Best of Ireland Summer 2024

Best of Ireland Summer 2024

48 Views
10 Days From

$3075

$2483

Best of Ireland Summer 2024

10 Days Starting and ending in Dublin

Visiting: Dublin, Kilkenny, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Limerick, Cliffs of Moher, Connemara National Park, Knock

Tour operator:

Brendan Vacations

Tour code:

IRBOZN19

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

25 - 45

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

6-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:
English
Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From:
$3075
$2483 (USD) Operator discount: -$461 The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$131 -19%

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

An in-depth encounter with the Best of Ireland awaits, from spectacular sights like the Cliffs of Moher and Ring of Kerry to the past and present showcased in Dublin, Galway and pretty Adare. You’ll learn all about Irish famine history, former kings and how to embrace the craic. Write your own lively tale of legends and iconic landscapes during this epic encounter with Ireland's treasures.

Highlights

  • Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House

  • Kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle

  • Adare village walk

  • See Limerick's iconic landmarks

  • Visit Bunratty Castle and Folk Park

  • Visit the turreted Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey

  • Visit the Marian Shrine in Knock

  • Scenic Drive of the Ring of Kerry

Places You'll See

Cliffs Of Moher

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Welcome To Ireland

Location: Dublin

Accommodation: Clayton Ballsbridge, Sandymount Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Write your own lively tale of legends and iconic landscapes during this epic encounter with Ireland's treasures. We begin our journey in the whimsical capital of Dublin, joining a Local Specialist to see the sights. A special Welcome Dinner this evening sees you visiting EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum.

Day 2: Through The Scenic County Wicklow And Waterford To Kilkenny Dive Into Culture

Location: Kilkenny

Accommodation: Hotel Kilkenny

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Journey through the scenic countryside of County Wicklow, 'The Garden of Ireland', and on to New Ross – the ancestral home town of John F. Kennedy. Dive Into Culture and gain insights into the plight of the starving Irish emigrants who boarded the Dunbrody Famine Ship to flee the potato famine. We continue to Waterford. This afternoon, we celebrate the centuries-old craft of flint glass creations, as we Dive Into Culture at the House of Waterford Crystal and witness talented master craftsmen at work. Arrive in Kilkenny where we will stay for the night.

Day 3: Journey To Blarney And On To Killarney

Location: Killarney

Accommodation: Killarney Towers

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, we travel through County Cork and pursue the 'gift of the gab' at Blarney Castle, where you'll have a chance to kiss the famous stone. Arrive in Killarney for a two-night stay.

Day 4: A Day On The Ring Of Kerry

Location: Ring of Kerry

Accommodation: Killarney Towers

Meals Included: Breakfast

Ireland's soul-stirring Ring of Kerry takes centre stage today as we embark on a scenic drive past its mountains, lakes and lush green countryside – unquestionably one of the most scenic routes in Ireland. We'll see Daniel O'Connell's Cahirciveen, the fishing village of Waterville, Moll's Gap and the Black Valley, whose remoteness saw it become the last area in Ireland to receive electricity.

Day 5: Onwards To Lively Limerick

Location: Limerick

Accommodation: Greenhills, The Inn at Dromoland

Meals Included: Breakfast

We continue through the windswept countryside, arriving in Adare, one of the prettiest villages in Ireland. On arrival in Limerick, we will enjoy views of St. Mary's Cathedral, the Treaty Stone and the 13th-century King John's Castle during an orientation tour. Delve into an Ireland of old, as you discover the day-to-day life of the Irish during the 18th and 19th centuries on your included visit to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park this afternoon.

Day 6: Admire The Cliffs Of Moher And Onwards To Galway

Ethan

Location: Cliffs of Moher

Accommodation: Connacht

Meals Included: Breakfast

The sheer Cliffs of Moher plunge dramatically into the Atlantic Ocean, providing endless ocean views and wonderful photographic opportunities during your experience at this UNESCO-listed highlight along the Wild Atlantic Way. You’ll be enchanted by its irresistible landscapes, but more so the interactive visitor centre which will bring the whole experience to life from the perspective of the resident wildlife that find sanctuary here. Later, we arrive in Galway with some time at leisure to see its beautiful stone Cathedral or stroll through Eyre Square.

Day 7: A Day Exploring Stunning Connemara

Location: Connemara National Park

Accommodation: Connacht

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Connemara's 'savage beauty' is yours to explore today as we tread in the footsteps of Oscar Wilde who described its 'wild and mountainous splendor' as magnificent. Stop at Brigit's Garden, a Celtic heritage garden, on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Admire the views on the scenic drive to Kylemore Abbey, now a Benedictine monastery, where we will embark on an included visit to the country's most romantic castle and walk through its exquisite Victorian Walled Garden

Day 8: A Pilgrimage To Knock And On To Sligo Connect With Locals

Location: Knock

Accommodation: Clayton

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Our journey takes us to Westport House where we'll Connect With Locals and indulge in a memorable Be My Guest experience with tales of the Pirate Queen, and enjoy Banoffee and Baileys flavours in the Drawing Room of this stately 18th-century home. Heading north, we stop in the pilgrimage town of Knock to view the Marian Shrine where villagers witnessed an apparition of Our Lady in 1879. We arrive in Sligo this evening, our home for the night.

Day 9: Return To Lively Dublin

Location: Dublin

Accommodation: Clayton Dublin Airport, Radisson Blu Hotel Dublin Airport

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Our journey continues south to Dublin. Here we’ll enjoy some free time to take a walk down Grafton Street or stroll along the Liffey. This evening, we close the chapter on an epic journey through Ireland, joining our fellow travellers for a memorable Farewell Dinner.

Day 10: Farewell Ireland

Location: Dublin

Meals Included: Breakfast

After a hearty Irish breakfast, we bid our Travel Director and fellow travellers a fond farewell as our Irish holiday comes to an end.

What's Included

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities

  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

What's Not Included

International airfare to and from destination is not included in the price

Mode of Transport

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Accommodation

Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted. On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.

Check out our Q&As

  • Is there seat rotation on the coach?

    Yes, your Travel Director will implement a seat rotation system, whereby all guests will rotate their seats on the coach daily. This allows for everyone to experience the spectacular views from different seats, and you’ll have a better opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers.

  • Is luggage handling provided?

    On Guided Vacations and Private Chauffeur Vacations, all luggage handling is provided at no extra charge. One suitcase per person will be brought to your hotel room.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes! Our hotels are personally selected by Managing Director Catherine Reilly and personally known for their quality, impeccable service and comfort, with the majority of them having air-conditioning. Note: A few hotels may not have air conditioning due to the colder climate.

  • What are the coaches like?

    We pride ourselves on having the finest fleet of fuel-efficient, fully air-conditioned coaches – all with reclining seats and on-board restrooms. The high vantage point from your coach’s window means you can take in all the glorious scenery, whether it’s a vast rural landscape or an urban city center. We also have on board WiFi.

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    Brendan Vacations is an active supporter of the Treadright® Foundation, a not-for-profit organization established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than $2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.

  • How many people will be on my trip?

    You’ll find an average of 40 to 45 guests on trips throughout Europe.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    The beauty of taking a guided vacation with us is you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.

  • Will I have free time?

    Each itinerary offers the perfect balance of downtime and discoveries. We also give you the opportunity to tailor your trip with Optional Experiences.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Yes. If you are travelling solo but would be happy to share your rook with another traveller of the same gender, we offer 'Twin-share' pricing on our trips. However, if you prefer the privacy of your own room, you can opt for our single supplement. The cost will depend on your trip and can be found in the pricing section of the itinerary.

  • How much luggage can I bring?

    On Guided Vacations, you can bring one suitcase per person with the dimensions of 76cm x 46cm x 25cm (30" x 18" x 10") and weight not exceeding 23kg (50 lbs) due to the limited space on the coach. You can also bring one piece of hand luggage, provided it is small enough to take on the coach and does not have telescopic handles.

  • What is a Travel Director?

    Our Travel Directors come from a variety of backgrounds, but they all share a passion for travel and their homelands. These experienced professionals show you what the guidebooks can't - a true insider's perspective of Ireland and Scotland. Each Travel Director has been through a bespoke training program, and many have at least five years' experience under their belt.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents (important information, itinerary and any relevant vouchers) will be provided 7-10 days prior to your trip's departure.

  • What if I have special dietary requirements?

    We can accommodate guests who are vegetarian and can assist with diabetic, gluten-free and other medically-recommended diets. Please advise us at time of booking. Unfortunately, we're unable to supply meals in accordance with strict religious requirements. We cannot provide salt-free, Kosher, Halal, requests for specific dietary supplements such as soy milk, and high protein or low-carb meals.

Reviews of this Operator

Krista Erickson (Google Reviewer)  

Do you want to see...

23-Apr-2020

Do you want to see Ireland your way? Brendan Vacations did an amazing job setting us up with a Self-Drive through the county. They reserved a Hertz vehicle which we found the rental process to be seamless, placed us in wonderful hotels near city centers per our request and even suggested some places to visit and eat. We tend to be bucket list seekers so climbing Ireland’s country highpoint Carrauntoohil in beautiful County Kerry was a highlight of our trip. Our next stop is Scotland and hiking up Ben Nevis with the help of Brendan Vacations the true Celtic Experts.

Mackenzie Gerber (Google Reviewer)  

Brendan Vacations made all my...

23-Apr-2020

Brendan Vacations made all my Ireland dreams come true. My husband and I took a Private Chauffeur trip last August and we think back on it almost daily. The level of service and detail from our Chauffeur to the people behind the scenes scheduling our activities and hotels made it easy for us just to relax the entire time. Thank you to the amazing Brendan team for an unforgettable vacation.

Katie Jessup (Google Reviewer)  

This last summer I planned...

23-Apr-2020

This last summer I planned a trip to take my family to Ireland, being from England the United Kingdom has always been very special to me I just love the outdoors and the people. Living in the US my family have never visited Ireland before so I decided I wanted to plan with them a trip where we could explore this this amazing place. When we started writing down the key places that we wanted to visit we realized it was a lot from Belfast to Derry, Dublin to Galway and Killarney to Cork I was just not sure how I could piece all of this together. I decided I would look for help and the team at Brendan vacations were my superstars, all I had to do was give them my itinerary and they took care of everything else for me. They made our trip so easy and effortless to plan and they offered little extras because they knew we were a multi-generational family traveling together. They even helped us book and plan activities while we were visiting Ireland from the Cliffs of Moher to the Giants Causeway. By far my favorite moment was seeing my 7 year old daughter's face when we had the opportunity to take a horse drawn carriage ride through Killarney National Park, without my Brendan vacation specialist recommending this to me we would have missed out and I know it was a highlight for little Charlie. Thank you Brendan vacations for taking our trip personally and truly helping create memories that will last us a lifetime. We are already talking about going back to Ireland and our next adventure.

Tam (Google Reviewer)  

Brendan Vacations is amazing!!! In...

28-Apr-2020

Brendan Vacations is amazing!!! In my opinion it was the only way to fully experience Ireland. We did a private chauffeur trip with our family. There were 4 adults and 3 children ranging from 7 to 12 years old and all of us were completely entertained the entire time. From the moment we were picked up at the airport it was clear that then attention to details was unmatched. We were able to be completely immersed into the incredible culture and people of Ireland. The tour took us around most of the country from the city of Dublin to the picturesque town of Killarney. We experience the Majestic Cliffs of Moher from a unique perspective taking a ferry ride along the coastline which was beautiful. Next we went to the AMAZING Ashford castle which was straight out of a story book. There were so things to do, our family loved fishing, zipplining, horseback riding and falconry. Throughout our trip we went on walking tours in the cities, stayed in enchanting castles and manars, and even horse drawn carriage ride through a historic park surrounded by lakes and beautiful scenery. Everyday we saw unbelievable countrysides, had yummy stews and Irish ales. The people were all welcoming and nice in every city and town. Our chauffeur made us feel comfortable and was professional which made the trip fun and relaxing throughout our many adventures. Ireland was full of rich history, memorable landscapes, music and dancing. We can't thank Brendan Vacations enough for making our vacation stress free and so unforgettable, what an adventure!

Amy Yarruhs (Google Reviewer)  

I did the Irish Highlights...

02-Feb-2024

I did the Irish Highlights tour last October and it blew any expectations I had of guided tours out of the water! It was my first time out of the US and they made it so easy and comfortable. Our Travel Director, Maeve, and Driver, Stevie, were absolutely wonderful and super knowledgeable. The whole trip was very organized and well-planned. There were 2 main experiences that stand out to me as different than other tour companies. The first were the Make Travel Matter experiences which were hosted by locals and focused on sustainability (a huge plus for me) and their Be My Guest experience where we got to eat in celebrity chef, Catherine Fulvio's farmhouse! I still dream about her cooking months later. All in all, I would highly recommend Brendan Vacations and I can't wait to visit Ireland again.

Dates & Availability

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Friday - Sunday

May 24, 2024 - Jun 02, 2024
$3050 $2898 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$153 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Thursday

Jun 11, 2024 - Jun 20, 2024
$3050 $2898 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$153 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Friday - Sunday

Jun 21, 2024 - Jun 30, 2024
$3050 $2898 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$153 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Friday - Sunday

Jun 28, 2024 - Jul 07, 2024
$3075 $2483 (USD)

Operator discount: -$461 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$131 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Friday - Sunday

Jul 05, 2024 - Jul 14, 2024
$3075 $2921 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$154 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Thursday

Jul 16, 2024 - Jul 25, 2024
$3075 $2483 (USD)

Operator discount: -$461 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$131 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Friday - Sunday

Jul 26, 2024 - Aug 04, 2024
$3175 $2556 (USD)

Operator discount: -$485 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$135 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Thursday

Aug 06, 2024 - Aug 15, 2024
$3125 $2969 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$156 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Friday - Sunday

Aug 09, 2024 - Aug 18, 2024
$3125 $2515 (USD)

Operator discount: -$477 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$132 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Friday - Sunday

Aug 23, 2024 - Sep 01, 2024
$3125 $2523 (USD)

Operator discount: -$469 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$133 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Thursday

Sep 03, 2024 - Sep 12, 2024
$3050 $2599 (USD)

Operator discount: -$314 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$137 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Thursday

Sep 10, 2024 - Sep 19, 2024
$3050 $2888 (USD)

Operator discount: -$10 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$152 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Thursday

Sep 17, 2024 - Sep 26, 2024
$3050 $2599 (USD)

Operator discount: -$314 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$137 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Friday - Sunday

Sep 20, 2024 - Sep 29, 2024
$3050 $2888 (USD)

Operator discount: -$10 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$152 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Thursday

Sep 24, 2024 - Oct 03, 2024
$3050 $2599 (USD)

Operator discount: -$314 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$137 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Friday - Sunday

Sep 27, 2024 - Oct 06, 2024
$3050 $2898 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$153 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Friday - Sunday

Oct 04, 2024 - Oct 13, 2024
$3050 $2898 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$153 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Brendan Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brendan vacations charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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