Duration: 8 Days
Step into this most enchanting of Ireland trips, revealing what life is like on the island. Breathe in the fresh Galway air and wander the flower-scented gardens of Kylemore Abbey. Day 1
Hello Dublin
A warm welcome to Dublin, a modern multi-cultural city that embraces its past and exudes an enduring sense of fun. Meet your Local Specialist this afternoon for a guided city tour to view the elegant Georgian Squares and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Visit Trinity College and see the Book of Kells, said to be the world's most famous medieval manuscript. A special Welcome Dinner this evening sees you visiting EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum.
Day 2
Experience Irish history and on to Ballina Dive Into Culture
Journey through the lush green countryside before your first stop at Strokestown where we will Dive Into Culture at the Irish Famine Museum, delving into the stories of the 1840s famine. See the haunting pleas of starving tenants on the estate and the response they received, before continuing to Ballina.
Day 3
Journey to Westport and Galway
Travel to Westport and meet your Local Specialist for a walking tour during which you’ll learn about the town's heritage – from its settlement 5,000 years ago to modern-day times. Later, visit the Benedictine monastery of Kylemore Abbey, set against the striking backdrop of Lake Kylemore, and stroll through its walled Victorian gardens. We continue to Galway, the 'City of Tribes', where we'll see Galway Cathedral and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
Day 4
The Iconic Cliffs of Moher and Onwards to Killarney
Our first stop today is the Cliffs of Moher, you’ll remember for years to come as you watch the cliffs plunge dramatically into the Atlantic waters below. Beyond the endless views and the opportunity to capture on film the colonies of curious-looking puffins that find sanctuary in its nooks and crannies, you’ll have an opportunity to visit the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience which really brings this natural phenomenon to life in an interactive way, leaving you with a deep understanding of this special place. Later, we cross the Shannon Estuary by ferry to Killarney, our home for the next two nights. Spend a free evening soaking up some unforgettable Irish craic or delve into the town's centuries-old history.
Day 5
A Day on the Ring of Kerry
Dramatic vistas are ours to enjoy as we circle the achingly beautiful Ring of Kerry – one of the most scenic drives on the 'Emerald Isle'. Meet John, a seaweed advocate and educator for a seaweed foraging walk, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. See a soul-stirring landscape that has inspired poets, artists and writers for centuries. Next, a leisurely guided walk at Torc Waterfall with a Local Specialist taking you along the lakeshore and past the farmlands of the 19th-century Muckross Estate.
Day 6
Venture to Blarney and Medieval Kilkenny Connect with Locals
Kiss the famous Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle and receive the 'gift of the gab'. This afternoon we arrive in Kilkenny where we have some free time to explore, or possibly join an Optional Experience to a local pub for an afternoon of music.
Day 7
Return to Lively Dublin
Kilkenny holds a long history for Ireland's national sport - hurling. Meet an experienced player to gain exciting insight to this unique Irish cultural experience and have a go for yourself to pitch. Returning to the Irish capital, Connect with Locals with the Fulvio family, over a Be My Guest lunch at Glenealy House. In the evening, all that's left to say is a rousing sláinte or two while you indulge in a memorable Farewell Dinner, enjoying a fun night out at a classic public house in the city. Admire the authentic Victorian bar and walk up the original staircase from Trinity College, which was featured in the Michael Caine film 'Educating Rita'.
Day 8
Farewell Ireland
It’s time to close the chapter on an unforgettable Irish holiday. We bid our newfound friends and Travel Director a fond farewell. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 7 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
- 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.
- Strokestown: Visit the Irish National Famine Museum for insights into the plight of the starving people of Ireland during the Great Irish Famine in the mid-19th century.
- Killarney: Meet John, a seaweed advocate and educator for a seaweed foraging walk at Atlantic Irish Seaweed. On this landscape that has inspired poets, artists and writers, 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 advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.
- : Explore Dublin, Killarney National Park and Westport with a Local Specialist
- : Discover Galway and Killarney
- : Visit Trinity College and EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin, the National Irish Famine Museum at Strokestown Park, Kylemore Abbey, Cliffs of Moher and Blarney Castle
- : View the mountains of the Connemara and Torc Waterfall
- : See St. Patrick's Cathedral and the Georgian Squares in Dublin and Galway Cathedral
- : Scenic Cruise across the Shannon Estuary
- : Scenic Drive of the Ring of Kerry
- : 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
Start Date: 2023-10-01
End Date: 2023-10-08
twin
Adult Price: $3660
Child Price: $3360
twinShare
Adult Price: $3660
Child Price: $2679
triple
Adult Price: $3709
Child Price: $3409
single
Adult Price: $4313
Start Date: 2023-10-15
End Date: 2023-10-22
twin
Adult Price: $3225
Child Price: $2925
twinShare
Adult Price: $3225
Child Price: $2679
triple
Adult Price: $3215
Child Price: $2915
single
Adult Price: $4025