Northern & Southern Ireland (14 destinations)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the enchanting landscapes and vibrant cities of Ireland. From the bustling streets of Belfast to the serene beauty of the Aran Islands, this journey offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural wonders. Discover the iconic Giant's Causeway, explore the charming city of Galway, and be captivated by the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. Immerse yourself in the local culture with guided tours, scenic drives, and authentic Irish cuisine. With comfortable accommodations and expert guidance, this tour promises an enriching and memorable experience across the Emerald Isle.
Included
8 breakfasts
halal, vegetarian, vegan, kosher, meat
All Intrepid group trips in Europe are accompanied by one of our local European group leaders. ’Local’ in this context means a leader who is European or lives in Europe. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader takes care of logistics, will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.
At Intrepid we also aim to support local guides in the individual cities or locations we travel to. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend an optional local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Giant's Causeway - Day Trip
Derry - Bogside History Tour
Aran Islands - Guided Day Trip by Ferry
Cliffs of Moher
Killarney - Ring of Kerry Day Trip
Killarney - Sheep Dog Trials (seasonal)
OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION:
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
TWIN SHARE BASIS:
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
CHECK-IN TIME:
Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION:
If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
FACILITIES:
Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.
Hotel (5 nights), Hostel (2 nights)
hotel: 5 night(s), hostel: 2 night(s);
TRANSPORT IN EUROPE:
Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself, that's why we like to travel the local way – whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each city's public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action.
LONG TRAVEL DAYS:
As we cover lots of ground on this trip, expect some long travel days on local trains and buses. This is an opportunity to mix with the locals and enjoy the scenery out the window. Travel schedules are known to change with little notice. Not all transport may have air conditioning.
Train , Public bus , Private vehicle , Ferry
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Belfast
- Belfast - Arrival day
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- Whitehead Railway Museum
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Begin your Irish journey in the vibrant city of Belfast. After settling into your accommodation (such as the Hilton or similar), join your fellow travelers for a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, take the opportunity to explore the bohemian Cathedral Quarter, the leafy suburbs of South Belfast, or the grand City Hall in Donegal Square. Don't miss the chance to visit the Titanic Belfast monument, a tribute to the legendary ship built on this very site.
Day 2 – Day 2: Discover Belfast
- Belfast
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Today, enjoy a leisurely exploration of Belfast at your own pace. Consider starting with a Black Cab Tour to gain insights into Northern Ireland's political history. Afterwards, visit The Ulster Museum to meet Takabuti, an Ancient Egyptian mummy, and take a relaxing stroll through the nearby Botanical Gardens. In the evening, seek out local dining recommendations from your tour leader for a delightful dinner experience.
Day 3 – Day 3: From Belfast to Derry
- Galway
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- Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, Galway
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Embark on a scenic drive along the wild northern coast to the iconic Giant's Causeway, where you'll marvel at the 40,000 basalt columns. Whether you believe in ancient volcanic activity or legendary giant battles, this site is sure to captivate you. Continue to Derry, known for the popular sitcom 'Derry Girls,' and delve into its history with a Bogside History Tour, offering a unique perspective on The Troubles.
Day 4 – Day 4: Journey to Galway
- Galway
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- Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, Galway
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Today, cross the border into the Republic of Ireland as you travel to the harbor city of Galway. Upon arrival, explore the impressive Galway Cathedral, known for its striking architecture and serene atmosphere. As you wander through the city, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and perhaps exchange your Pounds for Euros to enjoy local shopping and dining experiences.
Day 5 – Day 5: Explore the Aran Islands
- Galway
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- Bothar nA hAillite
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Set out on a day trip to the enchanting Aran Islands, where the rugged landscapes and rich history await. Discover the islands' unique flora and fauna, ancient church ruins, and lighthouse remains. With a population of under 2,000, the islands offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. Keep an eye out for seals basking on the rocky shores before returning to Galway for a relaxing evening.
Day 6 – Day 6: From Galway to Killarney
- Adare
- Killarney
- Galway
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- Cliffs of Moher
- Adare Town Park
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Prepare to be amazed by the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, offering stunning views of the Irish coastline. From April to July, witness puffins nesting along the cliffs. Learn about the site's history at the Cliffs Exhibition before heading to the charming village of Adare, known for its picturesque beauty. Conclude the day in Killarney, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and savor traditional Irish cuisine.
Day 7 – Day 7: The Ring of Kerry
- Killarney
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- Ross Castle
- Listowel Castle
- Kingdom Falconry
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Experience the natural beauty of the Iveragh Peninsula, known as the Ring of Kerry. Enjoy the scenic drive through charming villages and along stunning beaches, lakes, and rivers. Witness a sheep herding demonstration at a local farm, where skilled border collies showcase their talents. Return to Killarney in the afternoon, and if time permits, visit the historic Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Leane.
Day 8 – Day 8: From Killarney to Dublin
- Dublin
- Killarney
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- St. Patrick's Cathedral Park
- The Cú Chulainn Coaster
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Bid farewell to Killarney and board a train to the bustling city of Dublin. After checking into your accommodation (such as the Sofitel or similar), your tour leader will guide you through the city's highlights. Visit the historic St Patrick's Cathedral and unwind with a pint in the lively Creative Quarter. In the evening, gather with your group for a memorable final night in Dublin.
Day 9 – Day 9: Farewell in Dublin
- Dublin
- Cork - Departure day
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Enjoy a final breakfast with your group before bidding farewell to your newfound friends. If you wish to extend your stay in Dublin, contact your booking agent to arrange additional accommodation. Take this opportunity to further explore the city's rich history and vibrant culture at your leisure.
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