Country Roads of Ireland

12 Days Starting and ending in Dublin, Ireland

Visiting: Dublin, Cork, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Galway, Derry Londonderry, Giant's Causeway, Belfast

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Tour code:

W909ZN118

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

20 - 40

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

5-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Country Roads of Ireland" tour and explore the enchanting landscapes and rich history of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Begin your journey in Dublin, where you'll see iconic landmarks like the Custom House and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Wander through the medieval streets of Kilkenny, marvel at the Cliffs of Moher, and experience the vibrant culture of Galway. Enjoy a scenic drive along the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula, and visit the ancient walled city of Derry. Discover the natural wonder of the Giant's Causeway and the historic city of Belfast. This tour offers a perfect blend of breathtaking scenery, cultural experiences, and local insights.

Highlights

  • Join a gentle hike with a nature guide in Killarney National Park and admire stunning mountains, lakes, woods, and waterfalls.

  • See Custom House, the Guinness Brewery, Christchurch Cathedral, and St. Patrick's Cathedral during your orientation in Dublin.

  • Stop by the Exhibition Centre and look out over the Wild Atlantic Way from the majestic Cliffs of Moher.

  • Enjoy an orientation tour of Galway, including landmarks like the Lynch Memorial, Church of St. Nicholas, Spanish Arch, and Eyre Square.

  • Meet Hilda, a true Belfast local, and hear about the history of the city while seeing City Hall, Queen's University, and the Parliament Building at Stormont.

  • Travel to the iconic Giant's Causeway and learn how the National Trust is supporting both wildlife and quality food production.

  • Explore the Dingle Peninsula, including dramatic Slea Head and the picturesque thatched village of Adare.

  • Visit the ancient walled city of Derry and take a tour inside the city walls with one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Welcome To Dublin

Location: Dublin

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Royal Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner, with the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a meal with wine.

Day 2 : In Dublinā€™S Fair City

Location: Dublin

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Trinity City Hotel or Clayton Hotel Burlington Road

Accompanied by a Local Expert, become acquainted with Dublinā€™s elegant squares during an orientation of the city. Discover Custom House, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Enjoy entrance to the 9th century Book of Kells and a walk through the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College.

Day 3 : A Journey From Dublin To Cork

Location: Cork

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City

Travel to the medieval city of Kilkenny to visit the majestic Kilkenny Castle. Continue through Cahir and see its imposing 13th-century castle, featured in the film 'Excalibur', on the way to Cork. On arrival, your Travel Director will show you around the compact university city, with its vibrant waterfront and grand Georgian parades.

Day 4 : Across The Mountains To Killarney

Location: Killarney

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa

Meals Included: Dinner

Travel to the ruined Blarney Castle. Will you hang upside down from the ramparts to kiss the stone and ensure a lifetime of eloquence? Travel across the majestic Derrynasaggart Mountains to the lively town of Killarney. For your Farm-to-Table dining experience, enjoy some Irish home cooking in the kitchens of chef John Sheehan. Join John and Freda, your hosts at the 19th Green Guesthouse, and savor the delicious flavors of fresh local cuisine on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTERĀ® Experience. Gather together at a Farm-to-Table dinner, using responsibly sourced ingredients from the local community, and gain personal insight into classic Irish recipes that are loved throughout the world.

Day 5 : Ring Of Kerry Experience

Location: Ring of Kerry

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa

Start your day with Insight Choice. Choose a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys. Alternatively, join 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. While there aren't any mountains to climb, walkers should be fit, have good walking shoes or boots, sunscreen and rain gear. Explore around the magnificent Ring of Kerry. Here, mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is breathtaking beyond words. Journey past lush lakelands and around towering cliffs as you appreciate sweeping sea views. Continue through delightful villages like Sneem and cross the peat bogs of the Black Mountains to Mollā€™s Gap to admire Queen Victoriaā€™s Ladies View. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Maybe take the opportunity to hire a bicycle and enjoy one of the many scenic trails around the lake or through the National Park.

Day 6 : Around The Dingle Peninsula

Location: Dingle Peninsula

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Fitzgeralds Woodlands House Hotel & Spa

In the morning, take to the wide skies, peaceful towns and coastal scenery of the Dingle Peninsula - the setting for the film Ryanā€™s Daughter. Drive to dramatic Slea Head at the peninsulaā€™s far end, then continue through the picturesque thatched village of Adare before reaching your hotel.

Day 7 : The Cliffs Of Moher And Galway

Location: Galway

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Harbor Hotel Galway

Journey to the Visitor Center at the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Clare Coast before a delightful drive through the strange, rocky landscape of the Burren to Galway Bay. On arrival, see the Lynch Memorial and Church of St. Nicholas, where Christopher Columbus reputedly prayed before his voyages to America. See the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President, John F. Kennedy.

Day 8 : Free Day Galway Or Kylemore Abbey

Location: Galway

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Harbor Hotel Galway

Spend a day at leisure to relax and enjoy Galway. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to Kylemore Abbey, founded for Benedictine Nuns who fled Belgium in World War I?

Day 9 : Derry Londonderry

Location: Derry Londonderry

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Maldron Hotel Derry

Admire the Blue Stack Mountains of Donegal as you cross into Northern Ireland, bound for the ancient walled city of 'Derry.' What better way to experience sightseeing than with one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers, Ronan, as he takes you on a tour inside the city walls, still topped with cannons. Walk down Shipquay Street, with its elegant Georgian houses, to the Gothic Guildhall.

Day 10 : Walk In The Giantā€™S Steps

Location: Giant's Causeway

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Ballygally Castle Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Journey to the iconic Giant's Causeway for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTERĀ® Experience. Learn how the National Trust is enabling farming and biodiversity to work together, supporting both wildlife and quality food production. Next, prepare yourself for miles of breathtaking beauty as you travel along the road clinging to the Antrim Coast. Continue onto your hotel, overlooking Ballygally Bay. For those who are brave enough, perhaps check out The Ghost Room, in one of the castleā€™s turrets? In the evening, please join us for a finale Celebration Dinner, where old-fashioned hospitality is blended with good food and wine for an experience that delights the senses.

Day 11 : The Antrim Coast To Belfast

Location: Belfast

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Titanic Hotel

Continue around the Antrim Coast, past the huge Norman castle at Carrickfergus, to arrive in the Northern Ireland capital of Belfast. Meet your Local Expert for a passionate city tour including views of the City Hall, Queen's University, the Parliament Building at Stormont and murals in different locations indicating political sentiments of local residents.

Day 12 : Depart Dublin

Location: Dublin

An early departure transfer will arrive at Dublin airport.

What's Included

  • Personal radio headsets

    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

    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.

  • Baggage handling

    We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.

  • Insight Flourish

    From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

    Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

  • Transfers

    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.

What's Not Included

Mode of Transport

Travel comfortably in a coach with complimentary Wi-Fi, and enjoy included transfers if your flights align with the itinerary start and end dates. Additional transfers can be purchased if needed.

Accommodation

Stay in luxurious hotels such as the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Dublin, Trinity City Hotel or Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City, Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, Fitzgeralds Woodlands House Hotel & Spa, Harbor Hotel Galway, Maldron Hotel Derry, Ballygally Castle Hotel, and Titanic Hotel in Belfast.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of activities can I expect in Killarney National Park?

    In Killarney National Park, you can join a gentle hike with a nature guide to admire the stunning mountains, lakes, woods, and waterfalls. Alternatively, you can enjoy a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.

  • What will I see during the orientation tour in Dublin?

    During the orientation tour in Dublin, you will see Custom House, Christchurch Cathedral, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and the Guinness Brewery. You will also travel along the River Liffey.

  • What is included in the visit to the Cliffs of Moher?

    At the Cliffs of Moher, you will stop by the Exhibition Centre and look out over the Wild Atlantic Way from these majestic cliffs.

  • What can I expect during the panoramic tour of Belfast?

    During the panoramic tour of Belfast, you will meet Hilda, a true Belfast local, and hear about the history of the city. You will see the City Hall, Queen's University, Parliament Building at Stormont, and murals indicating political sentiments of local residents.

  • What kind of dining experience is offered in Killarney?

    In Killarney, you will enjoy a Farm-to-Table dining experience with Irish home cooking in the kitchens of chef John Sheehan. You will savor delicious flavors of fresh local cuisine and gain personal insight into classic Irish recipes.

  • What are the options for the Ring of Kerry Experience?

    For the Ring of Kerry Experience, you can choose between a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys or a gentle hike with a Local Expert along the lake shore and past the grounds of Ross Castle.

  • What will I see on the Dingle Peninsula tour?

    On the Dingle Peninsula tour, you will experience wide skies, peaceful towns, and coastal scenery. You will drive to dramatic Slea Head and continue through the picturesque thatched village of Adare.

  • What can I do on the free day in Galway?

    On the free day in Galway, you can relax and enjoy the city at your leisure. Alternatively, you can join an optional experience to Kylemore Abbey, founded for Benedictine Nuns who fled Belgium in World War I.

  • What is special about the Giant's Causeway visit?

    The visit to the Giant's Causeway includes a MAKE TRAVEL MATTERĀ® Experience where you will learn how the National Trust is enabling farming and biodiversity to work together, supporting both wildlife and quality food production.

  • What will I see during the city tour of Derry Londonderry?

    During the city tour of Derry Londonderry, you will be guided by one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers, Ronan. You will tour inside the city walls, still topped with cannons, and walk down Shipquay Street to the Gothic Guildhall.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1978.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.

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

    Yes

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

    You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

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Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily is a delightful trip and our travel guides and driver, Enzo, Chris and Greg were amazing and made the trip very memorable. We saw so many places and had great experiences along the way! Thanks to them for such a wonderful vacation.!

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11-Jan-2023

Great itinerary, good pace, tour director was friendly and very knowledgeable and organised. Bus was very spacious and driver was great. Yes would recommend insight to friends and families

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The trip was fantastic. Everything was well planned and exceeded my expectations. All insight personal were courteous helpful and professional Ann Manual and Kevin were a topnotch team There was attention to every detail and at all times felt safe and always a personal touch to the trip. The motor coach was clean and roomy and there was multiple wipe downs during the day All hotels were top notch and all staff at the hotels and restaurants were helpful and courteous I would recommend this trip as it gave you a fantastic view of the natural wonders of the the West.

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This trip is absolutely amazing! Worth every Penny! Our Tour guide did not Disappoint.

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations 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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