12-Day Guided Tour of Ireland: Dublin, Cork, Killarney, Moher, Galway, Belfast, Aran Islands | 11 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners | End Belfast

What you'll experience

Highlights

12 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Welcome to Dublin

   Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner, with the opportunity to mingle and get to know your fellow travelers.

   Arrival Transfer: Depart the airport at 08:30, 11:00, 13:00
   Welcome: Meet your Travel Director at 18:00
   Included experiences: Dublin Dinner

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Clayton Burlington Road
2. 2

   Day 2 — In Dublin’s Fair City

   Accompanied by a Local Expert, become acquainted with Dublin's elegant squares during an orientation of the city. Discover Custom House, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Enjoy entrance to the 9th century Book of Kells and a walk through the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College.
   
   Included experiences: Visit Trinity College and The Book of Kells in Dublin, Dublin Orientation

   

   Christchurch Cathedral

   

   Dublin St. Patrick's Cathedral

   

   Trinity College Dublin

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Clayton Burlington Road
3. 3

   Day 3 — A Journey from Dublin to Cork

   In the morning, visit one of the country's main racehorse breeding centers, also home to the acclaimed 100 year old Japanese Gardens where you can "journey through life" during a walk through the beautiful surrounds. Travel to the medieval city of Kilkenny to visit the majestic Kilkenny Castle. Learn how the castle was built in 1195 after the Norman Conquest of Ireland and admire its beautifully restored Victorian era rooms. 
   Continue through Cahir and see its imposing 13th-century castle, featured in the film 'Excalibur', on the way to Cork. On arrival, your Travel Director will show you around the compact university city, with its vibrant waterfront and grand Georgian parades.
   
   Included experiences: Irish National Stud & Japanese gardens, Visit the Majestic Kilkenny Castle, See Cahir Castle, Visit the Charming City of Cork

   

   Kilkenny Castle

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: The Kingsley Hotel
4. 4

   Day 4 — Across the Mountains to Killarney

   Travel to the ruined Blarney Castle and Gardens. Will you hang upside down from the ramparts to kiss the stone and ensure a lifetime of eloquence? Travel across the majestic Derrynasaggart Mountains to the lively town of Killarney. For your Farm-to-Table dining experience, enjoy some Irish home cooking in the kitchen of chef John Sheehan. Join John and Freda, your hosts at the 19th Green Guesthouse, and savor the delicious flavors of fresh local cuisine on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Gather together at a Farm-to-Table dinner, using responsibly sourced ingredients from the local community, and gain personal insight into classic Irish recipes that are loved throughout the world.
   
   Included experiences: Locally Sourced Farm-to-Table Meal at 19th Green Killarney, Visit Blarney Castle

   

   Blarney Castle

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
5. 5

   Day 5 — Ring of Kerry Experience

   Start your day with Brendan Choice. Choose a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys. Alternatively, join a gentle hike with a Local Expert along the lake shore and past the grounds of Ross Castle, admiring the incredible scenery of the National Park.
   While there aren't any mountains to climb, walkers should be fit, have good walking shoes or boots, sunscreen and rain gear. Then explore around the magnificent Ring of Kerry. Here, mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is breathtaking beyond words. Journey past lush lakelands and around towering cliffs as you appreciate sweeping sea views. Continue through delightful villages like Sneem and cross the peat bogs of the Black Mountains to Moll's Gap to admire Queen Victoria's Ladies View. 
   The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Maybe take the opportunity to hire a bicycle and enjoy one of the many scenic trails around the lake or through the National Park.

   

   Ring of Kerry

   

   Ross Castle

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
6. 6

   Day 6 — Around the Dingle Peninsula

   Depart Killarney and journey to the rugged beauty of the Dingle Peninsula, following the scenic Slea Head Drive. Travel past windswept cliffs, golden beaches and ancient stone dwellings, with views stretching to the remote Blasket Islands. In the afternoon, head north to Tarbert, where you'll board a ferry to cross the Shannon Estuary to Killimer, a historic crossing point where Ireland's longest river meets the Atlantic. Keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins, often seen in these waters. Continue to Ennistymon, a charming market town known for its traditional shopfronts and cascading river falls and settle into your hotel for the evening.
   
   Included experiences: Dingle Peninsula Scenic Drive, Shannon Estuary Ferry Crossing

   

   Dingle Peninsula

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Falls Hotel & Spa
7. 7

   Day 7 — The Cliffs of Moher and Galway

   Journey to the Visitor Center at the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Clare Coast before a delightful drive through the strange, rocky landscape of the Burren to Galway Bay. On arrival, see the Lynch Memorial and Church of St. Nicholas, where Christopher Columbus reputedly prayed before his voyages to America. See the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President, John F. Kennedy.
   
   Included experiences: See the Cliffs of Moher, Galway Orientation

   

   Cliffs of Moher

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Connemara Coast Hotel
8. 8

   Day 8 — Free day Galway or Aran Islands

   Spend a day at leisure to relax and enjoy Galway. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to the Aran Islands? A genuine highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way. With their cliffs and spectacular coastal views, the islands are a true Irish experience.

   

   Aran Islands

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Connemara Coast Hotel
9. 9

   Day 9 — Derry Londonderry

   Admire the Blue Stack Mountains of Donegal as you cross into Northern Ireland, bound for the ancient walled city of 'Derry.' What 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, still topped with cannons. Walk down steep Shipquay Street, with its elegant Georgian houses, to the Gothic Guildhall.
   
   Included experiences: Londonderry City Tour

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Maldron Hotel Derry
10. 10

    Day 10 — Walk in the Giant’s Steps

    Visit the iconic Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where thousands of interlocking basalt columns form one of nature's most extraordinary landscapes. Explore this legendary setting at your own pace before continuing along the scenic Antrim Coast Road, renowned for its dramatic cliffs and coastal views. Arrive in Ballygally and settle into your hotel overlooking the bay. If you're feeling brave, perhaps venture into the Ghost Room hidden within one of the castle's turrets. Later, gather with your fellow travelers to enjoy a final evening of warm hospitality and regional cuisine.
    
    Included experiences: Visit Giant's Causeway, Ballygally Orientation, Ballygally Celebration Dinner

    

    Giant's Causeway

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Ballygally Castle
11. 11

    Day 11 — The Antrim Coast to Belfast

    Continue around the Antrim Coast, past the huge Norman castle at Carrickfergus, to arrive in the Northern Ireland capital of Belfast. Meet your Local Expert for a passionate city tour including views of the City Hall, Queen's University, the Parliament Building at Stormont and murals in different locations indicating political sentiments of local residents.
    
    Included experiences: See Carrickfergus Castle, Belfast City Tour

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Titanic Hotel
12. 12

    Day 12 — Depart Belfast

    For your departure transfer, you'll first stop at Belfast George Best City Airport before continuing to Belfast International Airport. The journey between the two airports takes approximately 45 minutes.

    Departure Transfer: Arrive at George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) at 08:00

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

What's included

Cancellation policy

Important info

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