Country Roads of Ireland - End Belfast, Classic Group, Summer
Country Roads of Ireland - End Belfast, Classic Group, Summer
$5118
Country Roads of Ireland - End Belfast, Classic Group, Summer
12 Days Starting in Dublin, Ireland and ending in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Visiting: Dublin, Cork, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Galway, Londonderry, Giant's Causeway, Belfast
Tour operator:
Tour code:
B909N26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through the "Country Roads of Ireland - End Belfast, Classic Group, Summer" tour, where you'll explore the enchanting landscapes and rich history of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Begin in Dublin with a warm welcome dinner, then delve into the city's elegant squares and iconic landmarks like Trinity College and the Book of Kells. Traverse the scenic Ring of Kerry, marvel at the Cliffs of Moher, and experience the vibrant culture of Galway. Discover the ancient walled city of Derry, the legendary Giant's Causeway, and the stunning Antrim Coast. Conclude your adventure in Belfast, where you'll uncover the city's storied past and vibrant present. Enjoy a blend of guided tours, local expert insights, and leisure time to immerse yourself in the charm and beauty of the Emerald Isle.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Dublin
Location: Dublin
Accommodation Name: Clayton Burlington Road, Dublin
Meals Included: Dinner
Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner, with the opportunity to mingle and get to know your fellow travelers.
Day 2: In Dublin’S Fair City Relaxed Start
Location: Dublin
Accommodation Name: Clayton Burlington Road, Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accompanied by a Local Expert, become acquainted with Dublin’s elegant squares during an orientation of the city. Discover Custom House, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Enjoy entrance to the 9th century Book of Kells and a walk through the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College.
Day 3: A Journey From Dublin To Cork
Location: Cork
Accommodation Name: The Kingsley, Cork
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, visit one of the country’s main racehorse breeding centers. Continue to the acclaimed 100 year old Japanese Gardens where you can ‘journey through life’ during a walk through the beautiful surrounds. Travel to the medieval city of Kilkenny to visit the majestic Kilkenny Castle. With a Local Expert, learn how the castle was built in 1195 after the Norman Conquest of Ireland and admire its beautifully restored Victorian era rooms. Continue through Cahir and see its imposing 13th-century castle, featured in the film 'Excalibur', on the way to Cork. On arrival, your Travel Director will show you around the compact university city, with its vibrant waterfront and grand Georgian parades.
Day 4: Across The Mountains To Killarney Relaxed Start
Location: Killarney
Accommodation Name: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel to the ruined Blarney Castle. Will you hang upside down from the ramparts to kiss the stone and ensure a lifetime of eloquence? Travel across the majestic Derrynasaggart Mountains to the lively town of Killarney. For your Farm-to-Table dining experience, enjoy some Irish home cooking in the kitchens of chef John Sheehan. Join John and Freda, your hosts at the 19th Green Guesthouse, and savor the delicious flavors of fresh local cuisine on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Gather together at a Farm-to-Table dinner, using responsibly sourced ingredients from the local community, and gain personal insight into classic Irish recipes that are loved throughout the world.
Day 5: Ring Of Kerry Experience Relaxed Start
Location: Ring of Kerry
Accommodation Name: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start your day with Insight Choice. Choose a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys. Alternatively, join a gentle hike with a Local Expert along the lake shore and past the grounds of Ross Castle, admiring the incredible scenery of the National Park. While there aren't any mountains to climb, walkers should be fit, have good walking shoes or boots, sunscreen and rain gear. Then explore around the magnificent Ring of Kerry. Here, mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is breathtaking beyond words. Journey past lush lakelands and around towering cliffs as you appreciate sweeping sea views. Continue through delightful villages like Sneem and cross the peat bogs of the Black Mountains to Moll’s Gap to admire Queen Victoria’s Ladies View. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Maybe take the opportunity to hire a bicycle and enjoy one of the many scenic trails around the lake or through the National Park.
Day 6: Around The Dingle Peninsula Relaxed Start
Location: Dingle Peninsula
Accommodation Name: Falls & Spa, Ennistymon
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continue driving with views of wide skies, peaceful towns and coastal scenery of the Dingle Peninsula — the setting for the film Ryan’s Daughter. Drive to dramatic Slea Head at the peninsula’s far end, before journeying back to reach your hotel.
Day 7: The Cliffs Of Moher And Galway Relaxed Start
Location: Galway
Accommodation Name: Connemara Coast (Sea View Rooms), Galway
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey to the Visitor Center at the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Clare Coast before a delightful drive through the strange, rocky landscape of the Burren to Galway Bay. On arrival, see the Lynch Memorial and Church of St. Nicholas, where Christopher Columbus reputedly prayed before his voyages to America. See the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President, John F. Kennedy.
Day 8: Free Day Galway Or Aran Islands Relaxed Start
Location: Galway
Accommodation Name: Connemara Coast (Sea View Rooms), Galway
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend a day at leisure to relax and enjoy Galway. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to the Aran Islands? A genuine highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way. With their cliffs and spectacular coastal views, the islands are a true Irish experience.
Day 9: Derry Londonderry
Location: Londonderry
Accommodation Name: Maldron Hotel Derry, Londonderry
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Admire the Blue Stack Mountains of Donegal as you cross into Northern Ireland, bound for the ancient walled city of 'Derry.' What better way to experience sightseeing than with one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers, Ronan, as he takes you on a tour inside the city walls, still topped with cannons. Walk down Shipquay Street, with its elegant Georgian houses, to the Gothic Guildhall.
Day 10: Walk In The Giant’S Steps Relaxed Start
Location: Giant's Causeway
Accommodation Name: Ballygally Castle, Co. Antrim
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey to the iconic Giant's Causeway for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Learn how the National Trust is enabling farming and biodiversity to work together, supporting both wildlife and quality food production. Next, prepare yourself for miles of breathtaking beauty as you travel along the road clinging to the Antrim Coast. Continue onto your hotel, overlooking Ballygally Bay. For those who are brave enough, perhaps check out The Ghost Room, in one of the castle’s turrets? In the evening, please join us for a finale Celebration Dinner, where old-fashioned hospitality is blended with good food and wine for an experience that delights the senses.
Day 11: The Antrim Coast To Belfast Relaxed Start
Location: Belfast
Accommodation Name: Titanic, Belfast
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continue around the Antrim Coast, past the huge Norman castle at Carrickfergus, to arrive in the Northern Ireland capital of Belfast. Meet your Local Expert for a passionate city tour including views of the City Hall, Queen's University, the Parliament Building at Stormont and murals in different locations indicating political sentiments of local residents.
Day 12: Depart Belfast
Location: Belfast
Meals Included: Breakfast
Departure transfers arrive at Belfast George Best City Airport and Belfast International Airport.
What's Included
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Meals
5 Dinners (D) and 11 Breakfasts (B) are included.
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Activities
Choose between two carefully selected activities in Killarney: a horse-drawn jaunting car ride or a gentle hike with a nature guide.
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Welcome Dinner
Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner in Dublin.
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Celebration Dinner
Enjoy a grand finale Celebration Dinner in Ballygally.
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Local Expert Tours
Guided tours with Local Experts in various locations including Dublin, Kilkenny Castle, and Londonderry.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance to the Book of Kells, Kilkenny Castle, Blarney Castle, and the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center.
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Farm-to-Table Experience
Enjoy a Farm-to-Table dining experience in Killarney with locally sourced ingredients.
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Giant's Causeway Visit
Visit the Giant's Causeway and learn about the National Trust's efforts in biodiversity and habitat restoration.
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Scenic Drives
Scenic drives through the Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, and the Antrim Coast.
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City Tours
City tours in Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Belfast.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as a trip to the Aran Islands are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the tour starting and ending points are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with a dedicated Travel Director and enjoy comfortable coach transportation throughout the tour, ensuring a seamless journey from Dublin to Belfast with scenic drives and local expert guides.
Accommodation
Stay in a variety of comfortable accommodations including the Clayton Burlington Road in Dublin, The Kingsley in Cork, Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, Falls & Spa in Ennistymon, Connemara Coast in Galway, Maldron Hotel Derry, Ballygally Castle, and Titanic in Belfast.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I choose from in Killarney National Park?
In Killarney National Park, you can choose between exploring the scenery on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys or joining a gentle hike with a nature guide. The hike will take you past stunning mountains, lakes, woods, and waterfalls, including the 15th Century Ross Castle and the Muckross Estate.
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What is the significance of the Blarney Stone?
The Blarney Stone, located at Blarney Castle, is said to bestow the gift of eloquence on those who kiss it. The stone is made from 330-million-year-old limestone.
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What can I expect during the visit to the Giant's Causeway?
At the Giant's Causeway, you will visit the legendary site and learn about efforts to protect biodiversity and ecosystems. The National Trust has been undertaking replanting activities to prioritize biodiversity and quality food production, leaving a low carbon footprint. Your visit supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
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What unique experience is offered in Kildare?
In Kildare, you will visit the Irish National Stud, where you can explore the foaling unit, museum, and the stallions that make racing history. This is the only stud farm in Ireland open to the public, and you'll gain insights into horse-racing at a site visited by queens and presidents.
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What will I see during the panoramic tour of Belfast?
During the panoramic tour of Belfast, you will see the City Hall, Queen's University, the Parliament Building at Stormont, and various murals indicating the political sentiments of local residents. You will also meet Hilda, a true Belfast local, who will share the history and progress of the city.
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What is included in the Farm-to-Table dining experience in Killarney?
The Farm-to-Table dining experience in Killarney includes a meal made from fresh ingredients sourced within a five-mile radius. Hosts John and Freda will share insights into their sustainable consumption practices and the benefits of eating fresh, homegrown produce. This experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption & Production.
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What can I expect during the visit to Kilkenny Castle?
During the visit to Kilkenny Castle, you will have a guided tour with a Local Expert who will explain the history of the castle and the powerful family that lived there. You will see the Picture Gallery, library, drawing room, nursery, and bedrooms decorated in 1830s splendor, as well as the formal terraced rose garden, woodlands, and man-made lake.
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What are the highlights of the Ring of Kerry experience?
The Ring of Kerry experience includes a journey through a landscape of mountains, valleys, lakes, and sea. You will pass through delightful villages like Sneem, cross the peat bogs of the Black Mountains, and admire Queen Victoria's Ladies View. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure, with options to hire a bicycle and explore scenic trails.
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What will I see during the visit to the Cliffs of Moher?
At the Cliffs of Moher, you will visit the Exhibition Center and enjoy breathtaking views of the Clare Coast. The cliffs rise over 700 feet high, and you will gain insights into their geology, history, and the species that find sanctuary in their nooks and crannies.
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What is the significance of the Book of Kells in Dublin?
The Book of Kells is an exquisite manuscript of the four gospels of the Christian New Testament, renowned for its intricate and majestic illustrations. It is housed at Trinity College, one of Europe's elite universities, and you will have access to view this famous manuscript during your visit.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations 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.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations 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.
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Terms and Conditions