Enchanting Ireland - Small Group
Enchanting Ireland - Small Group
Temple Bar Street, Dublin, Ireland
Classiebawn Castle, Mullaghmore, Sligo
Salmon Weir Bridge, Galway City, Ireland
Ross Castle, Killarney National Park, Ireland
The famous "Ladies View", Ring of Kerry, Ireland
Blarney Castle, Ireland
Kilkenny, Ireland
Blarney Castle
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Enchanting Ireland - Small Group
8 Days Starting and ending in Dublin, Ireland
Visiting: Dublin, Strokestown, Sligo, Westport, Kylemore Abbey, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Blarney, Kilkenny
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SBREDM26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Enchanting Ireland - Small Group" tour and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Ireland's history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Begin your journey in Dublin, exploring its Georgian squares and the EPIC Irish Emigration Museum. Traverse the lush gardens of Blarney Castle, kiss the legendary Blarney Stone, and marvel at the towering Cliffs of Moher. Discover the rugged beauty of Westport and the serene Kylemore Abbey. Experience the scenic Ring of Kerry, and enjoy a seaweed foraging walk that supports sustainable marine ecosystems. Delight in authentic Irish dining experiences in Killarney and Dublin, and explore the medieval charm of Kilkenny Castle. This tour offers a perfect blend of guided exploration and personal choice, ensuring a memorable adventure through the heart of Ireland.
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Blarney: Your up close and personal encounter with the lush gardens of the Blarney Castle estate is brought to life on a guided tour with a senior gardener. On your stroll enhanced by your expert’s insights, learn about the arboretum’s rare trees, mystical Druid rock formations and the Bog Garden boasting three 600-year-old yew trees.
- 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.
Top Rated Highlights
- Dublin: Embark on an interactive discovery of the 70 million people who claim Irish ancestry at EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum. Throughout 20 rooms divided per topic, learn about the Irish experience and the timeline of Ireland’s history told through the personal stories of emigrants. The sights and insights range from learning a special Irish dance to reading the letters of past emigrants, to tracing your family name going back generations.
- Dublin: See Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House with a Local Expert
- Strokestown: This Palladian mansion of Strokestown Park House will inspire the mind of any curious traveller. This time capsule reveals an atmosphere of grandeur from its original art collections to its gardens and woodlands where exotic plants and architectural gems delight garden-lovers. Learn how this Georgian style house served as the family home to the Mahons, a well-known military family, from the 1600s until 1981.
- Westport: Embark on an exploration of the town of Westport in a remote area of Ireland full of rugged beauty. Highlights of your walk may include Westport House - a heritage home museum celebrating 300 years of Irish heritage, a quaint stone bridge, Rockfleet Castle and Burrishoole Abbey tied to the 16th-century pirate queen Grace O’ Malley.
- Connemara: With a striking Victorian Walled Garden and turreted church, Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey is a sight to behold. Dig into the Abbey’s history, discovering how it was founded in 1920 for Benedictine Nuns who fled Belgium in World War I.
- Cliffs of Moher: Towering cliffs and the dramatic sea, the Cliffs of Moher has inspired countless travellers. Visit the Exhibition Centre 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.
- Shannon: Cross the Shannon Estuary by ferry. This large estuary is where the River Shannon flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
- Ring of Kerry: Venture into a world of towering cliffs, lush lakelands, beaches, fields dotted with sheep, rocky coastline, remote villages and historical sites, as you journey the magical Ring of Kerry. This 111-mile circular route is the best place to admire Ireland's scenic beauty and truly one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
Make Travel Matter
Ring of Kerry: Meet John, a seaweed advocate and educator for a seaweed foraging walk at Atlantic Irish Seaweed. Stroll along the shore learning about how they work to protect the fragile ecosystem of the wild Atlantic Irish coasts through their educational courses and passion for the local environment. Irish Atlantic Seaweed's environmental policy is to respect, enjoy and protect the natural wonders that surround them, and promote the sustainable use of Ireland's fragile marine ecosystems. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.
Authentic Dining
Killarney: Choose from a fine selection of local restaurants on your Dine-Around evening.
Dublin: Cross the River Liffey and venture to a local restaurant to toast your unforgettable travels over dinner. Sláinte!
Insight Choice
Blarney: Your up close and personal encounter with the lush gardens of the Blarney Castle estate is brought to life on a guided tour with a senior gardener. On your stroll enhanced by your expert’s insights, learn about the arboretum’s rare trees, mystical Druid rock formations and the Bog Garden boasting three 600-year-old yew trees.
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.
Itinerary
Day 1: Hello Dublin
Location: Dublin
Accommodation Name: Camden Court, Dublin
A modern multi-cultural city that embraces its past and exudes an enduring sense of fun, the 'Emerald Isle' has lured the most curious of travellers for centuries. Your Local Expert reveals the best of the city on a guided tour past the Georgian Squares and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Delicious cuisine and history merge this evening over drinks and canapes at EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum where you’ll discover the stories of Irish emigrants who became scientists, politicians, poets, artists and even outlaws all over the world.
Day 2: Experience Irish history and on to Sligo
Location: Strokestown, Sligo
Accommodation Name: Sligo Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The beauty of an Irish country house springs to life at Strokestown Park House and Gardens. After soaking in its beauty, go from grand homes to history visiting the onsite Irish Famine Museum to delve into the stories of the 1840s famine. Learn the history behind the Irish Potato Famine, the most catastrophic event in Ireland and one of the worst famines in history. View rare 19th-century photographs, witness accounts, sketches, newspapers and maps before continuing to Sligo. In the afternoon, consider an optional cruise on the River Shannon and admire the rolling countryside of the emerald isle.
Day 3: Journey to Westport and Galway
Location: Westport, Kylemore Abbey, Galway
Accommodation Name: Connemara Coast, Galway
Meals Included: Breakfast
The seaside town of Westport on Ireland’s west coast will charm any traveller. Your Local Expert leads you on a walk to learn about the town's heritage – from its settlement 5,000 years ago to today. Continue to indulge your curiosity at Kylemore Abbey, a treasure trove of picture-perfect scenery and the oldest of the Irish Benedictine Abbeys. You could enhance your day with an Optional Experience, a Galway Walking Tour featuring the Lynch Memorial Window, Church of St. Nicholas, Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President, John F. Kennedy. You’ll love hearing intriguing stories of this bustling medieval port followed by a traditional Irish pub dinner.
Day 4: The Iconic Cliffs of Moher and Onwards to Killarney
Location: Cliffs of Moher, Killarney
Accommodation Name: Great Southern Killarney
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Embark on an up close and personal encounter with Ireland's nature at the towering Cliffs of Moher. Perched at 700-feet, take in views of the Clare Coast and the pounding Atlantic. Gain insights into the cliffs’ geology and history before crossing the Shannon Estuary by ferry from Killimer to Tarbet. Head to Killarney where you’ll relive the highlights of the day over a Dine-Around evening of local cuisine. You also have your pick of Optional Experiences including a Celtic Steps performance or a Gaelic Roots show of song and dance.
Day 5: A Day on the Ring of Kerry
Location: Ring of Kerry
Accommodation Name: Great Southern Killarney
Meals Included: Breakfast
Famous for its 'forty shades of green', the Irish nature at the Ring of Kerry has inspired writers and poets for centuries. Drink in the beauty of the coastal drive lined with beaches, colourful seaside villages and views of the Atlantic Ocean. On an insightful MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, meet John, a seaweed advocate and educator for a seaweed foraging walk. Embrace the landscape that has inspired poets, artists and writers.
Day 6: Venture to Blarney and Medieval Kilkenny
Location: Blarney, Kilkenny
Accommodation Name: Kilkenny
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
With Insight Choice choose to explore one of the icons of Ireland, Blarney Castle, the Witch's Kitchen and Wishing Steps gardens and, of course, the infamous stone – said to bestow the 'gift of the gab' upon whoever kisses it. Or, don’t miss your chance to amble the 1,500-acre grounds including the raised board walk, surrounded by water loving plants and waterfalls. The Carnivorous Courtyard features plants that with colourful, fluid-filled leaves while the Fern Garden features trees brought from the other side of the world that are survivors of the Jurassic period.
Day 7: Return to Lively Dublin
Location: Kilkenny, Dublin
Accommodation Name: Camden Court, Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
12th-century Kilkenny Castle is full of curiosities dating back to when it was the principal seat of the butlers, earls, marquesses and dukes of Ormond. On your exploration of its vast parkland, learn how the castle was remodelled in the Victorian style and restored and updated several times before being formally taken over by the Irish State in 1969. Return to Dublin and finish your incredible tour with a memorable dinner at a traditional Irish pub.
Day 8: Farewell Ireland
Location: Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s time to close the chapter on an unforgettable tour of the Emerald Isle. We bid our newfound friends and Travel Director a fond farewell.
What's Included
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Choice Highlights
Choose between two carefully selected activities, including a guided tour of Blarney Castle estate with a senior gardener.
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Top Rated Highlights
Visit Dublin, Killarney National Park, and Westport with a Local Specialist. See Galway and Killarney, the mountains of the Connemara, and Torc Waterfall.
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Make Travel Matter
Meet John, a seaweed advocate, for a seaweed foraging walk at Atlantic Irish Seaweed, supporting sustainable use of Ireland's marine ecosystems.
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Authentic Dining
Enjoy a Dine-Around evening in Killarney and a dinner at a local restaurant in Dublin.
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Dining Summary
Includes 7 breakfasts and 4 dinners.
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Additional Included Highlights
Personal radio headsets, hotel and restaurant tips, taxes, porterage charges, and complimentary Wi-Fi are included.
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Insight Experiences
Visit Kilkenny Castle with a Local Expert and enjoy a guided tour of its history and grounds.
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Well-being
Travel in comfort with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as a cruise on the River Shannon, a Galway Walking Tour, and performances like Celtic Steps or Gaelic Roots are not included.
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Transfers Outside Scheduled Times
Transfers are only available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, you may need to purchase transfers or make your own arrangements.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach featuring double the standard legroom, onboard washroom, and complimentary Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable journey across Ireland.Accommodation
Stay in comfortable accommodations including Camden Court in Dublin, Sligo Park, Connemara Coast in Galway, Great Southern Killarney, and Kilkenny, offering a blend of modern amenities and traditional Irish charm.Dining Summary
- 7 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Dinner (D)
Additional Included Highlights
- 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.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- 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 Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Insight Experiences
- Kilkenny: Visit Kilkenny Castle with a Local Expert. On a guided tour, learn the history of this magnificent castle and that of the powerful family that came to call it home for so many centuries. Amble through the Picture Gallery, library, drawing room, nursery and bedrooms decorated in 1830s splendour as well as the rolling parkland formal terraced rose garden, woodlands and man-made lake.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's 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.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experience can I expect at the Blarney Castle?
At Blarney Castle, you can choose to explore the lush gardens on a guided tour with a senior gardener, learning about rare trees and mystical formations. You also have the opportunity to kiss the famous Blarney Stone, which is said to bestow the gift of eloquence.
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What is the significance of the Cliffs of Moher on this tour?
The Cliffs of Moher are a highlight of the tour, offering breathtaking views of the Clare Coast and the Atlantic Ocean. You will learn about the cliffs' geology and history, and visit the Exhibition Centre to gain further insights.
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How does the tour incorporate sustainable practices?
The tour includes a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on the Ring of Kerry, where you meet John, a seaweed advocate, for a seaweed foraging walk. This experience supports sustainable use of Ireland's marine ecosystems and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.
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What can I expect from the visit to EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum?
At EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum, you will embark on an interactive discovery of the Irish diaspora, exploring 20 rooms that tell the stories of Irish emigrants through personal narratives, historical insights, and cultural experiences.
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What dining experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a Dine-Around evening in Killarney, where you can choose from a selection of local restaurants, and a dinner in Dublin at a local restaurant to toast your travels. Additionally, there are four dinners and seven breakfasts included throughout the tour.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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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.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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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.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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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.
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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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