Ireland in a Week | Classic | Summer | 2026

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8 Days From

~~$2015~~

$1510

Ireland in a Week | Classic | Summer | 2026

8 Days Starting and ending in Dublin

Visiting: Dublin, Kilkenny, Clonmel, Blarney, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Derry/Londonderry, Giant's Causeway, Belfast

Tour operator:

Contiki

Tour code:

BBIRMA26

Specialist Group:

18-30 Somethings

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

18-35

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

From: $2015 $1510 Operator discount: -$505 -25%

NB: Prices correct on 27-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Think you know about Ireland? Our 8-day trip offers the full Irish travel experience. Visiting historical Galway, gazing out from the Cliffs of Moher, puckering up for the Blarney stone and taste-testing Guinness come as standard; but exploring the sights of Kilkenny by bike & seeing the UNESCO World Heritage site of the jaw-dropping Giant’s Causeway? Well, now we’re talking.

Highlights

Giant's Causeway: Sure, rock formations may sound a bit dull on paper, but this quirky natural wonder has to be seen to be believed.
Belfast: Hang with a local guide to see all the landmarks and learn about the city’s checkered history.
Blarney Castle: Your chance to kiss the Blarney Stone and get the ‘gift of the gab’. And to visit the medieval Irish castle.
Cliffs of Moher: These rugged, photogenic cliffs have been the star of many films, including a Harry Potter one.
Galway: Tread the cobbles of this well-loved Irish city with your new Contiki crew. See Lynch’s Castle, Eyre Square and all the best pubs.
Derry/Londonderry: One for the history fans. Take a look around Ireland’s only walled city, built in the 17th Century.

Places You'll See

thehgtravels

Giant's Causeway

Itinerary

tourhub | Contiki | Ireland in a Week | Classic | Summer | 2026 | BBIRMA26 | Route Map

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Day 1: Start Dublin

artandmuse_

wandersirkka

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Location: Dublin

Accommodation Name: Travelodge Plus Dublin City Centre (or similar)

Meals Included: Dinner

Céad míle fáilte, meaning one hundred thousand welcomes, is what you get in this city packed with heritage, character, and more cute pubs than you could crawl in a week. Meet up with your Trip Manager this afternoon, then meet your new travel squad for dinner and then end the day with a lively night of festivities at the cobbled lanes of Temple Bar. Guinness, anyone?

Day 2: Dublin To Clonmel

artandmuse_

wandersirkka

storytellingphotograph

Location: Dublin, Kilkenny, Clonmel

Accommodation Name: Talbot Hotel Clonmel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

That's us done with Dublin…for now. But fear not Dub-lovers, we'll get another taste of this fine place before our trip comes to an end. Break up your coach hangs with some bicycle time in a city sure to leave you wanting Irish in your blood. Explore the castle, a cathedral and take in all of the medieval charm that Kilkenny has to offer before we hit the road again. Welcome to Clonmel! But not before the chance to sample some of Ireland's famous whiskey at the Jameson's Distillery in Midleton. After we arrive in the evening, we'll tuck into an included dinner and then head off into town together to explore.

Day 3: Clonmel To Galway

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travellingaid

Location: Clonmel, Blarney, Cliffs of Moher, Galway

Accommodation Name: Travelodge Galway City Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Clonmel, it's been fun, but we have to leave you now. Next up, we're off to an Irish city that was propelled into the pop culture stratosphere by none other than Ed Sheeran. Anyone wanna guess where? Irish folklore tells us there's a chunk of limestone built into a castle that grants its kissers the gift of the gab. Pucker up kids, we're paying her a visit! Whether heights are your cup of Irish Breakfast or not, these impressive cliff faces are not to be missed! From the moment we arrive in Galway, you'll understand why 2 nights were needed here. Everything you've dreamed Ireland to be is tucked into this small, atmospheric city. Step into a local pub and down Irish stew over live music and chats with locals. Outside will be just as lively, with buskers & colourful buildings lining the streets.

Day 4: Galway

travellingaid

Location: Galway

Accommodation Name: Travelodge Galway City Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Try your tongue at some Gaelic and carry on exploring gorgeous Galway. Head up to Dún Aonghasa (the ruins of a prehistoric fortress) - make sure you take photos, this area is not for the faint-hearted! Irish life, you so sweet.

Day 5: Galway To Derry/Londonderry

travellingaid

Location: Galway, Derry/Londonderry

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Derry (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Goodbye Galway, hello more Irish eye-candy. Here the 17th century walls stand at 8 metres high speaking of times gone by when this area was in battle. Times may have changed, but we're still keen to soak up the history and learn a thing or two from our wise Local Guide.

Day 6: Derry/Londonderry To Belfast

jakewaddo

stezac_photography

theknathan

thehgtravels

dawnstraveladventures

theeuropeandreamer

Location: Derry/Londonderry, Giant's Causeway, Belfast

Accommodation Name: Ramada by Wyndham Belfast City Centre (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we've got a one way ticket to Belfast and a whole lot more exploration to do. UNESCO World Heritage site of the Giant’s Causeway - also known as those giant rock columns you've probably drooled over on Pinterest, needs to be seen to be believed. Get those hashtags ready, a snap with the group is essential on the mind-blowing natural formation. Next up - we'll arrive in Belfast. Concluding the day will be a driving tour and a trip to the Titanic museum where the world's most famous ship was built.

Day 7: Belfast To Dublin

thehgtravels

dawnstraveladventures

theeuropeandreamer

artandmuse_

wandersirkka

storytellingphotograph

Location: Belfast, Dublin

Accommodation Name: Travelodge Plus Dublin City Centre (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

With one night left in Ireland and on tour, we're on the fast track to Dublin where our Irish fairytale first began. A promise is a promise. Here we are back in the city that started our Ireland infatuations. Use this second stint to do your missed critical activities such as visiting the Guinness Storehouse where you can learn how to pull a pint the Irish way. Tonight you can choose to end your week in Ireland at a Free Time Add-On farewell dinner.

Day 8: End Dublin

artandmuse_

wandersirkka

storytellingphotograph

Location: Dublin

Meals Included: Breakfast

We leave Ireland today with leprechauns in our hearts and memories in our souls. Say goodbye at breakfast as it will be the last bite our crew has together.

What's Included

Meals

The tour includes 7 breakfasts and 3 dinners.
Accommodation

Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Travelodge Plus Dublin City Centre, Talbot Hotel Clonmel, Travelodge Galway City Hotel, Holiday Inn Express Derry, and Ramada by Wyndham Belfast City Centre or similar.
Guided Tours

Guided tours are included in Belfast and Derry/Londonderry.
Visits to Attractions

Visits to attractions such as Giant's Causeway, Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher, and the Titanic Museum in Belfast are included.
Local Experiences

Local experiences such as a night out in Temple Bar, Dublin, and sampling whiskey at Jameson's Distillery in Midleton are included.

What's Not Included

Flights

Flights to and from Dublin are not included.
Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
Optional Activities

Optional activities such as the Free Time Add-On farewell dinner in Dublin are not included.
Personal Expenses

Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
Gratuities

Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel between destinations in a comfortable coach, with opportunities for bicycle rides and local exploration on foot.

Accommodation

Stay in comfortable accommodations including Travelodge Plus Dublin City Centre, Talbot Hotel Clonmel, Travelodge Galway City Hotel, Holiday Inn Express Derry, and Ramada by Wyndham Belfast City Centre.

Dining Summary

3 Dinner (D)
7 Breakfast (B)

Included Experience

Giant's Causeway: Sure, rock formations may sound a bit dull on paper, but this quirky natural wonder has to be seen to be believed.
Belfast: Hang with a local guide to see all the landmarks and learn about the city’s checkered history.
Blarney Castle: Your chance to kiss the Blarney Stone and get the ‘gift of the gab’. And to visit the medieval Irish castle.
Cliffs of Moher: These rugged, photogenic cliffs have been the star of many films, including a Harry Potter one.
Galway: Tread the cobbles of this well-loved Irish city with your new Contiki crew. See Lynch’s Castle, Eyre Square and all the best pubs.
Derry/Londonderry: One for the history fans. Take a look around Ireland’s only walled city, built in the 17th Century.

FAQs

London: Travelling to (and through) the UK & Northern Ireland? You’ll need Essential Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)From January 8, 2025, UK law means that if you’re entering/transiting through the United Kingdom (UK) and Northern Ireland you’ll need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before you travel. Confused? Don’t be – just read on here.

Check out our Q&As

What kind of activities can I expect on the first day in Dublin?

On the first day in Dublin, you will meet your Trip Manager and new travel companions in the afternoon. The day will end with a lively night of festivities at the cobbled lanes of Temple Bar, where you can enjoy some Guinness.
Will there be any whiskey tasting opportunities during the tour?

Yes, on the second day, you will have the chance to sample some of Ireland's famous whiskey at the Jameson's Distillery in Midleton.
What can I expect during the visit to Galway?

In Galway, you will have two nights to explore this small, atmospheric city. You can enjoy live music and chats with locals in a pub, and explore the lively streets with buskers and colorful buildings. You will also have the opportunity to visit Dún Aonghasa, the ruins of a prehistoric fortress.
What historical sites will we visit in Derry/Londonderry?

In Derry/Londonderry, you will explore the 17th-century walls that stand at 8 meters high and learn about the area's history from a local guide.
What is special about the Giant's Causeway visit?

The Giant's Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its giant rock columns. It is a mind-blowing natural formation that needs to be seen to be believed, and a group photo is essential.

What can I do during the second visit to Dublin at the end of the tour?

During the second visit to Dublin, you can do any missed critical activities such as visiting the Guinness Storehouse to learn how to pull a pint the Irish way. You can also choose to end your week in Ireland with a Free Time Add-On farewell dinner.
How long has the tour company been trading?

In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
What policies are in place for Covid-19?

Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

Yes
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
What documents will I receive before I travel?

All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer

Northern Choice plus Kaikoura

16-Jan-2023

The trip ran so smoothly and was well organised! The extra add ons were amazing and all the services were spot on. Food places were reasonable. I'm definitely booking my next contiki trip again soon!

Feefo Trusted Reviews

Sophie

Exceptional customer service

14-Jan-2023

Contiki were exceptional in providing customer service. They provided me with lots of information and were quick in responding to all my questions. I found that they were super helpful.

Feefo Trusted Reviews

Trusted Customer

First time traveling with Contiki. Highly recommend! You’ll have a blast

17-Jan-2023

First time traveling internationally since Covid and glad I spent the trip with Contiki. The travel, lodging, meals, activities everything was planned effortlessly. Going to Greece in may with contiki. Highly recommend

Feefo Trusted Reviews

Trusted Customer

Amazing trip. Made great friends and memories. Can’t wait for my next trip

15-Jan-2023

I had 24 people on my contiki and I think it was the perfect number, we all got to know each other well and got along great. Our tour guide was fun and knowledgeable, the hotels were nice and in great locations.

Feefo Trusted Reviews

Tanner Stokes

My amazing trip to Africa

13-Jan-2023

Sherif was an excellent tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable about every single small detail at each site that we visited. In addition to his great service, he has a glowing spirit that made me feel like I had family with me the entire trip. Anything that I was concerned about, he always had an answer and was there to help. I truly enjoyed my experience and will purchase a tour with him in the future

Feefo Trusted Reviews

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Saturday - Saturday

Mar 29, 2025 - Apr 05, 2025

~~$2015~~ $1510

Operator discount: -$505