Irish Wonder
8 Days from $1,325 per person
Centuries of Irish culture and heritage are revealed on this adventure across the windswept valleys of Ireland, from Dublin to the charismatic seaside villages along the Dingle Peninsula and the Blarney Stone, where you'll acquire the gift of the gab.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange for flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
Overview
Centuries of Irish culture and heritage are revealed on this adventure across the windswept valleys of Ireland, from Dublin to the charismatic seaside villages along the Dingle Peninsula and the Blarney Stone, where you'll acquire the gift of the gab.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange for flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
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Day 1: Arrive Dublin – Sightseeing
Welcome to Dublin. 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. Relax after check-in. Later your Local Specialist takes you on a panoramic sightseeing tour, which includes views of Dublin Castle, Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral and Merrion Square. It's a great introduction to your Irish journey.
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Day 2: Dublin – Boyle – Knock – Ballina (2 Nights)
View the ruins of the Cistercian Abbey at Boyle, dating back to the 12th century. Visit the pilgrimage town of Knock in County Mayo, where the Virgin Mary appeared to villagers in 1879. Dine tonight at your hotel in Ballina.
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Day 3: Belleek (Northern Ireland) – County Donegal Excursion
Travel across the border into Northern Ireland for a visit to the Belleek Pottery center. Visit traditional weavers in the town of Donegal where you also view the 15th-century castle. Stop at Drumcliffe to view the grave of renowned Irish poet W.B. Yeats. See the harbor town of Mullaghmore, before returning to your hotel in Ballina.
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Day 4: Ballina – Westport – Galway – Co. Limerick (2 Nights)
This morning travel via Westport and the beautiful region of Connemara to Galway on the banks of the Corrib River. View the cathedral, built on the site of the old prison and stroll around Eyre Square. Tonight why not join your Travel Director and companions for a medieval banquet in an Irish castle?
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Day 5: Cliffs of Moher Excursion
This morning, drive to the western coast and the magnificent Cliffs of Moher. Bring the history of the cliffs to life with a visit to the 'Atlantic Edge' exhibition. Spend free time exploring Limerick on your own or perhaps join your Travel Director for an Optional Experience to Bunratty Folk Park.
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Day 6: Co. Limerick – Dingle Peninsula – Tralee
This morning in Limerick, your orientation drive includes views of St. Mary's Cathedral and King John's Castle. Enjoy a scenic drive along the Dingle Peninsula. See the unspoiled and colorful villages and fishing harbors of Ireland's most westerly point. Later, arrive in the town of Tralee, famed for its annual 'Rose of Tralee' festival and beauty pageant before arriving at your hotel.
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Day 7: Tralee – Blarney – Dublin
Visit Blarney Castle and don't forget to kiss the Blarney Stone and acquire the 'gift of the gab.' Arrive later in the capital, Dublin, for the final night of your vacation.
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Day 8: Depart Dublin
Say farewell to your Travel Director and new-found friends as your memorable vacation in the Emerald Isle comes to an end. Return transfers 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 Jun 19 | 16 Jun 19 |
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$1,325pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Call 1-877-622-9109 | ||
| 23 Jun 19 | 30 Jun 19 |
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$1,480pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 7 Jul 19 | 14 Jul 19 |
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$1,325pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 14 Jul 19 | 21 Jul 19 |
|
$1,325pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 28 Jul 19 | 4 Aug 19 |
|
$1,325pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 4 Aug 19 | 11 Aug 19 | $1,325pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 11 Aug 19 | 18 Aug 19 |
|
$1,325pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 25 Aug 19 | 1 Sep 19 | $1,325pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 1 Sep 19 | 8 Sep 19 |
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$1,355pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 8 Sep 19 | 15 Sep 19 |
|
$1,355pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 15 Sep 19 | 22 Sep 19 |
|
$1,355pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 22 Sep 19 | 29 Sep 19 |
|
$1,355pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 29 Sep 19 | 6 Oct 19 |
|
$1,355pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | 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: from $270 per person
Triple Room Discount: $40 per person
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $78 per person
Airport transfers: 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. Return transfers on the last travel day will arrive at Dublin Airport at 7 am, 9 am and 11 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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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Hotel Tips
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Breakfast Daily
Meal Summary
10 meals: 7 Full breakfasts, 3 Three-course dinners.
Sightseeing Experiences
- Dublin With your Local Specialist see St. Patrick's Cathedral, the glorious Georgian Squares, and Christchurch Cathedral on your panoramic sightseeing tour
- Boyle View the Cistercian Abbey
- Knock Visit the pilgrimage site
- Belleek Pottery Visit the famous pottery factory
- County Donegal Visit this picturesque area
- Galway View Galway Cathedral and Eyre Square
- Cliffs of Moher View the stunning seascape from the cliffs and visit the Atlantic Edge exhibition in the eco-friendly Visitor Center
- Limerick View St. Mary's Cathedral and King John's Castle
- Dingle Peninsula Enjoy the beautiful countryside along the Dingle peninsula, Ireland's most westerly point
- Blarney Kiss the Blarney Stone during your visit of Blarney Castle and acquire the gift of the gab
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
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 Ireland is the Euro (€). While it’s a good idea to bring some money for when you first arrive, you’ll usually find a better exchange rate in your destination. The most convenient way to obtain cash is to use your ATM card at local banks. 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
Irish national specialties including Irish stew, coddle, potato bread, corned beef and whiskey cake. Be sure to try an Irish breakfast, visit a chip shop for fresh fish and chips, and enjoy hearty lunch at a good local pub.
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Packing
The climate in Ireland is temperate, with regular rainfall throughout the year. 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. A few 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 out, some restaurants will add a service charge of 12.5 percent to your bill, especially for groups. If a service hasn’t been added, it’s appropriate to leave 10 – 15 percent gratuity.
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.
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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.
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.
Boyle
Luxurious River Shannon Cruise
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.
Adult Price: €30
Ballina
Fine Dining in a Stately Home
We’ll travel by coach to an award-winning restaurant in a quirky, 19c neo-gothic manor house. Here you’ll be served authentic locally-sourced food in an elegant setting.
Adult Price: €55
Irish Traditions and Song
Tonight, you'll enjoy Irish hospitality in a cozy local pub. Experience the folk tradition and enjoy a drink while locals sing and play music for you.
Adult Price: €27
Limerick
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: €74
Bunratty Castle And Folk Park
Come on a visit to the 15th-century Bunratty Castle and admire its fine furnishings, antiques and paintings. With your local specialist, you’ll experience an Ireland of the past, as you wander through the folk park with its thatched cottages and smoky turf fires. In the village, we'll have free time to explore the quaint shops and relax in the local tea room.
Adult Price: €22
Tralee
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: €36
Dublin
Dublin Dinner and Cabaret
Enjoy an evening of fine food and non-stop fun as Ireland’s history unfolds in a cabaret of comedy, song and dance. The cast will have you tapping your toes and joining in the show, all in the spirit of Irish humor. And you’ll even be served an Irish coffee to round off your dinner.
Adult Price: €71
Dinner in Dublin City
Come to one of Dublin's most locally-loved restaurant-pubs. You'll enjoy dinner and charming hospitality that this part of the world is renowned for.
Adult Price: €45
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.
