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
- 2 nights in Dublin
- 2 nights in Belfast
- 1 night in Derry
- 2 nights in Galway
- 3 nights in Killarney
- 1 night in Limerick
Tour
Highlights
Your Tour
Includes
- Round-trip nonstop airfare from New York (JFK or EWR)
- Airfare taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
- Ground transportation in air-conditioned motor coach
- Accommodations at first-class hotels
- 17 meals: 11 buffet breakfasts (B) and 6 dinners (D)
- Farewell medieval banquet dinner at Bunratty Castle or Knappogue Castle with wine
- Comprehensive sightseeing tours including admission fees as indicated in the itinerary
- Professional English-speaking Driver/Tour Director throughout
Tour Itinerary
Arrive in Dublin
After you’re greeted this morning at the airport by your Tour Director, you’ll get right into touring the Republic of Ireland’s capital. On an included guided tour of the Fair City, you’ll see the walled Phoenix Park, home to the presidential residence, as well as a young Winston Churchill. We’ll stop at Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest university, to view a cultural treasure, the exquisitely decorated Book of Kells, a medieval manuscript dating from the ninth century. The tour concludes at your upscale, conveniently located hotel with the balance of the afternoon at leisure….
Dublin
Good morning, Dublin! Your guided exploration of this charming city features two very diverse experiences. First, we’ll visit 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 (known locally as Tom and Jerry).The rest of the day is at your leisure. Dublin’s a walkable city, and your Tour Director can direct you to parks, pubs and other sights. You may also consider our optional Distillery tour.
Note: The Guinness Storehouse will be offered as an optional tour in…
Ards Peninsula/Belfast
Today we head to the Ards Peninsula in County Down, Northern Ireland. Along the way, we’ll stop at Castle Ward House & Gardens, a National Trust property built in two contrasting architectural styles: classical and Gothic. While you may be baffled by the eccentric design, you’ll be enthralled by the walled gardens and the grounds overlooking Strangford Lough. Enjoy a hands on baking demonstration with breads and sweet treats at a family home in County Down. Upon arrival you will be offered a warm Irish welcome and a cup of coffee or tea and some homemade sweet treats. The session…
Sligo/Galway
Today’s journey takes us into County Sligo, where the contrast of still lakes and rugged uplands inspired Nobel Prize-winning poet W. B. Yeats. County Sligo is also home to the largest, oldest collection of Neolithic stone circles and dolmens, and we’ll stop to see these awesome Stone Age monuments at Carrowmore when it is open (closed Nov-Mar). Alternatively, we’ll visit the world-famous Belleek Pottery, housed in an imposing Victorian building. Our destination tonight is Galway, a harbor known for narrow streets, stone-clad buildings and traditional pubs with live music. Maybe…
Farm Visit/The Burren/Cliffs of Moher/Killarney
By this point on the trip, we’ll have seen plenty of sheep, and today you’ll get a closer look! Our visit to the Rathbaun Farm includes sheepdog herding demos as well as freshly baked scones. Our travels continue through The Burren, a unique limestone landscape that will make you feel like you landed on the moon, and along the Wild Atlantic Way to Ireland’s most iconic sight, the majestic Cliffs of Moher. Standing 668 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…
Dingle Peninsula Excursion
Today we 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. Enjoy some free time in Dingle Town. Our scenic drive continues along the Dingle Peninsula, bewitching us with dramatic beauty and brightly painted cottages. After returning to Killarney in late afternoon, your Tour Director will offer suggestions for a pub or restaurant for your evening meal.
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Blarney Castle/Adare/Medieval Castle Farewell Banquet/Limerick.
Let’s capture a few castles today! Our first is the 5th-century Blarney Castle. Its famous Blarney stone is believed to bestow the “gift of gab” on those who kiss it. We’ll certainly be chatting up a storm as we continue our day with visits to the Blarney Woolen Mills (where you can purchase one of those gorgeous heritage sweaters!) and Adare, a picture-perfect village with pretty thatched cottages. Enjoy some free time to explore Adare before stopping for the night in Limerick, which may have inspired the humorous verses of the same name. We spend our last evening together in…
Guided Tour Pricing
Price includes round-trip airfare from the U.S. (Land-only pricing available upon request.)
| Depart | Return | Depart - Return | Best Value Pricing - Reserve by Sep 30, 2020 | Reserve after Sep 30, 2020 | Select Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2021 | w/ eCheck Discount | Sale | After Sale | ||
| April 8 | April 20 | Apr 8 - Apr 20 | $2,799 | $2,899 | $3,199 | Book Now |
| April 29 | May 11 | Apr 29 - May 11 | $2,899 | $2,999 | $3,299 | Book Now |
| May 13 | May 25 | May 13 - May 25 | $2,999 | $3,099 | $3,399 | Book Now |
| May 27 | June 8 | May 27 - Jun 8 | $3,299 | $3,399 | $3,699 | Book Now |
| June 3 | June 15 | Jun 3 - Jun 15 | $3,199 | $3,299 | $3,599 | Book Now |
| June 17 | June 29 | Jun 17 - Jun 29 | $3,199 | $3,299 | $3,599 | Book Now |
| July 8 | July 20 | Jul 8 - Jul 20 | $3,399 | $3,499 | $3,799 | Sold Out |
| July 29 | August 10 | Jul 29 - Aug 10 | $3,199 | $3,299 | $3,599 | Book Now |
| August 12 | August 24 | Aug 12 - Aug 24 | $3,199 | $3,299 | $3,599 | Book Now |
| September 9 | September 21 | Sep 9 - Sep 21 | $3,299 | $3,399 | $3,699 | Book Now |
| September 23 | October 5 | Sep 23 - Oct 5 | $2,999 | $3,099 | $3,399 | Book Now |
| October 14 | October 26 | Oct 14 - Oct 26 | $2,799 | $2,899 | $3,199 | Book Now |
Rates are per person based on double occupancy.
2021 Departures: Single room supplement is $599.
For more information on this tour, please contact us here or call us during business hours (Mon-Fri, 9:00-9:00 EST and Sat-Sun, 10:00-6:30 EST) at 800-337-7773.
Reservations and Payments
Reservations can be made by phone (1-800-337-7773) and will be confirmed upon receipt of $300 per person non-refundable, non-transferable deposit which must be received at the time of reservation*. A second non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $300 is due 60 days after the date of your reservation. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure. *If the reservation date is within 70 days of the final payment due date, both first and second deposits are due at the time of reservation. Baggage fees may apply. Space and prices subject to availability. For complete booking information and terms & conditions click here.
Optional Tours Customize your trip with these optional tours.
Pricing is subject to change. Payment (non-refundable) should be made by cash in Euros.
Guinness Storehouse
- From approx. 14 EURO Per Person
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…
Crumlin Road Gaol
- 8 EUR
Grasp the wonderful opportunity to experience the history inside the former prison, Crumlin Road Gaol which dates back to 1845. Closed in 1996, it also played a significant role during the troubles in Belfast. Designed by Charles Lanyon at a cost of £60,000, it was one of the most advanced prisons of its day and was built within a five sided wall on ten acres. It was the first prison in Ireland to be built according to the “separate system”, intended to separate prisoners from each other with no communication between them. The prison was designed to hold between 500- 550 prisoners but…
Featured Accommodations
Before You Depart
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Flights from the U.S. and back are on the following airlines and schedules. Please make sure to allow sufficient time for clearing customs and immigration if you are planning a connecting flight. We recommend at least three-and-a-half hours. Please note that flight schedules are subject to change without prior notice.
| Departure Date | Airport | Airline | Depart | Return |
| 2021: Apr. 8, Apr. 29, May 13, May 27, Jun. 3, Jun. 17, Jul. 8, Jul. 29, Aug. 12 | New York (JFK) | Aer Lingus | 9:00PM | 3:30PM |
| 2021: Sep. 9, Sep. 23, Oct. 14 | TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA |
ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT
The above airlines do not assign seats in advance, and smarTours is not involved in seat assignments. Seat assignments can only be arranged at the airport upon check-in.
LAND-ONLY TRAVELERS
International flights to/from the U.S. are not included. Land-only travelers are responsible for arranging entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. smarTours cannot be held responsible for any damage caused by air schedule changes and delays. Unused land services are non-refundable.
Main Tour: Land-only services start upon independent check-in at Dublin hotel on Day 2 of the itinerary listed on our tour page. Land-only services end after breakfast at your hotel in Limerick on Day 13 of the itinerary listed on our tour page. If you wish to join the Dublin sightseeing on Day 2, we recommend that you arrive at the Dublin hotel by 10am for pick-up on Day 2 of the itinerary.
PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION
You must possess a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. U.S. citizens do not require visas. Non-U.S. citizens should check with the respective consulates for current visa requirements to all their travel destinations. Please remember that it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip.
TICKETS AND FINAL DOCUMENTS
Your airline tickets, along with final instructions and additional travel tips, will be sent to you 7–10 days before the scheduled departure of your tour. Please make sure to advise us in case your address changes.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Immunizations are not currently required. However, you may wish to consult your personal physician or local public health authorities as to their suggestions.
CLIMATE
Expect daytime temperatures averaging in the 60s and low 70s in June through August, upper 50s and low 60s in May and September, 40s to low 50s in April and November. Nights will be cooler.
NON-INCLUDED MEALS AND SIGHTSEEING
The hotels used on this tour will offer dining options that range from cafes (where dinner, excluding drinks, average about $20-$25 per person) to specialty restaurants. Your hotel will accept credit cards for your non-included meals. Optional sightseeing tours and evening activities will be offered.
CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY
In Ireland, the currency is the Euro while in Northern Ireland, the currency is the British Pound. Hotels and some stores accept major credit cards. However, for “street shopping” you will need local currency. Your hotels will be able to exchange cash to local currency or you can draw local currency at any ATM. It is recommended that you bring along cash in small denominations.
BAGGAGE
Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage (suitcase) max. 44 pounds, and one carry-on not exceeding 18”x10”x8”. We recommend that you do not overpack and that you take a variety of casual separates with climate and comfort in mind.