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Explore the Emerald Isle on this most in-depth of Irish experience trips, filled with tales of mythical creatures and the troubled history of an island split in two. Beyond soul-stirring landscapes, there’s time with a local ‘Cabbie’ who’ll guide you through Belfast.
Explore the Emerald Isle on this most in-depth of Irish experience trips, filled with tales of mythical creatures and the troubled history of an island split in two. Beyond soul-stirring landscapes, there’s time with a local ‘Cabbie’ who’ll guide you through Belfast.
Embrace your playful side and discover the allure of the lively Irish capital - a small city with a lot of heart and yours to explore before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers this afternoon for a sightseeing tour with your Local Specialist. See the stately Georgian Squares and Trinity College before enjoying a Welcome Reception this evening at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which has played an integral role in Ireland’s history for over eight centuries. As you get to know your travel companions in the surrounds of this incredibly moving place which is a real treasure of Ireland, you’ll learn how the cathedral was built in honour of Ireland’s patron saint and is one of the few buildings of medieval Dublin still left standing. The excitement will build this evening over drinks, good food and great company as your Travel Director gives you a taste of what’s to come.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Mespil/The Samuel
Leaving the cosmopolitan streets of Dublin behind, we travel to Northern Ireland and the bustling city of Belfast, where you will have some free time to enjoy a spud for lunch or perhaps an Irish stew. Later, we meet our Local Specialist 'Cabbie' for an insider view of the city’s living history during a journey through its vibrant streets in a real taxi. We spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure, or perhaps join an Optional Experience.
What better way to soak up the atmosphere of this lively city than to join a Local Specialist for a stroll through its hidden side streets? We'll have an included drink in a historic pub and continue to a local restaurant for a quintessentially traditional meal; fish and chips.
Adult Price: £41.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 3
Venture to the Giant’s Causeway and on to Londonderry
Dive Into Culture during a visit to the award-winning Titanic Belfast Experience. Gain insights into the tragic story of the Titanic and its passengers who lost their lives in the icy Atlantic. We leave the city behind us, travelling along the beautiful Antrim coast road to the Giant's Causeway for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as we walk in the footsteps of Finn MacCool. Our visit will help to conserve this iconic natural landmark. Take some time to admire the natural spectacle of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns before continuing to Londonderry, our home for the next two nights.
Join us and the the rest of the group for a cosy and relaxing evening of dinner and a drink in a locally-loved restaurant.
Adult Price: £42.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 4
Discover Londonderry’s Past
Join your Local Specialist for a walk along the 17th-century city walls and see the formerly turbulent Bogside neighbourhood, with its street murals depicting the history of the 'Troubles'. Spend a free afternoon walking along the pretty Foyle River or consider joining an Optional Experience to Inishowen Peninsula, with its rich history. This evening we dine at our hotel.
Enjoy a guided visit to the Inishowen Peninsula. This spectacular circuit will take you on a journey to the most north-western tip of Ireland. Here you'll visit Grianan Aileach, a circle stone fort which was the royal seat of the O'Neill clan, situated amongst spectacular views.
Adult Price: £19.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 5
Onwards to Scenic Galway
We journey through the lush countryside to Belleek, where we'll Dive Into Culture and witness talented pottery craftsmen create the exquisite collectables that have graced homes since the mid-19th century. Arrive in Galway later, where we will stay for the next two nights.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - The Ardilaun/Maldron Sandy Road
Join us on a drive to Galway Castle where you'll begin your evening of medieval entertainment. This will be accompanied by a delicious dinner where wine will flow, and you’ll be treated to songs and the marvellous Irish art of story-telling.
Adult Price: €72.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Trad on the Prom
The best in Irish dancing from the most-awarded performers in Ireland. Combined with some of Ireland's best musical talent, this show is truly "can’t miss".
Adult Price: €37.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 6
Connemara Excursion
The rugged beauty of Connemara was captured in the film 'The Quiet Man' with John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara. Its loughs and mountains are yours to explore today during a scenic drive. We arrive at Kylemore Abbey later to visit the country's most romantic castle and ramble through the hidden nooks of its Victorian walled garden. Returning to Galway, we enjoy some free time to explore its imposing stone Cathedral or stroll through Eyre Square, which John F. Kennedy visited in 1963.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 7
Explore the Cliffs of Moher and Killarney
See the imposing UNESCO-listed Cliffs of Moher rising over 650 feet (200 m) above the pounding Atlantic and scan the horizon all the way to the Aran Islands to get the full view of the irresistible beauty of this special place. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you’ll have an opportunity to visit the ‘Atlantic Edge’ exhibition which will bring to life this extraordinary natural phenomenon in a way that only the wildlife of the area get to see. Enchanted by the wild landscapes, you’ll continue along the Wild Atlantic Way to Connect With Locals and meet local horticulturalist, Oonagh, who’ll teach you how to forage before our Be My Guest visit to the Barrtra Seafood restaurant. Your next MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience will reveal the importance of sustainable food experiences and you’ll learn how everything on your plate has been bought locally, perhaps inspired to buy local produce when you return home. The spectacular views of this dramatic coastline continue before you’ll board a ferry across the tranquil Shannon Estuary river. Then, continue through County Kerry to your hotel in Killarney, where you'll have an evening at leisure or join in the craic at an optional Irish ceilidh.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Optional Experience
Irish Ceilidh Evening
The Irish Ceilidh epitomises how music and dance were enjoyed in rural Ireland, especially on festive occasions. The craic - welcoming, jolly, fun and informal - is accompanied with plenty of food and drink. There's no more enjoyable way to understand Irish culture.
Adult Price: €67.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 8
A Day on the Ring of Kerry
The soul-stirring landscapes of Iveragh Peninsula provide a mesmerising backdrop for our scenic coastal drive around the Ring of Kerry – an unimaginably beautiful natural setting. En route we will see Killorglin, famous for its annual 'Puck Fair', as well as Daniel O'Connell's Cahirciveen, the fishing village of Waterville, the Black Valley and Moll's Gap.
Enjoy a traditional pony and trap ride through the beautiful Bourn-Vincent National Park. During your journey, your Local Specialist will share fascinating anecdotes about the area and Ireland.
Adult Price: €22.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Visit Muckross House and its Gardens
Come with us to Muckross House and its beautiful gardens. With a backdrop of oak-clad mountains, enjoy taking in the towering azaleas and rhododendrons, alongside the shores of the lake. The 18th century house contains some wonderful examples of furniture and paintings, including a portrait of King James VI, for whom Shakespeare wrote Macbeth.
Adult Price: €21.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Kerry Farm Experience
Step back into the past, on a traditional Kerry Farm of the 1930's. We'll meet a local farmer who will show us around the farm yard and tell of times gone by. Enjoy mountain views of the Ring of Kerry as he demonstrates his skills at herding sheep with border collies.
Adult Price: €22.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 9
Off to Blarney, Waterford and Kilkenny
Today you might acquire the 'gift of the gab', bending over backwards to kiss the Blarney Stone before we travel to Waterford. Admire the delicate creations of fine crystal during a visit to the House of Waterford Crystal where we will Dive Into Culture and witness a demonstration by master craftsmen. This evening, we arrive in Kilkenny with its imposing 12th-century castle, once the seat of the Butlers of Ormonde.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Kilkenny
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
An Afternoon of Irish Fun and Music (Craic agus Ceol)
Take advantage of this opportunity to learn about the ancient sport of hurling at a local pub. Moving outside, you’ll enjoy a live demonstration by village locals and even have a chance to try your hand at this game, said to be the oldest and fastest field sport in the world. Later, live music and a drink will greet you on returning to the pub.
Adult Price: €29.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 10
Through County Wicklow’s Countryside to Dublin
After a morning exploration of Kilkenny, we depart for New Ross where we'll see the monument to John F. Kennedy, who visited his ancestral family hometown in 1963. Dive Into Culture and gain insights into the tragic plight of Irish emigrants during the potato famine of the 1800s on our visit to the nearby three-masted Dunbrody Famine Ship. Journey through the lush Irish countryside of County Wicklow, the 'Garden of Ireland', and back to Dublin where you’ll spend your final evening with travel companions sharing stories of your memorable journey through Ireland at a Farewell Dinner.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Hyatt Centric/Clayton Cardiff Lane
It’s time to say a fond farewell to Ireland and newfound friends as you prepare to end your wonderful Irish experience. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 2
Belfast Walk with Fish and Chips
What better way to soak up the atmosphere of this lively city than to join a Local Specialist for a stroll through its hidden side streets? We'll have an included drink in a historic pub and continue to a local restaurant for a quintessentially traditional meal; fish and chips.
Adult Price: £41.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 3
Dinner and Drinks in Londonderry
Join us and the the rest of the group for a cosy and relaxing evening of dinner and a drink in a locally-loved restaurant.
Adult Price: £42.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 4
Experience the Inishowen Peninsula
Enjoy a guided visit to the Inishowen Peninsula. This spectacular circuit will take you on a journey to the most north-western tip of Ireland. Here you'll visit Grianan Aileach, a circle stone fort which was the royal seat of the O'Neill clan, situated amongst spectacular views.
Adult Price: £19.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Galway Castle Banquet
Join us on a drive to Galway Castle where you'll begin your evening of medieval entertainment. This will be accompanied by a delicious dinner where wine will flow, and you’ll be treated to songs and the marvellous Irish art of story-telling.
Adult Price: €72.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Trad on the Prom
The best in Irish dancing from the most-awarded performers in Ireland. Combined with some of Ireland's best musical talent, this show is truly "can’t miss".
Adult Price: €37.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
Irish Ceilidh Evening
The Irish Ceilidh epitomises how music and dance were enjoyed in rural Ireland, especially on festive occasions. The craic - welcoming, jolly, fun and informal - is accompanied with plenty of food and drink. There's no more enjoyable way to understand Irish culture.
Adult Price: €67.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 8
Experience a Jaunting Cart Ride
Enjoy a traditional pony and trap ride through the beautiful Bourn-Vincent National Park. During your journey, your Local Specialist will share fascinating anecdotes about the area and Ireland.
Adult Price: €22.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 8
Visit Muckross House and its Gardens
Come with us to Muckross House and its beautiful gardens. With a backdrop of oak-clad mountains, enjoy taking in the towering azaleas and rhododendrons, alongside the shores of the lake. The 18th century house contains some wonderful examples of furniture and paintings, including a portrait of King James VI, for whom Shakespeare wrote Macbeth.
Adult Price: €21.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 8
Kerry Farm Experience
Step back into the past, on a traditional Kerry Farm of the 1930's. We'll meet a local farmer who will show us around the farm yard and tell of times gone by. Enjoy mountain views of the Ring of Kerry as he demonstrates his skills at herding sheep with border collies.
Adult Price: €22.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 9
An Afternoon of Irish Fun and Music (Craic agus Ceol)
Take advantage of this opportunity to learn about the ancient sport of hurling at a local pub. Moving outside, you’ll enjoy a live demonstration by village locals and even have a chance to try your hand at this game, said to be the oldest and fastest field sport in the world. Later, live music and a drink will greet you on returning to the pub.
Adult Price: €29.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Notepad Icon You must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel
About this trip
About this trip
What's included
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon
10 nights
Accommodation
Trip Summary Meals Icon
16 Meals
1 Be My Guest, 1 Farewell Dinner, 1 Welcome Reception, 10 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners
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On-trip Transport
All transport shown
The Trafalgar difference
Connect With Locals
Go foraging with Oonagh and enjoy a delightful Be My Guest lunch at the O'Brien's homely Barrtra Seafood restaurant overlooking beautiful Liscannor Bay.
Dive into Culture
Learn how crystal is crafted at the House of Waterford Crystal during a workshop tour.
Dive into Culture
Explore the tragic history of Ireland's famine emigration at the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience, a replica of one of the original ships used in the 1800s.
Dive Into Culture
Discover the full story of the Titanic at the Titanic Belfast visitor attraction and monument in Belfast.
Dive Into Culture
See traditional craftsmen at work at the Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre, one of the oldest working potteries in the world.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Help preserve the Cliffs of Moher for generations to come and learn about its extraordinary geology, history and the species that find sanctuary in its nooks and crannies.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
In Northern Ireland you'll discover the legend of the Giant's Causeway as you explore with an expert, who'll explain how your visit helps conserve this iconic natural landmark.
Sightseeing highlights
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Explore Dublin, Belfast and Londonderry with a Local Specialist
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Discover Galway and Waterford
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Visit St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, the Titanic Experience in Belfast, the UNESCO World Heritage site at the Giant's Causeway, Belleek to see how the famous pottery is made, Kylemore Abbey, the Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle to kiss the stone and gain the 'gift of the gab', the Crystal Showroom at Waterford and the Dunbrody Famine Ship in New Ross
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View the City Walls and Murals of Londonderry
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See Galway Cathedral
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Scenic Cruise across the Shannon Estuary
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Scenic Drive through Connemara and along the Ring of Kerry
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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Ferry across the Shannon estuary
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Optional Experiences and free time
Live, unedited & independent traveller reviews
Irish Experience trip reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
Overall rating
4.8
Out of 5
Based on 771 independent reviews
Trip rating
Customer experience
Trip rating is the overall quality of the itinerary and trip
4.7
Out of 5
5
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567
4
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187
3
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13
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1
Customer experience is the standard of service you receive
Very comprehensive itinerary. Both on board guide and local guides were very knowledgeable. Bus driver was very adept at maneuvering the terrain. Was thankful for Covid-19 protocols. Food and accommodations were exemplary.
I loved Ireland & found the Tour Guide Amy very knowledgeable & experienced. The accommodations & included meals were very good & the tours both included & additional were good value & a good mix of historical & cultural.
The travel director Shane Creegan and driver Mickey McKeown definitely made this well-curated trip a fantastic experience. They are profesional, experienced, courteous, and during Covid ensured all protocols everywhere we visited were followed in a easy manner. This experience and positive attitude enabled all passengers to have a great time together.
Our travel director Shane Creegan and driver Mickey McKeown were outstanding! Their passion and knowledge of Ireland made the tour fun and exciting. The tour was well curated in terms of the sightseeing and experiences. I truly enjoyed the hospitality if the Irish people, the locally sourced food, and it’s history and culture!
Drinking Water: Tap water is safe to drink in all of the destinations on this trip. Please remember to bring a water bottle.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
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Your selected departure date will feature some seasonal itinerary changes to what is displayed. Click 'VIEW ITINERARY' below to see full details.
Active Trip Details
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What is an Active Trip? This is an "Active" lifestyle itinerary, with walks and hikes most days. Hikes will range from easy/moderate to strenuous. No technical climbing skills are required but a reasonable level of fitness is required to make the trip more enjoyable. Understanding that not all people want to hike at the same pace or even on the same trail we will, where possible, host map orientation and then let everyone disperse to enjoy the trails best suited to them.
What to Pack Guests should bring lightweight hiking shoes or boots, broad brimmed sun hats, sunglasses, layered clothing, reusable water bottle(s), a hiking day pack and hiking poles (optional)
Weather & Altitude While the itinerary is laid out below, we are at the mercy of the weather and so reserve the right to adjust the program as necessary. Please keep in mind that the higher elevations and possible variations in weather and temperature can increase the perceived level of difficulty of our activities. Elevation ranges up to 9,000 feet for Utah’s Mighty Five and up to 11,000 feet for California High Country Adventure.
Everyone reacts differently to altitude and so if you do have any health issues you should check with your doctor that this trip is suitable for you.
