Duration: 10 Days
It may come as a surprise that the beloved Irish tune “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” was written by a trio of American songwriters. That’s the moving influence of this enchanting and captivating land. So, when are Irish eyes smiling? At every moment on this undiscovered tour of Ireland – as you stroll down the lively streets of Dublin, sip Guinness in a boisterous pub on the Dingle Peninsula, take a horse-drawn jaunting-car ride through the Killarney countryside, and even bake scones on a quaint Irish sheep farm near Galway. By way of the most dramatic coastal and pastoral scenery, this tour of Ireland leads you to the lesser-known gems of the Emerald Isle as well as the cliffs, castles, and famous crystal you’ve long heard of. As you hum along the winding Ring of Kerry and the rocky Aran Islands, this tour of Ireland “will steal your heart away”.
Traveller Notes
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect holiday—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
Please note: Itinerary is based on 2024, and is subject to change. Full details will be confirmed in 2024.
Cead mile failte-a hundred-thousand welcomes!
At 3pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for an afternoon orientation drive, including O'Connell Street, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and Trinity College. (D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS "In Dublin's fair city where girls are so pretty," you'll also find great personality and charm. The charisma of Dubliners and the bounty of pubs here is matched only by the gorgeous Georgian Squares, 12th-century St. Patrick's Cathedral, and legendary library of Trinity College.
Triumphs & Tragedies
KILDARE Visit the Irish National Stud.
STROKESTOWN Guided tour of the 1740s mansion and gardens at Strokestown House and the Famine Museum. (B,D) 172 mi / 276 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Relive history at Strokestown Park House, a stunning Georgian Palladian Mansion, with its original furnishings, and stroll the walled gardens in this historic site. Get a glimpse into the lives of generations of people who lived and worked here over the centuries, each adding their own chapter to the story and leaving their mark. Witness the history of the Great Irish Famine with a visit to the National Famine Museum to learn about the most devastating and tragic event in Irish history.
Wild Atlantic Way and Irish Roses
KYLEMORE Visit the Benedictine Abbey.
GALWAY Free time this afternoon.
(B) 165 mi / 265 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Nestled between the woodlands and lakeshore near Galway City, Kylemore Abbey is home to the Benedictine Sisters who have been in residence since 1920 in a life of prayer, work, and community. The history of this stunning abbey reaches back to the 1800s as the estate of Irish patriot Mitchell Henry. Visit the abbey where handmade chocolates, wild Irish honey and traditional fuchsia pottery are sold. Stroll the lovely grounds of Ireland's largest walled garden in the heart of the Connemara countryside.
Islands of Saints & Scholars
GALWAY Ferry crossing to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands.
INISHMORE Stop in for a light lunch at [LF] Joe Watty's pub and hear from a local who shares stories about life on Inishmore Island. A minibus tour of the island with a local guide-driver includes a visit to the prehistoric clifftop fort of Dun Aengus. (B,L) 45 mi / 72 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE
TRADITION & CULTURE Joe Watty's Bar & Seafood Restaurant on Inishmore Island is the place for good food, Gaelic music, and craic (good company). Unwind beside the fire or enjoy a Guinness in the beer garden to watch the world go by and learn a cupla focal (few words of Irish) from some of the locals.
Sheep, Scones & Ancient Stones
RATHBAUN Visit Rathbaun Farm and [LF] try your hand at scone baking, learn about sheep herding, and enjoy coffee and scones.
CLARE COAST See the rocky landscapes of The Burren and stop to take photos of the prehistoric megalith at Poulnabrone Dolmen.
CLIFFS OF MOHER Visit the 668-foot-high cliffs above the Atlantic Ocean.
LIMERICK Free time this evening. (B) 129 mi / 207 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE
LOCAL TASTES Someone's in the kitchen in Rathbaun Farm, just outside of Galway. You can don an apron and whip up your own delicious home-made scones, served with fresh preserves and whipped cream. Learn about the longtime tradition of sheep farming in this beautiful Irish landscape.
Daring Young Men & Flying Machines
FOYNES Take a guided tour of the Flying Boat & Maritime Museum, followed by Irish coffee demonstration and tasting.
DINGLE PENINSULA Enjoy a scenic drive on Slea Head promontory. (B,D) 159 mi / 255 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDS & LORE Experience the era of transatlantic passenger flights, and the maritime legends of the River Shannon with a visit to the fantastic Flying Boat & Maritime Museum in Foynes, home to the world's only full-size replica of a B314 flying boat, commemorating this Irish town's role in early passenger flights across the Atlantic and the legendary flying boats that carried celebrities, royals, and refugees alike. Learn about the daring history and folklore of Ireland's longest river.
A Jaunting Good Time
RING OF KERRY Panoramic drive around part of Ireland's southwestern peninsula.
KILLARNEY Take a horse-drawn jaunting-car ride through the national park (B) 99 mi / 159 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS County Kerry is home to the exquisite natural beauty of a rugged and mountainous expanse in Killarney National Park. A horse-drawn jaunting car ride is a great way to experience this natural wonderland, including the 1,000-foot McGillycuddy's Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland. Nestled at the foot of these mountains, the Lakes of Killarney's shores and woodlands share this magical place with waterfalls and dramatic skies above Ross Castle.
Fine Crystal & The Gift of Gab
KILLARNEY Cross the Kerry Mountains into County Cork.
BLARNEY Visit the village known for its magical Kissing Stone.
WATERFORD Take a guided tour of the House of Waterford Crystal. (B,D) 126 mi / 203 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDS & LORE Cut the blarney and hear the history of how telling tales is forever linked to the 15th-century castle and the village below in Blarney. One of the last estate villages that remain standing in Ireland, the village was built by an 18th-century landlord to house the castle workers there. It's true!
Medieval & Modern Irish Capitals
KILKENNY Time to explore one of Ireland's most quaint towns.
DUBLIN Free time this afternoon. (B) 122 mi / 196 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Time to explore the city of Kilkenny, referred to as the "Marble City" because of the widespread use of local black limestone to construct many local buildings. The "Medieval Mile" is the city's main thoroughfare and is lined with medieval landmarks, quaint shops and charming pubs. Today Kilkenny is renowned for its active arts and crafts scene.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
