Best of Ireland
11 Days from $2,156 per person
Ravishingly beautiful and enchanting to explore, you'll soon learn why the Irish say if you're lucky enough to be Irish, you're lucky enough… Visit the Connemara region, an unspoilt part of Western Ireland featured in John Wayne's ‘The Quiet Man'. See the stronghold of the O'Donnell Clan and beautiful Adare, one of Ireland's prettiest villages.
Overview
Ravishingly beautiful and enchanting to explore, you'll soon learn why the Irish say if you're lucky enough to be Irish, you're lucky enough… Visit the Connemara region, an unspoilt part of Western Ireland featured in John Wayne's ‘The Quiet Man'. See the stronghold of the O'Donnell Clan and beautiful Adare, one of Ireland's prettiest villages.
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Day 1: USA - Europe
Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included). -
Day 2: Arrive Dublin – Afternoon Sightseeing
Write your own lively tale of legends and iconic landscapes during this epic encounter with Ireland's treasures. On arrival at Dublin Airport transfers will operate at 8.30 am, 11 am and 1 pm. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the hotel.We begin our journey in the whimsical capital of Dublin joining a Local Specialist to see the sights. Irish history takes center stage this evening as we visit Glasnevin Trust for an informative and poignant tour with a Local Specialist where we'll hear stories about some of the country's bravest characters and enjoy a Welcome Reception of drinks and canapés with our fellow travelers and Travel Director.
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Day 3: Dublin – Co. Wicklow – New Ross – Waterford
Meander through the scenic countryside of County Wicklow, The Garden of Ireland, and on to New Ross – the ancestral home town of John F. Kennedy. Gain a Cultural Insight into the plight of the starving Irish emigrants who boarded the Dunbrody Famine Ship to flee the potato famine before arriving in Waterford, where we'll stay overnight. This afternoon, we celebrate the centuries-old craft of flint glass creations during a Cultural Insight tour at the House of Waterford Crystal where we'll see talented master craftsmen at work. -
Day 4: Waterford – Youghal – Blarney – Co. Kerry (2 Nights)
Journey via the historic seaport town of Youghal, once home to Sir Walter Raleigh, and pursue the ‘gift of the gab' at Blarney Castle where you'll have a chance to kiss the famous stone. Arrive in Co. Kerry for a two night stay. -
Day 5: Ring of Kerry Excursion
Ireland's breathtaking Ring of Kerry takes center stage today as we embark on a scenic drive past its mountains, lakes and lush green countryside – unquestionably one of the most magical and varied places in Ireland. We'll see Daniel O'Connell's Cahirciveen, the fishing village of Waterville, Moll's Gap and Black Valley, whose remoteness saw it become the last area in Ireland to receive electricity. -
Day 6: Co. Kerry – Adare – Bunratty – Limerick
Meandering through the windswept countryside with rugged landscapes, we arrive in Adare, one of the prettiest villages in Ireland. Enjoy views of St. Mary's Cathedral, the Treaty Stone and the 13th century King John's Castle at the heart of Limerick during your orientation tour. Delve into Ireland's fascinating day-to-day of life in the 18th and 19th centuries during an included visit this afternoon to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, before continuing to your hotel. -
Day 7: Limerick – Cliffs of Moher – Galway (2 Nights)
We journey to the magnificent Cliffs of Moher and see the history of these imposing sheer cliffs that plunge into the Atlantic waters below, brought to life with a visit to the ‘Atlantic Edge' exhibition. Later, we arrive in Galway enjoying some time at leisure to see its beautiful stone Cathedral or stroll through Eyre Square. -
Day 8: Connemara Excursion and High Tea at Westport House
Connemara's ‘savage beauty' is yours to explore today as we tread in the footsteps of Oscar Wilde who described its “wild mountainous splendor” as magnificent. Admire the views on this scenic drive to Kylemore Abbey, now a Benedictine monastery, where we will embark on an included visit to the country's most romantic castle and walk through its exquisite Victorian Walled Garden. Our journey takes us to Westport House where we'll indulge in a memorable Be My Guest afternoon tea with tales of the Pirate Queen, and enjoy Banoffee and Baileys flavors in the Old Kitchens of this stately 16th century home. -
Day 9: Galway – Knock – Donegal – Sligo
Heading north, we stop in the pilgrimage town of Knock to view the Marian Shrine where villagers witnessed an Apparition of Our Lady in 1878. We continue to Drumcliff to see the final resting place of the beloved Irish poet W.B Yeats set against the backdrop of the Benbulben Mountains – his simple headstone inscribed with a self-penned epitaph. Our next stop is in Donegal to view the castle which was once the stronghold of the O'Donnell Clan. We arrive in Sligo this evening, our home for the night. -
Day 10: Sligo – Dublin
Meandering south to Dublin, we enjoy some free time to enjoy the village atmosphere of this lively multicultural city. Walk down Grafton street and admire the colorful street performers, stroll along the Liffey and cross the Ha'penny Bridge. This evening, we close the chapter on an epic journey through Ireland, joining our fellow travelers for a memorable Farewell Dinner. -
Day 11: Depart Dublin
After a hearty Irish breakfast, we bid our Travel Director and fellow travelers a fond farewell as our Irish vacation comes to an end. Return transfers on the last travel day will arrive at Dublin Airport at 7 am, 9 am and 11 am. Conditions apply.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Definite Departure
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Jul 18 | 12 Jul 18 |
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$2,425pp | Call 1-877-622-9109 | |||
| 19 Jul 18 | 29 Jul 18 |
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$2,425pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 2 Aug 18 | 12 Aug 18 |
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$2,450pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 9 Aug 18 | 19 Aug 18 |
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$2,450pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 20 Aug 18 | 30 Aug 18 |
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$2,450pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 27 Aug 18 | 6 Sep 18 |
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$2,450$2,156pp | Last Minute DealPromo Code: PPLMDE336 | Call 1-877-622-9109 Book Now | ||
| 1 Oct 18 | 11 Oct 18 |
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$2,375pp | Request Quote Book Now |
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Single Room Supplement: $460 p.p.
Triple Discount: $10 p.p.
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $97 per person.
Airport transfers: On arrival at Dublin Airport transfers will operate at 8:30 am, 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the hotel. Return transfers on the last travel day will arrive at Dublin Airport at 7:00 am, 9:00 am and 11:00 am.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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VIP Access
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
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Personal Flight Options
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Most Meals
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Hotel Tips
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Cultural Enrichment
Meal Summary
15 meals: 9 Full Breakfasts, 1 Cream Tea, 5 Dinners all with tea and coffee.
Included Highlights
Be My Guest
- Enjoy a traditional High Tea hosted in the Drawing Room of a stately 16th century home near the charming town of Westport
Cultural Insight
- Explore the tragic history of Ireland's famine emigration at the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience, a replica of one of the original famine ships used in the 1800s, and learn how delicate Irish crystal is crafted at the House of Waterford Crystal during a workshop tour
Local Specialist
- For included sightseeing in Dublin
Hidden Treasure
- Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure
Sightseeing Highlights
- City tour in Dublin
- Orientation of Waterford, Killarney, Limerick, Galway, Donegal
- Visit the Glasnevin Trust in Dublin, Famine Ship in New Ross, the crystal showroom at Waterford, Blarney to kiss the stone and gain the ‘gift of the gab', Adare, Bunratty folk park, Cliffs of Moher, the rugged Burren, mystical Connemara, Kylemore Abbey, the Marian Shrine at Knock, County Donegal
- View St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, King John's Castle and St. Mary's Cathedral in Limerick, Donegal Castle
- See the Cathedral of Galway
- Scenic drives along the Ring of Kerry
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Reviews
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Request a Quote
-
30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Passports and Visas
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Currency
The currency in the republic of Ireland is the Euro (€) and in Northern Ireland is the Pound (£). While it’s a good idea to bring some money with you, you’ll usually find a better exchange rate when you arrive at your destination. The most convenient way to obtain cash is to use your ATM card at local banks in Ireland. We recommend you also bring a valid credit card for purchases while you are traveling. It is important that you inform your financial institutions of your travel plans before you leave home so they don’t flag your purchases as potentially fraudulent charges.
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Cuisine
One of the most enjoyable parts of traveling is sampling the local cuisine. Culinary experiences to try include a full Irish breakfast, a visit to a chip shop, and hearty lunch at a good local pub. And be sure to sample Irish national specialties including Irish stew, coddle, potato bread, corned beef and whiskey cake.
Ireland is famous for its stout and beer, the most famous being Guinness. Other popular brands include Murphy’s Irish Stout, Beamish, and Kilkenny beer. Whiskey is also renowned with the most famous distilleries being the Old Midleton Distillery in Cork, the Old Jameson Distillery in Dublin, and the Bushmills Distillery in Antrim.
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Packing
The weather in Ireland is mild, moist, and quickly changeable. We suggest packing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. Important items to bring include sturdy walking shoes and a waterproof jacket with a hood. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
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Tipping
Tipping in Ireland is less common than in the U.S. When dining in a restaurant, it’s appropriate, although not required, to leave a tip of up to 5-10 percent. Leave your gratuity on the table rather than adding it to your credit card receipt to ensure that your waiter receives it.
At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend €3.00 per person/per day for your driver and €5.00 per person/per day for your Travel Director. Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 euros per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit. A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.
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Baggage
Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.
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Health and Fitness
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group.
If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
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Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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.
Waterford
Irish Folk Fun
Adult Price: €27.00
During this evening of entertainment, you'll get the chance to experience Irish hospitality in the best folk tradition. Enjoy a drink while locals sing and play music for you.
Explore Waterford's Viking History
Adult Price: €17.00
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".
Killarney
Experience a Jaunting Cart Ride
Adult Price: €21.00
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.
Visit Muckross House and its Gardens
Adult Price: €21.00
Come with us to Muckross House and its beautiful gardens. With a backdrop of oak-clad mountains, enjoy taking in the towering azaleas and rhododendrons as you meander along the shores of the lakes. The 18th century house contains some wonderful examples of furniture and paintings, including a portrait of King James VI, for whom Shakespeare wrote Macbeth.
Irish Folk Theater and Dinner
Adult Price: €69.00
Join us as we embrace the folklore and spirit of old Ireland’s life and times, when even the most everyday chore would be celebrated. Siamsa Tire players will cast a charm you'll remember forever.Beforehand, enjoy a hearty Irish meal in a local restaurant. This experience will be offered for those trips that stay at Tralee.
Gaelic Roots
Adult Price: €33.00
A tour de force of traditional Irish song, music and dance, Gaelic roots showcases Ireland at its best. Using traditional instruments, Irish dance and time-honoured folk songs, this energetic show will have you tapping your feet and singing along in no time.
Limerick
Irish Ceilidh Evening
Adult Price: €64.00
Come along and experience the craic at a special ceilidh evening. Enjoy a drink and some local specialities, watch some traditional Irish dancing, and sing along to some familiar Irish melodies.
Galway
Galway Castle Banquet
Adult Price: €67.00
Join us on a drive to Galway Castle where you'll begin your evening of medieval entertainment. This will be accompanied by a delicious dinner where wine will flow, and you’ll be treated to songs and the marvellous Irish art of story-telling.
City of the Tribes Walk and Dinner
Adult Price: €49.00
Join us on a stroll in the centre of the bustling medieval port of Galway. Then, we'll meet our local specialist who will enthral us with stories as we meander through the streets while taking in the main historical sights. Enjoy a hearty three-course meal with a choice of classic traditional Irish dishes. One drink will be included.
Trad on the Prom
Adult Price: €37.00
The best in Irish dancing from the most-awarded performers in Ireland. Combined with some of Ireland's best musical talent, this show is truly "can’t miss".
Sligo
Luxurious River Shannon Cruise
Adult Price: €30.00
The longest river in the British Isles, the River Shannon is immortalized in songs and legends. Come with us for a cruise on this majestic river, through the beautiful rolling countryside of counties Leitrim and Roscommon. You’ll also enjoy refreshments on the luxurious Moon River Pleasure Cruiser.
Scenic Drive And Dinner
Adult Price: €45.00
This evening you’ll discover the beauty of the land, as we take a scenic drive off the beaten track. Later, enjoy dinner in a local restaurant with a choice of drink included.
Request a Quote
-
30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
