Emerald Isle
Emerald Isle
Emerald Isle
10 Days Starting and ending in Dublin, Ireland
Visiting: Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Killarney, Kilkenny, Europe
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GH-2026
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
Discover the enchanting beauty of Ireland on the "Emerald Isle" tour, a captivating journey through the heart of the Emerald Isle. Begin in Dublin with an orientation drive, exploring iconic landmarks like St. Patrick's Cathedral and Trinity College. Visit the Irish National Stud in Kildare, tour the historic Strokestown House, and delve into the poignant history of the Great Irish Famine. Experience the serene Kylemore Abbey, the rugged Cliffs of Moher, and the scenic Ring of Kerry. Enjoy a jaunting car ride in Killarney National Park, and explore the medieval charm of Kilkenny. Conclude your adventure with a guided tour of the House of Waterford Crystal. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, ensuring an unforgettable Irish experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Dublin,Ireland
Location: Dublin
Accommodation Name: The Samuel Hotel or The Gibson
Meals Included: Dinner
ARRIVE IN DUBLIN, IRELAND Céad mile fáilte—a hundred-thousand welcomes! At 3pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for an afternoon orientation drive, including O’Connell Street, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Trinity College. (D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCITY 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 legendary library of Trinity College.
Day 2: Dublin,Kildare,Strokestown,Castlebar
Location: Dublin
Accommodation Name: The Ellison Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
DUBLIN–KILDARE–STROKESTOWN–CASTLEBAR Triumphs & Tragedies KILDARE Visit the Irish National Stud.STROKESTOWN Guided tour of the 1740s mansion and gardens at Strokestown House and the Famine Museum. (B,D) 209 mi / 337 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOT Relive history at Strokestown Park House, a stunning Georgian Palladian Mansion, with its original furnishings, and stroll the walled gardens in this historic site. Get a glimpse into the lives of generations of people who lived and worked here over the centuries, each adding their own chapter to the story and leaving their mark. Witness the history of the Great Irish Famine with a visit to the National Famine Museum to learn about the most devastating and tragic event in Irish history.
Day 3: Castlebar,Kylemore,Galway
Location: Galway
Accommodation Name: Galmont Hotel and Spa or Salthill Hotel Galway
Meals Included: Breakfast
CASTLEBAR–KYLEMORE–GALWAY Wild Atlantic Way and Irish Roses KYLEMORE Visit the Benedictine Abbey. GALWAY Free time this afternoon. (B) 89 mi / 143 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURE & TRADITION Nestled between the woodlands and lakeshore near Galway City, Kylemore Abbey is home to the Benedictine Sisters who have been in residence since 1920 in a life of prayer, work, and community. The history of this stunning abbey reaches back to the 1800s as the estate of Irish patriot Mitchell Henry. Visit the abbey where handmade chocolates, wild Irish honey and traditional fuchsia pottery are sold. Stroll the lovely grounds of Ireland’s largest walled garden in the heart of the Connemara countryside.
Day 4: Galway. Excursion To The Aran Islands
Location: Galway
Accommodation Name: Galmont Hotel and Spa or Salthill Hotel Galway
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
GALWAY. EXCURSION TO THE ARAN ISLANDS Islands of Saints & Scholars GALWAY Ferry crossing to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands.INISHMORE Stop in for a light lunch at [LF] Joe Watty’s pub and hear from a local who shares stories about life on Inishmore Island. A minibus tour of the island with a local guide-driver includes a visit to the prehistoric clifftop fort of Dun Aengus. (B,L) 45 mi / 72 kmLOCAL FAVORITETRADITION & CULTURE Joe Watty’s Bar & Seafood Restaurant on Inishmore Island is the place for good food, Gaelic music, and craic (good company). Unwind beside the fire or enjoy a Guinness in the beer garden to watch the world go by and learn a cúpla focal (few words of Irish) from some of the locals.
Day 5: Galway,Cliffs Of Moher,Limerick
Location: Galway
Accommodation Name: Limerick Strand Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
GALWAY–CLIFFS OF MOHER–LIMERICK Sheep, Scones & Ancient Stones RATHBAUN Visit Rathbaun Farm and [LF] try your hand at scone baking, learn about sheep herding, and enjoy coffee and scones. CLARE COAST See the rocky landscapes of The Burren and stop to take photos of the prehistoric megalith at Poulnabrone Dolmen.CLIFFS OF MOHER Visit the 668-foot-high cliffs above the Atlantic Ocean. LIMERICK Free time this evening. (B) 115 mi / 185 kmLOCAL FAVORITELOCAL 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 longtime tradition of sheep farming in this beautiful Irish landscape.
Day 6: Limerick,Foynes,Dingle Peninsula,Killarney
Location: Limerick
Accommodation Name: Brehon Hotel Killarney or Dingle Skellig Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
LIMERICK–FOYNES–DINGLE PENINSULA–KILLARNEY Daring Young Men & Flying Machines FOYNES Take a guided tour of the Flying Boat & Maritime Museum, followed by Irish coffee demonstration and tasting.DINGLE PENINSULA Enjoy a scenic drive on Slea Head promontory. (B,D) 159 mi / 255 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDS & LORE Experience the era of transatlantic passenger flights, and the maritime legends of the River Shannon with a visit to the fantastic Flying Boat & Maritime Museum in Foynes, home to the world's only full-size replica of a B314 flying boat, commemorating this Irish town’s role in early passenger flights across the Atlantic and the legendary flying boats that carried celebrities, royals, and refugees alike. Learn about the daring history and folklore of Ireland’s longest river.
Day 7: Killarney. Excursion To Ring Of Kerry
Location: Killarney
Accommodation Name: Brehon Hotel Killarney or Dingle Skellig Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
KILLARNEY. EXCURSION TO RING OF KERRY A Jaunting Good Time RING OF KERRY Panoramic drive around part of Ireland’s southwestern peninsula.KILLARNEY Take a horse-drawn jaunting-car ride through the national park (B) 99 mi / 159 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL 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 1,000-foot McGillycuddy’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.
Day 8: Killarney,Blarney,Waterford
Location: Killarney
Accommodation Name: Tower Hotel or Granville Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
KILLARNEY–BLARNEY–WATERFORD Fine Crystal & The Gift of Gab KILLARNEY Cross the Kerry Mountains into County Cork.BLARNEY Visit the village known for its magical Kissing Stone.WATERFORD Take a guided tour of the House of Waterford Crystal. (B,D) 126 mi / 203 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDS & LORE Cut the blarney and hear the history of how telling tales is forever linked to the 15th-century castle and the village below in Blarney. One of the last estate villages that remain standing in Ireland, the village was built by an 18th-century landlord to house the castle workers there. It’s true!
Day 9: Waterford,Kilkenny,Dublin Medieval & Modern Irish Capitals Kilkenny
Location: Kilkenny
Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn Dublin City Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast
WATERFORD–KILKENNY–DUBLIN MEDIEVAL & MODERN IRISH CAPITALS KILKENNY Time to explore one of Ireland’s most quaint towns.DUBLIN Free time this afternoon. (B) 111 mi / 179 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOT Time to explore the city of Kilkenny, referred to as the "Marble City" because of the widespread use of local black limestone to construct many local buildings. The "Medieval Mile" is the city's main thoroughfare and is lined with medieval landmarks, quaint shops and charming pubs. Today Kilkenny is renowned for its active arts and crafts scene.
Day 10: Dublin
Location: Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at various hotels including The Samuel Hotel in Dublin, The Ellison Hotel in Castlebar, Galmont Hotel and Spa in Galway, Limerick Strand Hotel in Limerick, Brehon Hotel Killarney in Killarney, and Tower Hotel in Waterford.
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Meals
Full buffet breakfast daily; 1 lunch; 4 three-course dinners.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours of Strokestown House and the Famine Museum, Kylemore Abbey, and the House of Waterford Crystal.
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Local Experiences
Visit to Joe Watty’s pub on Inishmore Island, scone baking at Rathbaun Farm, and Irish coffee demonstration and tasting at the Flying Boat & Maritime Museum.
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Transportation
Ferry crossing to Inishmore, horse-drawn jaunting-car ride through Killarney National Park, and scenic drives including the Ring of Kerry and Slea Head promontory.
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Small Group Discoveries
Limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure, ensuring extra space and personalized experiences.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.
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Optional Activities
Any optional activities or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
Meals
Full buffet breakfast daily; 1 lunch; 4 three-course dinners
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus Europe escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized European tour—without the crowds.
Accommodation
Stay in luxurious hotels including The Samuel Hotel and The Gibson in Dublin, The Ellison Hotel in Castlebar, Galmont Hotel and Spa and Salthill Hotel in Galway, Limerick Strand Hotel, Brehon Hotel and Dingle Skellig Hotel in Killarney, and Tower Hotel and Granville Hotel in Waterford.
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably by ferry to Inishmore, and enjoy scenic drives through Ireland's picturesque landscapes, including the Dingle Peninsula and the Ring of Kerry. Experience a horse-drawn jaunting-car ride in Killarney National Park.
Notes
This tour includes some walking on rough terraine included on the Aran island of Inishmore.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on the Emerald Isle tour?
The tour includes stays at various hotels such as The Samuel Hotel and The Gibson in Dublin, The Ellison Hotel in Castlebar, Galmont Hotel and Spa and Salthill Hotel in Galway, Limerick Strand Hotel in Limerick, Brehon Hotel and Dingle Skellig Hotel in Killarney, and Tower Hotel and Granville Hotel in Waterford.
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What activities are included on the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will arrive in Dublin, meet your Tour Director and travel companions at 3pm, and go on an afternoon orientation drive that includes O’Connell Street, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Trinity College.
-
What can I expect during the visit to Strokestown on Day 2?
In Strokestown, you will have a guided tour of the 1740s mansion and gardens at Strokestown House and visit the Famine Museum to learn about the Great Irish Famine.
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What is special about the visit to Kylemore Abbey on Day 3?
Kylemore Abbey is home to the Benedictine Sisters and features handmade chocolates, wild Irish honey, and traditional fuchsia pottery. You can also stroll the lovely grounds of Ireland’s largest walled garden in the heart of the Connemara countryside.
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What unique experience is offered on the Aran Islands excursion on Day 4?
On the Aran Islands, you will have a light lunch at Joe Watty’s pub, hear stories about life on Inishmore Island from a local, and take a minibus tour of the island with a local guide-driver, including a visit to the prehistoric clifftop fort of Dun Aengus.
-
What activities are included during the visit to Rathbaun Farm on Day 5?
At Rathbaun Farm, you will try your hand at scone baking, learn about sheep herding, and enjoy coffee and scones.
-
What can I expect from the visit to the Flying Boat & Maritime Museum on Day 6?
At the Flying Boat & Maritime Museum in Foynes, you will take a guided tour, followed by an Irish coffee demonstration and tasting. The museum features the world’s only full-size replica of a B314 flying boat.
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What is included in the Ring of Kerry excursion on Day 7?
The Ring of Kerry excursion includes a panoramic drive around part of Ireland’s southwestern peninsula and a horse-drawn jaunting-car ride through Killarney National Park.
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What will I experience in Blarney on Day 8?
In Blarney, you will visit the village known for its magical Kissing Stone and take a guided tour of the House of Waterford Crystal.
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What is special about the visit to Kilkenny on Day 9?
In Kilkenny, you will have time to explore the city, known as the 'Marble City' for its use of local black limestone. The city features the 'Medieval Mile' with medieval landmarks, quaint shops, and charming pubs, and is renowned for its active arts and crafts scene.
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What meals are included in the Emerald Isle tour?
The tour includes a full buffet breakfast daily, 1 lunch, and 4 three-course dinners.
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What is the group size for the Small-Group Discoveries on this tour?
The Small-Group Discoveries are limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure, ensuring extra space between travelers while still providing an up-close and personal experience.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 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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