Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 9 Day Journeys: Iconic Ireland. A land of ancient legends, epic folktales, and grand traditions, Ireland is a destination that will truly transport you back in time. Uncover Celtic culture and admire medieval architecture across the stunning countryside, and delve into historic Dublin and the "rebel city" of Cork. Eat, dance, and sing with locals—even kiss the Blarney Stone—as you follow the roots of Irish culture to its core and come home with some Irish ballads of your own.
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Our Price From
US$2,924 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Save up to $975 per person
Trip Length
9 Days
Trip Starts
Dublin
Trip Ends
Dublin
Departures
May 2026 to Oct 2027
Countries Visited:
Operator
G Adventures
Trip Style
National Geographic Journeys
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
6-99 Years
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
EQDNG
Itinerary
Arrive at any time. We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this lively city. There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
Accommodation:
Stay City Dublin City Centre
Included Experiences
- Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group: Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
In the morning, set out on an orientation walk led by your Expedition Leader around Dublin, then enjoy some free time to explore the city's Medieval Quarter, visit St. Patrick's Cathedral, set foot in Dublin Castle, or tour a whiskey distillery. Later, explore Trinity College Dublin, founded in 1592. Visit its famed library and view the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript dating to the ninth century. In the evening, dine on Irish fare, accompanied by storytelling and traditional music, in a traditional Irish pub.
Accommodation:
Stay City Dublin City Centre
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Dublin Orientation Walk: Enjoy a brief walk with your Expedition Leader. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
- Free Time: Explore the city's architectural wonders in the Medieval Quarter, tour an iconic distillery, or grab a pint at the pub. There's plenty to see and do in Dublin, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like exploring Temple Bar, whisky tasting at the Jameson Distillery, or discover the eerie history of Kilmainham Gaol prison (tickets for this should be purchased at least 28 days in advance). Your Expedition Leader has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
- Visit to Trinity College (Book of Kells): Step into the halls of Trinity College Dublin, founded in 1592, to visit the Book of Kells Exhibition and the historic Long Library. Written in the 9th century, the Book of Kells is a richly illustrated document (inscribed in Latin) of the four Gospels in the New Testament. Widely considered Ireland's greatest cultural treasure, it's one of the world’s most famous medieval manuscripts. Continue to the Long Library, a soaring room filled with over 200,000 books, including the library's oldest collections. A must-visit for book lovers, it's also known for its appearance in Harry Potter movies.
- Dinner and a Tale or Two: Step inside a traditional Irish pub for an enthralling evening of storytelling, food, drink, and warm company. Settle in for a three-course dinner with classic fare such as beef and Guinness stew in an intimate candlelit setting. Enjoy the sounds of traditional Irish music as you dine. Then, between courses, let your hosts captivate you with magical tales of Ireland's past, providing insight into the culture, folklore, and traditions passed down from generation to generation.
Optional Experiences
- Jameson Distillery Visit: Can you taste the differences between Scotch, American, and Jameson Irish Whiskey? Take a visit to the original Jameson Distillery in Smithfield Dublin, operating since 1780. Learn about, and experience the taste and smells of this iconic whiskey recipe. Walk away proudly with your shiny Jameson Whiskey Tasting certificate.
- Dublin Castle: Opt to explore alone or take a guided tour of Dublin Castle. Historically served as the headquarters of English and British administrations, the Castle is part of the current government complex.
- St. Patrick's Cathedral: Visit the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland. Founded in 1191, a walk around these breathtaking grounds will give you a glimpse into 800 years of history.
Travel to the charming city of Cork and set out on an orientation walk; then spend the rest of the day exploring the city on your own. Choose to visit the Cork County Gaol—a former prison—or learn about the voyage of the Titanic in the original ticket office of the White Star Line. Wander the stalls at the historic English Market or settle into a pub for a locally brewed pint of Murphy’s Irish Stout. Cork is known for its many universities, theatres, art schools and general diversity and culture. With many immigrants settling in this inviting city, it's easy to find different types of foods, shops and cafés lining the streets.
Accommodation:
Gabriel House Guesthouse
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Free Time: There's lots to see and do in Cork. Get out and explore!
- Cork Orientation Walk: Enjoy a brief walk with your Expedition Leader. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs.
Optional Experiences
- Cork County Gaol: Once a prison constructed in the 1820s, the Cork County Gaol is now a coveted part of University College of Cork. Take an audio tour of the grounds to learn more about the tumultuous history of this building.
- English Market: Established in 1788, the English Market in Cork is a vast and eclectic covered food market filled with longstanding family-run stalls. Get in with the local hustle and bustle.
- Titanic Experience Visit: Located in the original offices of the White Star Line, share the experience of the 123 passengers to sail on Titanic. The museum uses an audio-visual tour to recreate the journey of passengers getting ready for the epic journey, then examines how the ship sank and why.
Begin the day with a visit to Blarney Castle, built nearly 600 years ago and now one of the most iconic sights in Ireland. Climb a flight of steps to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone, a ritual said to grant the gift of the gab. Continue to Killarney for an afternoon spent tasting whiskey and chocolate with a local expert.
In the evening, opt to enjoy a traditional Celtic dance performance. The lovely town of Killarney bristles with history, culture and stunning natural beauty. Located on the shores of Lough Leane, adjacent to Killarney National Park, it is surrounded by rolling green hills, lakes and forests.
Accommodation:
Gleneagle Hotel Killarney
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Blarney Castle and Blarney Stone Visit: Visit Blarney Castle, one of the most famous sights in Ireland built nearly 600 years ago. Enter to find the "Stone of Eloquence", better known as the Blarney Stone, at the top of the tower. You'll need to lean over a railing and hang upside down for a moment to kiss the stone - a worthy price for the gift of gab!
- Whiskey and Chocolate Tasting: Once the most favoured spirit in the world, Irish whiskey is once again gaining popularity with distilleries opening up all over the country. Discover the unique characteristics of this spirit with a tasting of four distinct Irish whiskeys. Challenge your tastebuds with a sensory perception quiz and learn which chocolates are best paired with each style of the spirit.
Optional Experiences
- Celtic Steps Dance Performance: Spend an evening immersed in Irish music and dance at the world-famous Celtic Steps show. Watch the country's best dancers, musicians and performers take to the stage with a truly unforgettable blend of traditional and modern Irish dance, accompanied by live music.
Set out on a full-day excursion around the famed Ring of Kerry, considered one of Ireland’s most scenic drives. Take in stunning views of the Iveragh Peninsula’s windswept coast and lush, wild forests. View historic castles, churches, and seaside villages before returning to Killarney for a night at leisure.
Accommodation:
Gleneagle Hotel Killarney
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Ring of Kerry Day Excursion: Experience Ireland's incredible natural beauty, scenic landscapes and glimpses of everyday life as we drive along the famous Ring of Kerry. Our journey starts in Killarney, home to Ireland's first national park and many historic sites. Continue to the picturesque villages of Kenmare and Sneem before reaching the coastal towns of Caherdaniel and Waterville, where Charlie Chaplin loved to holiday. Get a feel for traditional Irish culture in Ballinskelligs, where locals speak Gaelic, and Portmagee, where colourful houses line the docks and visitors set off for Skelligs Rock. Continue along the coast to Glenbeigh, "the jewel of Kerry", and stop by historic Killorglin and Beaufort before returning to Killarney.
This morning, head to the stunning Cliffs of Moher and board a boat for a coastal cruise. Enjoy exceptional views of one of Ireland’s most well-known natural wonders from water level, In the months of May to early July, you might spot puffins along the cliffs. After the cruise, explore the Cliffs' visitor centre before continuing to Galway, a historic harbor city on Ireland's west coast. As the gateway to the Galway Gaeltacht, one of the country's last Irish-speaking regions, Galway offers a unique blend of culture and history.
Accommodation:
The Clybaun Hotel Galway
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Cliffs of Moher Cruise: View the majestic Cliffs of Moher and experience this natural wonder from an equally powerful vantage point - the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Board a 1.5hr long cruise and sit back to observe the cliffs as they continue for 8km, offering incredible panoramic views of its jagged, rocky landscapes. See caves shaped by centuries of crashing waves, the Aran Islands in the distance, and birds and other wildlife who call these windswept shores their home.
- Cliffs of Moher Visitors' Centre: Stop by the Visitors' Centre to enjoy a self-guided tour of The Cliffs Exhibition, a multi-sensory journey into the fascinating Cliffs of Moher.
Set on a guided walking tour of Galway, delving into the history of conquest that has shaped Irish culture, and getting a taste of the city’s reputation as a hub for art and music. Enjoy a free afternoon exploring the local arts scene or wandering historic streets.
Accommodation:
The Clybaun Hotel Galway
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Walking Tour of Galway City: Enjoy a guided walking tour through the medieval heart of Galway. Visit Eyre Square to uncover its fascinating history from the city's early days to modern times. Walk past parts of the original Town Wall first built over 800 years ago. Head to Lynch's Castle and the Memorial Window and learn about an infamous local legend. Visit the Galway Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas, a place where Christopher Columbus stopped on his way to the new world.
Return to Dublin this morning and enjoy a free afternoon to explore Ireland's dynamic capital. Stroll among the colorful gardens of St. Stephen's Green, pop into historic pubs in Temple Bar, or view the famed bog bodies housed in the National Museum of Ireland. Opt to visit the Guinness Storehouse for insights into the history of beer and a taste of their famed stout, then gather for an optional farewell dinner with your group at a local restaurant.
Accommodation:
Stay City Dublin City Centre
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Enjoy our last free evening in lively Dublin.
Optional Experiences
- Guinness Storehouse Visit: Have you ever wanted to see a glass atrium shaped in the form of a pint of Guinness? Here's your chance. Visit the Guinness Storehouse and learn about the history of Ireland's most famous beer, and how this dry stout it is brewed.
- Temple Bar Area Visit: Immerse yourself in the Temple Bar area, known as Dublin's Cultural Quarter. Shop around at the weekend markets, grab a pint at the pub, and dine in in the area's vast and diverse cuisine options. Then go back at night and experience this area really come to life.
Depart at any time.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Trip Inclusions
- Spend an evening with food.
- Storytelling and music at a traditional Irish pub.
- Enjoy a private tasting of whiskey and chocolate in Killarney.
- Marvel at the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher.
- Drive along the famed Ring of Kerry.
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Dinner and a Tale or Two, Dublin
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Whiskey and Chocolate Tasting, Killarney
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
- Your Discover Moment: Dublin
- Visit to Trinity College Dublin
- Blarney Castle visit
- Ring of Kerry guided day excursion
- Galway City walking tour
- Cliffs of Moher cruise and guided tour
- Cork orientation walk
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Private vehicle, boat, walking
- National Geographic Expedition Leader throughout, local guides
- Hotels/guesthouses – 8 nts
- On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations.
- Note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces. However, nearly all hotels will provide a standing or desk fan for your room on hot nights. If you do not already have one in your room, please ask your Expedition Leader to organize one for you with reception.
- 8 breakfasts, 1 dinner
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful more experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Trip Style: National Geographic Journeys
These small group tours combine meaningful cultural experiences with upgraded comfort and expert insight. Many itineraries include visits to community projects supported by G Adventures or National Geographic, offering a chance to connect with people and places in a more impactful way.
With more inclusions than other travel styles, character-filled accommodations and exclusive pre-trip reading to set the scene, these adventures are ideal for travelers who want to explore thoughtfully and return inspired.
Dates & Pricing
USD
Saturday
02 May 2026
02 May 26
Dublin
Sunday
10 May 2026
10 May 26
Dublin
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$3,749
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Saturday
09 May 2026
09 May 26
Dublin
Sunday
17 May 2026
17 May 26
Dublin
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$3,749
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Saturday
16 May 2026
16 May 26
Dublin
Sunday
24 May 2026
24 May 26
Dublin
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$3,749
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Saturday
30 May 2026
30 May 26
Dublin
Sunday
07 Jun 2026
07 Jun 26
Dublin
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$3,749
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and 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.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and 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.
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