegal for Fermanagh, a county blanketed by lakes and waterways. Take in pastoral surroundings as you cruise toward Devenish Island, a 6th century monastic site. Explore the ruins of this picturesque island, including one of the finest high towers in Ireland.
This afternoon, arrive at your beautiful resort on the banks of Lough Erne. (B/D) Stay: Lough Erne Resort
Arrive in Galway, a lively city of medieval relics and modern flare. Join a local guide to explore stories about the city, from its days as a medieval trading center through to the present.
Tonight, dinner is at a local restaurant. (B/D) Stay: The Connacht Hotel (2 Nights)
The day is yours. Perhaps you'll pop into a pub for a drink with the locals, or peruse one of the city's many museums, or go shopping along bustling Quay Street. Consider taking an optional tour to Kylemore Abbey, where you'll drive through Connemara National Park before embarking on a tour of the monastery. (B)
Peek into Irish culture at a sheep farm, where you'll watch a dog-herding demonstration and meet the friendly canine workers. Experience the Ireland you've always imagined at the Cliffs of Moher, where mossy cliffs plunge 700 feet into the ocean. After visiting one of the country's most beloved sites, arrive in the colorful town of Dingle, located on the Dingle Peninsula.
Tonight, enjoy dinner at a pub. (B/D) Stay: Dingle Harbour Lodge (2 Nights)
This morning, explore the spectacular scenery of the Dingle Peninsula, visiting Slea Head, where the locals will remind you that beyond the water, “the next parish over is Boston.” After returning to Dingle, the rest of the day is yours to explore how you choose. (B)
Today, enjoy a lunch at a traditional Irish pub, owned by the same family for 200 years. Listen to stories about the family ancestors, and the social role that pubs play within rural communities.
Afterwards, watch a hurling demonstration, a traditional sport of Ireland, with the opportunity to participate yourself! Continue to Kilkenny, one of Ireland's most charming cities. (B/L) Stay: Lyrath Estate (2 Nights)
This morning, it's your choice! Enjoy a leisurely day to explore the town and Kilkenny Castle on your own -OR- travel just outside of town to the ruins of Jerpoint Abbey, a Cistercian abbey founded in the 12th century. You will also attend a captivating demonstration at a family-owned glass company and learn about the important role Kilkenny plays in Irish design and craftsmanship. No matter what activities fill your day, come together in the evening for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Sláinte! (B/D)
Wish the Emerald Isle goodbye as you depart for home. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- With a traditional seanchaí (Irish storyteller), listen to folklore and legends that have been passed down through generations.
- Travel back in time when you explore the thatched cottages of Glencolmcille.
- Enjoy a traditional Irish game of hurling.
- Impact Moment: Embark on a walking tour of Dublin with a guide from Secret Street Tours, who was formerly affected by homelessness.
- Experience the ethereal landscape of Giant's Causeway.
- Learn about Derry's political history during a locally guided city tour.
- Take in the stunning Cliffs of Moher.
- Savor new Irish cuisine during dinner in Dublin.
- Taste the local whiskey at Pearse Lyons Distillery.
- Expertly crafted itineraries
- 4-star+ accommodation
- Skilled and engaging tour managers
- Expert local guides with insider knowledge
- Attraction entrance fees
- Many meals full of local flavour
- Unparalleled sightseeing
- Enriching cultural experiences
- Comfortable on-tour transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour
- This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
- Arriving Flight: The closest arrival airport is Dublin (DUB) Airport
- Departing Flight: The closest departure airport is Dublin (DUB) Airport
- Private, chauffeur service is included for all air-inclusive tour bookings. This personalised service is included within a 40km radius from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Cairns and Hobart airport gateways. Service is available between 41-70 kms for a small fee.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- With a traditional seanchaí (Irish storyteller), listen to folklore and legends that have been passed down through generations.
- Travel back in time when you explore the thatched cottages of Glencolmcille.
- Enjoy a traditional Irish game of hurling.
- Impact Moment: Embark on a walking tour of Dublin with a guide from Secret Street Tours, who was formerly affected by homelessness.
- Experience the ethereal landscape of Giant's Causeway.
- Learn about Derry's political history during a locally guided city tour.
- Take in the stunning Cliffs of Moher.
- Savor new Irish cuisine during dinner in Dublin.
- Taste the traditional flavors of Ireland in a local pub.
- Expertly crafted itineraries
- 4-star+ accommodation
- Skilled and engaging tour managers
- Expert local guides with insider knowledge
- Attraction entrance fees
- Many meals full of local flavour
- Unparalleled sightseeing
- Enriching cultural experiences
- Comfortable on-tour transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour
- This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
- Private, chauffeur service is included for all air-inclusive tour bookings. This personalised service is included within a 40km radius from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Cairns and Hobart airport gateways. Service is available between 41-70 kms for a small fee.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Trip Optionals These optional activities can be pre-booked & included in your trip price.
- Location: Dublin. Cost: $139.
- This culinary and cultural adventure begins at the Guinness Storehouse, Ireland's top international visitor attraction. This self-guided tour allows you time to wander over 7 floors with your audio guide, learning about how Guinness is brewed, it's various advertising campaigns over the years, and of course you get to taste the iconic drink at its spectacular Gravity Bar. Enjoy a sweeping 360º view of Dublin as you savor a complimentary pint. Then, indulge in a quintessential Irish dinner at a contemporary restaurant that explores “New Irish Cuisine,” serving up cutting-edge dishes using the freshest, local ingredients. Duration approximately 5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. This option will not be offered on St. Patrick’s Day or Easter Sunday. Children under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult and may not participate in the tasting at the Guinness Storehouse. Can be pre-sold up to 7 days before departure.
- Location: Dublin. Cost: $139.
- This culinary and cultural adventure begins at the Guinness Storehouse, Ireland's top international visitor attraction. This self-guided tour allows you time to wander over 7 floors with your audio guide, learning about how Guinness is brewed, it's various advertising campaigns over the years, and of course you get to taste the iconic drink at its spectacular Gravity Bar. Enjoy a sweeping 360º view of Dublin as you savor a complimentary pint. Then, indulge in a quintessential Irish dinner at a contemporary restaurant that explores “New Irish Cuisine,” serving up cutting-edge dishes using the freshest, local ingredients. Duration approximately 5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. This option will not be offered on St. Patrick’s Day or Easter Sunday. Children under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult and may not participate in the tasting at the Guinness Storehouse. Can be pre-sold up to 7 days before departure.
Trip Reviews (2) Most Recent 'The Best of Ireland' Reviews
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Collette Explorations (2023-24)
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Availability
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Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Collette. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Collette. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
