Overview
Itinerary
Meet your Travel Director and fellow guests before setting out with your Local Expert for a city tour that reveals the layers of Dublin's past. Trace the capital's transformation from Viking settlement to Georgian grandeur, stopping at St. Patrick's Cathedral—established in 1191 on a site long associated with Ireland's patron saint. Here, you'll learn how the cathedral became a national religious symbol and the former seat of Jonathan Swift.
This evening, gather for dinner to toast the start of your journey and sample Dublin's celebrated hospitality. (D) Stay: Camden Court, Dublin
This morning, visit the estate of Powerscourt, where you'll take part in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience that supports the restoration of Ireland's natural heritage. With its formal terraces, Japanese gardens and a backdrop of the Great Sugar Loaf Mountain, Powerscourt has been voted one of the world's top ten gardens by National Geographic. Learn how ongoing conservation efforts are helping to preserve its biodiversity and historic landscape for future generations.
Return to Dublin with the afternoon free to explore. You might choose to visit the National Museum, browse the galleries of the Hugh Lane or enjoy a pint at the Guinness Storehouse. Or, join an Optional Experience of food and fun at a Dublin Dinner and Cabaret. (B)
Visit the Irish National Stud to discover Ireland's celebrated role in thoroughbred breeding and see retired champions grazing the paddocks. In Cork, your Travel Director introduces the city's independent spirit, from the 18th-century English Market brimming with local produce to Georgian avenues and the colourful quays of the River Lee. With your evening at leisure, opt for an Optional Experience of traditional Irish entertainment, featuring local musicians and a hearty pub dinner, an authentic taste of Cork's vibrant music scene. (B) Stay: The Kingsley, Cork
Today's Insight Choice gets you up close and personal to one of the icons of Ireland, Blarney Castle, the Witch's Kitchen and Wishing Steps gardens and, of course, the famous stone—said to bestow the 'gift of the gab' upon whoever kisses it. Or, go beyond the castle and don't miss the chance to amble the 1,500-acre grounds. After your visit to the stone or stroll through the grounds, head west to Killarney.
Tonight's Dine-Around invites you to enjoy your pick of Irish specialities. Then finish your day with an Optional Experience of traditional Irish song, music, and dance. (B/D) Stay: Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa, Killarney
Famous for its 'forty shades of green,' the Ring of Kerry has inspired writers and poets for centuries. Drink in the beauty of the coastal drive lined with beaches, colourful seaside villages and views of the Atlantic Ocean. You'll be astounded by even more icons of Ireland as you venture inland to a mountainous region dotted with lakes and green woodlands. Enhance your discovery over an Optional Experience Jaunting Cart Ride through Bourn Vincent National Park.
Upon arrival back in Killarney, end your day with a decadent three-course dinner infused with Irish flavours. (B/D)
Begin the day with a ferry crossing of the Shannon Estuary before arriving at the towering Cliffs of Moher. Perched at 700 feet, take in views of the Clare Coast and the pounding Atlantic, where colonies of puffins make their homes. The area is home to Guillemot and Razorbills, Peregrine Falcon, Kittiwake and Fulmar as well as endangered bird species including Choughs. Full of fascinating insights, make your way through the rocky landscape of the Burren to Galway Bay. (B/D) Stay: Radisson Red Galway
Ireland's cultural center and festival capital, Galway hosts 122 festivals per year. One might say the city's artistic side is reflected in actor Peter O'Toole, who had a strong connection with Galway. O'Toole claimed that he was born in Galway before being taken to England as a baby and built a house outside Clifden in the county. You'll feel Galway's fun, bohemian vibe come to life over an orientation tour. Your Travel Director introduces you to the sights including Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President John F. Kennedy.
With the rest of the day at leisure, continue to explore this bustling port city on your own or join an optional trip across to Aran Islands. (B)
Leave Galway behind and journey into the wild beauty of Connemara, where mountain passes and stone-walled fields lead to the Atlantic coast. Embark on a scenic cruise along Killary Fjord, Ireland's only fjord, stretching 16 kilometres between the peaks of Connemara and Mayo. Learn how glacial forces shaped this dramatic inlet and keep an eye out for seals and sea birds.
Continue to Kylemore Abbey, a Neo-Gothic estate set against a tranquil lake. Walk through its Victorian walled garden and learn the story of the Benedictine nuns who still reside here. Traverse the remote valleys and boglands of Connemara en route to Clifden, where you'll enjoy a traditional dinner and overnight stay at Abbeyglen Castle, a 19th-century manor offering views over the bay. (B/D) Stay: Abbeyglen Castle, Clifden
Journey east to Athlone, a strategic crossing on the River Shannon since medieval times. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the town—perhaps step inside Athlone Castle, which dates to the 13th century, or visit Sean's Bar, reputedly Ireland's oldest pub with origins as early as AD 900. Alternatively, join an Optional Experience and cruise the Shannon in a Viking-style boat, learning about the town's riverfront history.
Later, return to Dublin for your final evening. You'll have time for some last-minute shopping on Grafton Street or one final Guinness in a traditional pub, before gathering with your fellow travellers for a memorable dinner to reflect on your journey through Ireland. (B/D) Stay: Camden Court, Dublin
As the curtain falls on a memorable journey with new friends, say a fond slán go fóill to Dublin and the 'Emerald Isle'. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Cork: Ireland's second city - "Rebel Cork" dates back to the 7th century. Your Travel Director will show you the Grand Parade and South Mall, along with City Hall and the Opera House on an insightful orientation tour encompassing the development of the religious settlement of St. Finbarr, to Viking raiding and settlement, to the creation of the Norman city and Merchant Princes. You'll love learning the tales and history of this port city and enjoy hearing the lilt of the Cork accent.
- Ring of Kerry: 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.
- Cliffs of Moher: Towering cliffs and the dramatic sea, the Cliffs of Moher has inspired countless travellers. Visit the Exhibition Centre 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.
- Galway: Fascinating stories and interesting locals take centre 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.
- Connemara: With a striking Victorian Walled Garden and turreted church, Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey is a sight to behold. Dig into the Abbey's history, discovering how it was founded in 1920 for Benedictine Nuns who fled Belgium in World War I.
- Killary Fjord: Glide through the glacial waters of Ireland's only fjord, framed by the rugged peaks of Connemara and Mayo. As you cruise this 16-kilometre inlet, learn how ancient ice shaped the landscape and hear stories of coastal life past and present from your onboard guide. Keep watch for seals and sea birds along the shoreline.
- Dublin: History and famous figures. St. Patrick's Cathedral is one of the few buildings left from medieval Dublin. It is also on this site where St. Patrick reputedly baptized the local Celtic chieftains in the 5th century. The cathedral was later built between 1191 and 1270 and has come to be famous for its choir, also Ireland's oldest. The cathedral's burial site of author Jonathan Swift is one of approximately 700 burials on the site.
- Kildare: Horse racing is key part of Irish culture; and you'll gain a rare insight into it on your visit to the Irish National Stud. Set in Kildare at the breeding ground of champions and the birthplace of legends, explore the foaling unit, museum and the stallions that continue to make racing history. As the only stud farm in Ireland open to the public, learn the insights of horse-racing at a site whose former visitors include queens and presidents.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Blarney: Your up close and personal encounter with the lush gardens of the Blarney Castle estate is brought to life on a guided tour with a senior gardener. On your stroll enhanced by your expert's insights, learn about the arboretum's rare trees, mystical Druid rock formations and the Bog Garden boasting three 600-year-old yew trees.
- 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.
- Wicklow: Stroll through the manicured formal gardens and terraces, passing the striking statues, lakes and secret hollows of Powerscourt Gardens. Savor taking in the wonder of nature curated by world-class gardeners. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
- 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 Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Dublin: Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner, an opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers.
- Killarney: Choose from a fine selection of local restaurants on your Dine-Around evening.
- Dublin: Celebrate a memorable journey in Ireland on your final night out in Dublin - hub of food and drink culture including the Guinness factory. In 1759, Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000-year lease on St James Gate Brewery. After your final night out in Dublin, Guinness will be awaiting your return to the Emerald Isle.
- Dining Summary: 6 Dinners (D), 9 Breakfasts (B)
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's 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.
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
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Insight Vacations Europe, Britain & the World (2025-26)
Dates & Pricing
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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 Insight Vacations. 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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