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9-Nights Scenic Ireland - Classic Group from $3,895
Insight Vacations
OFFER ID 1560693
Scenic Ireland - Classic Group
Ireland’s scenery will inspire the mind of any curious traveler. On this ten-day guided Ireland tour, stand atop the towering Cliffs of Moher and admire 40 shades of green on the mystical the Ring of Kerry. A MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience Seatrails Coastal walk reveals a landscape that inspired William Butler Yeats while a foodie tour of the town of Westport finds you sampling local delicacies. Elevate your experience discovering historical insights at the iconic Blarney Castle and Kilkenny Castle.
Dining Summary
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 5 Dinner (D)
- Dublin: See Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House with a Local Expert
- 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: Visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn about Ireland's national drink.
- Westport: Embark on a foodie exploration of the town of Westport in a remote area of Ireland full of rugged beauty. The heritage town of Westport is unique in that it is one of the few planned towns in Ireland. Feel inspired by the beauty of the tree-lined boulevard, the Mall, built on the Carrowbeg River. Meet the locals and savor the local delicacies which may include Achill Island fudge, Irish charcuterie and gelato or cupcakes.
- Dublin: Cross the River Liffey and venture to a local restaurant to toast your unforgettable travels over dinner. Sláinte!
- Dublin: Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner, an opportunity to get to know each other over a meal.
- 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.
- Kilkenny: Visit Kilkenny Castle with a Local Expert. On a guided tour, 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.
- Sligo: While you amble along a coastal promenade and path, your Local Expert shares with you Sligo’s connection to the sea, its shipping history and about the Yeats family and how they were inspired by Sligo less than a century ago. Soak up the stunning harbor and island views and the local flora and heritage sites as you walk by the water's edge and feel the energy of the Atlantic Ocean. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.
- Killarney: Choose between a ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys and a hike through Killarney National Park with a Local Expert.
- • City tours of Dublin, Kilkenny, Killarney, Galway and Sligo, with Local Experts • Blarney Castle • Scenic cruise across Shannon Estuary • Visit Cliffs of Moher
- Kilkenny: Take in the sights of the medieval city of Kilkenny with its majestic castle and river walk.
- 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.
- 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.
- Sligo Bay: The area surrounding the town of Sligo was home to one of Ireland's most famous literary figures, the poet William Butler Yeats. On your journey into town, you’ll quickly see why Yeats was inspired by the scenic beauty of the area. Explore its rich medieval history as well as its shops on an orientation with your Travel Director.
- Dublin: See Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Cust
9 nights from $3,895 per person
Insight Vacations: Scenic Ireland - Classic Group
Day 1 - Welcome to Dublin
With soul-stirring landscapes of rugged cliffs and rolling hills, the 'Emerald Isle' has lured the most curious of travelers for centuries. Get your bearings and discover Dublin’s past and present on an insightful orientation tour with your Local Expert past the Georgian Squares and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Hear stories of Ireland's largest church dating back to the 1100s, gain all the insights learning how Jonathan Swift was once installed as Dean and ultimately laid to rest. After an afternoon celebrating the icons of scenic Ireland, embrace its fine cuisine over dinner.
Accommodations: Riu Plaza The Gresham, Dublin
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 - Dublin and Kilkenny
Learn the story behind the name at the Guinness Storehouse where you’ll sip your way through history, starting with the founder, Arthur Guinness, signed a 9,000 year lease on St. James’s Gate Brewery in Dublin. After an enlightening morning, arrive in the medieval city of Kilkenny, with its majestic castle and river walk. Browse the medieval mile showcasing the hub of Ireland’s arts and crafts scene along its narrow lanes on an orientation. Visit Kilkenny Castle, founded after the Norman conquest of Ireland and rebuilt, extended and adapted over 800 years.
Accommodations: Kilkenny
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 - Blarney Castle and Killarney Relaxed Start
Visit Blarney Castle, steeped in centuries of Irish folklore and legend, is famous for its enchanting grounds and the legendary Blarney Stone. Visitors from around the world come to kiss the stone, believed to bestow the 'gift of the gab.' Take your turn at giving it a peck knowing that the stone was sourced from 330-million year-old limestone. Next, head to Killarney, gateway to the famous Ring of Kerry, that has been welcoming travelers who appreciate the spectacular scenery of woodlands and lakes, for over 250 years. Enjoy an orientation with your Travel Director and relive the highlights of the day over a Dine-Around evening of local cuisine.
Accommodations: Killarney Oaks
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Killarney and the Ring of Kerry
This morning, take in Killarney with Insight Choice. Choose to join a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys. Alternatively, admire incredible scenery on a gentle hike with a Local Expert along the lake shore and past the grounds of the 15th Century Ross Castle. Famous for its 'forty shades of green,' the Ring of Kerry has inspired writers and poets for centuries. Drink in the beauty of the coastal drive lined with beaches, colorful seaside villages and views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Accommodations: Killarney Oaks
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Cliffs of Moher and Galway
All aboard the Ferry from Tarbert to Killmer bringing you to an up close and personal encounter with the towering Cliffs of Moher. Take in views of the Clare Coast and the pounding Atlantic, where puffins find sanctuary in its nooks and crannies. Gain insights into the cliffs’ geology and history before driving through the rocky landscape of the Burren to Galway. Upon arriving in Galway, your Travel Director will lead an orientation tour to help you get acquainted with the city. In the afternoon, you can join a Galway Walking Tour to visit notable sights such as the Lynch Memorial, Church of St. Nicholas, Spanish Arch, and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late U.S. President John F. Kennedy. End your day with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant featuring live music.
Accommodations: Clayton, Galway
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - Galway Free Day Relaxed Start
Ireland’s cultural center and the festival capital of Ireland, Galway hosts 122 festivals per year. One might say the city’s artistic side is reflected in actor Peter O’Toole, who has a strong connection with Galway. O’Toole claimed that he was born in Galway before being taken to England as a baby and built a house outside Clifden in the county. You’ll feel Galway’s fun, bohemian vibe come to life over your free day at leisure to discover this bustling port city. You could join an Optional Experience to the iconic Aran Islands, a must-see of scenic Ireland.
Accommodations: Clayton, Galway
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 - Galway to Sligo Relaxed Start
The seaside town of Westport will charm any traveler. Your Local Expert leads you on a culinary walk for a tasting of the local favorites and to learn about the town's heritage - from its settlement 5,000 years ago to today. The town is famous for its sustainability and Westport House - a heritage home museum celebrating 300 years of Irish heritage, a quaint stone bridge, Rockfleet Castle and Burrishoole Abbey tied to the 16th-century pirate queen Grace O’ Malley. Meaning “abounding in shells,” the town of Sligo will enchant the most curious of travelers. An orientation tour introduces you to the charms of the town. Later, perhaps join an Optional Experience Sligo Drive along the scenic shores of Sligo Bay.
Accommodations: Sligo Park
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 - Sligo Relaxed Start
Embark on an insightful MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to Rosses Point, a small maritime village near the intriguing town of Sligo under the guidance of a Local Expert and maritime archaeologist. With the afternoon free in Sligo, take the opportunity for an in-depth look at one of the historic houses, museums or the Yeats memorial building. The Yeats Building in the heart of Sligo is a gathering space for literary culture and the arts. Its permanent exhibition and contemporary exhibitions and give you local insights into this land that was an inspiration for Yeats.
Accommodations: Sligo Park
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 - Sligo to Dublin Relaxed Start
Depart Sligo this morning to conclude your scenic Ireland tour in Dublin. Your journey finishes with a memorable dinner.
Accommodations: Camden Court, Dublin
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 - Depart Dublin
Your journey comes to an end after breakfast.
Meals: Breakfast
extensive gardens, which are open to the public; as is the Main House. There is a lovely restaurant in the house, overlooking the gardens and Wicklow Mountains, which offers the finest in Irish artisan, home cooked cuisine. The 34,000 acres of this estate extend along both shores of the River Dargle . Powerscourt is one of the finest properties in Europe, designed and laid out by Daniel Robertson between 1745 and 1767. This property is filled with splendid Greek and Italian-inspired statuary, decorative ironwork, a petrified-moss grotto, lovely herbaceous borders, a Japanese garden, a circular pond and fountain with statues of winged horses, and an occasional herd of deer. Opportunity for shopping at Avoca Handweavers now located in Powerscourt House. Enjoy lunch here at Powerscourt or at a traditional Irish pub in the city centre.
number of city parks, such as St. Stephen’s Green and indeed Merrion Square. The highlights of any tour in Dublin may include a visit to Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse… and –if time permits –St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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