Overview
Your stroke of luck continues as you stop to bake scones at a quaint Irish farm, take a private boat to beautiful Garinish Island, and meet the legendary crystal makers in Waterford. The fun that awaits is crystal clear. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Belfast so you can plan your day your way.
Itinerary
Céad mile fáilte—a hundred-thousand welcomes!
Enjoy free time upon arrival before meeting your Tour Director and travel companions at 6 pm for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Seacliff Rocks & Sheep Flocks
Embark on an exhilarating excursion along Ireland's spectacular Atlantic coastline with a drive to the 668-foot Cliffs of Moher, where you take in the breathtaking panorama of the Clare coast. Visit Rathbaun Farm, try your hand a scone baking and learn about sheep herding from the farmer before enjoying coffee and your own home-made scones. A scenic route across the limestone plateau of The Burren takes you to Galway, a popular seaside destination and a buzzing cosmopolitan center with colorful shops and a busy café and bar culture, for some free time before an overnight in the small fishing town of Clifden. (B/D) 161 mi / 259 km.
LOCAL FAVORITE - LOCAL TASTES: Someone's in the kitchen in Rathbaun Farm, just outside of Galway. You can don an apron and whip up your own delicious home-made scones, served with fresh preserves and whipped cream. Learn about the long-time tradition of sheep farming in this beautiful Irish landscape.
Abbey Roads & Irish Roses
Start the day with a visit to Kylemore Abbey, home to the order of Benedictine nuns. At Westport, on the banks of the beautiful Carrabawn River, enjoy some free time before continuing through rugged landscapes to the coastal town of Sligo, known for its literary heritage. (B/D) 104 mi / 167 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURE & TRADITION: Nestled between the woodlands and lakeshore near Galway City, Kylemore Abbey is home to the Benedictine Sisters who have been in residence since 1920 in a life of prayer, work, and community. The history of this stunning abbey reaches back to the 1800s as the estate of Irish patriot Mitchell Henry. Visit the abbey where handmade chocolates, wild Irish honey, and traditional fuchsia pottery are sold. Stroll the lovely grounds of Ireland's largest walled garden in the heart of the Connemara countryside.
Ancient Walls and Giant Steps in Northern Ireland
Head into Northern Ireland today and enjoy a walking tour with a local guide along the city walls of Derry's Old Town. Follow in the legendary footsteps of Finn McCool as you admire the Giant's Causeway, composed of 40,000 basalt columns formed millions of years ago. Stay in Belfast tonight, Northern Ireland's seat of government. (B) 203 mi / 328 km.
LOCAL FAVORITE - HISTORIC SPOT: Derry is known as the only remaining completely walled medieval city in Ireland and one of the best-preserved walled cities in Europe. Walk around the 17th-century fortification masterpiece with 7 gates and 24 cannons while also discovering a city full of history, heritage, and culture.
Spend your day your way in Belfast
This morning, explore more of Belfast with your choice of included Globus Choice Excursions. Relax with free time this afternoon.
- THE BEST OF BELFAST - Discover the essential Belfast on a walking tour with your expert Local Guide. Explore its beautiful architecture, stunning street are, unique heritage, and the amazing stories spanning centuries of Scottish history.
- THE TITANIC EXPERIENCE - Delve into the fateful 1912 voyage of the RMS Titanic for a deeper look of the history, mystery, and myths surrounding the doomed ocean liner. Get an immersive look at legendary liner's fateful launch and final resting place of the giant "unsinkable" ship.
Belfast's Big House
Your first stop today is a guided tour Hillsborough Castle, the official residence of the Royal Family when they are in Northern Ireland, and also home of the Secretary of State. Leaving Northern Ireland stop in the charming village of Carlingford on the Cooley Peninsula, known for its oyster farms and medieval buildings, before arriving in Dublin. (B) 121 mi / 200 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ART & ARCHITECTURE: Hillsborough Castle is called the “grandest house in County Down” with an equally grand history of royal and political residents. Today, the Irish “big house” near Belfast is the official home of Northern Ireland's secretary of state and of the Royal Family when they visit.
Ireland's Capital City
Take a morning orientation drive to see O'Connell Street, Georgian squares, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and Trinity College. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy this vibrant city. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CITY SIGHTS: “In Dublin's fair city where girls are so pretty,” you'll also find great personality and charm. The charisma of Dubliners and the bounty of pubs here is matched only by the gorgeous Georgian Squares, 12th-century St. Patrick's Cathedral, and Trinity College.
Medieval History and Crystal Making Mystery
Your first destination today is the “Marble City” of Kilkenny where there's time to enjoy one of Ireland's most quaint towns or consider a visit to its 800-year-old castle. Continue to Waterford, a stronghold founded by Danish Vikings and take a guided tour of the House of Waterford Crystal featuring the mold room and the glassblowing, cutting, and engraving departments to witness the highly skilled master craftsmen at work. (B/D) 119 mi / 191 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LEGENDS & LORE: “There once were two cats from Kilkenny. Each thought there was one cat too many.” Find out why people from Kilkenny are often referred to as “cats” while visiting the medieval town also known as “Marble City.”
Irish Storytelling
Start the day by joining your Local Guide for a walk through Ireland's oldest city. Enjoy two cathedrals, four national monuments, and eleven centuries of rogues and rascals along the Viking Triangle. Hear their stories delivered in the witty, entertaining style of a master storyteller. Later, visit Blarney Castle, renowned for its magical Kissing Stone, before heading to the historic port and fishing town of Kinsale. (B/D) 105 mi / 171 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LEGENDS & LORE: Cut the blarney and hear the history of how telling tales is forever linked to the 15th-century castle and the village below in Blarney. One of the last estate villages that remain standing in Ireland, the village was built by an 18th-century landlord to house the castle workers there. It's true!
Heaven on Earth
Board your private boat for the short crossing to Garinish Island in Bantry Bay, followed by a walk in between the flowering trees and shrubs of this lush, tropical island. Then, a panoramic drive around part of Ireland's spectacular southwest peninsula, the Ring of Kerry, before arriving in the vibrant town of Killarney. (B) 100 mi / 158 km.
LOCAL FAVORITE - PICTURE PERFECT: In the sheltered harbour of Glengarriff in Southwest Ireland's Bantry Bay lies a place called heaven by frequent visitor, George Bernard Shaw. Stepping off your private boat onto the slip here, you'll soon discover why this lush garden island and home to the historic Bryce house has enamored generations of visitors, including mystery author Agatha Christie. Explore this horticultural heaven with a walk through one of the most renowned gardens in Europe.
Rugged Good Looks
Enjoy panoramic views along Dingle Peninsula on the way to the Blasket Island Centre. Learn about the way of life and unique literary achievements on the string of remote offshore islands evacuated by the last inhabitants in 1953. Return to Killarney via the town of Dingle and enjoy some free time. (B/D) 107 mi / 172 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LEGENDARY LIVES: Irish history comes alive on the Dingle Peninsula with a view beyond the breathtaking shores of the Wild Atlantic Way, where Irish families once lived off the land and sea on the Blasket Islands. The Blasket Islands Centre on the peninsula's edge tells the story of these hearty people and their stories that live on in the prolific Irish literature of the 1800s islanders. Today, the town of Dingle is a vibrant spot and mecca for curious characters, artists, and artisans.
Irish Eyes & Cheeky Rhymes
Complete your stay in Killarney with a visit to Muckross House, situated in the heart of Ireland's oldest National Park. Later, stop at the quaint village of Adare and admire its pretty thatched cottages before returning to Limerick for some free time. (B) 68 mi / 110 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - PHOTO OPS: There once was a town called Adare, with charm that was beyond compare.. Adare's charming thatched-roof cottages create visual poetry in County Limerick, some say the prettiest village in Ireland.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Visit to the Cliffs of Moher
- Rathbaun Farm visit with scone baking, coffee, and sheep herding demonstration
- Visit to Kylemore Abbey, home to an order of Benedictine Sisters
- Guided walking tour on the city walls of Derry
- Visit to Giant's Causeway
- Visit to Blarney Castle
- Globus Choice Excursions in Belfast – included in your tour with your choice of a walking tour of Belfast or visit to The Titanic Experience
- Guided tour of Hillsborough Castle
- Orientation drive in Dublin
- Guided tour of the House of Waterford Crystal
- Private boat crossing and visit to Garinish Island
- Visit to Muckross House in the heart of Killarney National Park
- 11 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners
- Limerick: Clayton Hotel Limerick (Superior First-Class):
Experience what Limerick has to offer first hand at Clayton Hotel Limerick - the friendliness of the people, the vibrancy of the riverside City, the sporting passion, the history, the rural majesty of County Limerick and lots more. - Clifden: Station House Hotel (First-Class):
The Clifden Station House Hotel Connemara is a modern hotel set around the old Clifden Railway Station in Galway. More than 70 years ago the last Steam Train departed from Clifden to Galway. Today the Railway Station, its Station House Platform and Engine House have been magnificently restored and transformed into The Clifden Station House Hotel and Courtyard. Clifden Station House Hotel Connemara combines old brick and native oak, with quintessential Irish hospitality and all the facilities of a new International standard hotel. - Sligo: Sligo Park Hotel and Leisure Club (Superior First-Class):
Located on the Wild Atlantic Way, just on the edge of Sligo Town, the hotel is set in quiet parkland, surrounded by some of the scenic Irish countryside. Hotel facilities include 16 meter swimming pool, sauna, tennis court, plunge pool, fully equipped gym, and holistic treatment suite. There is an on-site award winning Hazelwood Restaurant and Jack B's Bar. The stylish and well-appointed rooms offer all the amenities such as tea/coffee facilities and complimentary Wi-Fi. - Belfast: The Clayton Hotel Belfast (First-Class):
Step straight out of the Clayton Hotel and into the heart of Belfast's city center; you'll find it minutes from central landmarks like Belfast City Hall and Victoria Square shopping center. You can watch the world go by on cosmopolitan Ormeau Avenue as you dine in the hotel's glass-fronted restaurant, enjoy a drink in Junction Bar, or retreat in the Spirit Heath & Beauty Club, an oasis with its own heated pool and Fitness Centre. The air-conditioned bedrooms feature satellite TV, free Wi-Fi access, work desk, hairdryer, iron/ironing board, and tea/coffee making facilities. - Dublin: Royal Marine Hotel (Superior First-Class):
The Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire is an historic and much-loved luxury landmark hotel, dating back to 1828, located in a prime South Dublin position overlooking Dublin Bay. - Waterford: Granville Hotel (Superior First-Class):
The Granville, a boutique hotel in the center of Waterford's historic and shopping district, overlooking the marina. Dating back to the early 1700's, The Granville is one of Ireland's most historic hotels. Stained glass, tapestries, and wood panelling lend to the charm of it. There are standard modern amenities in all bedrooms such as flat screen TVs, 24 hour room service, hairdryer and tea and coffee making facilities. There is an AA Rosette awarded Bianconi Restaurant to sample delicious local food. - Kinsale: Trident (Superior First-Class):
The Trident is four star hotel, spectacularly located on the water's edge overlooking Kinsale Harbour. The hotel has 75 bedrooms all with beautiful sea views. The Pier One Restaurant is a member of the famous Kinsale Good Food Circle and is one of the only restaurants in Kinsale with water views and guests can choose from an extensive menu including the freshest of locally caught seafood and other local produce. - Killarney: Killarney Towers Hotel (Superior First-Class):
Killarney Towers Hotel offers spacious and bright rooms, designed, furnished and decorated with comfort and convenience in mind. The hotel boasts restaurants, bars, a concierge service and on-site fitness facilities.
- 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.
- This tour includes some steep steps involved in reaching the Kissing Stone at Blarney Castle. Some walking on rough terrain on Garnish Island.
- We encourage all guests to prebook their preferred included Globus Choice Excursions to ensure your selection is available. If your preference is not selected 35 days prior to departure, we will select a Choice excursion on your behalf based on availability.
Don't waste your precious time qeuing up, skip the lines with special VIP access at the must-see sites. Read more
Globus has the recipe for a great vacation. Savour the flavours of the UK & Ireland through its regional cuisine. Read more
Travel with expert Tour Directors and Local Guides who share their vast knowledge of the destination. Read more
Globus picks hotels picked on their centralised location, so you'll stay right in the heart of the destination. Read more
Globus' coaches offer one of the most comfortable, stress-free and eco-friendly ways to travel. Read more
Do as the locals do and enjoy unique experiences that you wouldn't find touring on your own. Read more
Trip Reviews (5) Most Recent 'Scenic Ireland' Reviews
Download Brochure
Globus Worldwide (2025-26)
Dates & Pricing
USD
Welcome Back Credit
GJ Loyalty Discount
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.
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 Globus. 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.
Similar Tours
