Focus on Ireland - Small Group
Focus on Ireland - Small Group
$3250
Focus on Ireland - Small Group
7 Days Starting and ending in Dublin, Ireland
Visiting: Dublin, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, Cork, Kilkenny
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
25 - 45
Age range:
6-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting landscapes of Ireland with the "Focus on Ireland - Small Group" tour. Begin your adventure in Dublin, exploring iconic landmarks like St. Patrick's Cathedral and the Book of Kells. Travel to Galway, where lively streets and historic sites await. Marvel at the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher and the charming village of Adare. In Killarney, choose between a scenic jaunting car ride or a gentle hike in the national park. Experience the stunning Ring of Kerry and savor a farm-to-table dinner with local hosts. Discover the rich history of Cobh and kiss the legendary Blarney Stone. Conclude your journey in the medieval city of Kilkenny before returning to Dublin. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, natural beauty, and authentic Irish experiences.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: In Dublin’S Fair City
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Clayton Burlington Road, Dublin
Accommodation Name: Clayton Burlington Road, Dublin
Meals Included: Dinner
Begin your afternoon exploration on an orientation of Dublin with a Local Expert. Pass St. Patrick's Cathedral and Christchurch Cathedral. See the 9th century Book of Kells and walk the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College. Enjoy a warm and friendly dinner with drinks and the opportunity to mingle and get to know your fellow travelers over the course of the evening.
Day 2: To Galway, City Of The Tribes Relaxed Start
Location: Galway
Accommodation: Harbor, Galway
Accommodation Name: Harbor, Galway
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leave Dublin and set off through the delightful landscapes of the Emerald Isle. Cross Ireland's longest river, the river Shannon, to reach historic Galway, the City of the Tribes, at the mouth of the Corrib River. Easily one of Ireland’s most fun and lively cities, the streets are lined with buskers, the region is known for its famous oysters and the pubs are full of Irish charm. Join your Travel Director to see the Church of St. Nicholas, where Christopher Columbus reputedly prayed before setting off for his discovery of America. Also see the pre-medieval Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President, John F. Kennedy.
Day 3: The Cliffs Of Moher, Adare And Killarney Relaxed Start
Location: Cliffs of Moher
Accommodation: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
Accommodation Name: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Take the scenic route through the mysterious rocky limestone landscape of the Burren, with its underground caverns, streams and rare flora. Stop at the Exhibition Center, situated next to the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher with breathtaking views of the Clare Coast. Continue past the city of Limerick, stop in quaint Adare and take a relaxed village walk to see its thatched-roof cottages. In the evening, stay in the center of the action in lively Killarney. Gateway to the famous Ring of Kerry, Killarney has been welcoming travelers, who appreciate the spectacular scenery of woodlands and lakes, for over 250 years.
Day 4: Ring Of Kerry Experience Relaxed Start
Location: Ring of Kerry
Accommodation: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
Accommodation Name: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning enjoy Brendan Choice. Choose to join a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys. Alternatively, admire incredible scenery on a gentle hike with a Local Expert along the lake shore and past the grounds of Ross Castle, admiring the incredible scenery of the National Park. After, take a leisurely excursion around the magnificent Ring of Kerry with stunning views of mountains and sea. Pass through the small towns of Killorglin, where the famous Puck Fair takes place, and Cahersiveen, birthplace of the great patriot, Daniel O'Connell. Follow the narrow road as it winds along the cliffs to the fishing town of Waterville. Continue through delightful villages like Sneem and cross the peat bogs of the Black Mountains to Moll’s Gap to admire Queen Victoria’s Ladies View. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a Farm-to-Table dinner. Enjoy some Irish home cooking at the family-run kitchen of chef John Sheehan. Join John and his wife, Freda, for drinks and a personal insight into classic Irish recipes that are loved throughout the world and help preserve this intangible cultural heritage. Then, settle down for a night of great food and drink in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
Day 5: Cobh And Blarney Castle On The Way To Cork Relaxed Start
Location: Cork
Accommodation: Maldron South Mall, Cork
Accommodation Name: Maldron South Mall, Cork
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Drive to the historic port town of Cobh, which was the last port of call for the Titanic. Walk through the Queenstown Story exhibition at the Heritage Center, which recounts the era of Irish emigration and the life of this once great passenger port. Continue to visit the 15th century Blarney Castle, home of the famous Stone of Eloquence - once kissed, never forgotten! Then Continue on to Cork along the spacious Grand Parade and South Mall and see the City Hall and fine Georgian houses en route to your hotel. In the evening, raise your glass and revel in rich flavors at a lively dinner.
Day 6: Kilkenny And Dublin
Location: Kilkenny
Accommodation: Clayton Burlington Road, Dublin
Accommodation Name: Clayton Burlington Road, Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive through prime farmland to the medieval city of Kilkenny, with its majestic castle and river walk. Browse the medieval mile showcasing the hub of Ireland’s arts and crafts scene along its narrow lanes. Then, return to Dublin and your hotel. The rest of the evening is at your leisure to further explore if you wish.
Day 7: Depart Dublin
Location: Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your memorable trip comes to an end.
What's Included
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Choice Highlights
Choose between two carefully selected activities in Killarney: explore the scenery of Killarney National Park on a horse-drawn jaunting car or join a gentle hike with a nature guide.
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Top Rated Highlights
Experience top-rated highlights such as Dublin's Custom House, Galway's historic heart, Adare's village walk, Killarney's city orientation, the Ring of Kerry, Cobh's Queenstown Story, Cork's Grand Parade, and Kilkenny's medieval sights.
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Make Travel Matter®
Meet passionate restaurant owners in Killarney and learn about their farm-to-table concept, advancing UN Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption & Production.
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Additional Included Highlights
Enjoy the services of a highly-skilled Travel Director, personal radio headsets, included hotel and restaurant tips, luggage handling, complimentary Wi-Fi, and scheduled airport transfers.
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Authentic Dining
Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner in Dublin and enjoy local flavors in Cork.
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Brendan Experiences
Tour Trinity College in Dublin with a Local Expert and view the famous Book of Kells.
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Iconic Experience
Visit the Cliffs of Moher and the Blarney Stone, gaining insights into their history and significance.
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Well-being
Travel in comfort on a luxurious, air-conditioned coach with enhanced hygiene measures and physical distancing.
What's Not Included
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Flights
Flights to and from the destination are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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Optional Activities
Any optional activities or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Gratuities for Travel Director and Driver
Gratuities for the Travel Director and driver are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style and comfort aboard a luxurious, air-conditioned 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. The coach is sanitized before the start of your tour, ensuring a safe and pleasant journey across Ireland.
Dining Summary
4 Dinner (D)6 Breakfast (B)
Additional Included Highlights
Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.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 us, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Authentic Dining
Dublin: Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner, an opportunity to get to know each other over a meal.Cork: Join in the 'craic' over dinner with fabulous local flavors in a city famed for its food.
Brendan Choice
Killarney: Explore the scenery of Killarney National Park on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.Killarney: Join a gentle hike with a nature guide in Killarney National Park and admire stunning mountains, lakes, woods and waterfalls. Stroll along the lake shore and past the impressive 15th Century Ross Castle and the famous Muckross Estate, a charming 19th Century mansion and grounds. Alternatively, enjoy a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.
Brendan Experiences
Dublin: A stunning combination of cobblestone walkways, emerald-green lawns and 18th-century architectural gems, Trinity College is one of Europe’s elite universities and counts poet Oscar Wilde among its alumni. Tour the enchanting college campus with a Local Expert and discover insights into its impressive history. Enjoy access to view the famous Book of Kells, an exquisite manuscript of the four gospels of the Christian New Testament, renowned for the intricacy, detail and majesty of the illustrations.
Iconic Experience
Cliffs of Moher: Towering cliffs and the dramatic sea, the Cliffs of Moher has inspired countless travelers. Visit the Exhibition Center 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.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.
Well-being
Enjoy the comfort of the 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.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the Clayton Burlington Road in Dublin, the Harbor in Galway, and the Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, offering a blend of modern amenities and traditional charm. Enjoy the Maldron South Mall in Cork, ensuring a restful experience throughout your journey in Ireland.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are offered in Killarney during the tour?
In Killarney, you have the option to explore the scenery of Killarney National Park on a horse-drawn jaunting car with local jarveys or join a gentle hike with a nature guide to admire the stunning mountains, lakes, woods, and waterfalls. You can also stroll along the lake shore and past the impressive 15th Century Ross Castle and the famous Muckross Estate.
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What is the significance of the Queenstown Story at Cobh?
The Queenstown Story at Cobh retraces the steps of Irish emigration from the famine of 1845 to the great ocean liner era of the 1950s. It is a must-visit for those with Irish ancestors who crossed the Atlantic during this time.
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What can I expect from the Ring of Kerry experience?
The Ring of Kerry experience includes a leisurely excursion around the magnificent route with stunning views of mountains and sea. You will pass through small towns like Killorglin and Cahersiveen, follow narrow roads along cliffs to the fishing town of Waterville, and continue through delightful villages like Sneem, crossing the peat bogs of the Black Mountains to Moll’s Gap to admire Queen Victoria’s Ladies View.
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What is the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Killarney?
In Killarney, the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience involves meeting passionate restaurant owners John and Freda at their guesthouse, where you will hear about their farm-to-table concept and enjoy a meal made from fresh ingredients sourced within a five-mile radius. This experience supports sustainable consumption and the benefits of eating fresh homegrown produce.
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What historical sites are included in the Dublin orientation?
During the Dublin orientation, you will pass by St. Patrick's Cathedral and Christchurch Cathedral, see the 9th century Book of Kells, and walk the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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How many people will be on my trip?
You’ll find an average of 40 to 45 guests on trips throughout Europe.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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