Northern & Southern Ireland
Northern & Southern Ireland
Northern & Southern Ireland
9 Days Starting in Belfast and ending in Dublin
Visiting: Belfast, Derry / Giant's Causeway, Galway, Aran Islands / Galway, Cliffs of Moher / Adare / Killarney, Ring of Kerry / Killarney, Dublin
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BMSA
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
The northern nooks and the regal Republic – see it all on a nine-day adventure on both sides of the Irish border. Travel through green pastures, vast lakes, striking cliff faces and, in the evening, head straight to the pub for a Guinness (or two). Visit medieval castles and ancient sites filled with folklore and marvel at the views of Ireland's rugged coastline, including the Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher and the Giant's Causeway. While exploring Belfast, Dublin, Derry and Galway, don't forget to gather your travel crew for some pub grub and live music to cap off a trip that hits all the hotspots of Ireland.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Belfast
Location: Belfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Welcome to Belfast and the Emerald Isle! Your Irish adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, take some time to wander the streets of the bohemian Cathedral Quarter, explore the leafy suburbs of South Belfast or visit the stately City Hall in Donegal Square. Consider stopping at the revitalised waterfront area, home to the Titanic Belfast monument on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard, where the legendary RMS Titanic was built. The monument tells the story of the ship's ill-fated maiden voyage in 1912.
Day 2: Belfast
Location: Belfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Today is a free day in Belfast to explore at your own pace. Perhaps start with a Black Cab Tour, where your driver will provide a comprehensive overview of Northern Ireland’s political history as you cruise around the city. Then, you can visit The Ulster Museum to meet Takabuti, an Ancient Egyptian mummy, before taking a stroll through the nearby Botanical Gardens. Feel free to ask your local leader for restaurant recommendations for dinner.
Optional Activities:
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Day 3: Derry / Giant's Causeway
Location: Derry / Giant's Causeway
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Travel along the scenic wild coast north of Belfast in a private transfer to the Giant's Causeway, home to roughly 40,000 basalt columns that have inspired artists and storytellers for centuries. Depending on your school of thought, these formations are either the result of an ancient volcanic eruption or a legendary conflict between rival giants. After, head to Derry – home of the critically acclaimed sitcom Derry Girls – and get your bearings with a Bogside History Tour, giving you a unique insight into The Troubles.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Galway
Location: Galway
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning, travel by private vechicle to the harbour city of Galway – capital of the county of the same name. You will be crossing the border from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland, so you may need to switch your Pounds for some Euros at this point. While you're in Galway, you could visit the impressive Galway Cathedral. Its full name, the Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, is far more elaborate than the simplicity of its building.
Optional Activities:
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Day 5: Aran Islands / Galway
Location: Aran Islands / Galway
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today you’ll head out on a daytrip by ferry to the Aran islands, which have been crafted by centuries of wild winds and smashing waves. The islands are one of the few places where the Irish language is still used in everyday life (i.e. a Gaeltacht). With a population of under 2,000 people, the islands feel like a respite from real life. You’ll travel by minibus and on foot to explore the native flora and fauna, and the ruins of a church and a lighthouse. There are also some remains from Bronze and Iron Age fortresses to be found. If you're lucky, you may even spot a seal lounging on the rocky shore! Return to Galway for a free evening and more exploration (or a Guinness).
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Cliffs Of Moher / Adare / Killarney
Location: Cliffs of Moher / Adare / Killarney
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
The Cliffs of Moher will leave you in awe with their views over the Irish coastline. From April to late July, adventurous souls can walk to the edge and watch puffins nesting along the cliff face. Learn about the history of this famous site and its feathered inhabitants at the Cliffs Exhibition. Next, stop in the village of Adare, colloquially known as Ireland’s prettiest village, before arriving in Killarney. Locals affectionately refer to Kerry as ‘God’s Own County’ because of its natural beauty. Ask your leader for bar recommendations if you’d like to soak up more of the Irish pub culture tonight. Maybe try some classic pub fare like Irish stew, chowder and fish and chips, or sample less familiar dishes, like coddle (potato and sausage stew), boxty (potato pancake) or champ (mashed potato and scallions).
Included Activities:
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Day 7: Ring Of Kerry / Killarney
Location: Ring of Kerry / Killarney
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning brings green hills and salty coastal air as you travel along the Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the Ring of Kerry. You'll pass through bucolic villages with views across some of Ireland's greatest beaches, lakes and rivers. Make stops at numerous outlooks along the way for photos. After, visit a sheep farm to see a sheep herding demonstration, where skilled border collie dogs round up the sheep under the farmer’s command. Return to Killarney in the early afternoon. If time allows, perhaps head out to Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Leane.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 8: Dublin
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning, grab a last coffee in Killarney before boarding a train, this time bound for Dublin. Once checked in, your tour leader will show you around and afterwards you are free to explore on your own. Must see is a St Patrick Cathedral founded in 1191, currently the national cathedral of the Church of Ireland. Must do, however is to unwind with a pint and some lively conversation on the pedestrianised streets in The Creative Quarter. In the evening, perhaps get your group together for the final evening.
Optional Activities:
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Day 9: Dublin
Location: Dublin
Meals Included: breaksfast
Say goodbye to your group over one last breakfast. For those who wish to stay in Dublin, reach out to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (6 nights), Hostel (2 nights) -
Giant's Causeway - Day Trip
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Aran Islands - Guided Day Trip by Ferry
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Cliffs of Moher
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Killarney - Ring of Kerry Day Trip
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Killarney - Sheep Dog Trials (seasonal)
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Cork - leader led city tour
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Meals
7 breakfasts
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Derry - Bogside History Tour
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Included Activities
Giant's Causeway - Day TripAran Islands - Guided Day Trip by FerryCliffs of MoherKillarney - Ring of Kerry Day TripKillarney - Sheep Dog Trials (seasonal)
Transport
TRANSPORT IN EUROPEHalf the fun of travel is the travelling itself, that's why we like to travel the local way – whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each city's public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action.LONG TRAVEL DAYSAs we cover lots of ground on this trip, expect some long travel days on local trains and buses. This is an opportunity to mix with the locals and enjoy the scenery out the window. Travel schedules are known to change with little notice. Not all transport may have air conditioning.
Accommodation
OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATIONThe style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.TWIN SHARE BASISAccommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.CHECK-IN TIMEThroughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATIONIf you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.FACILITIESYour accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.
Important Information
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.2. You don't have a lot of time Dublin at the end of the trip, so if you're keen to explore this spectacular city in depth we recommend you extend your stay at the end.
Mode of Transport
TRANSPORT IN EUROPEHalf the fun of travel is the travelling itself, that's why we like to travel the local way – whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each city's public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action.LONG TRAVEL DAYSAs we cover lots of ground on this trip, expect some long travel days on local trains and buses. This is an opportunity to mix with the locals and enjoy the scenery out the window. Travel schedules are known to change with little notice. Not all transport may have air conditioning.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
Ireland’s nights are chilly year-round, especially in Autumn/Winter. Pack warm layers, a hat, gloves, scarf, waterproof gear and an umbrella just in case.
Accommodation is twin share, so solo travellers will room with another of the same gender. It's a great chance to connect with like-minded people – but you can opt for the single room supplement if you'd prefer your own space at night.
This trip is quite fast paced to maximise your time in Ireland. Expect regular orientation walks, which are intensive but essential for exploring. For deeper exploration of Belfast and Dublin, consider arriving early or extending your trip. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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