• Aarp Logo Red
    AARP Members Save $100 AARP SAVE $100 on select vacations booked with us on select vacations
    Learn More

Irish Highlights

Operated by: Trafalgar

7 Days from $1,706 per person
APR - OCT 2023
Ireland Man In Horse Drawn Cart On Road With Grass Field Background

Countries Visited

Ireland ...more Ireland

Locations Visited

Dublin, Galway, Bunratty, Limerick, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Blarney, Waterford, New Ross ...more Dublin, Galway, Bunratty, Limerick, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Blarney, Waterford, New Ross
  1. Day 1 Welcome to the Emerald Isle

    Tread in the footsteps of James Joyce and Oscar Wilde, through the lyrical streets of Dublin – your launch pad to a memorable encounter with Ireland's iconic highlights. After a leisurely morning, meet a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour with views of Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral and the stately Georgian Squares. Indulge in a little Irish craic this evening, joining your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception.

    meals Welcome Reception
    hotel Clayton Cardiff Lane, Clayton Ballsbridge
  2. Day 2 Onwards to Galway and Limerick

    We journey to Galway, the 'City of Tribes', where we'll see its stone cathedral on the banks of the Corrib and spend some free time exploring its colourful façades. Irish traditions and heritage are explored next, during a visit to Bunratty Castle and its Folk Park, a living history museum that reveals insights into life in Ireland during the 18th and 19th centuries. Continue to Limerick, for an orientation tour and view the 13th-century King John's Castle overlooking the Shannon.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Greenhills, The Inn at Dromoland
  3. Day 3 Experience the Iconic Cliffs of Moher and on to Killarney

    We leave Limerick and stop at the spectacular Cliffs of Moher on the famous ‘Wild Atlantic Way'. You’ll feel like you’ve gone back to an ancient time as you gaze across the water, all the way to the Aran Islands if the weather is good. Visit the interactive visitor centre where this incredible UNESCO-listed natural phenomenon comes to life in a way you would not get to see with your own eyes. You’ll watch enchanted how the curious-looking Atlantic Puffins take sanctuary in the cliffs and go beneath the surface to see how the sediment has stacked up over 300 million years to create this towering backdrop. Inspired by the irresistible beauty of this special place, you’ll continue to your hotel in Killarney with a scenic drive to the ferry departure point and journey across the Shannon Estuary. Our home for the next two nights is the colourful little town of Killarney.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel International, Killarney
  4. Day 4 A Scenic Day on the Ring of Kerry

    Circle the spectacular Ring of Kerry – its emerald green hills, centuries-old stone villages and vivid blue seascapes provide a soul-stirring backdrop for our leisurely drive around a beautiful coastline that has inspired writers and poets for centuries. We'll see Daniel O'Connell's Cahirciveen, the coastal village of Waterville, Moll's Gap and the Black Valley, renowned for being the last place in Ireland to get electricity and telephone networks.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel International, Killarney
  5. Day 5 Explore Blarney and Journey to Waterford

    Cross the rugged Kerry Mountains and travel to Blarney Castle to kiss the stone and acquire the 'gift of the gab'. Continue to Waterford, where we will have dinner at our hotel.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Fitzwilton
  6. Day 6 Through County Wicklow’s Countryside to Dublin Dive Into Culture Connect with Locals

    Dive Into Culture and witness the centuries-old tradition of crafting fine glass at the House of Waterford Crystal. Here we will watch the talented master craftsmen in their workshop creating exquisite pieces. Our next stop is in the town of New Ross, where we'll see the monument to John F. Kennedy who travelled to his ancestral family hometown in 1963. We'll visit the three-masted famine ship Dunbrody and Dive Into Culture yet again, gaining insights into the tragic plight of the Irish emigrants who fled the potato famine during the 1800s. Continuing through County Wexford and the lush countryside of County Wicklow, we journey to Dublin stopping en route at Glenealy Farmhouse. We'll Connect With Locals over a Be My Guest Farewell Dinner and meet the Fulvio family.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel The Samuel, Clayton Cardiff Lane
  7. Day 7 Farewell Ireland

    For now, it’s time to say a fond slán abhaile to your fellow travellers as you close the curtain on an unforgettable journey through the 'Emerald Isle'. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.

    meals Breakfast
Irish Highlights Guided Tour Map
Price Includes

Whats 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

Dining Summary

  • 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
  • 6 Breakfast (B)
  • 2 Dinner (D)

Be My Guest

  • Wicklow: 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.

Dive Into Culture

  • Waterford: Learn how crystal is crafted at the House of Waterford Crystal during a workshop tour.
  • New Ross: 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.

Iconic Experience

  • Dublin: A Local Specialist will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House.
  • Bunratty: Visit the impeccably-preserved Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.
  • Galway: Explore the historic heart of Galway. See landmarks such as the Spanish Arch and the cathedral, or perhaps admire the distinctive Claddagh rings.
  • Limerick: See Limerick's iconic landmarks during an orientation with your Travel Director.
  • Cliffs of Moher: Stop by the Exhibition Centre and look out over the Wild Atlantic Way from these majestic cliffs.
  • Ring of Kerry: Admire Ireland's enduring scenic beauty on one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
  • Blarney: 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.
  • New Ross: Visit the port town of New Ross. On the quayside, perhaps see the Dunbrody replica famine ship and statue of John F. Kennedy.

Must-see Highlights

  • : Explore Dublin with a Local Specialist
  • : Discover Galway, Limerick and Waterford
  • : Visit Bunratty Folk Park, the Cliffs of Moher, Blarney to kiss the stone and gain the 'gift of the gab', the Crystal Showroom at Waterford and the famine ship in New Ross
  • : View St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin and King John's Castle in Limerick
  • : See the Cathedral of Galway and St. Mary's Cathedral in Limerick
  • : Scenic Cruise across the Shannon Estuary
  • : Scenic Drive of the Ring of Kerry

Whats 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

Dates & Prices

Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. To request a personalized travel quote, click "Request Quote" and a Travel Specialist will send your custom quote including airfare if requested.

Online Booking Process

Onlinebookingprocesssteps
June 2023
AARP Members Save up to $100
Jun 25 Sun
Jul 1 Sat
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$1,950 $1,755 Save $195
GETAWAY DEALS
AARP Members Save up to $100
Jun 25 Sun
Jul 1 Sat
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$1,950 $1,755 Save $195
GETAWAY DEALS
July 2023
AARP Members Save up to $100
Jul 9 Sun
Jul 15 Sat
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$1,950
AARP Members Save up to $100
Jul 9 Sun
Jul 15 Sat
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$1,950
AARP Members Save up to $100
Jul 30 Sun
Aug 5 Sat
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$1,950
AARP Members Save up to $100
Jul 30 Sun
Aug 5 Sat
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$1,950
August 2023
AARP Members Save up to $100
Aug 20 Sun
Aug 26 Sat
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$1,950 $1,755 Save $195
GETAWAY DEALS
AARP Members Save up to $100
Aug 20 Sun
Aug 26 Sat
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$1,950 $1,755 Save $195
GETAWAY DEALS
AARP Members Save up to $100
Aug 27 Sun
Sep 2 Sat
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$1,950 $1,755 Save $195
GETAWAY DEALS
AARP Members Save up to $100
Aug 27 Sun
Sep 2 Sat
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$1,950 $1,755 Save $195
GETAWAY DEALS
September 2023
AARP Members Save up to $100
Sep 3 Sun
Sep 9 Sat
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$1,950
AARP Members Save up to $100
Sep 3 Sun
Sep 9 Sat
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$1,950
AARP Members Save up to $100
Sep 10 Sun
Sep 16 Sat
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$1,950
AARP Members Save up to $100
Sep 24 Sun
Sep 30 Sat
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$1,950
October 2023
AARP Members Save up to $100
Oct 1 Sun
Oct 7 Sat
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$1,950
AARP Members Save up to $100
Oct 8 Sun
Oct 14 Sat
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$1,950 $1,755 Save $195
LIMITED TIME OFFER
AARP Members Save up to $100
Oct 15 Sun
Oct 21 Sat
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$1,950 $1,755 Save $195
LIMITED TIME OFFER
AARP Members Save up to $100
Oct 22 Sun
Oct 28 Sat
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$1,895 $1,706 Save $190
LIMITED TIME OFFER
AARP Members Save up to $100
Oct 29 Sun
Nov 4 Sat
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$1,895 $1,706 Save $190
LIMITED TIME OFFER
Optional Add-Ons

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.

Limerick

Available on Day 2

Dinner at Durty Nelly's

Tonight we'll experience dinner at the world-famous Durty Nelly's. Enjoy an excellent choice menu in this storied establishment that's almost 400 years old! Discover the place where the road rises up to meet you, and the wind is always at your back!
Adult Price: € 48

Available on Day 2

Medieval Castle Banquet

Enjoy a banquet and medieval entertainment in the great hall of the castle. The court jester will make an appearance, as will the castle’s musicians and the ladies and gentlemen of the medieval court – giving you an evening you won’t forget.
Adult Price: € 77

Killarney

Available on Day 3

Celtic Steps

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: € 37

Tralee

Available on Day 3

Irish Folk Theatre and Dinner

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.
Adult Price: € 69
Note: This experience will be offered for those trips that stay in Tralee.

Available on Day 3

Experience a Jaunting Cart Ride

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: € 23

Available on Day 3

Irish Ceilidh Evening

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: € 67

Available on Day 4

Visit Muckross House and its Gardens

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, alongside the shores of the lake. The 19th-century house contains some wonderful examples of furniture and paintings, including a portrait of King James VI, for whom Shakespeare wrote Macbeth.
Adult Price: € 21

Waterford

Available on Day 5

Irish Folk Fun

Join a magical entertainment experience, where you'll get the chance to see Irish hospitality in the best folk tradition. Enjoy a drink while locals sing and play music for you.
Adult Price: € 29

Available on Day 6

Explore Waterford's History

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: € 19

Reviews
Service
Vacation
Independent Reviews
Trusted Customer
Saturday, October 22, 2022
Service
The hours stayed only open till 5pm central time so we waited several weeks for a day off b4 we tried to schedule. They were actually open later. Once we got a hold of them they were great.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We apologize for the misunderstanding regarding the hours of operation, but we are so glad to hear you enjoyed your trip to Ireland. We hope you came home with many wonderful memories. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We appreciate your feedback and comments!
Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Vacation
The trip was great. Exactly what was advertised. The accommodations and food much better than expected. Great tour guide. Good assortment of activities. Bus was clean and well cared for. Very experienced driver.
Trusted Customer
Saturday, October 8, 2022
Service
Despite indicating my preference for window seat on all flights, I didn’t get them, even though window seats showed as available. I was able to change one within my category, but had to pay $33 each ($66 total) extra to change on the 7.5 ht flights.
Vacation
Our tour guide, Jill, was excellent. Our coach driver, Lee, was amazing. Hotels were good choices, clean and welcoming. The sites and meals were fantastic.
Mariann Baker
Saturday, October 1, 2022
Service
Our tour guide, Bernard, was amazing! He was knowledgeable and entertaining. The countryside was beautiful, we loved all of our stops and the hotels were great!
Response from Grand European Travel:
It sounds like your Ireland vacation hit all the highlights. We hope you came home with lifelong memories. Thank you for taking the time to write a review. We appreciate your business and your feedback. Take care!
Tuesday, October 11, 2022
Vacation
Itinerary and hotels were great, Bernard made it a perfect vacation!
Penney Friedrich
Saturday, October 1, 2022
Service
Your booking agent covered all basis and was there quickly whenever I had a question. Yes, I would recommend.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We are so happy you enjoyed your Irish Highlights vacation. Thank you for sending us your photos! We are glad we were able to be a part of the planning of your memorable trip. We appreciate your business, recommendation and feedback. Happy Travels!
Tuesday, October 11, 2022
Vacation
We got to see so much of Ireland and participated in local activities. Our Tour Director Bernard was great. knowledgeable and funny. Very caring for all of us.
Jon Engelhardt
Tuesday, August 30, 2022
Service
Friendly and worked tireless and congenially to reschedule our 2020 trip that got rescheduled to 2021 and rescheduled yet again to 2022 all because of COVID. Reps worked with us to keep costs fairly stable any way they could!
Vacation
Literature describes optional excursions that don’t end up offered. We thought having more than one stop that was good for two nights might help address the exhaustion that participants began to have toward the end of the tour.
Paul Droz
Saturday, July 23, 2022
Service
It was good
Response from Grand European Travel:
We are so happy you enjoyed your Irish Highlights trip. The Emerald Isle is certainly a fascinating place to visit. Thank you for leaving your feedback. We appreciate your comments.
Monday, July 25, 2022
Vacation
It was good, very good We road in a bus with a very knowledgeable tour guide
Sharon Koprowicz
Saturday, July 23, 2022
Service
My friend booked the trip
Response from Grand European Travel:
We are thrilled to hear your Irish Highlights trip went so well. Thank you for booking with us and leaving a review. We appreciate your feedback!
Monday, July 25, 2022
Vacation
Wonderful sights and terrific tour guide and driver.
Sharyn Watts
Wednesday, July 6, 2022
Service
Well we made our plans to travel in 2020 and obviously that did not happen because of Covid. We ended up not going until 2022, Barb was great with helping us.
Vacation
Yes, I was not impressed with 2 of the hotels! The Greenhills Hotel in Limerick did not provide hot water for our morning showers. The Hotel Killarney seemed a little run down. I will say our Travel Director Jillian and Bus Driver John were both superb. Although, they had not been with each other in quite some time, due to Covid, they were great. We really appreciated their knowledge of the country.
Trusted Customer
Saturday, June 25, 2022
Service
Everything went so smooth, loved every minute of tour
Response from Grand European Travel:
We are so glad you enjoyed your Irish Highlights tour and that we were able to help you plan your trip. It sounds like you had a great time. Thank you for taking the time to write a review. We appreciate it!
Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Vacation
Enjoyed the easy pace and comfortable coach
Charles Zacharias
Tuesday, June 21, 2022
Service
They kept me on through the Covid delay and got me reasonable airfare. The Trafalgar tour was awesome!
Response from Grand European Travel:
It sounds like you had a fabulous time on your Irish Highlights tour. That makes us so happy! Thank you for your review and your kind words. Take care!
Wednesday, June 22, 2022
Vacation
The tour guide, bus driver, and wellness person did a fantastic job.
See More Reviews
Terms & Conditions
Click here to view Terms and Conditions for this guided vacation
Back To Top