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See authentic Ireland with this carefree 7-day small group tour.
Experience the history and culture of Ireland from 1500 BC to present day and stay at small centrally located B&Bs and Irish boutique hotels.
Get lost in the rhythm of the Irish language and culture in the Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) areas of Ireland. See Irish history from hte pre-historic hill fort of Dun Aengus to Dublin Castle built in the 13th century and still in use by the Irish government.
Get inspired by the ancient churches of Ireland from the Seven Churches on Inishmore to more recent Christ Church and St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin. See the signts of Ireland from the stone walls and cliffs of the West of Ireland to the hustle and bustle scenes of the quays on the River Liffey in Dublin.
Throughout your visit tap your feet to the Irish music that is the tapestry of Ireland.
All this and more!
Dedicated tour host to ensure smooth logistics and enhance your experience
Double occupancy en-suite accommodations with breakfast
Four dinners at some of our favorite restaurants
Transportation in a luxury Mercedes van with a certified tour guide
Admissions for all activities schedule in the itinerary
From $3500 per person
Day 0, Tuesday: Depart North America (Overnight: In Transit)
Depart from your North American gateway city for an overnight flight to Ireland
Day 1, Wednesday: Arrive Ireland - Tour Start Date (Overnight: Galway)
Transfer from Dublin Airport or Shannon Airport to Galway (optional)
Drop your bags at your hotel in the city center and explore Galway (Gaillimh) on your own before a mid-afternoon introductory tour of Medieval Galway, followed by a Welcome pint and a group dinner. After dinner, hit the sack early or join your hosts at one of the Traditional Music pubs of Galway.
Day 2, Thursday: Galway and Connemara (Overnight: Galway)
On your first full day of Ireland, our bus will take us North out of Galway through the hills and fields of Connemara to the iconic estate, Kylemore Abbey. Tour the main house, take a stroll up to the Neo-Gothic Church built by Mitchell Henry in honor of his wife Margaret. Take the shuttle bus up to explore the 6-acre Victorian Walled Garden, half a formal flower garden and half a "kitchen" garden of vegetables, herbs, and fruits. Lunch will be on your own at the Tea Room by the gardens or at Mitchell's Cafe next to the Craft Shop. We'll return to Galway in the late afternoon. Tag along with your guides to dinner or explore on your own. Then get ready for Trad on the Prom, Ireland's #1 music, song, and dance experience.
Day 3, Friday: Galway to Inishmore (Overnight: Inishmore)
We start this day with amazing views of the Irish coast as we travel by bus to the ferry landing in Rossaveal (Ros an Mhíl) and then on to Inishmore (Inis Mór), the largest of the Aran Islands. After meeting up with our guide, we'll see the breathtaking views from Dun Aengus (Dún Aonghasa) and marvel at the ring fort built around 1500BC. Later, imagine yourself as an eighth century pilgrim as we wander through the Seven Churches (Na Seacht dTeampaill). Take a break before dinner, hike with your hosts to the Black Fort (Dún Dúchathair) or wander the roads and marvel at the pastoral views.
We will meet up for a group dinner at an upscale local pub. You can finish off the evening by joining your hosts for Traditional Irish music at the local pub.
Day 4, Saturday: Inishmore to Doolin (Overnight: Doolin)
The ferry to Doolin will offer additional stunning views of the Irish scenery as we pass by the two smaller Aran Islands, Inishmaan (Inis Meáin) and Inisheer (Inis Oírr) and arrive in Doolin. After a short ride to our B&B and a break for lunch, we'll hop on the coach for a tour through the Burren Region to view a Portal Tomb as well as amazing landscape features, ending at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center.
We will then return to our B&B and freshen up for another delicious group dinner at one of the local castles.
Day 5, Sunday: Doolin (Overnight: Doolin)
Today is a free day for you to explore on your own. There are so many options in Doolin -- take a day trip to one of the smaller Aran Islands; take in beautiful views by hiking into the Cliffs of Moher; opt for a cruise to view the Cliffs from sea level; play a round at the Doolin Pitch and Putt; seek out a trad music session or just hang around town for some shopping or a pint. No matter what you choose, there are beautiful sights awaiting you!
Day 6, Monday: Doolin to Dublin (Overnight: Dublin)
Leaving the west coast behind, we'll travel cross country to Dublin with a stop along the way for lunch (on your own.) After we are settled in our B&B, we will take a short walking tour to introduce you to the key areas of Dublin City Centre, which will be helpful in planning your itinerary for the following day.
After dinner on your own, gather again for a pub crawl to explore historic pubs and hear of the writings of many famous Irish scribes.
Day 7, Tuesday: Explore Dublin (Overnight: Dublin)
After breakfast, we'll taxi over to Kilmainham Gaol for a tour of one of the best locations to truly understand recent Irish history. When the tour is finished, head off on your own to explore more of Dublin. Whethere it is visiting Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Jameson Distillery, Guinness Storehouse or completing your last minute shopping, enjoy your last day in Ireland!
We will gather together that evening to share your trip experiences and enjoy a group Farewell Dinner.