Country Roads of Ireland
12 Day Tour of Ireland & Northern Ireland | Operated by InsightVacations
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12 Days
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2 Countries
Ireland, Northern Ireland -
16 Cities
Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Cork, Blarney Castle, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Adare, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Londonderry, Giant's Causeway, Ballygalley, Antrim Coast, Belfast -
16 Meals
5 Dinner with Wines, 11 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
Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner, with the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a meal with wine.
Accompanied by a Local Expert, become acquainted with Dublin’s elegant squares during an orientation of the city. Discover Custom House, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Enjoy entrance to the 9th century Book of Kells and a walk through the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College.
Travel to the medieval city of Kilkenny to visit the majestic Kilkenny Castle. Continue through Cahir and see its imposing 13th-century castle, featured in the film 'Excalibur', on the way to Cork. On arrival, your Travel Director will show you around the compact university city, with its vibrant waterfront and grand Georgian parades.
Travel to the ruined Blarney Castle. Will you hang upside down from the ramparts to kiss the stone and ensure a lifetime of eloquence? Travel across the majestic Derrynasaggart Mountains to the lively town of Killarney. For your Farm-to-Table dining experience, enjoy some Irish home cooking in the kitchens of chef John Sheehan. Join John and Freda, your hosts at the 19th Green Guesthouse, and savor the delicious flavors of fresh local cuisine on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Gather together at a Farm-to-Table dinner, using responsibly sourced ingredients from the local community, and gain personal insight into classic Irish recipes that are loved throughout the world.
Start your day with Insight Choice. Choose a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys. Alternatively, join a gentle hike with a Local Expert along the lake shore and past the grounds of Ross Castle, admiring the incredible scenery of the National Park.
While there aren't any mountains to climb, walkers should be fit, have good walking shoes or boots, sunscreen and rain gear. Explore around the magnificent Ring of Kerry. Here, mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is breathtaking beyond words. Journey past lush lakelands and around towering cliffs as you appreciate sweeping sea views. Continue through delightful villages like Sneem and cross the peat bogs of the Black Mountains to Moll’s Gap to admire Queen Victoria’s Ladies View.
The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Maybe take the opportunity to hire a bicycle and enjoy one of the many scenic trails around the lake or through the National Park.
In the morning, take to the wide skies, peaceful towns and coastal scenery of the Dingle Peninsula - the setting for the film Ryan’s Daughter. Drive to dramatic Slea Head at the peninsula’s far end, then continue through the picturesque thatched village of Adare before reaching your hotel.
Spend a day at leisure to relax and enjoy Galway. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to Kylemore Abbey, fo unded for Benedictine Nuns who fled Belgium in World War I?
Admire the Blue Stack Mountains of Donegal as you cross into Northern Ireland, bound for the ancient walled city of 'Derry.' What better way to experience sightseeing than with one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers, Ronan, as he takes you on a tour inside the city walls, still topped with cannons. Walk down Shipquay Street, with its elegant Georgian houses, to the Gothic Guildhall.
Journey to the iconic Giant's Causeway for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Learn how the National Trust is enabling farming and biodiversity to work together, supporting both wildlife and quality food production. Next, prepare yourself for miles of breathtaking beauty as you travel along the road clinging to the Antrim Coast. Continue onto your hotel, overlooking Ballygally Bay. For those who are brave enough, perhaps check out The Ghost Room, in one of the castle’s turrets? In the evening, please join us for a finale Celebration Dinner, where old-fashioned hospitality is blended with good food and wine for an experience that delights the senses.
Continue around the Antrim Coast, past the huge Norman castle at Carrickfergus, to arrive in the Northern Ireland capital of Belfast. Meet your Local Expert for a passionate city tour including views of the City Hall, Queen's University, the Parliament Building at Stormont and murals in different locations indicating political sentiments of local residents.
Departure transfers arrive at Belfast George Best City Airport and Belfast International Airport.
Price Includes
Dining Summary- - 5 Dinner with Wines (DW)
- - 11 Breakfasts (B)
- Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner, an opportunity to get to know each other over a meal with wine.
- The Irish call it 'craic' - the warm feeling resulting from the confluence of music, drink, good food, laughter, and conversation. And after circumnavigating the Emerald Isle, there's bound to be a fair share of craic at your grand finale Celebration Dinner. Sláinte!
- 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.
- There's no better way to experience sightseeing than with one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers, Ronan, as he takes you on a tour inside the city walls. See the Gothic Guildhall and the Georgian houses of Shipquay Street.
- During your orientation with your Travel Director, see Custom House and travel along the River Liffey. See the Guinness Brewery, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral.
- See one of the largest castles in Ireland.
- Ireland's second city - "Rebel Cork" dates back to the 7th century. Your Travel Director will show you the Grand Parade and South Mall, along with City Hall and the Opera House on an insightful orientation tour encompassing the development of the religious settlement of St. Finbarr, to Viking raiding and settlement, to the creation of the Norman city and Merchant Princes. You’ll love learning the tales and history of this port city and enjoy hearing the lilt of the Cork accent.
- 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.
- Enjoy hearing of the history of Killarney during your city orientation.
- Enjoy a scenic drive to Slea Head.
- Experience a village walk through the main street lined with thatched cottages.
- 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.
- Explore this seaside town with your Travel Director.
- See the immense Castle as your drive around it.
- Meet Hilda, a true Belfast local, having lived in the same house her entire life. During your panoramic tour, hear about the history of the city and learn why Hilda is proud of its progress and current prosperity. You'll also see the City Hall, Queen's University, Parliament Building at Stormont and murals in different locations indicating political sentiments of local residents.
- Meet passionate restaurant owners John and Freda at their beautiful guesthouse in Killarney, where you'll hear more about their farm-to-table concept, while enjoying a delicious meal made from fresh ingredients sourced within a five mile radius. John and Freda have a policy that all food is sourced locally from farms and the coach of the Emerald Isle. On the farm they also grow and harvest all their own fruit and veg. They educate their visitors about sustainable consumption and the benefits of eating fresh homegrown produce. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption & Production.
- Visit the legendary Giant's Causeway, site of wonders. At the visitor center, learn about the efforts to protect biodiversity and ecosystems, participating in habitat restoration. The National Trust charity has been undertaking replanting activities in Innisfree Farm, adjacent to the Causeway. By sowing a field of Herbal Ley seed mixes containing up to 17 different species, they have prioritized biodiversity and quality food production leaving a low carbon footprint. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
- 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.
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.
Irish Countryside & Glendalough (Available on Day 2)An afternoon drive takes you through the rural countryside of County Wicklow - the garden of Ireland. With our Local Expert, we'll pass through the pretty Wicklow Mountains to the picturesque setting of St. Kevin’s great 6th Century monastic site at Glendalough. Afterwards, we'll explore the monastic remains before returning to Dublin via the Great Sugar Loaf Mountain.
Adult Price: €34 Dublin At Its Best (Available on Day 2)Join your Travel Director for a unique opportunity to dine at one of the Capital City’s top restaurants. A perfect way to spend your evening in this amazing city, famous for its easy-going charm and cultural heritage.
Adult Price: €67 Dinner & Cabaret (Available on Day 2)Ireland conjures of images of hearty meals and toe-tapping entertainment. Indulge in a bit of both over an evening of fine food and fun as Ireland’s history unfolds with comedy, song and dance. Get in the spirit joining in the show, elevated with a healthy dose of Irish humor. Enhance your evening sipping on an after-dinner Irish coffee.
Adult Price: €89 Evening of Irish Entertainment with Pub Supper (Available on Day 3)
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: €60 Queenstown Story (Available on Day 4)Experience this intriguing port town, home to the world's second-largest natural harbor. We’ll visit stunning St Colman’s Cathedral and the Queenstown Story to hear about the town's past and discover how it became the single most important Irish port of emigration.
Adult Price: €29 Gaelic Roots (Available on Day 4)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 Celtic Steps (Available on Day 4)Enjoy a spectacular evening of Irish music, song and dance performed by champion dancers and musicians and showcasing the music of Kerry and beyond. Beginning with as Irish Classic, ‘Siúil a Rún,’ thought to have originated in the 1800’s, the traditional Irish song tells a bittersweet tale of a woman lamenting her lover after his decision to embark on a military career. The performance then shifts to a series of fast and lively Irish reels with the introduction of the Celtic Steps Dance Troop followed by the waltz and energetic jig.
Adult Price: €43 An Irish Pub Experience (Available on Day 5)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 Falconry Experience (Available on Day 6)Today, we have the opportunity to experience the ancient tradition of falconry. We'll don leather gloves and, with the help of a professional falconer, fly hawks, owls and falcons. Afterwards, see the house where Robert Mitchum lived while making Ryan's Daughter will round out this incredible experience.
Adult Price: €46 Galway Walking Tour (Available on Day 7)The medieval streets of Galway are best explored with a native. Join our Local Expert for a stroll through history in this charming port city.
Adult Price: €24 Captivating Connemara (Available on Day 8)Embark on a superb excursion through Connemara National Park to see a wonderland of rivers, lakes and silent hills. We'll also enjoy a visit to the turreted Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey, with its incredible Victorian gardens.
Adult Price: €39 Spirit of Derry (Available on Day 9)Enjoy a relaxing hour of folklore, music and song with local musicians as you enjoy a drink. An authentic 'Legenderry' experience of local talent and culture.
Adult Price: £31 When Your Home is a Castle… (Available on Day 10)Join the Earl of Antrim's butler George and housekeeper Elaine on an exclusive insight into the family and estate at Glenarm and Dunluce. We'll also see the day-to-day goings on and discover how the Earls have made this historic house fit with today's modern family. Then enjoy a stroll through the walled garden and lawns with imaginative herbaceous borders.
Adult Price: £34 Titanic Experience (Available on Day 11)Follow the story of this ill-fated ship and her people, from the launch in this very city. Explore the exhibition in this stunning award-winning building, on the former site of the shipyard where Titanic was built.
Adult Price: £25