Enchanting Emerald Isle Summer 2024

Enchanting Emerald Isle Summer 2024

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8 Days From

$2725

$2200

Enchanting Emerald Isle Summer 2024

8 Days Starting and ending in Dublin

Visiting: Dublin, Strokestown, Ballina, Westport, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Blarney, Kilkenny

Tour operator:

Brendan Vacations

Tour code:

BREDZN19

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

25 - 45

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

6-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:
English
Interests:

History

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From:
$2725
$2200 (USD) Operator discount: -$409 The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$116 -19%

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

Tour Overview

Step into this most enchanting of Ireland trips, revealing what life is like on the island. Breathe in the fresh Galway air and wander the flower-scented gardens of Kylemore Abbey.

Highlights

  • Dublin

  • Strokestown

  • Ballina

  • Westport

  • Galway

  • Cliffs of Moher

  • Killarney

  • Ring of Kerry

  • Blarney

  • Kilkenny

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Places You'll See

Cliffs Of Moher

Itinerary

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Day 1: Hello Dublin

Location: Dublin

Accommodation: Sandymount Hotel

Meals Included: Welcome Reception

A warm welcome to Dublin, a modern multi-cultural city that embraces its past and exudes an enduring sense of fun. Meet your Local Specialist this afternoon for a guided city tour to view the elegant Georgian Squares and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Visit Trinity College and see the Book of Kells, said to be the world's most famous medieval manuscript. This evening sees you visiting EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum, for some drinks and canapes.

Day 2: Experience Irish History And On To Ballina Dive Into Culture

Location: Dublin, Strokestown, Ballina

Accommodation: Great National Ballina

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Journey through the lush green countryside before your first stop at Strokestown where we will Dive Into Culture at the Irish Famine Museum, delving into the stories of the 1840s famine. See the haunting pleas of starving tenants on the estate and the response they received, before continuing to Ballina.

Day 3: Journey To Westport And Galway

Location: Ballina, Westport, Galway

Accommodation: Connacht

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel to Westport and meet your Local Specialist for a walking tour during which you’ll learn about the town's heritage – from its settlement 5,000 years ago to modern-day times. Later, visit the Benedictine monastery of Kylemore Abbey, set against the striking backdrop of Lake Kylemore, and stroll through its walled Victorian gardens. We continue to Galway, the 'City of Tribes', where we'll see Galway Cathedral and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

Day 4: The Iconic Cliffs Of Moher And Onwards To Killarney

Ethan

Location: Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney

Accommodation: Killarney Towers

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our first stop today is the Cliffs of Moher, you’ll remember for years to come as you watch the cliffs plunge dramatically into the Atlantic waters below. Beyond the endless views and the opportunity to capture on film the colonies of curious-looking puffins that find sanctuary in its nooks and crannies, you’ll have an opportunity to visit the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience which really brings this natural phenomenon to life in an interactive way, leaving you with a deep understanding of this special place. Later, we cross the Shannon Estuary by ferry to Killarney, our home for the next two nights. Spend a free evening soaking up some unforgettable Irish craic or delve into the town's centuries-old history.

Day 5: A Day On The Ring Of Kerry

Location: Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Killarney

Accommodation: Killarney Towers

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Dramatic vistas are ours to enjoy as we circle the achingly beautiful Ring of Kerry – one of the most scenic drives on the 'Emerald Isle'. Meet John, a seaweed advocate and educator for a seaweed foraging walk, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. See a soul-stirring landscape that has inspired poets, artists and writers for centuries. Next, a leisurely guided walk at Torc Waterfall with a Local Specialist taking you along the lakeshore and past the farmlands of the 19th-century Muckross Estate.

Day 6: Venture To Blarney And Medieval Kilkenny Connect With Locals

Location: Killarney, Blarney, Kilkenny

Accommodation: Hotel Kilkenny

Meals Included: Breakfast

Kiss the famous Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle and receive the 'gift of the gab'. This afternoon we arrive in Kilkenny where we have some free time to explore, or possibly join an Optional Experience to a local pub for an afternoon of music.

Day 7: Return To Lively Dublin

Location: Kilkenny, Dublin

Accommodation: Clayton Dublin Airport

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Kilkenny holds a long history for Ireland's national sport - hurling. Meet an experienced player to gain exciting insight to this unique Irish cultural experience and have a go for yourself to pitch. Returning to the Irish capital, Connect with Locals with the Fulvio family, over a Be My Guest lunch at Glenealy House. In the evening, all that's left to say is a rousing sláinte or two while you indulge in a memorable Farewell Dinner, enjoying a fun night out at a classic public house in the city. Admire the authentic Victorian bar and walk up the original staircase from Trinity College, which was featured in the Michael Caine film 'Educating Rita'.

Day 8: Farewell Ireland

Location: Dublin

Meals Included: Breakfast

It’s time to close the chapter on an unforgettable Irish holiday. We bid our newfound friends and Travel Director a fond farewell. Find out more about your free airport transfer at http://www.brendanvacations.com//freetransfers.

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)

  • Ferry across the Shannon estuary

  • Optional Experiences and free time

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What's Not Included

  • Insurance

  • International Travel

Mode of Transport

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys), Ferry across the Shannon estuary

Accommodation

Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

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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Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Sunday

May 19, 2024 - May 26, 2024
$2775 $2241 (USD)

Operator discount: -$416 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$118 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Sunday

Jun 02, 2024 - Jun 09, 2024
$2775 $2636 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$139 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Sunday

Jun 16, 2024 - Jun 23, 2024
$2775 $2636 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$139 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Sunday

Jul 14, 2024 - Jul 21, 2024
$2795 $2257 (USD)

Operator discount: -$419 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$119 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Sunday

Jul 28, 2024 - Aug 04, 2024
$2795 $2257 (USD)

Operator discount: -$419 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$119 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Sunday

Aug 25, 2024 - Sep 01, 2024
$2795 $2257 (USD)

Operator discount: -$419 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$119 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 08, 2024 - Sep 15, 2024
$2795 $2257 (USD)

Operator discount: -$419 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$119 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 22, 2024 - Sep 29, 2024
$2775 $2241 (USD)

Operator discount: -$416 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$118 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Sunday

Oct 06, 2024 - Oct 13, 2024
$2725 $2200 (USD)

Operator discount: -$409 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$116 (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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