Enchanting Ireland - Small Group

Enchanting Ireland - Small Group

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Enchanting Ireland - Small Group

8 Days Starting and ending in Dublin, Ireland

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

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Tour code:

SBREDN26

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Sightseeing

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Enchanting Ireland - Small Group" tour and explore the captivating landscapes and rich history of Northern Ireland. This journey begins and ends in Dublin, offering a luxurious travel experience aboard a spacious, air-conditioned coach. Discover the lush gardens of Blarney Castle, kiss the legendary Blarney Stone, and delve into Irish ancestry at the EPIC Museum. Marvel at the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, the scenic Ring of Kerry, and the historic Kilkenny Castle. Enjoy authentic dining experiences in Killarney and Dublin, and engage in a unique seaweed foraging walk that supports sustainable practices. With guided tours, comfortable accommodations, and included meals, this tour promises an unforgettable Irish adventure.

Highlights

  • Blarney Castle: Explore the lush gardens and kiss the famous Blarney Stone for the gift of eloquence.

  • Dublin: Discover Irish ancestry at EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum and explore Dublin's Georgian squares.

  • Strokestown Park House: Visit this Palladian mansion and its gardens, revealing grandeur and history.

  • Westport: Explore the heritage of this charming town, including Westport House and Rockfleet Castle.

  • Connemara: Visit the Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey with its Victorian Walled Garden.

  • Cliffs of Moher: Experience the dramatic sea views and learn about the cliffs' geology and history.

  • Ring of Kerry: Enjoy a scenic drive through towering cliffs, lush lakelands, and historical sites.

  • Blarney: Choose to explore the Blarney Castle estate or the mystical Druid rock formations.

Places You'll See

Ring Of Kerry

Itinerary

Expand All

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 travelers 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 youā€™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: Dublin, 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: Sligo, Westport, Galway

Accommodation Name: Connemara Coast, Galway

Meals Included: Breakfast

The seaside town of Westport on Irelandā€™s west coast will charm any traveler. Your Local Expert leads you on a walk to learn about the town's heritage ā€“ 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. Youā€™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: Galway, 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 cliffsā€™ geology and history before crossing the Shannon Estuary by ferry from Killimer to Tarbet. Head to Killarney where youā€™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: Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Killarney

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, colorful seaside villages and views of the Atlantic Ocean. On an insightful MAKE TRAVEL MATTERĀ® 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: Killarney, 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 ā€“ said to bestow the 'gift of the gab' upon whoever kisses it. Or, donā€™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 colorful, 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

Itā€™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

  • Meals

    7 Breakfasts and 4 Dinners are included.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided tours with Local Experts at various locations including Blarney Castle, Kilkenny Castle, and more.

  • Personal Radio Headsets

    Personal radio headsets are provided to give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights without missing any commentary.

  • Hotel and Restaurant Tips

    Hotel and restaurant tips are included, so you don't have to worry about how much to give or search for foreign currency.

  • Porterage

    Porterage is included, with your bags being carried and promptly delivered to your hotel door.

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

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

  • Transfers

    Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates.

  • Luxury Coach

    Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.

  • Hand Sanitizer

    Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

  • Scenic Cruise

    Scenic Cruise across the Shannon Estuary is included.

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What's Not Included

  • 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.

  • Additional Transfers

    Transfers outside the scheduled times or for additional nights' accommodation are not included and may be purchased separately.

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 splendor 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

  • What unique experience does the tour offer at the Ring of Kerry?

    At the Ring of Kerry, the tour offers a unique MAKE TRAVEL MATTERĀ® Experience where you meet John, a seaweed advocate and educator, for a seaweed foraging walk. This experience focuses on learning about the protection of the fragile ecosystem of the wild Atlantic Irish coasts.

  • What can I expect during the visit to the Cliffs of Moher?

    During the visit to the Cliffs of Moher, you can expect to take in breathtaking views of the Clare Coast and the Atlantic Ocean from the towering cliffs that rise over 700 feet high. The visit includes insights into the cliffs' geology, history, and the species that inhabit the area.

  • What is special about the visit to Blarney Castle?

    The visit to Blarney Castle includes an opportunity to kiss the famous Blarney Stone, which is said to bestow the 'gift of the gab' upon those who kiss it. Additionally, you can explore the lush gardens of the Blarney Castle estate on a guided tour with a senior gardener.

  • How does the tour incorporate Irish culture and history in Dublin?

    In Dublin, the tour includes an interactive discovery at EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum, where you learn about the Irish experience and history through personal stories of emigrants. The tour also includes a guided exploration of Dublin's elegant Georgian squares and other historical sites with a Local Expert.

  • 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 at a local restaurant in Dublin to toast your travels. Additionally, 7 breakfasts and 4 dinners are included throughout the tour.

  • 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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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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