Irish Highlights Winter 2024/2025
Irish Highlights Winter 2024/2025
$1815
Irish Highlights Winter 2024/2025
7 Days Starting and ending in Dublin
Visiting: Dublin, Galway, Bunratty, Limerick, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Blarney, Waterford, New Ross
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WRIHZN19
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
25 - 45
Age range:
6-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
A roundtrip from Dublin featuring all the Ireland highlights including Waterford crystal, your newfound 'gift of the gab' at Blarney Castle and the irresistible Ring of Kerry. You’ll also learn about the devastating Irish famine and peer over the edge at the Cliffs of Moher.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To The Emerald Isle
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Clayton Ballsbridge, Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Center.
Meals Included: Dinner
Tread in the footsteps of James Joyce and Oscar Wilde, through the lyrical streets of Dublin – your launch pad to a memorable encounter with Ireland's iconic highlights. After a leisurely morning, meet a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour with views of Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral and the stately Georgian Squares. Indulge in a little Irish craic this evening, joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner.
Day 2: Onwards To Galway And Limerick
Location: Dublin, Galway, Bunratty, Limerick
Accommodation: Greenhills Hotel Conference and Leisure Center
Meals Included: Breakfast
We journey to Galway, the 'City of Tribes', where we'll see its stone cathedral on the banks of the Corrib and spend some free time exploring its stone façades. Irish traditions and heritage are explored next, during a visit to Bunratty Castle and its Folk Park, a living history museum that reveals insights into life in Ireland during the 18th and 19th centuries. Continue to Limerick, for an orientation tour and view the 13th-century King John's Castle overlooking the Shannon.
Day 3: Experience The Iconic Cliffs Of Moher And On To Killarney
Location: Limerick, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney
Accommodation: International, Hotel Killarney
Meals Included: Breakfast
We leave Limerick and stop at the spectacular Cliffs of Moher on the famous ‘Wild Atlantic Way'. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with your local specialist to truly appreciate this breath-taking landscape. You’ll feel like you’ve gone back to an ancient time as you gaze across the water, all the way to the Aran Islands if the weather is good. Visit the interactive visitor center where this incredible UNESCO-listed natural phenomenon comes to life in a way you would not get to see with your own eyes. Go beneath the surface to see how the sediment has stacked up over 300 million years to create this towering backdrop. Inspired by the irresistible beauty of this special place, you’ll continue to your hotel in Killarney with a scenic drive to the ferry departure point and journey across the Shannon Estuary. Our home for the next two nights is the colorful little town of Killarney.
Day 4: A Scenic Day On The Ring Of Kerry
Location: Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Killarney
Accommodation: International, Hotel Killarney
Meals Included: Breakfast
Circle the spectacular Ring of Kerry – its emerald green hills, centuries-old stone villages and vivid blue seascapes provide a soul-stirring backdrop. We'll see Daniel O'Connell's Cahirciveen, Moll's Gap and the Black Valley, renowned for being the last place in Ireland to get electricity and telephone networks. Consider joining an Optional Experience to Muckross House and its beautiful gardens. With a backdrop of oak-clad mountains, enjoy taking in the towering azaleas and rhododendrons, alongside the shores of the lake. The 19th-century house contains some wonderful examples of furniture and paintings, including a portrait of King James VI, for whom Shakespeare wrote Macbeth.
Day 5: Explore Blarney And Journey To Waterford
Location: Killarney, Blarney, Waterford
Accommodation: Fitzwilton
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Cross the rugged Kerry Mountains and travel to Blarney Castle to kiss the stone and acquire the 'gift of the gab'. Continue to Waterford, where we will have dinner at our hotel.
Day 6: Through County Wicklow’S Countryside To Dublin Dive Into Culture Connect With Locals
Location: Waterford, New Ross, Dublin
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel Dublin Airport
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Dive Into Culture and witness the centuries-old tradition of crafting fine glass at the House of Waterford Crystal. Here we will watch the talented master crafters in their workshop creating exquisite pieces. Our next stop is in the town of New Ross, where we'll see the monument to John F. Kennedy who traveled to his ancestral family hometown in 1963. We'll visit the three-masted famine ship Dunbrody and Dive Into Culture yet again, gaining insights into the tragic plight of the Irish emigrants who fled the potato famine during the 1800s. Continuing through County Wexford and the lush countryside of County Wicklow, we journey to Dublin stopping en route at Glenealy Farmhouse. We'll Connect With Locals over a Be My Guest Farewell Dinner and meet the Fulvio family.
Day 7: Farewell Ireland
Location: Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast
For now, it’s time to say a fond slán abhaile to your fellow travelers as you close the curtain on an unforgettable journey through the 'Emerald Isle'.
What's Included
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Expert Travel Director and Professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included.
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Cherry-Picked Hotels
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted, are included.
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Porterage and Restaurant Gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included.
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Hotel Tips, Charges, and Local Taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are included.
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Meals
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals are included.
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Sightseeing and Extras
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are included.
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Audio Headsets
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing are included.
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Luxury Transportation
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys) is included.
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Ferry Across the Shannon Estuary
A ferry across the Shannon estuary is included.
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Optional Experiences and Free Time
Optional experiences and free time are included.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International flights and airport transfers are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included but recommended.
Mode of Transport
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys), Ferry across the Shannon estuary.
Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted.
Check out our Q&As
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Are there any optional experiences available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional experiences and free time included in the tour.
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What kind of activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes must-see sightseeing, surprise extras, and activities such as visiting Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, exploring the Cliffs of Moher, and a scenic drive of the Ring of Kerry.
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What is the group size for this tour?
The tour does not specify a minimum or maximum group size.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in cherry-picked hotels that are all tried and trusted.
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Are international flights included in the tour package?
No, international flights and airport transfers are not included.
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Will there be any local guides during the tour?
Yes, a Local Specialist will show you around Dublin, and there will be other local specialists at various points of interest such as the Cliffs of Moher.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included but it is recommended.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides luxury air-conditioned coach transportation with Wi-Fi in most countries, as well as alternative transportation such as rail journeys and a ferry across the Shannon estuary.
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Is there any special experience included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes several special experiences such as a walking tour with a passionate ecologist in Waterville, a visit to the House of Waterford Crystal, and a tour of the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience.
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Is there seat rotation on the coach?
Yes, your Travel Director will implement a seat rotation system, whereby all guests will rotate their seats on the coach daily. This allows for everyone to experience the spectacular views from different seats, and you’ll have a better opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers.
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Is luggage handling provided?
On Guided Vacations and Private Chauffeur Vacations, all luggage handling is provided at no extra charge. One suitcase per person will be brought to your hotel room.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes! Our hotels are personally selected by Managing Director Catherine Reilly and personally known for their quality, impeccable service and comfort, with the majority of them having air-conditioning. Note: A few hotels may not have air conditioning due to the colder climate.
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What are the coaches like?
We pride ourselves on having the finest fleet of fuel-efficient, fully air-conditioned coaches – all with reclining seats and on-board restrooms. The high vantage point from your coach’s window means you can take in all the glorious scenery, whether it’s a vast rural landscape or an urban city center. We also have on board WiFi.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Brendan Vacations is an active supporter of the Treadright® Foundation, a not-for-profit organization established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than $2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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How many people will be on my trip?
You’ll find an average of 40 to 45 guests on trips throughout Europe.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided vacation with us is you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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Will I have free time?
Each itinerary offers the perfect balance of downtime and discoveries. We also give you the opportunity to tailor your trip with Optional Experiences.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. If you are travelling solo but would be happy to share your rook with another traveller of the same gender, we offer 'Twin-share' pricing on our trips. However, if you prefer the privacy of your own room, you can opt for our single supplement. The cost will depend on your trip and can be found in the pricing section of the itinerary.
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How much luggage can I bring?
On Guided Vacations, you can bring one suitcase per person with the dimensions of 76cm x 46cm x 25cm (30" x 18" x 10") and weight not exceeding 23kg (50 lbs) due to the limited space on the coach. You can also bring one piece of hand luggage, provided it is small enough to take on the coach and does not have telescopic handles.
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What is a Travel Director?
Our Travel Directors come from a variety of backgrounds, but they all share a passion for travel and their homelands. These experienced professionals show you what the guidebooks can't - a true insider's perspective of Ireland and Scotland. Each Travel Director has been through a bespoke training program, and many have at least five years' experience under their belt.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents (important information, itinerary and any relevant vouchers) will be provided 7-10 days prior to your trip's departure.
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What if I have special dietary requirements?
We can accommodate guests who are vegetarian and can assist with diabetic, gluten-free and other medically-recommended diets. Please advise us at time of booking. Unfortunately, we're unable to supply meals in accordance with strict religious requirements. We cannot provide salt-free, Kosher, Halal, requests for specific dietary supplements such as soy milk, and high protein or low-carb meals.
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Low Deposit
Brendan Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brendan vacations charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 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.