Irish Elegance (Small Groups, 8 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the heart of Ireland, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge. From the bustling streets of Dublin to the serene landscapes of Connemara, each day offers a new adventure. Discover ancient castles, marvel at breathtaking cliffs, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture. With luxurious accommodations and expertly curated experiences, this tour promises an enriching journey through the Emerald Isle's most iconic destinations.
Included
4 Dinner (D)
7 Breakfast (B)
Dublin: Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner, an opportunity to get to know each other over a meal.
Ashford Castle: Dine on delicious Farm-to-Table fare in a stylish setting at the iconic George V Dining Room.
7 nights in twin-share rooms at hand-picked hotels
Choose between two carefully selected activities
Blarney: Your up close and personal encounter with the lush gardens of the Blarney Castle estate is brought to life on a guided tour with a senior gardener. On your stroll enhanced by your expert’s insights, learn about the arboretum’s rare trees, mystical Druid rock formations and the Bog Garden boasting three 600-year-old yew trees.
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.
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.
Ring of Kerry: Meet John, a seaweed advocate and educator for a seaweed foraging walk at Atlantic Irish Seaweed. Stroll along the shore learning about how they work to protect the fragile ecosystem of the wild Atlantic Irish coasts through their educational courses and passion for the local environment. Irish Atlantic Seaweed's environmental policy is to respect, enjoy and protect the natural wonders that surround them, and promote the sustainable use of Ireland's fragile marine ecosystems. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.
Dublin: See Custom House and travel along the River Liffey. See the Guinness Storehouse, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral.
Cashel: See the Rock of Cashel where St. Patrick preached.
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.
Shannon: Cross the Shannon Estuary by ferry. This large estuary is where the River Shannon flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
Galway: Visit the stunning cathedral of the City of Tribes. Admire its Renaissance style dome and unique rose shaped window.
Connemara: With a striking Victorian Walled Garden and turreted church, Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey is a sight to behold. Dig into the Abbey’s history, discovering how it was founded in 1920 for Benedictine Nuns who fled Belgium in World War I.
Cong: Enjoy time as you wish to explore this delightful, quintessential Irish village, used as the location for 1952 film, 'The Quiet Man.' See the statue of the lead characters played by John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara, and the ruins of the Medieval Cong Abbey.
Ashford Castle: On arrival, you are escorted over the drawbridge by a lone piper for a majestic entrance fit for royalty.
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.
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.
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.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Discover Dublin's Rich Heritage
- Dublin - Arrival day
- More
- The Book of Kells Experience
- Guinness Storehouse
- Castletown House
- Miners Village
- Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin
- St. Patrick's Cathedral Park
- More
Begin your Irish adventure in the vibrant city of Dublin, where history and modernity blend seamlessly. Embark on an enlightening tour with a local expert who will unravel the city's thousand-year-old history. As you traverse along the iconic River Liffey, marvel at the architectural grandeur of the Custom House and the storied Guinness Storehouse. Visit the majestic Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral, each echoing tales of the past. At Trinity College, witness the awe-inspiring Book of Kells, a testament to Ireland's rich literary heritage. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at your hotel (or similar), where you'll have the chance to mingle with fellow travelers.
Day 2 – Day 2: Journey to Killarney via Historic Landmarks
- Cashel
- Blarney
- Killarney
- Dublin
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- Caragh Open Farm
- Rock of Cashel
- Blarney Stone
- More
Depart Dublin and journey through the lush landscapes of Ireland, passing the renowned Curragh Racecourse. Pause to capture the breathtaking Rock of Cashel, a medieval marvel that dominates the horizon. Continue to Blarney, where you can choose between kissing the legendary Blarney Stone at the castle or exploring the enchanting Blarney Gardens. As the day winds down, arrive in the lively town of Killarney, famous for its vibrant pubs and warm hospitality. Enjoy an evening of local culture and perhaps a pint of porter.
Day 3 – Day 3: Explore the Ring of Kerry
- Killarney
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- Staigue Stone Fort
- Kingdom Falconry
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Set off on a scenic drive along the renowned Ring of Kerry, where the rugged beauty of the Iveragh Peninsula unfolds before you. Marvel at the stunning vistas of mountains and sea, a testament to Ireland's natural splendor. Engage in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at a family-run seaweed farm, where you'll learn about sustainable practices that protect the wild Atlantic coast. Return to Killarney for a restful evening.
Day 4 – Day 4: From Cliffs to City - Killarney to Galway
- Galway
- Killarney
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- Cliffs of Moher
- Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, Galway
- Burren National Park
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Cross the Shannon Estuary by ferry and venture into County Clare. Experience the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher, towering 700 feet above the Atlantic. Traverse the unique limestone landscape of the Burren, a stark yet captivating terrain. Arrive in Galway, the City of Tribes, where you'll visit the last cathedral built in Ireland. Enjoy the scenic views from your hotel, perfectly situated along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Day 5 – Day 5: Discover the Wonders of Connemara
- Galway
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- Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden
- Connemara National Park
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Embark on an exploration of Connemara National Park, a haven of serene rivers, lakes, and hills. Delve into the beauty of this natural wonderland before visiting the magnificent Kylemore Abbey, a Neo-Gothic masterpiece nestled amidst lush landscapes. Return to Galway for an evening of relaxation.
Day 6 – Day 6: From Film Sets to Castles - Galway to Cong
- Galway
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- Corrib Cruises
- Aughnanure Castle
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Travel to the charming village of Cong, famously featured in the classic film 'The Quiet Man.' Explore the quaint streets and discover the statue of the film's lead characters. Visit the ruins of the Medieval Cong Abbey before heading to the majestic Ashford Castle. As you cross the drawbridge, a lone piper welcomes you to this exquisite hotel, offering a luxurious retreat. Enjoy the castle's vast estate, indulge in spa treatments, or experience the thrill of falconry. Savor an exceptional dining experience, where creative cuisine and local ingredients shine.
Day 7 – Day 7: Return to Dublin
- Dublin
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After a leisurely breakfast, take a final stroll around the enchanting estate of Ashford Castle. Journey across the Irish midlands back to Dublin, where the remainder of the day is yours to explore independently. Perhaps indulge in some last-minute shopping or visit a local café for a taste of Dublin's vibrant culture.
Day 8 – Day 8: Farewell to Ireland
- Dublin - Departure day
- More
Your unforgettable journey through Ireland concludes after breakfast. Bid farewell to new friends and the enchanting landscapes as you head to Dublin Airport for your departure.
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