DUBLIN, BELFAST, DERRY, GALWAY, CLIFFS OF MOHER, KILLARNEY AND DINGLE PENINSULA
Get ready for plenty of craic (fun) on this expansive Ireland escorted tour, as we ramble from Dublin to Northern Ireland, then along the Wild Atlantic Way to the Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula. The Irish are renowned storytellers, and our smarTours® guides do justice to the tradition by illuminating Ireland’s fascinating history for you, plus keep you laughing with anecdotes and tall tales from the mists of time. They’ll also point the way to pubs that pull the perfect pint and showcase Ireland’s spirited trad music. Ireland’s scenery is pure poetry, and you’ll be mesmerized by the Giant’s Causeway, Cliffs of Moher, ancient castles, and more on this magical trip.
Itinerary at a Glance
2025 Tour Itinerary:
2 nights in Dublin
2 nights in Belfast
1 night in Letterkenny
2 nights in Galway
3 nights in Killarney
1 night in Limerick
Tour Highlights
Dublin City Tour
Trinity College & Book of Kells
Hands-on baking bread demonstration at family home
Titanic Belfast Experience
Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Walking tour of Derry
Belleek Pottery
Irish family farm with sheepdog demonstration
Cliffs of Moher
Ring of Kerry and Ladies View
Dingle Peninsula
Blarney Castle
Adare village
Your Tour Includes
Ground transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
Accommodations at first class hotels
16 meals: 11 buffet breakfasts, and 5 dinners
Comprehensive sightseeing tours and entry fees as per itinerary
Welcome to Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland. This city combines a deeply rooted history and culture with a vibrant and friendly atmosphere. This evening our tour director hosts a welcome dinner.
Accommodations: Camden Court Hotel or similar Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Dublin
Good morning, Dublin! Our guided exploration of this charming city features diverse experiences. First, we'll enjoy a panoramic tour of Dublin. Our first stop is the magnificent Christchurch Cathedral and its medieval crypt which houses, among other things, Ireland's first copy of the Magna Carta and a mummified cat and rat (locally known as Tom and Jerry). We'll visit Trinity College and the Book of Kells before enjoying the rest of the day at leisure. Dublin is a walkable city and our Tour Director can recommend local parks, pubs, and other sights to explore during our free time or consider joining our optional distillery tour of the Guinness Storehouse.
Please note: As a part of the Old Library Redevelopment Project, books have been removed from the Long Room at Trinity College.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Dublin – Belfast
En route to Belfast, we'll stop at a hands-on baking demonstration at a family home in County Down. We'll enjoy a warm Irish welcome and a cup of coffee or tea with some homemade sweet treats. Our session starts with a traditional Irish Fruit Soda Cake, a sweet treat made with delicious homemade Irish butter. While our soda cake bakes in the oven, we'll make potato bread, or fadge as it's known in these parts We'll take home a bag filled with our handmade breads and sweet treats and all of the recipes we learned here at this traditional Northern Irish house.
We continue to historic Belfast where our tour continues. We'll see the curious "leaning" Albert Memorial Clock, the Opera Hosue, City Hall, Belfast's legendary pub, the Crown Bar; Queens University, and the Botanic Gardens. We'll also see Belfast's famous "peace wall," where murals illustrate the 30-year conflict called The Troubles. This evening we'll enjoy dinner at our hotel.
Accommodations: Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast or similar Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Belfast
Today we'll learn more about a catastrophic event that has been captured in film, books, and television at the Titanic Belfast Experience. This must-see attraction uses special effects, full-scale reconstructions, and interactive features to bring the story of the ill-fated Titanic alive from its sinking to present-day exploration. After our visit, the rest of the day is ours to explore Belfast independently.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Belfast – Giant’s Causeway – Derry – Letterkenny
We'll enter Game of Thrones territory today as we travel along the remote North Antrim Coast. Our destination: The Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and geological wonder. We'll learn all about the myths, legends, history, and geology of this amazing phenomenon before we continue to the picturesque port town of Derry. We'll enjoy a guided walking tour of Derry's highlights and stroll along wonderfully preserved medieval walls before our dinner together.
Accommodations: Clanree Hotel or similar Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Letterkenny – Sligo – Galway
Today’s journey takes us into County Sligo, where the contrast of calm lakes and rugged uplands inspired Nobel Prize-winning poet W. B. Yeats. We’ll visit the world-famous Belleek Pottery, housed in an imposing Victorian building. Our guided tour here takes us through the production areas where we'll have an opportunity to meet the craftspeople and watch them work on different handmade pieces. We'll continue to Galway, a harbor known for narrow streets, stone-clad buildings, and traditional pubs with live music.
Accommodations: Hyde Hotel Galway or similar Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Galway at Leisure
Today is ours to explore Galway at our own pace. We may consider a full-day optional tour to the breathtaking and utterly romantic Connemara region, where we'll visit the neo-goth Kylemore Abbey and take a scenic cruise on Killary Fjord to see why Oscar Wilde called the region "A Savage Beauty."
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8: Galway – Cliffs of Moher – Killarney
We'll start the day with a visit to Rathbaun Farm to see a sheepdog herding demonstration and enjoy freshly baked scones. Our travels continue through The Burren, a unique limestone landscape that will make us feel like we've landed on the moon, and along the Wild Atlantic Way to Ireland’s most iconic sight, the majestic Cliffs of Moher. Standing 702 feet above the ground at their highest point, the cliffs boast magnificent views of the Atlantic coast and provide nesting sites for thousands of seabirds. On a clear day, you can see the Aran Islands. Later, we’ll take the Shannon Ferry over to County Kerry and proceed to the lovely town of Killarney. Dinner tonight is included at your hotel.
Accommodations: Randles Hotel or similar Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Ring of Kerry & Kenmare Excursion
Killarney is a great base for our expeditions in County Kerry over the next two days. Today we’ll take the Ring of Kerry route, stopping for panoramic views at Molls Gap and Ladies View. We’ll enjoy free time in the picturesque heritage town of Kenmare, which is set on the Ring of Kerry and known for its natural beauty, gourmet dining, and interesting craft shops. The afternoon is ours to further explore Killarney independently. This evening, consider our optional Kate Kearney’s Cottage traditional Irish night with dinner.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10: Dingle Peninsula Excursion
Today we'll explore the Dingle Peninsula, quite possibly one of the most breathtaking spots in the world. Here, the Irish language and traditional ways are preserved, and we’ll enjoy a step back in time as we see mountains, beaches, dunes and the fishing village of Dingle. We'll enjoy some free time in Dingle Town before our scenic drive continues along the Dingle Peninsula, bewitching us with dramatic beauty and brightly painted cottages. We'll return to Killarney late this afternoon with the balance of the day free to relax after our day of touring or explore local shops. Our tour director is happy to offer suggestions for a pub or restaurant for our independent evening meal.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11: Killarney – Blarney Castle – Limerick
Our first stop is the 5th-century Blarney Castle, famous for the Blarney Stone which is believed to bestow the "gift of gab" on those who kiss it. Our day continues to the Blarney Woolen Mills (where we can purchase a gorgeous heritage sweater!) and Adare, a picture-perfect village with pretty thatched cottages. We'll enjoy some free time in Adare before we stop for the evening in Limerick, which may have inspired the humorous verses of the same name. We'll enjoy our last evening together with a farewell dinner.
Accommodations: The George Hotel Limerick or similar Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12: Depart Limerick
Our tour comes to an end after breakfast this morning.
Meals: Breakfast
Guided Tour Pricing
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Rates are per person based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies when not sharing a room. Select a date above to see the rates for that specific departure.
For more information on this tour, please contact us here or call us during business hours (Monday-Friday from 9:00 am - 5:30 pm Eastern) at 1.800.337.7773.
Reservations and Payments Reservations can be made online or by phone (1.800.337.7773) and will be confirmed upon receipt of your non-refundable, non-transferable deposit, which must be received at the time of reservation. Deposits are $300 per person. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Space and prices subject to availability. Please see the smarTours Terms and Conditions for complete booking information.
Enhance your trip with these optional tours. Indicated optional tours are available to pre-book when you reserve your trip and can be added to your reservation up to final payment. This is the best option to guarantee your spot on your preferred optional tour! Optional tours require a minimum number of participants. Optional tours are non-refundable unless they do not operate.
Some optional tours can be purchased in-destination and may cost extra. The payment methods and currency information to purchase tours in-destination will be provided on final documentation.
Guinness Storehouse
$32 per person
Day 2 Morning Tour
The Guinness Brewery in Dublin is Europe's largest stout-producing brewery and is home to the Guinness Storehouse. Opened in 1904, The Storehouse was an operational plant for fermenting and storing Guinness. Today, it houses an exhibition dedicated to the Guinness story. Visitors will discover what goes into the making of a pint of Guinness from the ingredients, the brewing process, the time, the craft, and the passion. The exhibition shows how the brew has been marketed and how it is sold today in over 150 countries. Once the tour has concluded, our group is invited to stay at the Gravity Bar where we can enjoy a pint of Guinness.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
Hillsborough Castle Gardens & Long Meadow Cider Excursion
$72 per person
Day 4 Afternoon Tour
Hillsborough Castle holds a unique place in the history of Northern Ireland. Wander through 98 acres of beautiful gardens developed from the 1760s onwards, offering a contrast of ornamental grounds, peaceful woodland, meandering waterways, and trimmed lawns. We'll continue to Long Meadow Cider farm which has been owned by the McKeever family for three generations. Through their stewardship, they have focused on Bramley apple production, but each generation of the family has also had a policy of growing a mix of varieties and using different planting processes to further refine the apples they use.
Please note: The Hillsborough Castle is a self-guided garden visit only. The interior castle, gift shop & cafe is closed on Mondays and will not be accessible. This is an opportunity to walk around the gardens at a quiet time.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
Connemara & Kylemore Abbey
$89 per person
Day 7 Full-Day Tour
We highly recommend this optional full-day excursion to the wild, romantic Connemara Region, where you’ll see emerald lakes, rivers, bogs, and mountains, small villages where Gaelic is still spoken, and the neo-gothic Kylemore Abbey before taking a scenic cruise on Killary, a calm nine-mile-long fjord with gorgeous scenery. At Kylemore Abbey, you’ll have time to wander both the mansion and the lovely Victorian walled gardens. Then, enjoy a scenic cruise of Killary.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
Kate Kearney’s Cottage Traditional Irish Night including Dinner
$75 per person
Day 9 Evening Tour
Enjoy a night of trad music, high-stepping dance and great food at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, a 150-year-old family-run pub and restaurant. The musicians will introduce you to some of their unique instruments while dancers will be glad to teach you a few basic steps, so you can join in an Irish jig or hornpipe. Your toes will be tapping, and your hands will be clapping during this fun night! Transfer from and back to your hotel is included.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
What to Expect
Max Group Size: 30 travelers
Activity Level: Level 1
Expect most included touring to require walking and standing periods up to 3 hours at a time (up to 2 times per day) on easy terrain with some light stairs. Learn More
Pacing Level: Balanced
Expect either half-day or full-day tours most days with a free day or free half-day to explore independently in most cities. There may be a few early mornings or long travel days by bus (don’t worry—there are always comfort stops!), and you may expect to stay in most accommodations for 3+ nights. Learn More
No Additional Entry Requirements for U.S. Passport Holders
A valid passport is required for international tours. Currently, there are no additional entry requirements for U.S. passport holders, but this can change at any time. Before travel, both U.S. and non-U.S. passport holders should visit our Passports & Visas page to reconfirm entry requirements.
The walk to Giants Causeway from the Visitor Centre is downhill on the way there and uphill on the way back (approx 15-20 minutes each way). There is a shuttle bus available which can be paid for locally. At the Cliffs of Moher, there are uneven paths along the cliffs. The main section and visitor centre are accessible. On the Derry Walls walking tour travelers will encounter some cobblestones and uneven surfaces.
There are a handful of days that require 4-6 hours of travel by driving. It is scenic drives with sightseeing stops along the way.
For more detailed information about this tour and destination, visit our Before You Depart section.
Reviews
Kathy H
2 months ago
Great trip!
Elizabeth H
5 months ago
Beautiful tour to Ireland in all ways. I have been happy with Smartours and so far cost has been very reasonable.
Caitlin L
5 months ago
This trip to Ireland was truly magical like the title lists. The trip took us to historical sites and gorgeous views of the scenery. Our guide and driver welcomed us to their country and made us feel like family. Great experience.
Wallace H
1 year ago
good to see many sites in Ireland. lots of hours on motorcoach. cost was reasonable, as hotels we’re very nice
Anne T
1 year ago
Excellent itinerary. Professional guide who tried very hard to make the journey as memorable as possible. Fantastic driver who navigated the narrow roads with skill.
Christine z
1 year ago
Ireland is amazing! We had a wonderful tour. Smart tours are the way to go. We looked forward to what was planned everyday. Peter, our tour guide was quite a funny character. He always had us laughing. And Bill, our bus driver, made us feel safe especially on rainy windy roads. He always kept the bus washed and sanitized very clean. This was our first smart tour it won’t be our last ! Now we are looking forward to planning our next one! We hope you fall in love with Ireland as much as we did! Chris
Steven C
1 year ago
Smart tours is the way to go. As a gay couple, we were unsure of how things would work out. No problems at all. Everyone on our tour was on point and on time. Ireland was beautiful. Our guide Peter did a great job. The days were busy and full of information. We highly recommend Smart Tours.
Heather K
1 year ago
Fabulous experience! Peter and Bill (our bus driver) were both amazing!
For some reason I couldn't upload my photo - and it was a cute one. Let me know if I can send it later when I find out what happened:)
I would definitly go on another tour with Smart Tours.
The people on the tour was great. There was one covid case and it was handled very professionally.
It was a great experience for my first tour.
Heather
Patricia
1 year ago
SmarTours Magical Ireland tour allowed us to see all of Ireland in one trip! We saw all the "must see" locations and I especially loved the local, little known places we visited and experiences, like baking soda bread. Free time was perfect for us to explore and we enjoyed everyone we traveled with! It was a dream trip for my 60th birthday!
Mary M
1 year ago
This was my fourth SmarTours trip in 10 years, and it lived up to my hopes as I traveled with my 17-year-old granddaughter. The itinerary was the best I’ve seen for an escorted tour in Ireland. Our guide, Peter, was very knowledgeable and always managed to keep us ahead of the crowds wherever we went. Our driver, Bill, sanitized the bus frequently and looked out for all of us in addition to being an amazing driver on narrow, challenging roads. The hotels were top of the line, and the balance of touring and free time was just right.