Grand Tour of Ireland

Grand Tour of Ireland

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Grand Tour of Ireland

13 Days

Visiting: Dublin, Belfast & Titanic Belfast®, Giant's Causeway & Derry, Donegal & Slieve League Cliffs, Connemara, Killary Fjord Cruise & Galway, Aran Islands, The Burren & Cliffs of Moher, Dingle Peninsula, Ring of Kerry, Sneem & Traditional Sheep Dog Demonstration, Jaunting Car Tour of Killarney & Cork, Rock of Cashel, County Wicklow

Tour operator:

Leger Holidays

Tour code:

l-gtoi

Trip Styles:

UK tours by Coach

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

From charming Belfast and Dublin to the stunning seascapes and mountains of the Wild Atlantic Way, experience the best of the Emerald Isle.

Itinerary

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Day 1

Regional departure by coach, then to Holyhead for the ferry to Ireland. We continue to our overnight hotel in the Dublin area.

Day 2 Dublin, Belfast & Titanic Belfast®

Location: Dublin, Belfast & Titanic Belfast®

We take a panoramic tour of Dublin this morning. We visit the famous Georgian quarter, featuring some of the city’s most beautiful 18-century streets and houses, renowned for their colourful doors. You’ll also see Trinity College, the Houses of Parliament, O' Connell Street, and the iconic St. Patrick's Cathedral, all from the comfort of the coach. You will then enjoy some free time before heading north.


After a short tour of Belfast, we visit the Titanic Museum. The creators of the Titanic Belfast® describe it as a "must see". It is no accident that the time it took to construct is a mirror of RMS Titanic’s build, nor is it coincidental that Eric Kuhne’s ultra-modern building resembles the hulls of four ships.


We then continue to our overnight hotel in the Belfast area.

Day 3 Giant's Causeway & Derry

Location: Giant's Causeway & Derry

Today, we journey along the scenic Antrim Coast, making our way to the awe-inspiring Giant's Causeway. As legends tell it, this natural wonder was crafted by the giant, Finn McCool, who is believed to have lived on the mountainside. At the interpretation centre, there is an audio-visual presentation that sheds light on the creation of these remarkable 'steps' and the many legends that surround them.


Derry, Northern Ireland's vibrant second city, is our next destination. Having blossomed in both prosperity and peace following a tumultuous past, this compact city stands as one of the most captivating destinations in the British Isles. Unique in its structure, Derry is the sole city in Ireland to be entirely surrounded by walls, each echoing over 1,450 years of history. From the 17-century walls, the city's murals come into view, serving as a reminder of key events within Derry’s more recent history.


We then continue to County Donegal for our overnight stay.

Day 4 Donegal & Slieve League Cliffs

Location: Donegal & Slieve League Cliffs

Today we discover County Donegal, Ireland's northernmost county. Showcasing a vast array of terrains and dark-hued mountain ranges, it is considered by many as the most beautiful region in the country, often referred to as 'Ireland's Alaska'.


Our journey also takes us to the breathtaking Slieve League Cliffs, which rank among Europe's tallest sea cliffs. From the peak, it is a dizzying 609m descent straight into the churning waters of the Atlantic Ocean beneath.


We continue to our overnight stay in the County Mayo area.

Day 5 Connemara, Killary Fjord Cruise & Galway

Location: Connemara, Killary Fjord Cruise & Galway

This morning, we tour the captivating Connemara region. Renowned for its lush fields, endless stone walls, quaint thatched cottages, and charming fishing ports, it is a truly wonderful area in County Galway.


Continuing along the shores of Killary Fjord, the natural border between County Galway and County Mayo, we set sail on a scenic cruise. Here, we soak in views of the majestic fjord and enjoy lunch on board.


Once ashore, our adventure leads us to Galway, where we embark on a walking tour through the bustling city, followed by some free time for personal exploration.


We continue to our hotel in the Galway area for two nights.

Day 6 Aran Islands

Location: Aran Islands

Today, our journey takes us to Inishmore, the largest Aran Island. Home to approximately 800 people, with predominantly Irish as their first language, Inishmore is filled with historic landmarks, some of which trace back to the early Christian era.


A must-visit is Dun Aonghasa, an Iron Age fortification set on the edge of a 100-meter-tall cliff. Beyond its historical treasures, the island's untouched beauty, teeming with diverse plant and animal life, is wonderful to explore.

Day 7 The Burren & Cliffs Of Moher

Location: The Burren & Cliffs of Moher

Today, our journey takes us through the unique terrain of the Burren to the Cliffs of Moher, the most famous cliffs in Ireland! Dramatically plunging into the sea, the cliffs are accompanied by the chorus of countless seabirds and the rhythm of crashing waves. From this iconic vantage point, the Aran Islands come into view, and on clear days, the distant peaks of Connemara are visible.


From here, we venture into County Kerry, checking into our hotel for a three-night stay. The evening includes a traditional Irish show, celebrating the country's music and dance history.

Day 8 Dingle Peninsula

Location: Dingle Peninsula

Today, we explore the Dingle Peninsula. The region is home to a stunning coastal road, renowned for its incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean. The route takes us along gorgeous beaches like Inch, to the vibrant fishing port of Dingle, and onwards to Slea Head, known as the western tip of Europe.

Day 9 Ring Of Kerry, Sneem & Traditional Sheep Dog Demonstration

Location: Ring of Kerry, Sneem & Traditional Sheep Dog Demonstration

The Ring of Kerry is a highlight of the holiday, offering awe-inspiring views of the vast Atlantic Ocean. Its rugged coastline stands in stark contrast to the lush and diverse flora nurtured by the Gulf Stream.


We call at Sneem, once voted the prettiest village in Ireland. It is a truly lovely place adorned with vibrant houses! This is followed by a traditional sheep dog demonstration in Kenmare.

Day 10 Jaunting Car Tour Of Killarney & Cork

Location: Jaunting Car Tour of Killarney & Cork

This morning, we experience Ireland’s traditional mode of transport: a jaunting car. This tour is a truly exciting and nostalgic way to see some of Killarney's beloved sights and hotspots.


Later, we head to Cork. On a panoramic tour, we take in the many wonders of the city, including Saint Fin Barr's Cathedral, the Shandon Bells and Tower, St Anne's Church, and the iconic English Market.


We continue to our overnight stay in the Cork area.

Day 11 Rock Of Cashel

Location: Rock of Cashel

Today, enjoy some free time to wander around Cork before we visit the Rock of Cashel. Towering over the nearby plains and dominating the land route southward, this remarkable landmark is known for its well-preserved religious remnants.


We continue to our overnight stay in the County Wicklow area.

Day 12 County Wicklow

Location: County Wicklow

This morning, we journey through scenic County Wicklow and visit Avoca, known as the film set of Ballykissangel. Here, you can stand atop the Lion Bridge and witness the wonderful convergence of rivers Avonmore and Avonbeg. It's this very sight that moved poet Tom Moore to pen the renowned song, The Meeting of the Waters.


Next, we visit Glendalough. This valley is renowned not just for its captivating beauty, but also for its historic and archaeological significance.


We continue to our overnight stay in the Dublin area.

Day 13

We board the ferry to Holyhead before continuing our return journey home.

Accommodation

You will stay for one night in Dublin, one night in Belfast, one night in Letterkenny, one night in County Mayo, two nights in County Galway, three nights in County Kerry, one night in Cork, one night in County Wicklow, and one night in Dublin. All hotels will be 3 or 4-star.

Check out our Q&As

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    40 years

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Sole use of your own room on all Single Traveller holidays: means you still get your privacy and time out from the group.

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

    Yes

  • Battlefield Tours - Will it be possible to visit a particular cemetery whilst on the tour?

    Please contact us and we will check to see whether you can visit a particular cemetery on any of our Battlefield Tours, if we are not able to fit it into our itinerary then you could take some time out of the tour and do this independently by taxi or public transport.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

Reviews of this operator

Gary White (Google Reviewer)  

Just got back from a...

27-May-2024

Just got back from a holiday with leger holidays to callea spain which my wife done as a surprise for my 60th and wedding anniversary together my wife and i had a great time the coach journey there was excellent regular stops for toilet breaks and a stretch. Our two drivers Geoff and katrina were brilliant serving regular drinks and making the trip pleasant all the people on the coach were pleasant the hotel in spain was so nice the best we've stayed in lovely staff lovely bar the guy at the bar was great really friendly nice room. Overall our journey there and our return journey was brill the only thing that was not good at all was the ibis hotel on the return journey the room was horrible not a nice breakfast not polite French staff. Not really interested in trying to speak some english if i was leger should try and use a different hotel. Once again a big thank you to Geoff and katrina well done guys for making our holiday lovely. Hope to see you on another holiday soon

Will (Google Reviewer)  

I went on the 4...

05-Jan-2024

I went on the 4 countries trip and swiss glacier express and overall it was a great trip. The coach I was on was silver service, it was tidy had nice seats and other accessories such as charging points and headsets which was very handy. The drivers Alex and Dave were fantastic, very kind, funny and respectful throughout the whole trip and a pleasure to talk to. The excursions were very pleasant and all ran very smoothly. The hotels were decent and offered a good service. I overall very much recommend leger holidays.

Sally Matson  

Excellent customer service

10-Jan-2023

Booked our ‘Christmas in Austria & Scenic Trains of the Tyrol’ through George on the customer Helpline. Nothing was too much trouble, everything clearly & patiently explained. He even had permission to log in on his day off to finalise the sale! A charming and helpful young person and a credit to the company.

Euan Donald (Google Reviewer)  

Been on two tours now...

10-Oct-2023

Been on two tours now the “D Day beaches” and “ All Quiet on the Western Front” tour of the Somme and Ypres. Both four days in total, two travelling and two on the site of the various battles. This is outstanding value for money, picked up from Carlisle , Cumbria and literally looked after all the way through the tours. The coaches are great and the accommodation spot on . The guides are very knowledgeable ( Mark Hope brilliant guy)and the bus drivers professional . Absolutely fantastic .

Remon Wanis (Google Reviewer)  

We have been working with...

05-Aug-2024

We have been working with them for nearly a year now as Sussex Airports Taxis, and they offer the best customer service ever. All their customers are always happy when they return from their holidays. We look forward to continuing our partnership for many more years to come.

William Olley (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on a...

21-Aug-2024

I recently went on a coach holiday with this company. Everything was on time but there can be traffic hold ups with jams and roadworks! The coach was comfortable and the driver stopped for rest periods. The hotel was a 3 star close to a spectacular beach and was adequate. The catering was excellent! I went on the excursions included in the package and visited some lovely places.

Gordon Price (Google Reviewer)  

just returned from Italian holiday....

21-Jul-2024

just returned from Italian holiday. It was great spoilt a little by the high temperature even Ledger can't control that. The only real thing to spoil the trip was one of the hotels. The Krystall hotel in Diano Marina was terrible the room was dire with cracks in shower bogged up shower fittings noe control for AC end so on. The food was very poor, limited choice luke warm food on cold plates. After 4 evening meals (3 or four courses) we were only able to remember 2 we enjoyed. Breakfast was poor no bread except for hard rolls. No fresh fruit if you liked cake for breakfast you were good. If this is a 3 star hotel Italian standards have fallen which I don't think they have. Ledger brochure states "some of Europes most fascinating unique hotels" for Luxuria trips. This hotel should be removed from your list at once. The holiday was other wise good I cannot praise your coach crew too to much they were excellent. A highlight of the trip was the return trip through the swiss alps. It was superb and deserves mention in your holiday iteniary description.

Hilary Jackson (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on a...

12-Jun-2024

I recently went on a 4 night tour to Scarborough. Driver was great hotel superb. My criticism is too many destinations crammed into day excursion. Example visit to Flamborough head stop for 1 hour it was teeming nobody got off coach but even if fine pointless. Then on to Bridlington coach Park 1.5 ml from centre. Most people are hard pressed to get to center & back in 1.5 hours pointless. Incidentally if Leger paid a permit they could alight us in the resort. Very bad logistics. On to Whitby with a decent stop should have taken us there & bypassed the other stops. I will not go with them again. I will source a better holiday with excursions to one place only.

aled blackshaw (Google Reviewer)  

just returned from a solos...

25-Mar-2024

just returned from a solos break to valkenburg and rhine valley i enjoyed the break overall although both journeys were considerably longer than expected due to several picks ups. I could have done without the 3 countries meeting point excursion to be honest and the lunch on rhine cruise was very basic. The drivers/couriers were efficient and good humoured and provided free lunch vouchers on the ferry which were much appreciated. I probably would book another break with leger but to somewhere a lot closer to home.

laura young (Google Reviewer)  

We booked a holiday to...

09-Aug-2024

We booked a holiday to Edinburgh with some excursions. In the travel agents we booked the excursion to sterling which we didn’t do as they went to Loch Lomond instead. The drivers Mike and Heidi were not very polite at times. Moaning that they weren’t allowed to sell alcohol to passengers and then trying to on the sly. Mike quote “if I leave this and £3 appears then great” They read off Google for facts and read like they couldn’t be bothered. Which there was very little facts passed along. We did an excursion to glassglow which was 20 mins away from our hotel. We left at 13:00 meaning we only got around 3 hours there. The trip was lots of people in their 70s meaning they walk slow, some with mobility issues. So not a lot of time there. The Edinburgh tattoo was fantastic but again we left the hotel at 13:00 meaning less time there. When we asked about why we left late they just huffed and said because of legal hours for drivers. While I appreciate this and they need a break there were two drivers. Meaning one could drive the night before and the other the next day meaning we are not left sat around the hotel untill 13:00 each day with very little to do in this area of eaglesham. This was my first trip with ledger and I am very dissatisfied and disappointed at this mainly due to the drivers. The trip was far from cheap and there was no value for money I feel.

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Leger Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of leger holidays charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.