Best of Ireland
Best of Ireland
$3325
Best of Ireland
10 Days Starting and ending in Dublin, Ireland
Visiting: Dublin, New Ross, Waterford, Kilkenny, Blarney Castle, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Adare, Limerick, Lisdoonvarna, Galway, Connemara, Westport, Knock, Sligo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
IRBOZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Religion and Spiritual
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Ireland with the "Best of Ireland" tour, where you'll explore the vibrant city of Dublin and discover the charm of Waterford, Killarney, Limerick, and Galway. Experience the rich history and culture as you visit iconic sites like the Dunbrody Famine Ship, Blarney Castle, and the Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy a scenic drive along the breathtaking Ring of Kerry and delve into Ireland's Celtic heritage at Brigit's Garden. Indulge in a traditional High Tea at Westport House and connect with the locals. Travel in comfort aboard a luxury air-conditioned coach, staying in cherry-picked hotels, and savoring delicious meals. This tour promises a perfect blend of cultural immersion, stunning landscapes, and memorable experiences, all while supporting sustainable tourism initiatives.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Dublin
- Discover Waterford, Killarney, Limerick and Galway
- Visit the Dunbrody Famine Ship in New Ross, the Crystal showroom at Waterford, Blarney Castle to kiss the stone and gain the 'gift of the gab', Adare, Bunratty Folk Park in Bunratty, Cliffs of Moher, Connemara and Kylemore Abbey
- View King John's Castle in Limerick and the Marian Shrine in Knock
- See St. Mary's Cathedral in Limerick and Galway Cathedral
- Scenic Drive of the Ring of Kerry
Make Travel Matter®
Lisdoonvarna: Discover the art of traditional, sustainable salmon smoking at the family-run Burren Smokehouse in Lisdoonvarna, County Clare. Guided by Brigitta, you’ll uncover the secrets behind their award-winning organic smoked salmon, produced with respect for Irish traditions and local ecosystems. Explore the interactive visitor center, where the story of Irish salmon unfolds through captivating mythology, history and cutting-edge aquaculture. You’ll witness the unique smoking process up close and savor the distinct flavors of their delicious, sustainably sourced produce. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption.
Be My Guest
Westport: Enjoy a traditional High Tea with your hosts, the Hughes family, in the drawing room of their historic home, Westport House. Savor traditional banoffee and Baileys flavors while delighting in stories about the house's history and tales of the Pirate Queen.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Ireland
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Clayton Ballsbridge
Accommodation Name: Clayton Ballsbridge, Sandymount
Write your own lively tale of legends and iconic landscapes during this epic encounter with Ireland's treasures. Begin your journey in the capital of Dublin, joining a Local Specialist to see the sights. This evening sees you visiting EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum, for some drinks and canapes.
Day 2: Through The Scenic County Wicklow And Waterford To Kilkenny Dive Into Culture
Location: Dublin, New Ross, Waterford, Kilkenny
Accommodation: Hotel Kilkenny
Accommodation Name: Kilkenny
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey through the scenic countryside of County Wicklow, 'The Garden of Ireland', and on to New Ross – the ancestral home town of John F. Kennedy. Dive Into Culture and gain insights into the plight of the starving Irish emigrants who boarded the Dunbrody Famine Ship to flee the potato famine. Continue to Waterford. This afternoon, celebrate the centuries-old craft of flint glass creations, as you Dive Into Culture at the House of Waterford Crystal and witness talented master crafters at work. Arrive in Kilkenny where you will stay for the night.
Day 3: Journey To Blarney And On To Killarney
Location: Kilkenny, Blarney Castle, Killarney
Accommodation: Hotel Killarney
Accommodation Name: Killarney, Killarney Towers
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, pursue the 'gift of the gab' at Blarney Castle, where you'll have a chance to kiss the famous stone. Consider joining an Optional Experience for a traditional pony and trap ride through the beautiful Bourn-Vincent National Park. During your journey, your Local Specialist will share fascinating anecdotes about the area and Ireland. Arrive in Killarney for a two-night stay. In the evening perhaps join an optional Gaelic Roots show. Using traditional instruments, Irish dance and time-honored folk songs, this energetic show will have you tapping your feet and singing along in no time.
Day 4: A Day On The Ring Of Kerry
Location: Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Killarney
Accommodation: Hotel Killarney
Accommodation Name: Killarney, Killarney Towers
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ireland's soul-stirring Ring of Kerry takes center stage today as you embark on a scenic drive past its mountains, lakes and lush green countryside – unquestionably one of the most scenic routes in Ireland. See Daniel O'Connell's Cahirciveen, the fishing village of Waterville, Moll's Gap and the Black Valley, whose remoteness saw it become the last area in Ireland to receive electricity.
Day 5: Onwards To Lively Limerick
Location: Killarney, Adare, Limerick
Accommodation: Greenhills Hotel Conference and Leisure Center
Accommodation Name: The Inn at Dromoland, Greenhills
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continue through the windswept countryside, arriving in Adare, one of the prettiest villages in Ireland. On arrival in Limerick, you will enjoy views of St. Mary's Cathedral, the Treaty Stone and the 13th-century King John's Castle during an orientation tour. Delve into an Ireland of old, as you discover the day-to-day life of the Irish during the 18th and 19th centuries on your included visit to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park this afternoon.
Day 6: Admire The Cliffs Of Moher And Onwards To Galway
Location: Lisdoonvarna
Accommodation: Connacht
Accommodation Name: Connacht
Meals Included: Breakfast
The Cliffs of Moher are a must-see along the Wild Atlantic Way. The towering cliffs plunge into the Atlantic, offering endless ocean views and perfect spots for taking photos. Explore the interactive visitor center, where you can see the cliffs through the eyes of the wildlife that call this UNESCO site home, bringing the whole experience to life. Later, you’ll meet Brigitta at her family-run Irish smokehouse for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Discover the secrets of their organic salmon, learn how the kiln and smokebox work, and savor the distinctive flavors of their award-winning smoked salmon. Arriving in Galway, enjoy time at leisure to admire its beautiful stone Cathedral or wander through vibrant Eyre Square–it’s yours to explore at your own pace.
Day 7: A Day Exploring Stunning Connemara
Location: Galway, Connemara, Galway
Accommodation: Connacht
Accommodation Name: Connacht
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Connemara's 'savage beauty' is yours to explore today as you tread in the footsteps of Oscar Wilde who described its 'wild and mountainous splendor' as magnificent. Admire the views on the scenic drive to Kylemore Abbey, now a Benedictine monastery, where you will embark on an included visit to the country's most romantic castle and walk through its exquisite Victorian Walled Garden.
Day 8: A Pilgrimage To Knock And On To Sligo Connect With Locals
Location: Galway, Westport, Knock, Sligo
Accommodation: Clayton
Accommodation Name: Clayton
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Your journey takes you to Westport House to indulge in a memorable Be My Guest experience with tales of the Pirate Queen, and enjoy Banoffee and Baileys flavors in the Drawing Room of this stately 18th-century home. Heading north, stop in the pilgrimage town of Knock to view the Marian Shrine where villagers witnessed an apparition of Our Lady in 1879. Arrive in Sligo this evening, your home for the night.
Day 9: Return To Lively Dublin
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel Dublin Airport
Accommodation Name: Clayton Dublin Airport
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Continue south to Dublin. Here you’ll enjoy some free time to take a walk down Grafton Street or stroll along the Liffey. This evening, close the chapter on an epic journey through Ireland, joining your fellow travelers for a memorable dinner.
Day 10: Farewell Ireland
Location: Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a hearty Irish breakfast, bid your Travel Director and fellow travelers a fond farewell as your Irish holiday comes to an end.
What's Included
-
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included in the tour.
-
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted, is included.
-
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included.
-
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are included.
-
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals are included.
-
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are included.
-
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing are included.
-
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys) is included.
-
Optional Experiences and free time
Optional experiences and free time are included.
-
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
What's Not Included
-
Flights
International round-trip airfare and airport transfers are not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
Dining Summary
9 Breakfast (B)4 Dinner (D)1 Lunch (L)
Dive Into Culture
New Ross: Explore the tragic history of Ireland's famine emigration at the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience, a replica of one of the original ships used in the 1800s.Waterford: Learn how crystal is crafted at the House of Waterford Crystal during a workshop tour.
Check out our Q&As
-
What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides luxury air-conditioned coach transportation with Wi-Fi available in most countries, or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
-
What type of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
The tour includes stays at cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted, ensuring a comfortable experience.
-
Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, breakfast is provided daily and up to half of your evening meals are included in the tour package.
-
What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to Brigit's Garden in Galway, which supports sustainable development goals, and a traditional High Tea experience at Westport House with the Hughes family.
-
What cultural experiences are part of the itinerary?
Cultural experiences include exploring the Dunbrody Famine Ship in New Ross and learning about crystal crafting at the House of Waterford Crystal.
-
Is there any free time during the tour?
Yes, there is free time included in the itinerary, such as leisure time in Galway to explore its beautiful stone Cathedral or stroll through Eyre Square.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
Save on this tour
Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!
Send me one now.1 Select your preferred date
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Apr
2026 May
2026 Jun
2026 Jul
2026 Aug
2026 Sep
2026 Oct
2026
Friday - Sunday
Apr 04, 2025 - Apr 13, 2025Friday - Sunday
Apr 11, 2025 - Apr 20, 2025Friday - Sunday
Apr 18, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025Friday - Sunday
Apr 25, 2025 - May 04, 2025Friday - Sunday
May 02, 2025 - May 11, 2025Tuesday - Thursday
May 06, 2025 - May 15, 2025Tuesday - Thursday
May 13, 2025 - May 22, 2025Friday - Sunday
May 16, 2025 - May 25, 2025Tuesday - Thursday
May 20, 2025 - May 29, 2025Friday - Sunday
May 23, 2025 - Jun 01, 2025Friday - Sunday
May 30, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jun 13, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jun 20, 2025 - Jun 29, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jun 27, 2025 - Jul 06, 2025Tuesday - Thursday
Jul 01, 2025 - Jul 10, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jul 04, 2025 - Jul 13, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jul 11, 2025 - Jul 20, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jul 18, 2025 - Jul 27, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jul 25, 2025 - Aug 03, 2025Friday - Sunday
Aug 01, 2025 - Aug 10, 2025Friday - Sunday
Aug 08, 2025 - Aug 17, 2025Friday - Sunday
Aug 15, 2025 - Aug 24, 2025Friday - Sunday
Aug 22, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025Friday - Sunday
Aug 29, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025Tuesday - Thursday
Sep 02, 2025 - Sep 11, 2025Tuesday - Thursday
Sep 09, 2025 - Sep 18, 2025Friday - Sunday
Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025Friday - Sunday
Sep 19, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025Friday - Sunday
Sep 26, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025Friday - Sunday
Oct 03, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025Friday - Sunday
Apr 03, 2026 - Apr 12, 2026Friday - Sunday
Apr 10, 2026 - Apr 19, 2026Friday - Sunday
Apr 17, 2026 - Apr 26, 2026Friday - Sunday
Apr 24, 2026 - May 03, 2026Friday - Sunday
May 01, 2026 - May 10, 2026Tuesday - Thursday
May 05, 2026 - May 14, 2026Friday - Sunday
May 08, 2026 - May 17, 2026Friday - Sunday
May 15, 2026 - May 24, 2026Tuesday - Thursday
May 19, 2026 - May 28, 2026Friday - Sunday
May 22, 2026 - May 31, 2026Friday - Sunday
May 29, 2026 - Jun 07, 2026Tuesday - Thursday
Jun 02, 2026 - Jun 11, 2026Friday - Sunday
Jun 05, 2026 - Jun 14, 2026Friday - Sunday
Jun 12, 2026 - Jun 21, 2026Tuesday - Thursday
Jun 16, 2026 - Jun 25, 2026Friday - Sunday
Jun 19, 2026 - Jun 28, 2026Friday - Sunday
Jun 26, 2026 - Jul 05, 2026Tuesday - Thursday
Jun 30, 2026 - Jul 09, 2026Friday - Sunday
Jul 03, 2026 - Jul 12, 2026Friday - Sunday
Jul 10, 2026 - Jul 19, 2026Tuesday - Thursday
Jul 14, 2026 - Jul 23, 2026Friday - Sunday
Jul 17, 2026 - Jul 26, 2026Friday - Sunday
Jul 24, 2026 - Aug 02, 2026Tuesday - Thursday
Jul 28, 2026 - Aug 06, 2026Friday - Sunday
Jul 31, 2026 - Aug 09, 2026Friday - Sunday
Aug 07, 2026 - Aug 16, 2026Tuesday - Thursday
Aug 11, 2026 - Aug 20, 2026Friday - Sunday
Aug 14, 2026 - Aug 23, 2026Friday - Sunday
Aug 21, 2026 - Aug 30, 2026Tuesday - Thursday
Aug 25, 2026 - Sep 03, 2026Friday - Sunday
Aug 28, 2026 - Sep 06, 2026Friday - Sunday
Sep 04, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026Tuesday - Thursday
Sep 08, 2026 - Sep 17, 2026Friday - Sunday
Sep 11, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026Friday - Sunday
Sep 18, 2026 - Sep 27, 2026Tuesday - Thursday
Sep 22, 2026 - Oct 01, 2026Friday - Sunday
Sep 25, 2026 - Oct 04, 2026Friday - Sunday
Oct 02, 2026 - Oct 11, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Trafalgar 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.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar 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.
-
Terms and Conditions
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.