Focus on Ireland - Small Group

Focus on Ireland - Small Group

23 Views
7 Days From

$3250

$2860

Focus on Ireland - Small Group

7 Days Starting and ending in Dublin

Visiting: Dublin, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Adare, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Cobh, Blarney Castle, Cork, Kilkenny

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English
From: $3250 $2860 Operator discount: -$390 -12%

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

From the dizzying 700-foot-high Cliffs of Moher near Galway Bay to the grandiose Georgian architecture of Cork, this experience of Ireland is unlike any other. Take a stroll through the grounds of Trinity College with access to the famous Book of Kells in Dublin, see the Titanic’s last port of call in Cobh and feast on a Farm-to-Table meal in a Killarney farmhouse restaurant. This family-run kitchen is the domain of chef John Sheehan and his wife Freda, who serve up nothing but authentic Irish recipes—guaranteed to inspire and delight. The once kissed, never forgotten Stone of Eloquence at Blarney Castle enthralls visitors from far and wide, while historic Galway delights the imagination.

Highlights

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    Choice Highlights

    • Choose between two carefully selected activities
    • Killarney: Explore the scenery of Killarney National Park on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.
    • Killarney: Join a gentle hike with a nature guide in Killarney National Park and admire stunning mountains, lakes, woods and waterfalls. Stroll along the lake shore and past the impressive 15th Century Ross Castle and the famous Muckross Estate, a charming 19th Century mansion and grounds. Alternatively, enjoy a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.

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    Top Rated Highlights

    • Dublin: See Custom House and travel along the River Liffey. See the Guinness Storehouse, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral.
    • Galway: Fascinating stories and interesting locals take centre stage on your orientation of the historic heart of Galway. Visit the Lynch Memorial Window. Then make your way to the Church of St. Nicholas - the largest medieval parish church in Ireland in continuous use, Spanish Arch and Eyre Square.
    • Cliffs of Moher: Towering cliffs and the dramatic sea, the Cliffs of Moher has inspired countless travellers. Visit the Exhibition Centre and look out over the Wild Atlantic Way from these majestic cliffs that rise over 700 feet high. Gain insights from your Travel Director into the cliffs’ geology, history and the species that find sanctuary in its nooks and crannies.
    • Adare: Experience a village walk through the main street lined with thatched cottages.
    • Killarney: Enjoy hearing of the history of Killarney during your city orientation.
    • Ring of Kerry: Venture into a world of towering cliffs, lush lakelands, beaches, fields dotted with sheep, rocky coastline, remote villages and historical sites, as you journey the magical Ring of Kerry. This 111-mile circular route is the best place to admire Ireland's scenic beauty and truly one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
    • Cobh: The Queenstown Story at Cobh retraces the steps of Irish emigration from the famine of 1845 to the great ocean liner era of the 1950s. This is a must for those with Irish ancestors who crossed the Atlantic during this time.
    • Cork: Ireland's second city - "Rebel Cork" dates back to the 7th century. Your Travel Director will show you the Grand Parade and South Mall, along with City Hall and the Opera House on an insightful orientation tour encompassing the development of the religious settlement of St. Finbarr, to Viking raiding and settlement, to the creation of the Norman city and Merchant Princes. You’ll love learning the tales and history of this port city and enjoy hearing the lilt of the Cork accent.
    • Kilkenny: Take in the sights of the medieval city of Kilkenny with its majestic castle and river walk.

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    Make Travel Matter

    Killarney: Meet passionate restaurant owners John and Freda at their beautiful guesthouse in Killarney, where you'll hear more about their Farm-to-Table concept, while enjoying a delicious meal made from fresh ingredients sourced within a five mile radius. John and Freda have a policy that all food is sourced locally from farms and the coach of the Emerald Isle. On the farm they also grow and harvest all their own fruit and veg. They educate their visitors about sustainable consumption and the benefits of eating fresh homegrown produce. This experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption & Production.

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    Authentic Dining

    Dublin: Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner, an opportunity to get to know each other over a meal.

    Cork: Join in the 'craic' over dinner with fabulous local flavours in a city famed for its food.

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    Insight Choice

    Killarney: Explore the scenery of Killarney National Park on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.

    Killarney: Join a gentle hike with a nature guide in Killarney National Park and admire stunning mountains, lakes, woods and waterfalls. Stroll along the lake shore and past the impressive 15th Century Ross Castle and the famous Muckross Estate, a charming 19th Century mansion and grounds. Alternatively, enjoy a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: In Dublin’S Fair City

Location: Dublin

Accommodation: Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Dublin.

Accommodation Name: Clayton Burlington Road, Dublin

Meals Included: Dinner

Meet your Travel Director at 14:00 for an orientation of Dublin. Pass the St. Patrick's Cathedral and Christchurch Cathedral. See the 9th century Book of Kells. Walk the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College. Enjoy a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner with drinks and the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over the course of the evening.

Day 2: To Galway, City Of The Tribes Relaxed Start

Location: Dublin, Galway

Accommodation: Harbour Hotel Galway.

Accommodation Name: Harbour, Galway

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leave Dublin and set off through the delightful landscapes of the Emerald Isle. Cross Ireland's longest river, the river Shannon, to reach historic Galway, the City of the Tribes, at the mouth of the Corrib River. Easily one of Ireland’s most fun and lively cities, the streets are lined with buskers, the region is known for its famous oysters and the pubs are full of Irish charm. Join your Travel Director to see the Church of St. Nicholas, where Christopher Columbus reputedly prayed before setting off for his discovery of America. Also see the pre-medieval Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President, John F. Kennedy.

Day 3: The Cliffs Of Moher, Adare And Killarney Relaxed Start

Location: Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Adare, Killarney

Accommodation: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa.

Accommodation Name: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Take the scenic route through the mysterious rocky limestone landscape of the Burren, with its underground caverns, streams and rare flora. Stop at the Exhibition Centre, situated next to the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher with breathtaking views of the Clare Coast. Continue past the city of Limerick, stop in quaint Adare and take a relaxed village walk to see its thatched-roof cottages. In the evening, stay in the center of the action in lively Killarney. Gateway to the famous Ring of Kerry, Killarney has been welcoming travellers, who appreciate the spectacular scenery of woodlands and lakes, for over 250 years.

Day 4: Ring Of Kerry Experience Relaxed Start

Location: Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Killarney

Accommodation: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa.

Accommodation Name: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning enjoy an Insight Choice. Choose to join a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys. Alternatively, admire incredible scenery on 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. After, take a leisurely excursion around the magnificent Ring of Kerry with stunning views of mountains and sea. Pass through the small towns of Killorglin, where the famous Puck Fair takes place, and Cahersiveen, birthplace of the great patriot, Daniel O'Connell. Follow the narrow road as it winds along the cliffs to the fishing town of Waterville. 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. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a Farm-to-Table dinner. Enjoy some Irish home cooking at the family-run kitchen of chef John Sheehan. Join John and his wife, Freda, for drinks and a personal insight into classic Irish recipes that are loved throughout the world and help preserve this intangible cultural heritage. Then, settle down for a night of great food and drink in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

Day 5: Cobh And Blarney Castle On The Way To Cork Relaxed Start

Location: Killarney, Cobh, Blarney Castle, Cork

Accommodation: Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City.

Accommodation Name: Maldron South Mall, Cork

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Drive to the historic port town of Cobh, which was the last port of call for the Titanic. Walk through the Queenstown Story exhibition at the Heritage Centre, which recounts the era of Irish emigration and the life of this once great passenger port. Continue to visit the 15th century Blarney Castle, home of the famous Stone of Eloquence - once kissed, never forgotten! Then Continue on to Cork along the spacious Grand Parade and South Mall and see the City Hall and fine Georgian houses en route to your hotel. In the evening, raise your glass and revel in rich flavours at a lively dinner.

Day 6: Kilkenny And Dublin

Location: Cork, Kilkenny, Dublin

Accommodation: Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Dublin.

Accommodation Name: Clayton Burlington Road, Dublin

Meals Included: Breakfast

Drive through prime farmland to the medieval city of Kilkenny, with its majestic castle and river walk. Browse the medieval mile showcasing the hub of Ireland’s arts and crafts scene along its narrow lanes. Then, return to Dublin and your hotel. The rest of the evening is at your leisure to further explore if you wish.

Day 7: Depart Dublin

Location: Dublin

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your memorable trip comes to an end.

What's Included

  • Meals

    The tour includes 4 dinners and 6 breakfasts.

  • Activities

    Choose between two carefully selected activities in Killarney: a horse-drawn jaunting car ride or a gentle hike with a nature guide.

  • Personal Radio Headsets

    Personal radio headsets are provided to give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights without missing any commentary.

  • Hotel and Restaurant Tips

    Hotel and restaurant tips are included, so you don't have to worry about how much to give or search for foreign currency.

  • Baggage Handling

    Your bags are carried for you and promptly delivered to your hotel door.

  • Insight Flourish

    From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, a local specialty representing the destination.

  • Wi-Fi

    Stay connected with complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi where available.

  • Transfers

    Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates.

  • Luxury Coach

    Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.

  • Hand Sanitizer

    Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

What's Not Included

  • Flights

    Flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.

  • Optional Transfers

    If your flights are outside the scheduled times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation, you may need to purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

  • Personal Expenses

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

Mode of Transport

Travel in style and comfort aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach, featuring double the standard legroom, an onboard washroom, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Enjoy the convenience of scheduled airport transfers if your flights align with the tour's start and end dates.

Accommodation

Stay in comfort at the Clayton Burlington Road in Dublin, the Harbour Hotel in Galway, the Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, and the Maldron South Mall in Cork, offering a blend of modern amenities and local charm throughout your journey.

Dining Summary

  • 4 Dinner (D)
  • 6 Breakfast (B)

Additional Included Highlights

  • Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
  • Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
  • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
  • From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
  • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
  • If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Insight Experiences

  • Dublin: A stunning combination of cobblestone walkways, emerald-green lawns and 18th-century architectural gems, Trinity College is one of Europe’s elite universities and counts poet Oscar Wilde among its alumni. See the enchanting college campus and discover insights into its impressive history. Enjoy access to view the famous Book of Kells, an exquisite manuscript of the four gospels of the Christian New Testament, renowned for the intricacy, detail and majesty of the illustrations.
  • Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone, the famous stone of eloquence, are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. Take your turn at giving it a peck knowing that the stone was sourced from 330-million-year-old limestone.

Well-being

  • Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
  • Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a choice between a horse-drawn jaunting car ride or a gentle hike in Killarney National Park, a visit to the Cliffs of Moher with insights into its geology and history, and a Farm-to-Table dinner experience with local hosts John and Freda in Killarney.

  • Are there any special dining experiences during the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes a Welcome Dinner in Dublin, a dinner in Cork known for its local flavors, and a Farm-to-Table dinner in Killarney with hosts John and Freda, who focus on sustainable and locally sourced ingredients.

  • What is the significance of the Blarney Stone visit?

    The Blarney Stone is famous for bestowing the gift of eloquence to those who kiss it. It is located at Blarney Castle, which is part of the tour itinerary.

  • What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides transportation in a luxurious, air-conditioned coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. The coaches are sanitized before the start of the tour and maintained to high standards.

  • Is there any flexibility in the activities offered during the tour?

    Yes, on Day 4, there is an Insight Choice where you can choose between a horse-drawn jaunting car ride or a gentle hike in Killarney National Park.

  • What measures are in place for health and safety during the tour?

    The tour includes physical distancing measures on the coaches, which are sanitized before the start of the tour. Hand sanitizer is also freely available on board for use throughout the day.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1978.

  • 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.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • 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.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

Reviews of this operator

Peggy Lindenborn  

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02-Nov-2021

Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily is a delightful trip and our travel guides and driver, Enzo, Chris and Greg were amazing and made the trip very memorable. We saw so many places and had great experiences along the way! Thanks to them for such a wonderful vacation.!

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Trusted Customer  

Best of Spain & Portugal

11-Jan-2023

Great itinerary, good pace, tour director was friendly and very knowledgeable and organised. Bus was very spacious and driver was great. Yes would recommend insight to friends and families

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Jacqueline Thornberry  

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31-Oct-2021

The number is our group was small which meant we got to know each other. Our tour guide, Laura Spiers, was excellent as was our driver. The food was good, and of course everything we saw in Iceland was beautiful and educational.

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Kathryn Ronca  

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08-Nov-2021

The trip was fantastic. Everything was well planned and exceeded my expectations. All insight personal were courteous helpful and professional Ann Manual and Kevin were a topnotch team There was attention to every detail and at all times felt safe and always a personal touch to the trip. The motor coach was clean and roomy and there was multiple wipe downs during the day All hotels were top notch and all staff at the hotels and restaurants were helpful and courteous I would recommend this trip as it gave you a fantastic view of the natural wonders of the the West.

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Patrick Ong  

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12-Jan-2023

This trip is absolutely amazing! Worth every Penny! Our Tour guide did not Disappoint.

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1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Saturday

Apr 06, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025
$3250 $2860

Operator discount: -$390

Sunday - Saturday

Jun 29, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025
$3395

Sunday - Saturday

Jul 27, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025
$3395

Sunday - Saturday

Aug 31, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025
$3425

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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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