Overview
Itinerary
Céad mile fáilte—a hundred-thousand welcomes!
Free time. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)
Ireland's Capital City
The morning's orientation drive in the “Fair City” includes statue-lined O'Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and Oscar Wilde's 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.
Hit the Sliotar!
A unique start to the day! Learn about hurling, one of Ireland's native Gaelic games, and maybe take a shot at the goalposts yourself. Relax with a coffee after this fun experience. On to the “Marble City” of Kilkenny, to enjoy one of Ireland's most quaint towns. Consider a visit to its 800-year-old castle or enjoy its active arts and crafts scene. Overnight is in Waterford, a stronghold founded by Danish Vikings. (B/D) 122 mi / 196 km.
LOCAL FAVORITE - CULTURE & TRADITION: Hurling is a game of stick (caman) and ball (sliotar), recognized as being the oldest and fastest field sport in the world, going back 3,000 years. Today it is played around the world but is an integral part of Irish life and culture. Hear all about it from an expert and take the opportunity to give it a go!
Spend your day your way in Waterford
Explore Waterford with your choice of included Globus Choice Excursions.
- THE VIKING TRIANGLE - Join a Local Guide in Waterford for a walk through Ireland's oldest city where two cathedrals, four national monuments, and eleven centuries of rogues and rascals add up to a trifecta of tales in the Viking Triangle. Hear engaging stories of extraordinary characters, delivered in witty, entertaining style by a master storyteller.
- CRYSTAL CLEAR - The city of Waterford is synonymous with the luxury crystal manufacture that bears its name. Visit the House of Waterford Crystal for a fascinating tour featuring the molding room, and glass-blowing, cutting, and engraving departments to witness the highly skilled master craftsmen creating exquisite Waterford Crystal.
Afterwards, visit Blarney, renowned for its magical Kissing Stone. Take the opportunity to walk up to the castle or shop for traditional Irish handicrafts. You'll have some free time on arriving in Rosscarbery. (B/D) 125 mi / 202 km.
Island Life
An exciting excursion awaits today! Visit the village of Baltimore, whose heritage revolves around sailing and fishing. From there, board your ferry to Cape Clear Island. In the company of one of the islanders, learn about the lives of its 110 inhabitants. (B) 57 mi / 91 km.
LOCAL FAVORITE - A FERRY GOOD DAY: Cape Clear Island is just 3 miles long by 1 mile wide. Situated 8 miles off the coast of West Cork, it is the southernmost inhabited part of Ireland with its own distinct culture and history. An islander guide will talk about life on the island as you take a stroll from North to South Harbour. On the ferry journey to and from Cape Clear, watch for whales, leatherback turtles, dolphins, and even sharks. A truly memorable experience!
A Jaunting Good Time
The breathtaking beauty of Ireland awaits with a panoramic drive around part of Ireland's spectacular southwestern peninsula, the Ring of Kerry. In Killarney, experience a horse-drawn jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park, before discovering more of this popular town. Stop in quaint Adare to view its pretty thatched cottages, before arriving in Limerick. (B) 139 mi / 224 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - NATURAL WONDERS: County Kerry is home to the exquisite natural beauty of a rugged and mountainous expanse in Killarney National Park. A horse-drawn jaunting car ride is a great way to experience this natural wonderland, including the 3,300-foot MacGillycuddy's Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland. Nestled at the foot of these mountains, the Lakes of Killarney's shores and woodlands share this magical place with waterfalls and dramatic skies above Ross Castle.
Sheep and Scones
At the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, rising 668 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, step on to the edge of the world to admire awe-inspiring views. Visit Rathbaun Farm and try your hand at scone baking, learn from the farmer about sheep shearing and herding before enjoying coffee and your homemade scones. Continue to Galway, a popular seaside destination with a buzzing center of colorful shops and a busy café culture. (B/D) 165 mi / 266 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.
Whiskey and Waters
First today is a visit to Ahascragh distillery, Ireland's first zero emissions distillery. Enjoy lunch at a local pub in the picturesque village of Shannonbridge. Return to Birr this afternoon where you'll have plenty of free time to experience this designated Irish Heritage town. (B) 63 mi / 102 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - WHISKEY: GALORE! Ahascragh Distillery a historic old mill building has been brought back to life by careful restoration to become Ireland's first zero emissions distillery, powered completely by renewable energy and cutting-edge technology. On your guided tour you'll hear all about their award-winning passion for sustainability, from the heat pump technology to sustainable packaging, heritage preservation and community engagement. And the whiskey's good too!
The Winner's Circle
Hit your stride this morning with a trip to Ireland's horse-racing country! Enjoy a visit to the Irish National Stud in Kildare, whose thoroughbreds command respect on the racecourses of the world. Return to Dublin to enjoy free time in the fair city. (B) 98 mi / 157 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURE & TRADITION: The Irish National Stud is home to the long tradition of Ireland's love of horses. This horse breeding facility in County Kildare, considered the beating heart of Ireland's thoroughbred industry, continues to inspire all who visit. Hear about some of the world's most magnificent champion stallions that have made racing history since the turn of the 20th century.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Orientation drive in Dublin
- Hurling demonstration in Freshford
- Globus Choice Excursions in Waterford – included on your tour with your choice of a walking tour of Waterford or a visit to the House of Waterford Crystal
- Excursion to Cape Clear Island
- Horse-drawn jaunting-car ride through Killarney National Park
- Visit to Cliffs of Moher
- Rathbaun Farm visit with scone baking, coffee and sheep herding demonstration
- Visit to Ahascragh Whiskey distillery
- Pub lunch in Shannonbridge
- Visit to the Irish National Stud in Kildare
- Panoramic drive around the Ring of Kerry
- Visit to Blarney village
- 9 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners
- Dublin: The Samuel Hotel (Superior First-Class):
The Samuel is Dublin's stylish new 4-star hotel located in the heart of the city, overlooking the river Liffey, within walking distance of many shops, restaurants and historic landmarks. The hotel boasts a bar and brasserie-style restaurant. Fully air-conditioned Deluxe double and twin rooms have all the modern amenities such as dual rain fall shower, tea and coffee making facilities, high speed Wi-Fi, 43" HDTV with Chromecast streaming, iron and iron board as well as laundry service, laptop compatible in room safe, hairdryer and toiletries. - 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. - Rosscarbery: Celtic Ross Hotel (First-Class):
Rosscarbery is the perfect base from which to explore the southern stretch of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way. The family owned four star Celtic Ross Hotel, with beautiful views over Rosscarbery Bay, is located just over one hour from Cork City, offering convenient access to some of Ireland's most beautiful beaches, West Cork's historic gems, excellent golf courses, delicious locally sourced food and walks with amazing views. - Limerick: Limerick Strand Hotel (Superior First-Class):
A unique and individual hotel with an exceptional location on the Shannon. The award-winning River Restaurant and welcoming Terrace Bar & Café serve the finest quality of Irish and international cuisine, created with locally sourced produce. The Energize Health Centre features a 20-meter swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, state-of-the-art exercise and high-performance cardo & weights machines as well as a plunge pool and hydrotherapy facilities. Complimentary Wi-Fi access is available throughout the hotel. - Birr: County Arms Hotel (Superior First-Class):
A warm welcome awaits at the County Arms. The charming 18th century Georgian House Hotel and grounds in the beautiful heritage town of Birr, combines old world grandeur with contemporary design, so guests can enjoy a truly warm Irish country hospitality experience. The hotel is surrounded by superb gardens and grounds where plants and trees teem with birds, bees, and local wildlife. The hotel offers a stunning range of contemporary rooms and guests can enjoy a great selection of dishes in Hackett's Eatery or enjoy a light snack or drink in Bar 62. Birr is one of Ireland's most beautiful heritage towns, and a place where you'll find the warmest of welcomes with plenty to see and do. Just a few minutes walk from the County Arms, Birr town centre is full of independent shops and boutiques, charming cafes, and old-world Irish pubs, galleries, theatres and libraries. Birr is also the home of the famous Birr Castle and also a giant reflector telescope built in the 1840's, which for over 70 years was the biggest in the world. - Dublin: Hilton Dublin City (Superior First-Class):
Stay at the Hilton Dublin hotel and admire stunning views over the beautiful, historic Grand Canal. Set in the heart of Dublin city, this Dublin hotel is situated on the green LUAS line and is close to a wealth of local attractions and business corporations. Discover stylish wine bars and gourmet bistros just a short walk from the hotel on Grafton Street and the famous St. Stephen Green area. Unwind in one of this Dublin hotel's bright and modern Guest rooms.
- 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 walking on rough terrain on Cape Clear 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.
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Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'The Heart of Ireland' Reviews
Some days drive seemed a little long but read more to cover the miles you have to expect that. Breaks every couple of hours helped. Optional extras, some worthwhile. Local guides were all very entertaining and enjoyable.
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Globus Worldwide (2025-26)
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