Best of Ireland
Travel through Ireland from Dublin’s storied streets to the scenic Ring of Kerry, Killarney, Aran Islands, the iconic Cliffs of Moher, the Connemara region & Galway
Overview
| Style | Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 16 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. (Some exceptions, including special promotional packages, may accommodate up to 30.) More of these packages
Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout |
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| Departures | August 2026 – October 2027 | Group Size | 16 travelers max |
| Themes | History & Culture, Bucket List, Nature & Wildlife | ||
| Activity Level | Moderate | ||
| What to Expect | This moderately-paced, escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness. Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols. |
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| Already booked? | Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more. | ||
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Discover Ireland through its landscapes, layered history, and everyday traditions. Begin in Dublin, where centuries-old streets sit beside contemporary culture. Tour the Guinness Storehouse for a look at Ireland’s most famous export, then explore EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum, which traces the global story of the Irish diaspora. Follow the curves of the Wild Atlantic Way, where waves crash against the Cliffs of Moher and coastal roads lead to the sweeping views of the Ring of Kerry. Venture offshore to the Aran Islands, where stone walls crisscross the landscape and Gaelic traditions remain part of daily life. Spend time outdoors in Killarney and Connemara National Parks, walking among lakes, mountains, and wide open stretches of countryside shaped by wind and time. Enjoy visits to small towns where local shops line the streets and evenings often end with live traditional music drifting from neighborhood pubs. Step inside centuries-old castles and monastic sites, including Blarney and Bunratty Castles, each offering a tangible connection to Ireland’s medieval past.
Throughout the journey, meet the people who bring these places to life, quick with a story, generous with their time, and proud to share their home. From city streets to coastal headlands, this journey offers a well-rounded look at Ireland as it is lived and remembered today.
Package includes
- Flights
- Coach
- Transfers
- Hotel
- Meals
- Guides
- Round-trip flights from New York (JFK) or Newark (EWR) on scheduled carriers, including taxes & fees
- All ground transportation and transfers
- 8 nights accommodations in first class hotels
- 14 meals: 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 5 dinners
- Comprehensive tour program including entrance fees
- Professional, English-speaking driver/guide
Optional add-ons
- Flights from other cities are available. Request pricing when making your reservations.
- Optional Merry Ploughboy dinner and Irish music evening in Dublin
- Optional Falconry Experience
Why you'll love it
- Explore Dublin's iconic landmarks and famous streets on a guided tour.
- Experience the state-of-the-art interactive EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum.
- Taste your way through Ireland's history at the Guinness Storehouse and Gravity Bar.
- Ascend Blarney Castle and kiss the famous Blarney Stone.
- Discover the Ring of Kerry and admire the surrounding beauty of the villages, mountains, lakes, and beaches.
- Enjoy the spectacular scenery of Killarney National Park via a traditional jaunting car ride.
- Witness the art of smoking salmon at the Killorglin Salmon Smokehouse.
- Explore Inis Oirr, the smallest of the Aran Islands.
- Step back in time at Bunratty Castle and indulge in a medieval banquet in the Great Hall.
- Marvel at the Cliffs of Moher, towering 700 feet over the Atlantic Ocean.
- Journey through the beautiful Connemara region, a land of lakes, rivers, bogs, and mountains.
- Wander through Kylemore Abbey and admire the neo-Gothic architecture of the monastery, including the famous miniature cathedral, the Gothic church.
- Indulge your taste buds in an oyster tasting at a family-owned oyster farm in Cong and a Galway craft food tour.
Itinerary at a Glance

- 1 Depart USA
- 2 Arrive Dublin
- 3 Dublin
- Optional Excursion: Merry Ploughboy, $100
- 4 Dublin, County Cork & County Kerry
- 5 Ring of Kerry & County Kerry
- Optional Excursion: Falconry Experience, $60
- 6 Killarney, Aran Islands & Ennis
- 7 Cliffs of Moher & Galway
- 8 Connemara National Park, Kylemore & Cong
- 9 Galway & Dublin
- 10 Depart Dublin/Arrive USA
Dates & Prices
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Depart USA
- Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Dublin, Ireland
Day 2 Arrive Dublin
- Upon arrival, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel
- See Dublin's highlights during a walking tour
- Meet your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in a traditional Irish pub
Iveagh Garden Hotel, Camden Court Hotel, Clayton Hotel Leopardstown or similar Dinner
Full Day ItineraryFáilte (welcome) to Ireland! Upon arrival in Dublin, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
This afternoon, set out on a guided walking tour of Dublin. Located on Ireland’s east coast, the city has played a central role in the country’s art, literature, education, and political life since the 11th century. As you explore, learn about Dublin’s past while visiting key landmarks such as City Hall, the Millennium Bridge over the River Liffey, Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin Castle, and Trinity College.
This evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner at a traditional Irish pub.
Note: The September 12th, 2026 departure will stay at the Camden Court Hotel and the March 14th, 2027 departure will stay at the Clayton Hotel Leopardstown.
Day 3 Dublin
- Tour the EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum
- Taste Ireland's history at the Guinness Storehouse and Gravity Bar
- Spend the evening at leisure or join an optional excursion
Iveagh Garden Hotel, Camden Court Hotel, Clayton Hotel Leopardstown or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryAfter breakfast, visit EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum. This state-of-the-art interactive experience sits in the beautiful vaults of the 1820 Custom House Quarter building in Dublin's Docklands, the original departure point for many of Ireland's emigrants. Let this experience inspire and guide you on a journey to discover the stories of Irish emigration worldwide, from early times to the modern day.
Next, stop at the Guinness Storehouse and Gravity Bar to taste Ireland's history through its world-famous beer, Guinness. Learn about the 250-year-old history of this iconic beverage as you wander through seven floors dedicated to the brew's origins, production, and impact on Irish culture. Then, head up to the top floor for a visit to the Gravity Bar. This bar boasts stunning 360-degree views of Dublin and is the perfect place to enjoy a pint while admiring the view.
Afterward, head back to the hotel for an evening spent at leisure, or join an optional excursion.
Note: The September 12th, 2026 departure will stay at the Camden Court Hotel and the March 14th, 2027 departure will stay at the Clayton Hotel Leopardstown.
Optional Excursion: Merry Ploughboy, $100Enjoy an optional evening at the Merry Ploughboy in the Dublin Mountains, a well-known venue for traditional Irish music and dance. Settle in for a three-course dinner featuring classic Irish fare, then enjoy a lively performance of songs, stories, and step dancing by talented local musicians. The upbeat atmosphere and close-up setting make for an engaging introduction to Ireland’s musical traditions.
Note: This shared tour requires a minimum of two passengers to operate.
Day 4 Dublin, County Cork & County Kerry
- Travel south to County Cork
- Visit the Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone
- Continue to Cork for an Irish coffee demonstration
- End the night in Killarney for overnight and dinner
Earls Court House Hotel Killarney or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryTravel south into the rolling landscapes of County Cork. Along the way, stop at the legendary Blarney Castle, where you can choose to kiss the famous Blarney Stone and maybe receive the “gift of eloquence.” Continue on to Cork, known as the “Rebel City” for its important role in Ireland’s fight for independence. Here, enjoy a special Irish coffee demonstration at the historic Shelbourne Bar on MacCurtain Street, a lively area now filled with some of the city’s best restaurants.
After exploring Cork, continue to Killarney for a relaxing dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5 Ring of Kerry & County Kerry
- Enjoy a scenic drive through the Ring of Kerry
- Admire Torc Waterfall
- Witness the art of smoking salmon at the Killorglin Salmon Smokehouse
- Sample local whiskey at a family-owned distillery
- Drive through the countryside of Killarney National Park and explore the park via jaunting car ride
Earls Court House Hotel Killarney or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItinerarySet out on one of Ireland’s most scenic drives, the famous Ring of Kerry. Stop at Ladies’ View to take in sweeping panoramas, then enjoy a stroll to the cascading Torc Waterfall. Visit the Killorglin Salmon Smokehouse to see the art of smoking salmon up close, complete with a tasting of their flavorful fish. Next, head to the family-owned Portmagee Whiskey, a distillery with a strong focus on sustainability. Learn the story of this fishing village while sampling some of its local whiskey, a truly unique and personal experience. In the afternoon, wander through the peaceful beauty of Killarney National Park and cap the day with a traditional jaunting car ride from Muckross National Park back to Killarney. Along the way, your guide will share stories and facts about the park's history and wildlife, making it an educational and fun trip. After, have the option to experience a Falconry session.
Return to the hotel for an evening spent at leisure.
Optional Excursion: Falconry Experience, $60Experience the thrill of a one-hour Falconry session, where you’ll get up close with majestic birds of prey. Learn about their behavior and techniques from expert handlers, and even have the chance to see these incredible birds take flight right before your eyes.
Note: This shared excursion is weather-dependent.
Day 6 Killarney, Aran Islands & Ennis
- Early this morning, travel north to Doolin
- Take the ferry across the Shannon Estuary to Inis Oirr
- Explore Doolin independently
- Experience a medieval-style banquet dinner at Bunratty Castle
Old Ground Hotel or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryStart the day early as you travel north to Doolin, County Clare. Arrive at the port and board your ferry to cross the scenic Shannon Estuary and reach Inis Oirr, the smallest and closest of the Aran Islands. This charming island is largely car-free, so take your time exploring on foot, visiting the lighthouse and a fascinating shipwreck along the way. Return to Doolin in the early afternoon and enjoy a little free time before continuing to your hotel in Ennis for check-in. In the evening, step back in time at Bunratty Castle for a lively medieval-style banquet, complete with music, storytelling, and plenty of merriment.
Day 7 Cliffs of Moher & Galway
- Marvel at the famous Cliffs of Moher
- Continue to Galway and enjoy a walking tour of the city and free time to explore
The Twelve Hotel or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryStart your day with a visit to the world-famous Cliffs of Moher, where sheer rock faces rise dramatically above the Atlantic Ocean. Continue through the striking, moon-like landscapes of the Burren before arriving in Galway. Here, a local guide will lead you on a walking tour through the city’s lively streets and share stories that bring its colorful history to life. After the tour, enjoy free time to explore Galway at your own pace, browsing local shops, strolling along the River Corrib, or stepping into a pub and listening to live traditional music drifting from nearly every corner. End the day with dinner and an overnight stay at your Galway hotel.
Day 8 Connemara National Park, Kylemore & Cong
- Travel through Connemara
- Visit Kylemore Abbey
- Enjoy a tour, tasting, and pairing at a family-owned oyster farm
The Twelve Hotel or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryToday, journey through the beautiful Connemara Region, a land of lakes, rivers, bogs, and mountains. Gaelic is still the spoken language in this area of small villages, and little has changed since the beginning of time. Connemara is a vast peninsula bordered by the arid and rocky coastline of Galway Bay in the south, a land known for its stone walls and thatched cottages.
Continue to Kylemore Abbey in the Kylemore Pass. Mitchell Henry built the house in 1868 after spending his honeymoon there. The architecture is best described as neo-Gothic, and the house still displays all the characteristics of that period. One of Kylemore Abbey's most notable features is its miniature cathedral, built in 1870 and known locally as the Gothic church.
In the afternoon, visit a family-owned oyster farm in Cong. Explore the shoreline, learn how the oysters are grown from shore to your door, and pick your own directly from the trestles. The experience concludes with a hands-on lesson in shucking and cooking, followed by a tasting and pairing that highlights the farm’s fresh oysters.
Afterward, return to Galway and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Day 9 Galway & Dublin
- Indulge your taste buds in a private Galway craft food tour
- Enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers
Barberstown Castle Hotel or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryThis morning, enjoy a private Galway craft food tour, meeting local producers and tasting regional specialties for a true flavor of Irish food culture. In the afternoon, travel back east to the Dublin area. Spend your final night in a castle hotel just outside the city and celebrate the journey with a memorable farewell dinner.
Day 10 Depart Dublin/Arrive USA
- Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA
Breakfast
Hotels
In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.
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Trip Details
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What should I know before I go?
We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
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Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements?
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Can I make changes to my trip?
Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
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Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions?
To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
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Should I purchase travel insurance?
Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services. -
What's the fine print?
Review the terms & conditions for this package.
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What should I know about Ireland? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.









