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Enchanting Emerald Isle

8 Day Ireland Tour of Dublin, Galway | Operated by Trafalgar

  • 8 Days

  • 1 Country

    Ireland
  • 10 Cities

    Dublin, Strokestown, Ballina, Westport, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Blarney, Kilkenny
  • 12 Meals

    1 Welcome Reception, 7 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners, 1 Lunch
  • Pace: Active

    Faster paces with mix of 1–2-night stays in each location. Typically features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills and uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Hello Dublin

A warm welcome to Dublin, a modern multi-cultural city that embraces its past and exudes an enduring sense of fun. Meet your Local Specialist this afternoon for a guided city tour to view the elegant Georgian Squares and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Visit Trinity College and see the Book of Kells, said to be the world's most famous medieval manuscript. This evening sees you visiting EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum, for some drinks and canapes.

Hotel: Sandymount Hotel Dublin
Included Meals: Welcome Reception
Iconic Experience: Dublin City Tour A Local Specialist will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House.
Notes
Day 2: Experience Irish history and on to Ballina

Journey through the lush green countryside before your first stop at Strokestown where we will Dive Into Culture at the Irish Famine Museum, delving into the stories of the 1840s famine. See the haunting pleas of starving tenants on the estate and the response they received, before continuing to Ballina.

Hotel: Great National Hotel Ballina
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Dive Into Culture: Explore the Irish National Famine Museum Visit the Irish National Famine Museum for insights into the plight of the starving people of Ireland during the Great Irish Famine in the mid-19th century.
Notes
Day 3: Journey to Westport and Galway

Travel to Westport and meet your Local Specialist for a walking tour during which you’ll learn about the town's heritage – from its settlement 5,000 years ago to modern-day times. Later, visit the Benedictine monastery of Kylemore Abbey, set against the striking backdrop of Lake Kylemore, and stroll through its walled Victorian gardens. We continue to Galway, the 'City of Tribes', where we'll see Galway Cathedral and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

Hotel: The Connacht Hotel Galway
Included Meals: Breakfast
Iconic Experience: Wesport Walking Tour with a Local Specialist Learn about Westport's history during a walking tour with a Local Specialist. 
Iconic Experience: Visit Kylemore Abbey Visit the turreted Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey. This monastery was founded in 1920 for Benedictine Nuns who fled Belgium in World War I.
Notes
Day 4: The Iconic Cliffs of Moher and Onwards to Killarney

Our first stop today is the Cliffs of Moher, you’ll remember for years to come as you watch the cliffs plunge dramatically into the Atlantic waters below. Beyond the endless views and the opportunity to capture on film the colonies of curious-looking puffins that find sanctuary in its nooks and crannies, you’ll have an opportunity to visit the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience which really brings this natural phenomenon to life in an interactive way, leaving you with a deep understanding of this special place. Later, we cross the Shannon Estuary by ferry to Killarney, our home for the next two nights. Spend a free evening soaking up some unforgettable Irish craic or delve into the town's centuries-old history.

Hotel: Killarney Towers Hotel & Leisure Center
Included Meals: Breakfast
Iconic Experience: See the Cliffs of Moher Stop by the Exhibition Center and look out over the Wild Atlantic Way from these majestic cliffs.
Notes
Day 5: A Day on the Ring of Kerry

Dramatic vistas are ours to enjoy as we circle the achingly beautiful Ring of Kerry – one of the most scenic drives on the 'Emerald Isle'. Meet John, a seaweed advocate and educator for a seaweed foraging walk, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. See a soul-stirring landscape that has inspired poets, artists and writers for centuries. Next, a leisurely guided walk at Torc Waterfall with a Local Specialist taking you along the lakeshore and past the farmlands of the 19th-century Muckross Estate.

Hotel: Killarney Towers Hotel & Leisure Center
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®: Seaweed Foraging Walk Meet John, a seaweed advocate and educator for a seaweed foraging walk at Atlantic Irish Seaweed. On this landscape that has inspired poets, artists and writers, stroll along the shore learning about how they work to protect the fragile ecosystem of the wild Atlantic Irish coasts through their educational courses and passion for the local environment. Irish Atlantic Seaweed's environmental policy is to respect, enjoy and protect the natural wonders that surround them, and promote the sustainable use of Ireland's fragile marine ecosystems. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.  
Iconic Experience: Torc Waterfall Guided Visit Visit the Torc Waterfall with a Local Specialist. 
Notes
Day 6: Venture to Blarney and Medieval Kilkenny

Kiss the famous Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle and receive the 'gift of the gab'. This afternoon we arrive in Kilkenny where we have some free time to explore, or possibly join an Optional Experience to a local pub for an afternoon of music.

Hotel: Hotel Kilkenny
Included Meals: Breakfast
Iconic Experience: Visit Blarney Castle 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. 
Notes
Day 7: Return to Lively Dublin

Kilkenny holds a long history for Ireland's national sport - hurling. Meet an experienced player to gain exciting insight to this unique Irish cultural experience and have a go for yourself to pitch. Returning to the Irish capital, Connect with Locals with the Fulvio family, over a Be My Guest lunch at Glenealy House. In the evening, all that's left to say is a rousing sláinte or two while you indulge in a memorable Farewell Dinner, enjoying a fun night out at a classic public house in the city. Admire the authentic Victorian bar and walk up the original staircase from Trinity College, which was featured in the Michael Caine film 'Educating Rita'.

Hotel: Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Be My Guest: Join the Fulvio Family at Glenealy House to Enjoy Traditional Irish Fare with an Italian Twist 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.
Iconic Experience: Learn about Hurling from an Experienced Player 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.
Notes
Day 8: Farewell Ireland

It’s time to close the chapter on an unforgettable Irish holiday. We bid our newfound friends and Travel Director a fond farewell. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.

 

Included Meals: Breakfast
Notes
This itinerary is for reference only. Upon booking with GET, guests will receive tour documents which will list all confirmed hotels and itineraries based upon the guest's departure date.

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.
Dining Summary
  • - 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
  • - 7 Breakfasts (B)
  • - 3 Dinners (D)
  • - 1 Lunch (L)
Iconic Experience
  • A Local Specialist will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House.
  • Learn about Westport's history during a walking tour with a Local Specialist. 
  • 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.
  • Visit the Torc Waterfall with a Local Specialist. 
  • 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. 
  • 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.
Dive Into Culture
  • Visit the Irish National Famine Museum for insights into the plight of the starving people of Ireland during the Great Irish Famine in the mid-19th century.
Whats Included
  • Ferry across the Shannon estuary
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
  • Meet John, a seaweed advocate and educator for a seaweed foraging walk at Atlantic Irish Seaweed. On this landscape that has inspired poets, artists and writers, stroll along the shore learning about how they work to protect the fragile ecosystem of the wild Atlantic Irish coasts through their educational courses and passion for the local environment. Irish Atlantic Seaweed's environmental policy is to respect, enjoy and protect the natural wonders that surround them, and promote the sustainable use of Ireland's fragile marine ecosystems. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.  
Be My Guest
  • 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.

Luxurious River Shannon Cruise (Available on Day 2)

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 a light lunch on the luxurious Moon River Pleasure Cruiser.

Adult Price: €45 Join the Craic in a Cozy Local Irish Pub (Available on Day 2)

Enjoy famous Irish hospitality in a cozy local pub, making your travel dreams a reality as you experience the folk tradition. Kick back with a pint or drink of your choice while the locals sing classic songs and play music for you to enjoy. 

Adult Price: €31 City of Tribes Walk and Dinner (Available on Day 3)

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 Gaelic Roots (Available on Day 4)

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-honored folk songs, this energetic show will have you tapping your feet and singing along in no time.

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.

Adult Price: €43 Irish Ceilidh Evening (Available on Day 4)

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 5)

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 Afternoon of Irish Fun and Music (Craic agus Ceol) (Available on Day 6)

Feel like a local at this authentic Irish Pub with an afternoon of live music and a drink

Adult Price: €33