Country Roads of Ireland - End Dublin, Classic Group, Summer
Country Roads Of Ireland - End Dublin, Classic Group, Summer
Let the luck of the Irish be with you on this 12-day guided tour across Ireland. Start the tour in Dublin, where you get up close to the Book of Kells, an ancient Gospel manuscript filled with mythical beasts and Celtic knots. In Kilkenny, visit the majestic Kilkenny Castle. A chef will share traditional Irish recipes at a farm-to-table feast in Killarney. You'll see the Ring of Kerry, a mystical, verdant peninsula dotted with seaside villages. Finally, step onto Giant's Causeway with it's basalt columns carved onto the coast by volcanic lava, or a giant's feet, if Irish myth is to be believed.
Dining Summary
Let the luck of the Irish be with you on this 12-day guided tour across Ireland. Start the tour in Dublin, where you get up close to the Book of Kells, an ancient Gospel manuscript filled with mythical beasts and Celtic knots. In Kilkenny, visit the majestic Kilkenny Castle. A chef will share traditional Irish recipes at a farm-to-table feast in Killarney. You'll see the Ring of Kerry, a mystical, verdant peninsula dotted with seaside villages. Finally, step onto Giant's Causeway with it's basalt columns carved onto the coast by volcanic lava, or a giant's feet, if Irish myth is to be believed.
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 11 Breakfast (B)
- 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.
- Dublin: Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner, an opportunity to get to know each other over a meal.
- Ballygally: The Irish call it 'craic' - the warm feeling resulting from the confluence of music, drink, good food, laughter, and conversation. And after circumnavigating the Emerald Isle, there's bound to be a fair share of craic at your grand finale Celebration Dinner. Sláinte!
- 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.
- 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.
- Kildare: Horse racing is key part of Irish culture; and you'll get a rare peek into it over your visit to the Irish National Stud. Set in Kildare at the breeding ground of champions and the birthplace of legends, explore the foaling unit, museum and the stallions that continue to make racing history. As the only stud farm in Ireland open to the public, learn the insights of horse-racing at a site whose former visitors include queens and presidents.
- Kilkenny: Visit Kilkenny Castle to learn the history of this magnificent castle and that of the powerful family that came to call it home for so many centuries. Amble through the Picture Gallery, library, drawing room, nursery and bedrooms decorated in 1830s splendor as well as the rolling parkland formal terraced rose garden, woodlands and man-made lake.
- 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.
- Londonderry: There's no better way to experience sightseeing than with one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers, Ronan, as he takes you on a tour inside the city walls. See the Gothic Guildhall and the Georgian houses of Shipquay Street.
- 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.
- Giant's Causeway: Visit the legendary Giant's Causeway, site of wonders. At the visitor center, learn about the efforts to protect biodiversity and ecosystems, participating in habitat restoration. The National Trust charity has been undertaking replanting activities in Innisfree Farm, adjacent to the Causeway. By sowing a field of Herbal Ley seed mixes containing up to 17 different species, they have prioritized biodiversity and quality food production leaving a low carbon footprint. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
- Dublin: See Custom House and travel along the River Liffey. See the Guinness Storehouse, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral.
- Cahir: See one of the largest castles in Ireland dating back to the 13th century.
- 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.
- 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.
- Killarney: Enjoy hearing of the history of Killarney during your city orientation.
- Dingle Peninsula: Enjoy a scenic drive to Slea Head past the sandstone mountains.
- Ballygally: Explore this seaside town with your Travel Director.
- Carrickfergus: See the immense Castle as your drive around it.
- Belfast: Meet Hilda, a true Belfast local, having lived in the same house her entire life. During your panoramic tour, hear about the history of the city and learn why Hilda is proud of its progress and current prosperity. You'll also see the City Hall, Queen's University, Parliament Building at Stormont and murals in different locations indicating political sentiments of local residents.
- Cliffs of Moher: Towering cliffs and the dramatic sea, the Cliffs of Moher has inspired countless travelers. Visit the Exhibition Center 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.
- Galway: Fascinating stories and interesting locals take center 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.
About Insight Vacations
There's more to travel than simply visiting new places – join us for experiences that spark your curiosity and take you beyond traditional sightseeing. On our premium guided tours, every day is filled with fascinating facts and intriguing stories, while superior dining nourishes the body and stylish hotels rest the soul.
When you join a guided tour, you travel hassle-free. But when you join an Insight Vacations tour, you travel ‘business class’ - with all the p
...
Jun 30, 2025 through
Jul 11, 2025
Jun 26, 2025
7:00 PM
11 Nights
from
$4,180.00
(USD)
Per Person
Book by 2025-03-02 to receive $570.00 Last Minute Deal Discount. Airfare not included
|
8170478
|
Jun 09, 2025 through
Jun 20, 2025
Jun 5, 2025
7:00 PM
11 Nights
from
$4,725.00
(USD)
Per Person
Airfare not included
|
8673546
|
Jul 07, 2025 through
Jul 18, 2025
Jul 3, 2025
7:00 PM
11 Nights
from
$4,220.00
(USD)
Per Person
Book by 2025-03-09 to receive $575.00 Last Minute Deal Discount. Airfare not included
|
8579033
|
Itinerary
| Day | Destination | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Welcome to Dublin | ||
| 2 | In Dublin’s Fair City Relaxed Start | ||
| 3 | A Journey from Dublin to Cork | ||
| 4 | Across the Mountains to Killarney Relaxed Start | ||
| 5 | Ring of Kerry Experience Relaxed Start | ||
| 6 | Around the Dingle Peninsula Relaxed Start | ||
| 7 | The Cliffs of Moher and Galway Relaxed Start | ||
| 8 | Free day Galway or Aran Islands Relaxed Start | ||
| 9 | Derry Londonderry | ||
| 10 | Walk in the Giant’s Steps Relaxed Start | ||
| 11 | The Antrim Coast to Belfast Relaxed Start | ||
| 12 | Depart Dublin |
