Enchanting Emerald Isle

4.5/5 Based on 2 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Fully Guided Coach Group Scenic
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 Trip Length
8 Days
 Trip Starts
Dublin
 Trip Finishes
Dublin
8 Day Enchanting Emerald Isle Itinerary (Trafalgar)
Countries Explored: Ireland
Trip Style
Country Explorer
Accommodation
4 Star
Max. Group Size
52
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
BRED

Overview

Read 2 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Trafalgar's 8 Day Enchanting Emerald Isle. Step into this most enchanting of Ireland trips, revealing what life is like on the island. Breathe in the fresh Galway air and wander the flower-scented gardens of Kylemore Abbey.

Itinerary

A warm welcome to Dublin, a modern multi-cultural city that embraces its past and exudes an enduring sense of fun. Meet your Local Specialist this afternoon for a guided city tour to view the elegant Georgian Squares and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Visit Trinity College and see the Book of Kells, said to be the world's most famous medieval manuscript. A special Welcome Dinner this evening sees you visiting EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum. (D) Stay: Sandymount Hotel

Journey through the lush green countryside before your first stop at Strokestown where we will Dive Into Culture at the Irish Famine Museum, delving into the stories of the 1840s famine. See the haunting pleas of starving tenants on the estate and the response they received, before continuing to Ballina. (B/D) Stay: Great National Ballina

Travel to Westport and meet your Local Specialist for a walking tour during which you'll learn about the town's heritage – from its settlement 5,000 years ago to modern-day times.

Later, visit the Benedictine monastery of Kylemore Abbey, set against the striking backdrop of Lake Kylemore, and stroll through its walled Victorian gardens. We continue to Galway, the 'City of Tribes', where we'll see Galway Cathedral and spend the rest of the evening at leisure. (B) Stay: Connacht

Our first stop today is the Cliffs of Moher, you'll remember for years to come as you watch the cliffs plunge dramatically into the Atlantic waters below. Beyond the endless views and the opportunity to capture on film the colonies of curious-looking puffins that find sanctuary in its nooks and crannies, you'll have an opportunity to visit the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience which really brings this natural phenomenon to life in an interactive way, leaving you with a deep understanding of this special place.

Later, we cross the Shannon Estuary by ferry to Killarney, our home for the next two nights. Spend a free evening soaking up some unforgettable Irish craic or delve into the town's centuries-old history. (B) Stay: Killarney Towers

Dramatic vistas are ours to enjoy as we circle the achingly beautiful Ring of Kerry – one of the most scenic drives on the 'Emerald Isle'. Meet John, a seaweed advocate and educator for a seaweed foraging walk, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. See a soul-stirring landscape that has inspired poets, artists and writers for centuries. Next, a leisurely guided walk at Torc Waterfall with a Local Specialist taking you along the lakeshore and past the farmlands of the 19th-century Muckross Estate. (B/D)

Kiss the famous Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle and receive the 'gift of the gab'.

This afternoon we arrive in Kilkenny where we have some free time to explore, or possibly join an Optional Experience to a local pub for an afternoon of music. (B) Stay: Hotel Kilkenny

Kilkenny holds a long history for Ireland's national sport - hurling. Meet an experienced player to gain exciting insight to this unique Irish cultural experience and have a go for yourself to pitch. Returning to the Irish capital, Connect with Locals with the Fulvio family, over a Be My Guest lunch at Glenealy House.

In the evening, all that's left to say is a rousing sláinte or two while you indulge in a memorable Farewell Dinner, enjoying a fun night out at a classic public house in the city. Admire the authentic Victorian bar and walk up the original staircase from Trinity College, which was featured in the Michael Caine film 'Educating Rita'. (B/L/D) Stay: Clayton Dublin Airport

It's time to close the chapter on an unforgettable Irish holiday. We bid our newfound friends and Travel Director a fond farewell. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Explore Dublin, Killarney National Park and Westport with a Local Specialist
  • Discover Galway and Killarney
  • Visit Trinity College and EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin, the National Irish Famine Museum at Strokestown Park, Kylemore Abbey, Cliffs of Moher and Blarney Castle
  • View the mountains of the Connemara and Torc Waterfall
  • See St. Patrick's Cathedral and the Georgian Squares in Dublin and Galway Cathedral
  • Scenic cruise across the Shannon Estuary
  • Scenic drive of the Ring of Kerry

Be My Guest

  • Wicklow: Traditional Irish fare with an Italian twist is served up at Glenealy House near Dublin with the charming Fulvio family on hand to share their story.

Dive Into Culture

  • Strokestown: Visit the Irish National Famine Museum for insights into the plight of the starving people of Ireland during the Great Irish Famine in the mid-19th century.

Iconic Experience

  • Dublin: A Local Specialist will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House.
  • Cliffs of Moher: Stop by the Exhibition Centre and look out over the Wild Atlantic Way from these majestic cliffs.
  • Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. But to do so, you must dangle from the ramparts! Visit Blarney Castle and see the famous Stone of Eloquence.
  • Kilkenny: Meet an experienced hurling player for a fun session to learn about and try for yourself this 3,000-year-old discipline and proud legacy of Ireland's heritage.

Make Travel Matter®

  • Killarney: Meet John, a seaweed advocate and educator for a seaweed foraging walk at Atlantic Irish Seaweed. On this landscape that has inspired poets, artists and writers, stroll along the shore learning about how they work to protect the fragile ecosystem of the wild Atlantic Irish coasts through their educational courses and passion for the local environment. Irish Atlantic Seaweed's environmental policy is to respect, enjoy and protect the natural wonders that surround them, and promote the sustainable use of Ireland's fragile marine ecosystems. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Ferry across the Shannon estuary
  • Optional Experiences (Additional Cost) and free time
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.

  • 4 Dinner (D)
  • 7 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Lunch (L)

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included

Trip Reviews (2) Most Recent 'Enchanting Emerald Isle' Reviews

4.5
AVG. RATING 4.5 / 5
2 Reviews
5 Star
50%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Excellent experience 1 , VIC, Australia, Oct 2015
The best thing about the tour was it elaborated the Irish culture and history very well. Excellent experience. I'd surely recommend to others.
Well paced tour 1 , WA, Australia, Aug 2015
Well paced tour. Only real criticism was that the accommodation was generally out of the main town, reducing the ability to do a bit of exploring.
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Brochure

UK & Ireland

Trafalgar UK & Ireland (2024-25)

Embark on an unparalleled UK adventure with Trafalgar. Discover the essence of England, from its historic castles to bustling London streets. Ireland unveils its poetic Emerald Isle allure with sweeping landscapes, vibrant culture, and joyful encounters. Scotland, a "wee" country steeped in Viking and Royal history, offers dramatic coastlines, medieval...more Edinburgh, and misty glens. Trafalgar's expertly curated tours immerse you in the heart of these captivating destinations.

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Trafalgar. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Trafalgar. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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