Amazing Ireland
14 Day Ireland Tour including Northern Ireland | Operated by Trafalgar
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14 Days
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2 Countries
Ireland, Northern Ireland -
16 Cities
Dublin, Belfast, Giant's Causeway, Londonderry, County Donegal, Belleek, Knock, Galway, Connemara, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Blarney, Cork, Waterford, Kilkenny, New Ross -
18 Meals
5 Dinners, 13 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
Embrace the warm welcome of the 'Emerald Isle' – its ancient heritage, legends and lore are yours to explore as you travel the length and breadth of this island and its tale of two nations. The charismatic capital of Dublin is our first stop on this epic journey, which begins as you join your Travel Director and travel companions for a Welcome Dinner.
Belfast beckons today and we journey to Northern Ireland for some time at leisure in this vibrant city. Join a Local Specialist to view the historic murals splashed across the walls of the nationalist and loyalist areas, and see the City Hall. Dive Into Culture at the Titanic Belfast Experience and gain a new perspective into the world's most famous ship and the tragedy that befell it. This evening, we dine in our hotel.
Visit the Giant’s Causeway for a memorable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, which will help to conserve this iconic landmark. Tread in the footsteps of Finn MacCool – his geometric Giant's Causeway is more the stuff of legends than the result of ancient volcanic activity which left its mark on the northern Irish coast. Admire the 40,000 interlocking basalt columns that fade into the sea. After a day of myths, legends and Hollywood blockbusters, consider tucking into an optional Fish and Chips dinner.
Traversing Northern Ireland, we arrive at the old walled city of Londonderry on the Foyle River, where we join a Local Specialist who will take us to its most iconic sights. Delving into the former struggles of the region, we visit the People's Gallery in Bogside to view its poignant murals. We journey to County Donegal later, where we will spend the next two nights. This evening, enjoy a tasty dinner in our hotel.
Explore the town of Donegal located at the mouth of the River Eske and Donegal Bay. Consider visiting the ancient Donegal Castle, once the stronghold of the O'Donnell clan. This afternoon, we visit Belleek where we'll Dive Into Culture and learn about the locally made Irish pottery for which the region is famous.
Continuing to the pilgrimage town of Knock, we visit the beautiful Marian Shrine where the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, and John the Evangelist are said to have made an appearance to the townsfolk in 1879. We complete the day's journey in Galway.
The untamed landscapes of Connemara, set against rugged mountains and tranquil loughs, provide a soul-stirring backdrop for your scenic drive to Kylemore Abbey. This Benedictine monastery, built on the grounds of Kylemore Castle, features a magnificent Victorian Walled Garden, which we will have an opportunity to explore before returning to Galway. This afternoon, spend your free time exploring Galway's vibrant Latin Quarter, striking stone Cathedral or the 18th-century Eyre Square. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Our sightseeing trip across the rugged beauty of Ireland continues as we see the spectacular UNESCO-listed Cliffs of Moher plunging into the wild Atlantic over 200 meters below. At the 'Atlantic Edge' exhibition, you’ll get an enchanting bird’s eye view of the nooks and crannies where colonies of Atlantic Puffin find sanctuary and go beneath the surface to explore the ancient rocks. The inspiring views continue as we journey along the scenic coastal route, through County Clare bound for Killarney. This evening is yours to spend as you wish, but perhaps we can tempt you with a bit of craic at a traditional Irish ceilidh to soak up the town's festive atmosphere.
Circle the mystical Ring of Kerry – among Ireland’s most enchanting landscapes along which we’ll have an opportunity to view the island’s stunning scenery. Travel through Moll’s Gap and take a moment to view the marvelous natural scenery at Ladies View. This evening is at leisure.
Your 'gift of the gab' secured after kissing the Blarney Stone this morning, we then venture to Cork where we spend some time exploring the cosmopolitan city that rivals Dublin in its energy and charisma. Spend some free time visiting the famous food market or perhaps relax at one of the city's tearooms, indulging in fresh scones and tea. Our final stop today is in medieval Waterford where we'll spend the next two nights.
A leisurely start to your morning could see you amble along Meagher's Quay, before you visit the House of Waterford, where you’ll Dive Into Culture and witness the art of creating the exquisite crystal. Travel to the medieval city of Kilkenny, home to the world's fastest field game. The ancient Celtic sport of hurling is over 3,000 years old and Ireland's national sport. Meet an experienced player who will share his passion, as you test your skills during a lesson. We spend the rest of the afternoon on our own in Waterford.
Traverse beautiful County Wexford to the John F. Kennedy Arboretum – a peaceful retreat in New Ross with over 4,500 species of plants across 252 hectares dedicated to the former American president. We leave the enchanting outdoors behind and take a step back in time to the 1800s as we visit the three-masted Dunbrody Famine Ship. We’ll Dive Into Culture, gaining insight into the tragic plight of the Irish emigrants, who were compelled to leave their home during the potato famine and endured even harsher conditions than at home in the 'coffin ships' that took them to new lands. We join the Fulvio family and Connect With Locals over dinner at a Be My Guest experience featuring Irish fare with an Italian twist, served at their Ballyknocken Farmhouse near Dublin.
We wander through Dublin this morning, joining a Local Specialist for a superb sightseeing tour that will see us view Trinity College and the magnificent Georgian Squares. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city on your terms. Indulge in a pint of the 'Black Stuff' at one of its many quaint pubs, admire the colorful performances on Grafton Street, or delve into its centuries-old history. This evening, let the rousing sounds of a traditional Irish cabaret tempt you for an Optional Experience that will have you dancing your way through the Dublin streets.
Our memorable journey through Ireland is at its end. All that’s left to say is slán abhaile to newfound friends as you prepare to depart for home.
Price Includes
What's Included- - An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- - Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- - All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- - All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- - Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- - Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- - Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- - Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- - Ferry across the Shannon estuary
- - Optional Experiences and free time
- - On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
- - 5 Dinners (D)
- - 13 Breakfasts (B)
- Discover the full story of the Titanic at the Titanic Belfast visitor attraction and monument in Belfast.
- See traditional craftsmen at work at the Belleek Pottery Visitor Center, one of the oldest working potteries in the world.
- Learn how crystal is crafted at the House of Waterford Crystal during a workshop tour.
- Explore the tragic history of Ireland's famine emigration at the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience, a replica of one of the original ships used in the 1800s.
- Join a Local Specialist to hear about the history of the city and learn of its progress and current prosperity. See the murals in different locations indicating the political sentiments of local residents.
- With a Local Specialist explore inside the city walls. See the Gothic Guildhall and the Georgian houses of Shipquay Street.
- In the pilgrimage town of Knock, visit the beautiful Marian Shrine, where the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph and John the Evangelist are said to have appeared to the townsfolk in 1879.
- Visit the turreted Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey. This monastery was founded in 1920 for Benedictine Nuns who fled Belgium in World War I.
- Stop by the Exhibition Center and look out over the Wild Atlantic Way from these majestic cliffs.
- It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. But to do so, you must dangle from the ramparts! Visit Blarney Castle and see the famous Stone of Eloquence.
- Your Travel Director will show you the Grand Parade and South Mall, along with City Hall and the Opera House.
- Meet an experienced hurling player for a fun session to learn about and try for yourself this 3,000-year-old discipline and proud legacy of Ireland's heritage.
- Dedicated to the memory of John F. Kennedy, whose great-grandfather was born nearby, this arboretum contains a plant collection of presidential proportions.
- A Local Specialist will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House.
- In Northern Ireland you'll discover the legend of the Giant's Causeway as you explore with an expert, who'll explain how your visit helps conserve this iconic natural landmark.
- Traditional Irish fare with an Italian twist is served up at Glenealy House near Dublin with the charming Fulvio family on hand to share their story.
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.
Belfast Walk with Fish and Chips (Available on Day 3)What better way to soak up the atmosphere of this lively city than to join a Local Specialist for a stroll through its hidden side streets? We'll have an included drink in a historic pub and continue to a local restaurant for a quintessentially traditional meal; fish and chips.
Adult Price: £50 The Story of Emigration (Available on Day 4)Take a drive across the border to visit the award-winning folk park in Omagh, where you'll stroll through three centuries of emigration. Explore old-style thatched cottages from Ireland. Exit an emigrant ship to the New World and visit the homes and paddocks of the settlers. There is also a themed indoor exhibition center.
Adult Price: £30 Local Dinner and Drinks (Available on Day 5)Join us for a cozy and relaxing evening with a three-course dinner and drinks in a locally-loved restaurant.
Adult Price: £53 An Evening of Food and Folklore (Available on Day 5)Visit the 150 year old Biddy O'Barnes, within the Bluestack Mountains in Country Donegal. Enjoy a night of renowned Irish hospitality in this award-winning gastropub, while listening to stories of traditional folklore.
Adult Price: €61 Dinner at Derry's Walled City Brewery (Available on Day 5)Dine this evening at the popular Walled City Brewery - located in the heart of Derry city! Learn about the history of the brewery with a visit to the brewing area, before digging into a 3-course meal accompanied by an in-house taster beer for each course.
Adult Price: £55 City of Tribes Walk and Dinner (Available on Day 6)Join us in the center of Galway for a stroll with our Local Specialist who will enthral us with stories of this bustling medieval port, as we meander through the streets while taking in the main historical sights. Later we'll enjoy a meal, with a choice of classic dishes and an included drink.
Adult Price: €74 Irish Ceilidh Evening (Available on Day 8)The Irish Ceilidh epitomises how music and dance were enjoyed in rural Ireland, especially on festive occasions. The craic - welcoming, jolly, fun and informal - is accompanied with plenty of food and drink. There's no more enjoyable way to understand Irish culture.
Adult Price: €81 Experience a Jaunting Cart Ride (Available on Day 9)Enjoy a traditional pony and trap ride through the beautiful Bourn-Vincent National Park. During your journey, your Local Specialist will share fascinating anecdotes about the area and Ireland.
Adult Price: €28 An Evening of Irish Entertainment with a Pub Supper (Available on Day 10)Tonight, we’ll travel by coach to a local pub for an evening of Irish entertainment with local musicians/singers, including a good hearty Pub supper.
Adult Price: €54 An Afternoon of Irish Fun and Music (Craic agus Ceol) (Available on Day 11)Feel like a local at this authentic Irish Pub with an afternoon of live music and a drink
Adult Price: €33 Explore Waterford's History (Available on Day 11)Join us in Waterford, where the history dates back as far as the Vikings. Your Local Specialist will bring the historic area to life through stories and anecdotes; one guest even described the trip as the "best history lesson ever".
Adult Price: €22 Experience the Ancient Monastic Site of Glendalough (Available on Day 13)Enjoy a visit to one of the most important monastic sites in Europe, which dates back to the 6th century. Your Local Specialist will tell tales and show you around this sacred area, famous for its tranquil beauty amidst the rolling countryside of County Wicklow, the garden of Ireland.
Adult Price: €34 Dublin Dinner and Cabaret (Available on Day 13)Enjoy an evening of fine food and fun as Ireland’s history unfolds with comedy, song and dance. You’ll be tapping your toes and joining in the show, all in the spirit of Irish humor. And you’ll even be served an Irish coffee to round off your dinner.
Adult Price: €89