Travel Notices

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

from$4399Tour + Flights from$3699Tour Only 10days
price per person, double occupancy*
$600 Instant Savings. Expires May 28, 2026.*   All prices reflect savings.
Piggy bank
$199 deposit. Lock in your spot for less.††
Traveling with friends or family? Claim a departure as a private trip for you and your crew (minimum 10 travelers). Call us to learn more.
☘️ The March departure offers a special opportunity to experience St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland. Festivities and celebrations may result in slight adjustments to the daily itinerary, allowing travelers to enjoy the atmosphere, traditions, and energy of Ireland’s most iconic holiday.
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
Departures August 2026 – October 2027 Group Size 16 travelers max
Themes History & CultureBucket ListNature & 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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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.

Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

Instant Savings: Get $600 off if you book by May 28, 2026!
Dates & Prices, with flights
per person, double occupancy*, including Instant Savings discounts
2026 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
Price
Instant
Savings
Your
Price
Departs U.S.: Sat, Aug 8, 2026
Finishes: Mon, Aug 17, 2026
Book by Thu, May 28, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Aug 8 – Aug 17
$5299 –$600 $4699 Select
Departs U.S.: Sat, Sep 12, 2026
Finishes: Mon, Sep 21, 2026
Book by Thu, May 28, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Sep 12 – Sep 21
$5199 –$600 $4599 Select
Departs U.S.: Sat, Oct 17, 2026
Finishes: Mon, Oct 26, 2026
Book by Thu, May 28, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Oct 17 – Oct 26
$4999 –$600 $4399 Select
2027 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
Price
Instant
Savings
Your
Price
Departs U.S.: Sun, Mar 14, 2027
Finishes: Tue, Mar 23, 2027
Book by Thu, May 28, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Mar 14 – Mar 23
$5199 –$600 $4599 Select
Departs U.S.: Sat, Apr 10, 2027
Finishes: Mon, Apr 19, 2027
Book by Thu, May 28, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Apr 10 – Apr 19
$5399 –$600 $4799 Select
Departs U.S.: Sat, May 15, 2027
Finishes: Mon, May 24, 2027
Book by Thu, May 28, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
May 15 – May 24
$5599 –$600 $4999 Select
Departs U.S.: Sat, Jun 19, 2027
Finishes: Mon, Jun 28, 2027
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Jun 19 – Jun 28
$5599 –$600 $4999 Select
Departs U.S.: Sat, Aug 14, 2027
Finishes: Mon, Aug 23, 2027
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Aug 14 – Aug 23
$5599 –$600 $4999 Select
Departs U.S.: Sat, Sep 25, 2027
Finishes: Mon, Oct 4, 2027
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Sep 25 – Oct 4
$5499 –$600 $4899 Select
Departs U.S.: Sat, Oct 16, 2027
Finishes: Mon, Oct 25, 2027
Book by Thu, May 28, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Oct 16 – Oct 25
$5399 –$600 $4799 Select
Dates & Prices, tour only
per person, double occupancy*, including Instant Savings discounts
2026 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
Price
Instant
Savings
Your
Price
Starts: Sun, Aug 9, 2026
Finishes: Mon, Aug 17, 2026
Book by Thu, May 28, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Aug 9 – Aug 17
$4599 –$600 $3999 Select
Starts: Sun, Sep 13, 2026
Finishes: Mon, Sep 21, 2026
Book by Thu, May 28, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Sep 13 – Sep 21
$4499 –$600 $3899 Select
Starts: Sun, Oct 18, 2026
Finishes: Mon, Oct 26, 2026
Book by Thu, May 28, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Oct 18 – Oct 26
$4299 –$600 $3699 Select
2027 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
Price
Instant
Savings
Your
Price
Starts: Mon, Mar 15, 2027
Finishes: Tue, Mar 23, 2027
Book by Thu, May 28, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Mar 15 – Mar 23
$4499 –$600 $3899 Select
Starts: Sun, Apr 11, 2027
Finishes: Mon, Apr 19, 2027
Book by Thu, May 28, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Apr 11 – Apr 19
$4699 –$600 $4099 Select
Starts: Sun, May 16, 2027
Finishes: Mon, May 24, 2027
Book by Thu, May 28, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
May 16 – May 24
$4899 –$600 $4299 Select
Starts: Sun, Jun 20, 2027
Finishes: Mon, Jun 28, 2027
Book by Thu, May 28, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Jun 20 – Jun 28
$4899 –$600 $4299 Select
Starts: Sun, Aug 15, 2027
Finishes: Mon, Aug 23, 2027
Book by Thu, May 28, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Aug 15 – Aug 23
$4899 –$600 $4299 Select
Starts: Sun, Sep 26, 2027
Finishes: Mon, Oct 4, 2027
Book by Thu, May 28, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Sep 26 – Oct 4
$4799 –$600 $4199 Select
Starts: Sun, Oct 17, 2027
Finishes: Mon, Oct 25, 2027
Book by Thu, May 28, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Oct 17 – Oct 25
$4699 –$600 $4099 Select

If you want a few extra days to explore on your own, we may be able to arrange for you to stay later than the scheduled dates, including extra hotel nights and separate airport transfers, for an additional charge. Ask us about prices and availability when (or after) you book. More information Want to extend your trip?

Options & Fees

Best of Ireland
Rooming Selection
Double Occupancy included
Single Occupancy
Aug 8, 2026;  Sep 12, 2026;  Oct 17, 2026 $899
All other dates $949
Optional Excursions
Merry Ploughboy $100
Falconry Experience $60
Transfers for Passengers Booking Tour Only
Optional Airport Transfers1
Arrival Transfer: Dublin airport to hotel $70
Departure Transfer: Hotel to Dublin Airport $80

1. Price is based on a minimum of two passengers.

So that we can offer you the best deals, our packages are, like most hotels and cruises, priced based on double occupancy rooms or cabins. We charge solo travelers an extra fee to cover the extra costs of single occupancy rooms or cabins. (Consider: if you booked a $200/night hotel room solo, you would pay the $200 yourself; but if a couple booked the same room, each one would pay only $100.) But you only pay extra for the rooms or cabins, nothing else, including meals, sightseeing, tips, etc. Why are single rooms more?

Flights & Departure Cities

Departure Airports
New York City (NYC)1 included

1. NYC departures will be from either JFK or EWR based upon availability.

This package includes round-trip flights from the city listed above. Please review the flight schedule, especially if you're booking connecting flights.

Want to fly from another city? We can arrange flights from most major cities. Ask us for a quote for flights from your preferred city when (or after) you book, and we'll get back to you with the price and availability within 3 business days. Of course, you can also book your own flights. More information

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 Itinerary
Christ Church Cathedral

Fáilte (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 Itinerary
EPIC exhibit

After 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, $100
Traditional dance, Merry Ploughboy

Enjoy 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 Itinerary
Blarney Castle

Travel 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 Itinerary
Torc Waterfall

Set 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, $60
Falconry session

Experience 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 Itinerary
The Passey Shipwreck, Inis Oirr

Start 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 Itinerary
Cliffs of Moher

Start 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 Itinerary
Kylemore Abbey

Today, 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 Itinerary
Galway craft food tour Courtesy of Hu O'Reilly

This 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

Iveagh Garden Hotel
First Class

Set in the heart of Dublin, the Iveagh Garden Hotel blends contemporary style with sustainable innovation, offering one of the lowest carbon footprints of any hotel in Ireland. Unwind in one of 175 elegantly appointed rooms, savor locally sourced cuisine and craft cocktails at Elle’s Bar & Bistro, and step outside to explore the tranquil Iveagh Gardens or the energy of nearby Grafton Street and St. Stephen’s Green. Thoughtfully designed and effortlessly sophisticated, it is a refined retreat in the middle of the city.

More information

Camden Court Hotel
Camden Court Hotel
First Class

Camden Court Hotel offers a comfortable and welcoming stay in Dublin, blending warm Irish hospitality with thoughtful amenities. After a day of sightseeing, unwind with a swim in the indoor pool, relax in the sauna or steam room, or recharge in the fitness center. For an extra touch of relaxation, treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage and return refreshed for the next day’s discoveries.

More information

Clayton Hotel Leopardstown
Clayton Hotel Leopardstown
First Class

At the foot of the Dublin Mountains in South County Dublin, Clayton Hotel Leopardstown offers a comfortable and well-located base for exploring the capital and its scenic surroundings. Spend the day discovering Dublin’s historic streets and lively neighborhoods, then return to relax with welcoming service and contemporary amenities. From nearby racecourses and parks to the gardens and landscapes of Wicklow, the hotel places many of the region’s highlights within easy reach.

More information

Earls Court House Hotel Killarney
First Class

More information

Old Ground Hotel
Old Ground Hotel
First Class

Step into the Old Ground Hotel in the heart of Ennis and experience the charm of a beautifully restored 18th-century manor house paired with modern comfort. From here, set out to explore County Clare’s most iconic landscapes, including the Burren, Bunratty Castle, and the dramatic Cliffs of Moher along the Wild Atlantic Way. After a day of discovery, return to acclaimed dining that showcases the best of fresh local produce and classic Irish flavors, all served with a warm and welcoming spirit.

More information

The Twelve Hotel
First Class

More information

Barberstown Castle Hotel
Barberstown Castle Hotel
First Class

Set in the village of Straffan in County Kildare, Barberstown Castle Hotel invites you to stay within the walls of a 13th century castle where medieval stonework meets elegant Victorian and Elizabethan design. Once the home of three-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Eric Clapton, the castle blends centuries of history with refined comfort, creating an atmosphere that feels both storied and intimate. From here, explore Ireland’s Ancient East and the celebrated Thoroughbred County, where stately gardens, championship golf, scenic canals, and world class horse country experiences await.

More information

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

More Common Questions

* Advertised prices may include an "Instant Savings" discount and/or sale discount, available for a limited time. Prices reflect these discounts. Advertised prices are per person, based on double occupancy; single occupancy rooms may be available for an additional charge. Advertised prices are the best available based on the least expensive travel dates, departure city, and other options, and do not include optional excursions or other optional items. Your total price will vary based upon the dates, flights, and other options you select during the booking process. For packages including flights, prices include Airline Taxes, Fees & Sept. 11th Security Fee, but do not include excess baggage fees or advance seat reservations. Prices and availability subject to change. More about our prices.

†† $199 deposit available on select packages. Valid for new bookings only. Changes to your package, departure date, or flights may require an increased deposit. If you select our optional travel protection plan, the premium will be added to your deposit. See additional terms & conditions.

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