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Irish Elegance

8 Day Tour to Dublin, Killarney & Galway Bay | Operated by InsightVacations

  • 8 Days

  • 1 Country

    Ireland
  • 9 Cities

    Dublin, Cashel, Blarney, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Connemara National Park, Cong
  • 11 Meals

    4 Dinner with Wines, 7 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

Day 1: In Dublin’s Fair city

Welcome to Dublin. Meet your Travel Director at 2:00pm for an orientation tour with a Local Expert that brings to life Dublin’s architectural treasures and history, stretching back more than 1,000 years. Travel along the River Liffey, see Custom House, Guinness Storehouse, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. See the 9th century Book of Kells and enjoy a walk through the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College. Back at your hotel, join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner with drinks and the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a pleasant evening of dinner and wine.

Hotel: Clayton Hotel Burlington Road
Included Meals: Dinner with Wine
Top Rated Highlights: Dublin Orientation 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.
Insight Experiences: Visit Trinity College and The Book of Kells in Dublin A stunning combination of cobblestone walkways, emerald-green lawns and 18th-century architectural gems, Trinity College is one of Europe’s elite universities and counts poet Oscar Wilde among its alumni. See the enchanting college campus and discover insights into its impressive history. Enjoy access to view the famous Book of Kells, an exquisite manuscript of the four gospels of the Christian New Testament, renowned for the intricacy, detail and majesty of the illustrations.
Authentic Dining: Dublin Welcome Dinner Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner, an opportunity to get to know each other over a meal with wine.
Notes
Day 2: Cashel and Blarney, heading for Killarney

Depart Dublin, and pass the famous Curragh Racecourse and green meadows where many of the finest Irish racehorses are bred. Driving south, stop to see the spectacular Rock of Cashel, crowned with medieval buildings that dominate the flat countryside for miles around. Then on to explore Blarney with Insight Choice. Choose to visit Blarney Castle and kiss the magical stone to ensure a lifetime of eloquence. Alternatively, meet a senior gardener for a tour of Blarney Gardens. Head to Killarney, where you may fancy a ‘pint of porter.' This town on the lakes is famous for its lively pubs so in the evening why not join in the ‘craic’?

Hotel: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Top Rated Highlights: See the Rock of Cashel See the Rock of Cashel where St. Patrick preached.
Insight Choice: Visit Blarney Castle 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.
Insight Choice: Grounds Tour with Gardener Your up close and personal encounter with the lush gardens of the Blarney Castle estate is brought to life on a guided tour with a senior gardener. On your stroll enhanced by your expert’s insights, learn about the arboretum’s rare trees, mystical Druid rock formations and the Bog Garden boasting three 600-year-old yew trees. 
Top Rated Highlights: Killarney Orientation Enjoy hearing of the history of Killarney during your city orientation.
Notes
Day 3: Ring of Kerry Experience

In the morning, marvel at spectacular mountain and sea views as you travel the road that winds around the beautiful Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the Ring of Kerry. Meet John for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit his family-run seaweed farm to learn about sustainable farming practices that protect the wild Irish Atlantic coasts.

Hotel: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
Included Meals: Breakfast
Top Rated Highlights: The Ring of Kerry Scenic Drive 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.
Make Travel Matter: Seaweed Foraging Walk: a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience Meet John, a seaweed advocate and educator for a seaweed foraging walk at Atlantic Irish Seaweed. 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 directly supports UN Global Goal 14: Life Below Water.
Notes
Day 4: The Cliffs of Moher and on to Galway

Cross the Shannon Estuary by ferry and enter County Clare. Stop at the Exhibition Center and enjoy a walk along the Cliffs of Moher, raised approximately 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic waves. Then travel north across the Burren, a suddenly stark and barren landscape, scarred with interesting limestone creases. Journey to Galway, the City of the Tribes, and visit the last Cathedral built in Ireland. Take in the scenery from your hotel which is spectatuarly set on the - maybe change to 'Wild Atlantic Way at Galway Bay.

Hotel: Connemara Coast Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Top Rated Highlights: Shannon Estuary Ferry Crossing Cross the Shannan Estuary by ferry. This large estuary is where the River Shannon flows into the Atlantic Ocean.   
Top Rated Highlights: See the Cliffs of Moher 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.
Top Rated Highlights: Visit the City of Tribes Cathedral in Galway Visit the stunning cathedral of the City of Tribes. Admire its Renaissance style dome and unique rose shaped window.
Notes
Day 5: Captivating Connemara

Embark on a superb exploration of the Connemara National Park and see a wonderland of rivers, lakes and silent hills. Explore Connemara with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the magnificent, turreted Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and visit one of Ireland’s oldest oyster farms for a tasting. Learn about their commitment to biodiversity and work promoting sustainable packaging.

Hotel: Connemara Coast Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast
Top Rated Highlights: Visit Kylemore Abbey With a striking Victorian Walled Garden and turreted church, Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey is a sight to behold. Dig into the Abbey’s history, discovering how it was founded in 1920 for Benedictine Nuns who fled Belgium in World War I.
Make Travel Matter: Taste Oysters and Learn about Sustainability at DK Connemara Oyster Farm Taste the unique flavors of DK Connemara oysters, bred in pure water that runs off the limestone hills of the Connemara National Park. Learn about the farm's sustainability initiatives in an enlightening experience. DK Connemara oysters lead the way in biodiversity and packaging for farming and advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption & Production. Alternatively, enjoy a visit to the turreted Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey.
Notes
Day 6: Majestic Ashford Castle

Sitting on the edge of Lough Corrib and nestled on the border of County Galway and County Mayo, is the delightful Cong. You may recognise much of the town as it was used as the location in the 1952 film, 'The Quiet Man.' With free time to explore this quintessential Irish village, see the statue of the lead characters played by John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara, and the ruins of the Medieval Cong Abbey. Then a short drive down the road leads you to Ashford Castle, the highlight of your travels. As you arrive a lone piper escorts you over the drawbridge. Your exquisite hotel provides a romantic backdrop in superior surroundings, offering both relaxation and comfort. There are many opportunities to explore the vast estate, pamper yourself at the spa, or get to know the hawks and woodland surroundings at the hotel's falconry school. Dining at Ashford Castle ranks among the finest culinary experiences in the world. Creative cooking, locally sourced ingredients and an innovative menu await at your Celebration Dinner. Gentlemen, a jacket is required.

Hotel: Ashford Castle
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Top Rated Highlights: Explore the Village of Cong Enjoy time as you wish to explore this delightful, quintessential Irish village, used as the location for 1952 film, 'The Quiet Man.' See the statue of the lead characters played by John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara, and the ruins of the Medieval Cong Abbey.
Top Rated Highlights: Ashford Castle Drawbridge Arrival with Lone Piper On arrival to Ashford Castle, you are escorted over the drawbridge by a lone piper for a majestic entrance fit for royalty.
Authentic Dining: Ashford Castle Celebration Dinner Dine on delicious Farm-to-Table fare in a stylish setting at Ashford Castle's iconic George V Dining Room.
Notes
Day 7: Across the Emerald Isle to Dublin

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the morning and perhaps a stroll on the estate? Then cross the midlands to Dublin where the rest of the day is free for independent activities and maybe some last minute shopping.

Hotel: Clayton Hotel Burlington Road
Included Meals: Breakfast
Notes
Day 8: Depart Dublin

Your journey comes to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Dublin airport.

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

Dining Summary
  • - 4 Dinner with Wines (DW)
  • - 7 Breakfasts (B)
Top Rated Highlights
  • 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 the Rock of Cashel where St. Patrick preached.
  • 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.
  • Cross the Shannan Estuary by ferry. This large estuary is where the River Shannon flows into the Atlantic Ocean.   
  • 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.
  • Visit the stunning cathedral of the City of Tribes. Admire its Renaissance style dome and unique rose shaped window.
  • With a striking Victorian Walled Garden and turreted church, Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey is a sight to behold. Dig into the Abbey’s history, discovering how it was founded in 1920 for Benedictine Nuns who fled Belgium in World War I.
  • Enjoy time as you wish to explore this delightful, quintessential Irish village, used as the location for 1952 film, 'The Quiet Man.' See the statue of the lead characters played by John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara, and the ruins of the Medieval Cong Abbey.
  • On arrival to Ashford Castle, you are escorted over the drawbridge by a lone piper for a majestic entrance fit for royalty.
Insight Experiences
  • A stunning combination of cobblestone walkways, emerald-green lawns and 18th-century architectural gems, Trinity College is one of Europe’s elite universities and counts poet Oscar Wilde among its alumni. See the enchanting college campus and discover insights into its impressive history. Enjoy access to view the famous Book of Kells, an exquisite manuscript of the four gospels of the Christian New Testament, renowned for the intricacy, detail and majesty of the illustrations.
Authentic Dining
  • Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner, an opportunity to get to know each other over a meal with wine.
  • Dine on delicious Farm-to-Table fare in a stylish setting at Ashford Castle's iconic George V Dining Room.
Insight Choice
  • 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.
  • Your up close and personal encounter with the lush gardens of the Blarney Castle estate is brought to life on a guided tour with a senior gardener. On your stroll enhanced by your expert’s insights, learn about the arboretum’s rare trees, mystical Druid rock formations and the Bog Garden boasting three 600-year-old yew trees. 
Make Travel Matter
  • Meet John, a seaweed advocate and educator for a seaweed foraging walk at Atlantic Irish Seaweed. 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 directly supports UN Global Goal 14: Life Below Water.
  • Taste the unique flavors of DK Connemara oysters, bred in pure water that runs off the limestone hills of the Connemara National Park. Learn about the farm's sustainability initiatives in an enlightening experience. DK Connemara oysters lead the way in biodiversity and packaging for farming and advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption & Production. Alternatively, enjoy a visit to the turreted Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey.

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 2)

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 2)

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 Jaunting Car Ride (Available on Day 3)

Experience the best of the Irish countryside on a traditional pony and trap ride through the beautiful Bourn-Vincent National Park. Formerly known as the Muckross Estate, this area became Ireland's first National Park in 1932. In 1981, the park was designated by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve, part of a network of natural areas which have conservation, research, education and training as primary objectives. During your journey, your Local Specialist shares insightful anecdotes about the area and Ireland. 

Adult Price: €28 Medieval City Walk With Pub Supper (Available on Day 5)

Uncover more sights and insights of Galway joining your Local Expert for an informative stroll. Dine this in one of Galway's best-loved taverns where traditional pub favorites may include Irish salmon, seafood chowder, colcannon, shepherd’s pie and lamb stew. Sip on a pint on this up close and personal night out with West of Ireland traditional musicians. 

Adult Price: €64 Lough Corrib Cruise (Available on Day 6)

Step aboard and embark on a journey through time with one of our local historians, often the captain. Cruise on the Republic of Ireland's largest lake, reputed to have an island for every day of the year. Leaving Lisloughrey, where passenger steamboats once operated, you'll experience breathtaking scenery and hear the history and folklore of the lake. Returning, the landscape will unfold before our eyes before arriving at Ashford Castle.

Adult Price: €31 Dublin Dinner and Drive (Available on Day 7)

We'll enjoy a scenic drive through the leafy outskirts of Dublin, continuing South along Dublin Bay, viewing the changing eras of architecture en route. Then, it's fine cuisine with a glass of wine in one of Dublin’s well-known stylish restaurants.

Adult Price: €77 Dinner & Cabaret (Available on Day 7)

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