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Magical Ireland

From
  • $2999
     
  • 13
    Days
  • Average Tour Review

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.

5/5 stars on Tripadvisor!

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

  • Merrion Square (Dublin)
  • Christchurch Cathedral (Dublin)
  • Castle Ward House & Gardens (Northern Ireland)
  • Titanic Belfast Experience
  • Giant’s Causeway (Antrim)
  • Wild Atlantic Way
  • Cliffs of Moher (Clare)
  • Ring of Kerry
  • Dingle Peninsula (Kerry)
  • Blarney Castle
  • Medieval Castle Banquet

Activity Level: Discoverer 

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

Book Now Request Info

Click the Day by Day itinerary above (or swipe on mobile devices) to see the experiences that await on each day of your tour.

Depart from the U.S.

Depart from the U.S. on an overnight flight to Europe. Your tour includes airfare from the U.S.

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.

| Breakfast

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…

Belfast

Today we’ll learn more about a catastrophic event that has been captured in film, book 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 in a compelling way—from its sinking to present day exploration. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore Belfast. One recommendation is the newly renovated Ulster Museum.

| Breakfast

Giant’s Causeway/Derry

We 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. You’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 get the chance to stroll along wonderfully preserved medieval walls before dinner together.

City Hotel Derry or similar | Breakfast, Dinner

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…

Galway or Full-Day Connemara/Kylemore Abbey Optional Excursion

Explore Galway at your leisure or take our recommendation and spend a full day in the breathtaking, utterly romantic Connemara region, where we’ll visit the neo-goth Kylemore Abbey and take a scenic cruise on Killary Fjord. Read more about it under optional tours, and you’ll see why Oscar Wilde called the region “A Savage Beauty.”

| Breakfast

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…

Ring of Kerry Highlights/Kenmare/Killarney

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 free to further explore Killarney. You won’t want to miss tonight’s optional Kate Kearney’s Cottage traditional Irish night with dinner.

| Breakfast

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.

|…

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…

Depart Ireland

Early this morning transfer to the airport for your included return nonstop flight. Your Magical Ireland tour ends as you touch down in the U.S. later today.

| Breakfast

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 Apr 30, 2021 Reserve after
Apr 30, 2021		 Select Tour
2021 2021 w/ eCheck Discount Sale After Sale
August 12 August 24 Aug 12 -
Aug 24		 $3,199 $3,299 $3,599 Book Now
September 9 September 21 Sep 9 -
Sep 21		 $3,399 $3,499 $3,799 Book Now
orange alarm clock Selling Fast!
September 16 September 28 Sep 16 -
Sep 28		 $3,199 $3,299 $3,599 Book Now
September 23 October 5 Sep 23 -
Oct 5		 $3,299 $3,399 $3,699 Book Now
October 14 October 26 Oct 14 -
Oct 26		 $2,999 $3,099 $3,399 Book Now
2022 2022 w/ eCheck Discount Sale After Sale
April 7 April 19 Apr 7 -
Apr 19		 $3,099 $3,199 $3,499 Book Now
May 5 May 17 May 5 -
May 17		 $3,299 $3,399 $3,699 Book Now
May 19 May 31 May 19 -
May 31		 $3,399 $3,499 $3,799 Book Now
June 2 June 14 Jun 2 -
Jun 14		 $3,499 $3,599 $3,899 Book Now
June 16 June 28 Jun 16 -
Jun 28		 $3,499 $3,599 $3,899 Book Now
June 30 July 12 Jun 30 -
Jul 12		 $3,499 $3,599 $3,899 Book Now
July 14 July 26 Jul 14 -
Jul 26		 $3,499 $3,599 $3,899 Book Now
August 4 August 16 Aug 4 -
Aug 16		 $3,499 $3,599 $3,899 Book Now
September 1 September 13 Sep 1 -
Sep 13		 $3,399 $3,499 $3,799 Book Now
September 15 September 27 Sep 15 -
Sep 27		 $3,299 $3,399 $3,699 Book Now
October 13 October 25 Oct 13 -
Oct 25		 $3,199 $3,299 $3,599 Book Now
Request a Future Date

Rates are per person based on double occupancy.
2021 Departures: Single room supplement is $599.
2022 Departures: Single room supplement is $699.

For more information on this tour, please contact us here or call us during business hours (Mon-Fri, 9:00am – 5:30pm 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 your non-refundable, non-transferable deposit, which must be received at the time of reservation. Deposits are $99 per person for all 2021 departures, and $300 per person for all 2022 departures. Full payment is due 120 days prior to departure. Baggage fees may apply. Space and prices subject to availability. Please see the smarTours Terms and Conditions for complete booking information.

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…

Connemara Region & Kylemore Abbey Optional Excursion

  • Connemara
  • From approx. 60 Euro Per Person

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.

Kate Kearney’s Cottage Traditional Irish Night including Dinner

  • Killarney
  • From approx. 50 Euro Per Person

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.

Reviews

Juliet

It was excellent tour We enjoyed very much Our escort Paul Kelley was so informative great knowledge patience and very humble and humorous I give him Five Stars recommendation We all had a good time

Steve

This was our very first Smartours Trip and it exceeded our expectations. Our tour guide had lived in Ireland his entire life and was quite entertaining and well versed in all the local history, folklore, and culture of this magical land. We went to sites and out of the way places we wouldn't have visited on most tours. The scenery was spectacular, the people were so very friendly, and our group quickly became friends for life. It was a good blend of guided excursions and plenty of time on our own. We would recommend this tour for anyone! -Steve & Gail Rees

Rick B

We really didn't know what to expect when we booked the magical Ireland Tour. Oh My God !!!!! WE saw everything one could see in 13 days. And, most of our delights were due to our Driver/ Tour guide, Peter Murphy. He made the travels around the country enjoyable. He picked us up at the Dublin airport and from Day One he gave us the view of Ireland from a native. We saw areas of Ireland that most would not see. We visited ancient sites and saw some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland. His personality was so infectious. The highlight of the trip was the castles and ancient sites like the Cliffs of Moher, the burial sites of Ancients, the Giants Causeway, and so much more. The coach was very comfortable and luxurious. I could just go on and on. You can only have our experiences by booking this trip.

Ann A

Added comments. The street side rooms in Dublin hotel were noisy especially after pubs closed and with early morning street sweeping. Boarding in Newark was very slow as two large planes were boarding at adjacent gates. It was hot in the area, people crowded together and acoustics were bad so announcements could not be heard easily.

Ann A

Additional comments to earlier review. The boarding in Newark was very prolonged. There were two overseas flights leaving from adjoining gates making it warm and confining. Also announcements were difficult to hear. This was on Your leaving August 1, 2019. Street side rooms in Dublin were very noisy, heard people shouting after leaving the nearby pubs and the street sweepers in early morning.

Thomas W

This is a well-planned tour by any measure. The sights and local guides were chosen with care, and the comfortable Mercedes bus allowed easy viewing of the countryside over the hedgerows, an asset denied those in a car. But the main feature was the driver/guide Peter Murphy. Beyond his paced history lessons and commentary, his unique sense of humor was the glue of our tour. He got to know each of us and drew our diverse group together. In very little time his muted, premonitory laugh had the entire group laughing like Pavlov’s dogs...before he told a story or a joke. We knew something hilarious was in the offing. All of this reflects his high intellect and great people skills. Best tour I’ve ever taken. If you go, you should DEMAND Peter Murphy.

Sandra F

Great trip and great memories. Beautiful country. Our tour started out in Dublin and Gerry was our local tour guide. Very great guy and we had a lot of fun in Dublin. From there we moved on with Pat, who was not only our bus driver, but wonderful host, historian and made the trip Magical.

Kelly R

This was our first time in Ireland and our first time with Smarttours and it was absolutely amazing! The tour was a good balance of organized activities and free time. We visited so many of the "traditional" sightseeing sites and saw so many things. However, I truly believe that our experience was made sooooo much better because of Peter Murphy!! His knowledge, personality, and sense of humor transformed the tour into something truly magical!!

Nancy P

The trip was amazing from start to finish. The bus driver was so great. Peter gave us so much history and country info and made you want to learn about it. He's very personable and good. The hotels and meals were all great. The things we got to do were fun and entertaining. We would take this trip again and recommend Ireland to anyone. Beautiful country and people. It was my first trip outside the US and it was a great experience.

Dany

Our guide, Paul, was a delight....knowledgeable, entertaining, accommodating, and patient. Our tour of the sites Ireland was extensive, the hotels lovely, and provided meals were delicious.

Linda

This was an amazing tour with Paul Kealy! The only problem is that I brought 7 other guests and we were all upset about SmarTours changing our flight plans just before we left and we had to make changes to our flights that we had booked to get to NY. Our airlines charge for flight changes and we ended up getting routed several times to get to NY and our luggage got lost for four days. We were told that the airlines cancelled the original flight we were booked on but someone in our party checked with the airline and they said it was still operating. We also had lots of frustrating problems with the accounting department trying to get that straight before we left, but finally did. Needless to say my new referrals were not happy with customer service and don't plan to travel with SmarTours again.

Linda

This was an excellent tour. Paul Kearny, our tour guide, was amazing! The only objection we have is that they changed our flights just before we left and it made it very difficult to change our flight plans to NY since that is where we had to be to go on this tour. Smart Tours will not book you from your own airport and no one wants to wait until the end to make their reservations to New York. I also had problems with the accounting department which was very frustrating. It finally got straightened out by the time of the tour. I invited 7 other people on this tour and they were very frustrated also with the last minute changes. I don't think any of them will be doing SmarTours again for that reason. I felt bad that I referred them and then had all of that trouble. SmarTours said they couldn't help the change, but one of our friends found out that the original flight was not canceled as we were told.

Terry C

My wife and I went to Ireland for thirteen days and had a wonderful time and experience. The hotels were great with excellent staff. Our tour guide Peter Murphy did a wonderful job keeping the people in his charge on time and involved with the schedule of the sites we were to see. I would highly recommend this tour site to anyone.

carol c

Had an absolutely fantastic trip. May 2019. Tour guide Peter Murphy was the best!!! The trip start to finish left us with no worries. Very informative on all points. Everything was taken care of. Great group of people to boot! Would most certainly recommend this trip to anyone.

Ashley

Just returned from a 13 day trip peter was amazing and. Very informative. Most of the hotels were nice except one white horse was very old and run down . Over all great trip would like to have WiFi on the bus and a little more free time and meal choices . Will be back
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