Located on the northwest tip of Europe, the Emerald Isle is brimming with a variety of things to see, do, and experience. Discover the country’s scenic lakes, mountains, and seascapes. Delve into its culture filled with ancient myths and legends. Experience warm hospitality, catchy folk music, and delicious food and drinks that complement this trip of a lifetime.

View Dates and Prices Tour Highlights and Inclusions View Itinerary Tour Images

• Transportation by deluxe motorcoach, local trains, and ferry
• First-class hotel accommodations for 8 nights
• 15 meals
• Sightseeing and scenic excursions per itinerary
• Services of a professional tour manager
• Baggage handling, taxes and service charges

• Trinity College
• Ring of Kerry
• Cliffs of Moher
• Aran Islands
• Giant’s Causeway

Day 1 – Depart USA for Dublin
Board your international flight for the journey across the Atlantic Ocean. (Air travel not included in tour cost)

Day 2 – Arrive Dublin
Upon arrival, we will transfer to our Dublin Hotel. We will then strike out on a panoramic tour of this historic, storied city. Following the tour, there will be time to relax or explore the city on your own. Tonight we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner with entertainment at Merry Ploughboy’s Pub. Overnight Ashling Hotel. (D)

Day 3 – Dublin Sightseeing
After breakfast, board the motorcoach and prepare to visit some of Dublin’s iconic attractions. Saint Patrick’s Cathedral was built in honor of Ireland’s patron saint. It stands adjacent to the famous well where tradition has it that Saint Patrick baptized converts on his visit to Dublin. Next, we’ll visit Trinity College Dublin and the Book of Kells. Written around 800 AD, the Book of Kells is the centerpiece of an exhibition which attracts over 500,000 visitors each year. The book contains a richly decorated copy of the four gospels that are preceded by prefaces, summaries of the gospel narratives and concordances of gospel passages compiled in the fourth century.

Continuing on, we head to Ireland’s number one visitor attraction, the Guinness Storehouse. This historical building is central to Dublin’s and Ireland’s heritage and has been continually updated to create a blend of fascinating industrial tradition with a contemporary edge. The seven floors bring to life the rich heritage of the Guinness brand, telling the story from its origins at St. James’s Gate in Dublin to its growth as a global icon, known all around the world. This evening we’ll enjoy dinner at our hotel. Overnight Ashling Hotel. (B, D)

Day 4 – Killarney
After breakfast this morning, transfer to Heuston Station and board a train for Killarney. Upon arrival we will transfer to our hotel, located on the door step of the world-renowned Killarney National Park and a short stroll from the town center. The afternoon is free to explore or relax. This evening we’ll enjoy dinner at the hotel. Overnight Killarney Avenue Hotel. (B, D)

Day 5 – Killarney Sightseeing
After breakfast, strike out on a tour of the Ring of Kerry. Acclaimed as Ireland’s most beautiful region, the mystical Ring of Kerry, with its emerald hills and clear blue waters, provides amazing insight into the ancient heritage of Ireland. We’ll witness Iron Age Forts, ancient Celtic writings on Ogham Stones, Old Monasteries and a landscape carved out of rock by the last Ice Age 10,000 years ago. There will be several stops along this breathtaking route to take pictures. We’ll return to Killarney for a lively night at Kate Kearney’s Cottage. Overnight Killarney Avenue Hotel. (B, D)

Day 6 – Galway
After breakfast, board your motorcoach and enjoy the scenery on the drive to Galway. We’ll board the Tarbert Ferry and cross the Shannon Estuary to Kilmer. We’ll then head north to the famous Cliffs of Moher. The cliffs rise approximately 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean and are a designated UNESCO Geo Park.

Following our visit to the Cliffs, we drive through the Burren (“great rock”), a limestone landscape. While it makes up only 1% of the total land mass of Ireland, 75% of the native plant species are found here. Over 700 different flowering plants and ferns have been recorded! Upon arrival in Galway, we’ll enjoy a panoramic city tour before checking into our hotel. Dinner will be at our hotel this evening. Overnight Hotel Meyrick. (B, D)

Day 7 – Galway
Today we embark on a full day excursion to the Aran Islands, where Gaelic is still spoken. These rugged islands are located at the mouth of Galway Bay and are famous for geological formations, historical monuments, and cultural heritage. The ancient inhabitants of these rocky islands built stone forts and walls that crisscross the islands, which have stood for thousands of years. Overnight Hotel Meyrick. (B, D)

Day 8 – Dublin
After breakfast we transfer to the Galway rail station for the train ride back to Dublin. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to our hotel, with time to relax or explore on your own before dinner tonight. Overnight Academy Plaza Hotel. (B, D)

Day 9 – Belfast
This morning transfer to Connolly Station and board a train bound for Belfast. Upon arrival, we’ll travel by coach to Giant’s Causeway. The spectacular coastal scenery is the most popular tourist attraction in Northern Ireland. It is made up of 40,000 interlocking volcanic rock columns resulting from an ancient eruption. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Nature Reserve. It was also named the fourth greatest natural wonder in the United Kingdom. The tops of the columns form stepping stones that lead from the foot of the cliff and disappear under the sea. The tallest are approximately 39 feet high and the solidified lava in the cliffs is over 90 feet thick in places. Overnight Academy Plaza Hotel. (B, D)

Day 10 – En Route Home
This morning we’ll enjoy breakfast in the hotel before transferring to the airport for your return flight home (not included).