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Essence of Ireland and Northern Ireland

10 days5 cities
IrelandUnited Kingdom2 countries
Tour rating: 4 / 5, Based on 117 Reviews
Small group tour to Ireland, United Kingdom

Unveil the enchanting allure of Ireland on this exhilarating tour, as you wander through the bustling streets of Dublin, relish the welcoming ambiance of Cork, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Galway, explore the mystical landscapes of Sligo, and delve into the rich history of Belfast, where adventure awaits at every turn!

10 days5 cities
IrelandUnited Kingdom2 countries
From
 $3,659 
Dublin, Ireland Gallery
2
days
Ireland

The capital of Ireland, glorious Dublin, is situated on the shores of the picturesque bay on the east coast of the country. Leprechauns, exceptional beer and St. Patric's Day are just the first associations with this amazing city. In reality, Dublin keeps a lot more secrets to share with those, wishing to get to know the true Irish soul.

Day by day
Hotel
Day-by-day program
1
day
Arrival in Dublin

Welcome to the fabulous capital of Ireland - Dublin!

Upon arrival, your driver meets you at the arrivals hall and transfers you to your centrally located hotel for the check-in.

In the evening you can alternativly join a group evening bar crawl which is an amazing way to be introduced to the life of this beautiful city (initially not included in the tour). 

2
day
Dublin City Tour & Guinness Storehouse Experience

After a full Irish breakfast this morning, meet your guide in the hotel lobby and carry on to a walking city tour of Dublin.

During the sightseeing tour, you see many of Dublin’s icons while being guided to some hidden and wonderful spots that visitors most often miss. You see Dublin Castle, Christchurch Cathedral, the famous Ha’penny Bridge, the Georgian doors of Dublin and Trinity College Library where you see the famous Book of Kells.

You then pay a visit to the most popular Ireland's attraction - the remarkable Guinness Storehouse, located in the heart of the St. James's Gate Brewery. Your group tour of the Storehouse begins at the bottom of the world's largest pint glass and as you make your way to the 7th floor you learn about the history and the making of Guinness through various interactive experiences.

After the tour, you return to your hotel and have the evening at leisure.

Note: to highlight your tour, you may add a Guinness Storehouse connoisseur experience on top.

The next day, following breakfast, you check out from the hotel and have a transfer to the station. 

Your choice of hotels

We carefully select hotels to ensure your amazing stay. We will recommend the best available properties for your travel dates.

The Chancery Hotel

Experience the essence of Dublin's charm at The Chancery Hotel, where historic elegance meets modern comfort. Nestled in the heart of the city, our boutique hotel offers an unforgettable stay, blending luxurious accommodations with personalized service, making every moment memorable.

train
Dublin
Cork
3 hrs

One of the best ways to get from Ireland's capital to the scenic city of Cork is by taking a train. During the ride, you will travel across numerous picturesque towns, so make sure to sit by the window to take in the beauty of Ireland to the fullest.

Cork, Ireland Gallery
3
days
Ireland

Cork is the ever-bustling city full of cultural heritage, cheerful people and authentic architecture, making it a must-see while in Ireland.

Day by day
Hotel
Day-by-day program
3
day
Arrival and Cobh & Cork Sightseeing

Upon arrival, you are taken to your centrally-located hotel for check-in. 

Later you meet your guide and head for Cobh, a tourist seaport town on the south coast of County Cork. Within just 25 minutes of the train trip from Cork, you arrive in Cobh and start exploring the town that was known as Queenstown from 1849 until 1920. Your tour route covers the main attractions in the town center, including the cathedral church of the diocese of Cloyne, St Colman's, which is one of the tallest buildings in Ireland.

You then continue to Cork and enjoy a walking tour with a professional local guide around the compact and charming 800-year-old city. During the tour, you stroll the streets of the 18th century Huguenot Quarter and admire the Burges’s magnificent French Neo-Gothic cathedral. Your local guide shares with you the unique history and culture of the city, as well as Corkonian wit and traditions. You also experience the sounds and scents and of the English Market regarded for its mid-19th century architecture. Here you have a chance to taste local specialties to explore the local culture from a new angle.

Afterward, you return to your hotel and have the evening at leisure.

4
day
Ring of Kerry Group Tour

Today you join a full-day group tour to explore one of the most scenic drives in the world, the Ring of Kerry. 

During this day trip, you experience the wilderness of the peninsula with its rugged cliffs and golden beaches, small villages, and picturesque mountain ranges. You make the first stop in a charming town of Killarney, nestled in the valley beneath Irish highest mountains, proceeding to Killorglin and passing the stunning views along the Dingle Bay. Then you continue to the tiny village of Waterville, overlooking Ballinskelligs Bay, and next take a stop in the colorful village of Sneem. 

Afterward, you come to one of the most picturesque national parks in the world and the oldest one in Ireland, Killarney where you see the magnificent Lakes of Killarney and Black Valley as well as the striking Torc Waterfall. After the tour, you return back to Cork. 

5
day
Cliffs of Moher Tour on the Way to Galway

Today after breakfast you check out from the hotel and embark on a wonderful day-trip to one of the most impressive coastlines in Ireland. 

Together with your private guide-driver, you make your way to the Cliffs of Moher - a sheer precipice that stretches for 5 miles along the Wild Atlantic Way. You get to enter the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre to see the exhibition dedicated to this natural wonder and the region. 

You then continue your journey with a scenic drive through the Burren Region to the city of Galway.

Upon arrival in Galway, you are taken to your hotel for the check-in.

The rest of the evening is free to explore Galway city and enjoy some of the great music and food in the bars and restaurants.

Your choice of hotels

We carefully select hotels to ensure your amazing stay. We will recommend the best available properties for your travel dates.

The Imperial Hotel
Originally designed in 1813, the 4-star Imperial Hotel in Cork offers comfortable rooms.
car
Cork
Galway
2 hrs 30 min

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of Ireland passing by the outside of the car window while one of our trusted drivers takes you to the marvelous city of Galway.

Galway City Gallery
2
days
Ireland

Galway is the perfect fusion of culture, nature, and architecture to be explored on your next getaway. Located in western Ireland, the harbor city provides with monumental sites to visit, such as the imposing St Nicholas's Church.

Day by day
Hotel
Day-by-day program
6
day
Galway City Tour

Following breakfast you meet your guide and go on an exciting walking tour around Galway and its best sights.

Your tour starts at the Eyre Square, where you learn the Occupy Wall Street movement and other important points of Galway history. Then you explore Brown's Doorway, John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaque and quincentennial Fountain. 

As you make your way through the Old Town of Galway, you also see Lynch's Castle, St Nicolas' Church and the beautiful Spanish Arch. 

After the tour you either return to your hotel or continue exploring the city on your own.

7
day
Galway to Sligo Trip & Kylemore Abbey Exploration

Following breakfast, you meet your private guide-driver and embark on an enchanting journey.
Discover the captivating beauty of Kylemore Abbey, with its stunning architecture and serene surroundings of lakes and mountains. Immerse yourself in history and wander through the abbey's lush gardens.

Then, venture to Cong, a charming village that served as the backdrop for "The Quiet Man." Explore its picturesque streets, visit historic landmarks, and soak in the village's unique atmosphere.

In the end, you are transferred to your hotel in Sligo.

Upon arrival to Sligo, you head for your hotel. After check-in, the rest of the day is at leisure.

Your choice of hotels

We carefully select hotels to ensure your amazing stay. We will recommend the best available properties for your travel dates.

Leonardo Hotel Galway - Formerly Jurys Inn

Discover the allure of Galway at Leonardo Hotel Galway, formerly Jurys Inn. Nestled in the heart of this vibrant city, our hotel offers a blend of contemporary style and warm hospitality. Experience comfort, convenience, and a touch of Irish charm, making your stay truly unforgettable.

car
Galway
Sligo
8h

Embark on a hassle-free journey between Galway and Sligo with our convenient car connection service. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the picturesque route as we transport you seamlessly from the cultural hub of Galway to the charming landscapes of Sligo.

Sligo, Ireland
1
day
Ireland

Boasting breathtaking landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities, Sligo is an absolute must-visit during any Ireland tour.

Day by day
Hotel
Day-by-day program
8
day
Departure from Sligo

In the morning, you meet your guide-driver and depart from your hotel to the grave of Nobel prize winner WB Yeats at Drumcliffe Church which sits in the shadow of Benbulben mountain.
Then you continue with a drive along Mullaghmore scenic route including a photostop at Classiebawn Castle (former home of Lord Mountbatten) before arriving at Glencar Lake to visit the stunning waterfall.

After exploring a scenic route through county Leitrim and Fermanagh alongside Lough Erne, you arrive to the historic town of Enniskillen for a lunch break in one of the many cafes in the town centre.

In the end, your guide-driver then takes you to Belfast hotel via county Armagh.
Upon arrival in Belfast, you check in to your centrally located hotel.

The rest of the day free so you can start exploring the magnificent city center on your own, dine in one of the local restaurants or take a good rest in your comfortable room.

Your choice of hotels

We carefully select hotels to ensure your amazing stay. We will recommend the best available properties for your travel dates.

Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Sligo

The Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Sligo is a luxurious and idyllic retreat nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of County Sligo, Ireland. With its elegant accommodations, state-of-the-art spa, and picturesque surroundings, the hotel offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, allowing guests to unwind in style while enjoying the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region.

car
Sligo
Belfast
8h

Experience seamless travel between Sligo and Belfast with our reliable car connection service. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic journey as we transport you from the enchanting landscapes of Sligo to the vibrant streets of Belfast in comfort and style.

Belfast, Northern Ireland Gallery
2
days
United Kingdom

Nestled in the extraterrestrial surroundings of wild Irish nature, Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland which represents a vivid mix of history, art, and exceptional landscapes.

Day by day
Hotel
Day-by-day program
9
day
Belfast City Tour

After delicious breakfast you meet your local guide in the hotel lobby and start your walking city tour of Belfast.

During the tour you learn about the history and culture of Belfast and Northern Ireland, visit the International Wall and the Peace Wall, which remind about the troubled past of the city. You explore the most iconic sites and some hidden gems of the city as Belfast City Hall, Albert Clock, and the Cathedral Quarter.

After the tour, you are transferred back to your hotel and have the rest of the day free.

Atternatively, you may add to this day visit of Titanic Museum.

10
day
Departure

This is the last day of your amazing adventure! After breakfast, you check out from your hotel and depart from Belfast.

Your choice of hotels

We carefully select hotels to ensure your amazing stay. We will recommend the best available properties for your travel dates.

Ten Square Hotel, Belfast

The striking Ten Square Hotel is located right in the city center of the beautiful capital of Northern Ireland. It prides itself on excellent service, great in-house facilities, and cozy guestrooms. The property boasts amazing on-site dining, including the Linen Bar and the Jospers Steakhouse, famous for its mouthwatering steaks.

What's included

  • Accommodation at remarkable downtown hotels;;
  • Breakfasts at the hotels;
  • Airport transfers and all transportation according to the itinerary;
  • Breathtaking sightseeing tours according to the itinerary with professional English-speaking guides;
  • Support line during the trip.

Note: hotels availability is subject to change. In case current hotels are booked out we will provide alternative hotels of an equal value for you.

Note: we include 1 vehicle for your arrival and departure transfers. If multiple vehicles are required additional transfer costs will apply.

Not included: international flights, multiple arrival/departure transfers, other meals not mentioned in the program, optional tours and services, local city taxes and all personal expenses..

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Tour Highlights

  • Discover the fascinating history behind the world-renowned Guinness Storehouse;
  • Embark on an adventure to uncover the finest attractions of Cork, Belfast, Glasgow, and beyond;
  • Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Cliffs of Moher and the captivating Ring of Kerry;
  • Experience the essence of Galway's Old Town, the iconic Spanish Arch, the charming Huguenot Quarter, and the vibrant English Market;
  • Indulge in the sightseeing delights of these vibrant cities!

What To Know

  • Many shops and restaurants in Ireland may close for a lunch break around midday, so plan your activities accordingly.
  • Irish dining establishments often begin serving dinner later in the evening, with many restaurants opening around 7 p.m. or later.
  • Unlike some countries, tipping is not always expected in Ireland, as a service charge may already be included in your bill. However, it's appreciated for exceptional service.
  • Keep coins handy, as you may need to pay a small fee (typically around 20-50 cents) to use public restrooms, especially in tourist areas.