Irish Elegance - Classic Group
Irish Elegance - Classic Group
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Irish Elegance - Classic Group" tour and immerse yourself in the enchanting landscapes and rich history of Ireland. Begin your journey in Dublin, exploring its iconic landmarks and the historic Trinity College. Travel through the lush countryside to the Rock of Cashel and the legendary Blarney Castle, where you can kiss the Blarney Stone. Experience the breathtaking Ring of Kerry, the towering Cliffs of Moher, and the serene beauty of Connemara National Park. Delight in a stay at the luxurious Ashford Castle, complete with a majestic entrance and world-class dining. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural experiences, stunning scenery, and luxurious accommodations. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: In Dublin’S Fair City
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Dublin.
Accommodation Name: Clayton Burlington Road, Dublin
Meals Included: Dinner
Start your exploration of Dublin with an orientation tour with a Local Expert that brings to life Dublin’s architectural treasures and history, stretching back more than 1,000 years. Travel along the River Liffey, see Custom House, Guinness Storehouse, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. See the 9th century Book of Kells and enjoy a walk through the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College. Back at your hotel, join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner and the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a pleasant evening.
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Day 2: Cashel And Blarney, Heading For Killarney
Location: Killarney
Accommodation: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa.
Accommodation Name: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart Dublin, and pass the famous Curragh Racecourse and green meadows where many of the finest Irish racehorses are bred. Driving south, stop to see the spectacular Rock of Cashel, crowned with medieval buildings that dominate the flat countryside for miles around. Then on to explore Blarney with Insight Choice. Choose to visit Blarney Castle and kiss the magical stone to ensure a lifetime of eloquence. Alternatively, meet a senior gardener for a tour of Blarney Gardens. Head to Killarney, where you may fancy a ‘pint of porter.' This town on the lakes is famous for its lively pubs so in the evening why not join in the ‘craic’?
Day 3: Ring Of Kerry Experience Relaxed Start
Location: Ring of Kerry
Accommodation: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa.
Accommodation Name: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, marvel at spectacular mountain and sea views as you travel the road that winds around the beautiful Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the Ring of Kerry. Meet John for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit his family-run seaweed farm to learn about sustainable farming practices that protect the wild Irish Atlantic coasts.
Day 4: The Cliffs Of Moher And On To Galway
Location: Galway
Accommodation: Connemara Coast Hotel, Galway.
Accommodation Name: Connemara Coast, Galway
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Cross the Shannon Estuary by ferry and enter County Clare. Stop at the Exhibition Center and enjoy a walk along the Cliffs of Moher, raised approximately 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic waves. Then travel north across the Burren, a suddenly stark and barren landscape, scarred with interesting limestone creases. Journey to Galway, the City of Tribes, and visit the last Cathedral built in Ireland. Take in the scenery from your hotel which is spectacularly set on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Day 5: Captivating Connemara Relaxed Start
Location: Connemara National Park
Accommodation: Connemara Coast Hotel, Galway.
Accommodation Name: Connemara Coast, Galway
Meals Included: Breakfast
Embark on a superb exploration of the Connemara National Park and see a wonderland of rivers, lakes and silent hills. Explore Connemara with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the magnificent, turreted Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and visit one of Ireland’s oldest oyster farms for a tasting. Learn about their commitment to biodiversity and work promoting sustainable packaging.
Day 6: Majestic Ashford Castle Relaxed Start
Location: Cong
Accommodation: Ashford Castle, Cong.
Accommodation Name: Ashford Castle, Cong
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Sitting on the edge of Lough Corrib and nestled on the border of County Galway and County Mayo, is the delightful Cong. You may recognise much of the town as it was used as the location in the 1952 film, 'The Quiet Man.' With free time to explore this quintessential Irish village, see the statue of the lead characters played by John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara, and the ruins of the Medieval Cong Abbey. Then a short drive down the road leads you to Ashford Castle, the highlight of your travels. As you arrive a lone piper escorts you over the drawbridge. Your exquisite hotel provides a romantic backdrop in superior surroundings, offering both relaxation and comfort. There are many opportunities to explore the vast estate, pamper yourself at the spa, or get to know the hawks and woodland surroundings at the hotel's falconry school. Dining at Ashford Castle ranks among the finest culinary experiences in the world. Creative cooking, locally sourced ingredients and an innovative menu awaits. Gentlemen, a jacket is required.
Day 7: Across The Emerald Isle To Dublin Relaxed Start
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Dublin.
Accommodation Name: Clayton Burlington Road, Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the morning and perhaps a stroll on the estate? Then cross the midlands to Dublin where the rest of the day is free for independent activities and maybe some last minute shopping.
Day 8: Depart Dublin
Location: Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your journey comes to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Dublin airport.
What's Included
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Travel Director
Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
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Luggage Handling
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
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Personal Radio Headsets
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
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Tips and Charges
Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
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Wi-Fi Access
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
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Insight Flourish
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
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Airport Transfers
If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
What's Not Included
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Airfare to and from the tour
Flights to and from the tour's starting and ending points are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included but is highly recommended.
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Meals not specified
Any meals not listed as included in the itinerary are at your own expense.
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Optional Excursions
Costs for optional excursions available for purchase during the tour are not included.
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Personal Expenses
All personal expenses, such as laundry, phone calls, and souvenirs, are your responsibility.
Mode of Transport
Cross the Shannon Estuary by ferry. Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert’s fascinating commentary.
Accommodation
Stay at the luxurious Ashford Castle, the highlight of your travels. As you arrive a lone piper escorts you over the drawbridge. Your exquisite hotel provides a romantic backdrop in superior surroundings, offering both relaxation and comfort.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several unique experiences such as a guided tour of Blarney Castle's gardens with a senior gardener, a seaweed foraging walk with a seaweed advocate in the Ring of Kerry, and a visit to one of Ireland's oldest oyster farms in Connemara. Additionally, you will be escorted over the drawbridge of Ashford Castle by a lone piper. ...more ...less
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What are the dining arrangements during the tour?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts and 4 dinners. Notable dining experiences include a warm and friendly dinner with your Travel Director in Dublin, and a Farm-to-Table dinner at the George V Dining Room in Ashford Castle.
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What activities are available at Ashford Castle?
At Ashford Castle, you can explore the vast estate, pamper yourself at the spa, or get to know the hawks and woodland surroundings at the hotel's falconry school. Dining at Ashford Castle is also a highlight, with creative cooking and locally sourced ingredients.
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What are the options for the Insight Choice activities?
For Insight Choice activities, you can choose between visiting Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone or taking a guided tour of Blarney Gardens with a senior gardener. In Connemara, you can choose to visit Kylemore Abbey or an oyster farm for a tasting and learning about their sustainability initiatives. ...more ...less
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What is the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience included in the tour?
The MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience includes a visit to a family-run seaweed farm in the Ring of Kerry to learn about sustainable farming practices and a visit to an oyster farm in Connemara to learn about their commitment to biodiversity and sustainable packaging.
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What historical sites will be visited during the tour?
The tour includes visits to several historical sites such as the Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, and the ruins of the Medieval Cong Abbey. You will also see the 9th-century Book of Kells at Trinity College in Dublin.
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What scenic locations are included in the tour?
Scenic locations on the tour include the Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher, Connemara National Park, and the Wild Atlantic Way. You will also enjoy the picturesque landscapes of the Shannon Estuary and the Iveragh Peninsula.
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What is the accommodation like during the tour?
Accommodation includes stays at the Clayton Burlington Road in Dublin, Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, Connemara Coast Hotel in Galway, and the luxurious Ashford Castle in Cong. Ashford Castle offers a romantic backdrop with superior surroundings, relaxation, and comfort.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Enquire for huge savings
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Irish Elegance - Classic Group
8 Days Starting and ending in Dublin, Ireland
Visiting: Dublin, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Galway, Connemara National Park, Cong
Tour operator:
Tour code:
B907ZN19
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
20 - 40
Age range:
5-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History