Scenic Ireland
10 Day Ireland Tour to Dublin, Galway | Operated by InsightVacations
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10 Days
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1 Country
Ireland -
9 Cities
Dublin, Kilkenny, Blarney, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Westport, Sligo -
13 Meals
4 Dinner with Wines, 9 Breakfasts -
Pace: Comfortable
Mainly 2–3-night stays in each location. Comfortable travel days with numerous stops. Requires 1-3 miles of walking per day that might involve some uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones and stairs.
Trip Itinerary
Soul-stirring landscapes of rugged cliffs and rolling hills, the 'Emerald Isle' has lured the most curious of travelers for centuries. Get your bearings and discover Dublin’s past and present on an insightful orientation tour with your Local Expert past the Georgian Squares and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Hear stories of Ireland's largest church dating back to the 1100s, gain all the insights learning how Jonathan Swift was once installed as Dean and ultimately laid to rest. After an afternoon celebrating the icons of scenic Ireland, embrace its fine cuisine over a Welcome Dinner.
A tall pint and a history dating back to 1759. Learn the story behind the name at the Guinness Storehouse where you’ll sip your way through history, starting with when the founder, Arthur Guinness, signed a 9,000-year lease on St. James’s Gate Brewery in Dublin. After an enlightening morning, arrive in 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 on an orientation. Visit Kilkenny Castle, founded after the Norman conquest of Ireland and rebuilt, extended and adapted over 800 years.
Blarney Castle conjures up images of the centuries-old 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. Take your turn at giving it a peck knowing that the stone was sourced from 330-million year-old limestone. Next, head to Killarney, gateway to the famous Ring of Kerry, that has been welcoming travelers who appreciate the spectacular scenery of woodlands and lakes, for over 250 years. Delve into the insights on an orientation with your Travel Director and relive the highlights of the day over a Dine Around evening of local cuisine.
This morning, take in Killarney with Insight 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 the 15th Century Ross Castle. Famous for its 'forty shades of green,' 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.
All aboard Ferry Tarbert to Killimer bringing you to an up-close-and-personal encounter with the towering Cliffs of Moher. Take in views of the Clare Coast and the pounding Atlantic, where puffins find sanctuary in its nooks and crannies. Gain insights into the cliffs’ geology and history before driving through the rocky landscape of the Burren to Galway Bay. On an orientation tour, your Travel Director then shows you all the sights and insights of Galway such as the Lynch Memorial, Church of St. Nicholas, Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President, John F. Kennedy. After an afternoon option to join a Galway Walking Tour, conclude your day with dinner out at a local restaurant hosting live music.
Ireland’s cultural center and the festival capital of Ireland, Galway hosts 122 festivals per year. One might say the city’s artistic side is reflected in actor Peter O’Toole, who has a strong connection with Galway. O’Toole claimed that he was born in Galway before being taken to England as a baby and built a house outside Clifden in the county. You’ll feel Galway’s fun, bohemian vibe come to life over your free day at leisure to discover this bustling port city. Curate your time joining an Optional Experience to the iconic Aran Islands, a must-see of scenic Ireland.
The seaside town of Westport will charm any traveler. Your Local Expert leads you on a culinary walk for a tasting of the local favorites and to learn about the town's heritage - from its settlement 5,000 years ago to today. The town is famous for its sustainability and 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. Meaning “abounding in shells,” the town of Sligo will enchant the most curious of travelers. An orientation tour introduces you to the charms of the town, followed by an Optional Experience Sligo Drive along the scenic shores of Sligo Bay.
Embark on an insightful MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to Rosses Point, a small maritime village near the intriguing town of Sligo under the guidance of a Local Expert and maritime archaeologist. With the afternoon free in Sligo, take the opportunity for an in-depth look at one of the historic houses, museums or the Yeats memorial building. The Yeats Building in the heart of Sligo is a gathering space for literary culture and the arts. Its permanent Yeats exhibition and contemporary exhibitions and give you local insights into this land that was an inspiration for Yeats.
Depart Sligo this morning to conclude your scenic Ireland tour in Dublin. Your journey finishes with a memorable Farewell Dinner.
Your journey comes to an end after breakfast.
Price Includes
Dining Summary- - 4 Dinner with Wines (DW)
- - 9 Breakfasts (B)
- A Local Expert will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House.
- Your Travel Director will provide you with an orientation of the medieval city of Kilkenny with its majestic castle and River walk.
- Enjoy hearing of the history of Killarney during your city orientation.
- 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.
- 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.
- Fascinating stories and interesting locals take center stage on your orientation of the historic heart of Galway. Visit the Lynch Memorial Window. Then make your way to the Church of St. Nicholas - the largest medieval parish church in Ireland in continuous use, Spanish Arch and Eyre Square.
- The area surrounding the town of Sligo was home to one of Ireland's most famous literary figures, the poet William Butler Yeats. On your journey into town, you’ll quickly see why Yeats was inspired by the scenic beauty of the area. Explore its rich medieval history as well as its shops on an orientation with your Travel Director.
- Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner, an opportunity to get to know each other over a meal with wine.
- Embark on a foodie exploration of the town of Westport in a remote area of Ireland full of rugged beauty. The heritage town of Westport is unique in that it is one of the few planned towns in Ireland. Feel inspired by the beauty of the tree-lined boulevard, the Mall, built on the Carrowbeg River. Meet the locals and savor the local delicacies which may include Achill Island fudge, Irish charcuterie and gelato or cupcakes.
- 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.
- 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.
- Enjoy a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys as you explore the lush scenery of Killarney National Park.
- 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.
- While you amble along a coastal promenade and path, your Local Expert shares with you Sligo’s connection to the sea, its shipping history and about the Yeats family and how they were inspired by Sligo less than a century ago. Soak up the stunning harbor and island views and the local flora and heritage sites as you walk by the water's edge and feel the energy of the Atlantic Ocean. This experience directly supports SDG 14: Life Below Water.
Optional Experiences
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Gaelic Roots (Available on Day 3)The origins of Irish culture spring to life over a tour de force of traditional Irish song, music and dance at this Gaelic Roots show. Using traditional instruments, Irish dance and time-honored folk songs, this energetic show will have you tapping your feet and singing along. You’ll treasure experiencing the 2,000-year-old Gaelic culture over an evening out.
Adult Price: €37 An Irish Pub Experience (Available on Day 4)Enjoy an exclusive Irish 'session' in the oldest pub in town, perhaps even pull your own pint! A local musician joins us this afternoon for music, song and a glimpse into Ireland's past. Enjoy this unique experience whilst sipping on an Irish Coffee, Whiskey or local draft beer.
Adult Price: €32 Aran Islands (Available on Day 6)Embark on a journey across Galway Bay taking the Aran ferry as you pass rocky oceanside cliffs. Hear the story of Inishmore from the island men themselves as they guide you to sites such as the 3,200-year-old fort of Dún Aonghasa, the site of the seven churches. Follow your time on the water with leisure time in the island villages.
Adult Price: €58