A Week in Ireland: Galway, Cork & Dublin 8 days
About This Experience
Spend a week in Ireland—a country you’ll never want to leave. From the Irish people’s sparkling wit and inviting pub culture, all the way down to the isle’s incredible emerald landscapes, this small country packs quite a punch. Waste no time getting to the core of Irish culture on a tour of its leading cities, Galway and Dublin, and its natural wonders, from the rocky Burren to the Cliffs of Moher.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
6 nights in handpicked hotels
Breakfast daily, 2 three-course dinners with beer or wine
Private deluxe motor coach
Multilingual Tour Director
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
The vibrant, welcoming Irish people
It’s your chance to get the Gift of Gab
Galway’s vibrant traditional music scene
Guinness tastes best in Dublin
“Scenic” doesn’t do the Cliffs of Moher justice
You’ll see “40 shades of green” firsthand
Overnight Flight1 night
Galway2 nights - hotel info
Day2
Don’t be surprised if you end up at a pub singing “Galway Girl”
Breakfast (in flight), Dinner
Welcome to the Emerald Isle! A Go Ahead representative greets you at Shannon Airport after you clear customs and escorts you to your hotel in Galway. The rest of the day is free for you to begin exploring Galway. At tonight’s included Welcome Dinner, meet your fellow travelers.
Day3
Discover Galway, the independent city-state turned college town
Breakfast
This morning, your Tour Director introduces you to Galway, Ireland’s third-largest city. For 400 years Galway was an independent city-state—as recently as the 19th century, local citizens were still in the habit of setting their clocks 40 minutes behind Dublin time. Enjoy this afternoon at leisure in Galway. You might choose to visit the broad expanse of Eyre Square or visit the 16th-century Spanish Arch on the banks of the Corrib. Lovers of pub culture will delight in Galway’s traditional public houses, from The Quays, Murphy’s Bar, Monroe’s Tavern and so much more. Pubs aren’t just bars in the American sense of the word—they’re communal meeting houses where a civic spirit is nurtured over crisps, ale and good craic (Gaelic for fun).Tonight, dine at our optional Castle Banquet dinner (seasonal).
Optional Excursions
Castle Banquet Dinner $115* pp
Enjoy a feast fit for a king inside Dunguaire Castle, a 17th-century castle overlooking Galway Bay. Sip from a goblet of mead and learn the history of the castle before proceeding up the spiral staircase to the banquet hall, where you’ll enjoy a sumptuous, four-course dinner and an evening of live entertainment, including songs and stories. Please note: This excursion is seasonal from April to October.
County Cork1 night - hotel info
Day4
Cliffs of Moher or “Insanity”—whatever you call them, they’re amazing
Breakfast
Depart Galway and travel through the limestone plateau known as the Burren. Stop to see the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, which rise 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. These are among the most dramatic views in Ireland, and film fans may recognize them as the “Cliffs of Insanity” from the classic movie The Princess Bride. Later, transfer to Cork, a city synonymous with the Irish spirit of rebellion. To this day, Corkonians refer to their city as the “real” capital of Ireland and to one another simply as “Rebels.” Enjoy a free evening to explore Cork, a city best seen on foot. This charming seaport spans both sides of the River Lee, and you’ll cross back and forth over the city’s web of canals as you walk about. You may want to stop in at the Princes Street Market (also known as the English Market) to peruse local specialties such as drisheen, an Irish black pudding.
Dublin3 nights - hotel info
Day5
Climb to the top of the castle, where the Gift of Gab is yours to take
Breakfast
Blarney Castle
This morning, visit Blarney Castle. This 15th-century fortress is known above all else for the legendary Blarney Stone, said to grant magical powers of eloquence to those who kiss it—which you can attempt by climbing the steep staircase to the top of the parapet and leaning out of the battlements. Later, continue on to Dublin. Enjoy the “forty shades of green” that Johnny Cash famous memorialized as your motor coach zips through the scenic Irish countryside. Your route will take you through the heart of Ireland, an area once ruled by the Kings of Munster and where a fiercely independent streak can still be found today. Tonight, opt to join a Traditional Irish Evening of song, dance and food.
Optional Excursions
Traditional Irish Evening $99* pp
Enjoy this special evening of Irish food, music and live entertainment. Dinner will be served first, giving you a taste of traditional Irish dishes. You’ll then be treated to a live show of Irish music and dance. Join in the fun as you enjoy a merry and memorable night. Please note: The specific venue and day of the week for this optional may change due to availability.
Day6
Delve into Dublin, a small capital with a whole lot of charm
Breakfast
St. Patrick's Cathedral, Trinity College
A local guide leads a sightseeing tour of the city. Drive to Phoenix Park, the largest enclosed public park in Europe. Its grounds include the Arás an Uachtaráin (Presidential Residence). Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, founded by Ireland’s patron saint in A.D. 450, and then visit Trinity College, where you can view the illuminated Book of Kells in the university’s library. This afternoon is yours to explore the Irish capital at your leisure. You may wish to stop in at one of the many pubs in the Temple Bar neighborhood for a pint of Guinness or a glass of fine Irish whiskey. Or, you might meander from cafe to cafe as you take in the haunts of some of Dublin’s most famous writers. There’s never a dull moment in Dublin, no matter how you plan to spend your time.
Day7
Drink up city views from the Gravity Bar or head to wild Wicklow
Breakfast, Dinner
Discover Dublin at your own pace today. You might choose to quaff the perfect pint at the Guinness Storehouse. The storehouse is a relatively new attraction that encapsulates Dublin’s rare ability to cherish its past while looking forward to its future. The Storehouse rises seven stories above the city, and at the top, you’ll find Gravity Bar, where you can enjoy a complementary pint of Arthur Guinness’s world-famous dry stout while taking in panoramic views of Dublin. Alternatively, join an optional excursion into the countryside of Wicklow to visit Powerscourt House, where you can walk through Ireland’s most beautiful formal gardens, and Glendalough, a romantic glen where St. Kevin founded Ireland’s most important monastery in the 6th century. Powerscourt was originally created as a military stronghold in the 13th century but underwent considerable transformation 500 years later. During the 18th century, the seventh Viscount Powerscourt toured France’s Versailles, Austria’s Schonnbrunn and other famous estates throughout Europe; upon turning 21, the Viscount ordered Powerscourt to be remade in the image of his favorite castles. The new estate’s gardens took two decades to flourish, but today, they’re among Ireland’s most beautiful. Glendalough, by contrast, reflects the monastic ascetism of its founder St. Kevin. Here you’ll find a collection of ancient dry-stone buildings, including an enormous round tower, one of only a handful remaining in Ireland. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers for an included Farewell Dinner.
Optional Excursions
Powerscourt & Glendalough $79* pp
County Wicklow is home to some of the wildest and most spectacular scenery in Ireland, as well as two of the country’s most important historic sites. Your first stop is at the picturesque village of Enniskerry, where you’ll visit Powerscourt, an elegant country mansion with the finest formal gardens in the country. Later, continue on to Glendalough, which became famous throughout Europe as a center of Christian learning before it was sacked by Viking crusaders in the 10th century. You’ll also see St. Kevin’s Cross, the remains of the 6th-century cathedral and the remarkable Round Tower, thought to have been used by the monks as a place of refuge.
About This Experience
Spend a week in Ireland—a country you’ll never want to leave. From the Irish people’s sparkling wit and inviting pub culture, all the way down to the isle’s incredible emerald landscapes, this small country packs quite a punch. Waste no time getting to the core of Irish culture on a tour of its leading cities, Galway and Dublin, and its natural wonders, from the rocky Burren to the Cliffs of Moher.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
6 nights in handpicked hotels
Breakfast daily, 2 three-course dinners with beer or wine
Private deluxe motor coach
Multilingual Tour Director
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
The vibrant, welcoming Irish people
It’s your chance to get the Gift of Gab
Galway’s vibrant traditional music scene
Guinness tastes best in Dublin
“Scenic” doesn’t do the Cliffs of Moher justice
You’ll see “40 shades of green” firsthand
Overnight Flight1 night
Galway2 nights - hotel info
Day2
Don’t be surprised if you end up at a pub singing “Galway Girl”
Breakfast (in flight), Dinner
Welcome to the Emerald Isle! A Go Ahead representative greets you at Shannon Airport after you clear customs and escorts you to your hotel in Galway. The rest of the day is free for you to begin exploring Galway. At tonight’s included Welcome Dinner, meet your fellow travelers.
Day3
Discover Galway, the independent city-state turned college town
Breakfast
This morning, your Tour Director introduces you to Galway, Ireland’s third-largest city. For 400 years Galway was an independent city-state—as recently as the 19th century, local citizens were still in the habit of setting their clocks 40 minutes behind Dublin time. Enjoy this afternoon at leisure in Galway. You might choose to visit the broad expanse of Eyre Square or visit the 16th-century Spanish Arch on the banks of the Corrib. Lovers of pub culture will delight in Galway’s traditional public houses, from The Quays, Murphy’s Bar, Monroe’s Tavern and so much more. Pubs aren’t just bars in the American sense of the word—they’re communal meeting houses where a civic spirit is nurtured over crisps, ale and good craic (Gaelic for fun).Tonight, dine at our optional Castle Banquet dinner (seasonal).
Optional Excursions
Castle Banquet Dinner $115* pp
Enjoy a feast fit for a king inside Dunguaire Castle, a 17th-century castle overlooking Galway Bay. Sip from a goblet of mead and learn the history of the castle before proceeding up the spiral staircase to the banquet hall, where you’ll enjoy a sumptuous, four-course dinner and an evening of live entertainment, including songs and stories. Please note: This excursion is seasonal from April to October.
County Cork1 night - hotel info
Day4
Cliffs of Moher or “Insanity”—whatever you call them, they’re amazing
Breakfast
Depart Galway and travel through the limestone plateau known as the Burren. Stop to see the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, which rise 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. These are among the most dramatic views in Ireland, and film fans may recognize them as the “Cliffs of Insanity” from the classic movie The Princess Bride. Later, transfer to Cork, a city synonymous with the Irish spirit of rebellion. To this day, Corkonians refer to their city as the “real” capital of Ireland and to one another simply as “Rebels.” Enjoy a free evening to explore Cork, a city best seen on foot. This charming seaport spans both sides of the River Lee, and you’ll cross back and forth over the city’s web of canals as you walk about. You may want to stop in at the Princes Street Market (also known as the English Market) to peruse local specialties such as drisheen, an Irish black pudding.
Dublin3 nights - hotel info
Day5
Climb to the top of the castle, where the Gift of Gab is yours to take
Breakfast
Blarney Castle
This morning, visit Blarney Castle. This 15th-century fortress is known above all else for the legendary Blarney Stone, said to grant magical powers of eloquence to those who kiss it—which you can attempt by climbing the steep staircase to the top of the parapet and leaning out of the battlements. Later, continue on to Dublin. Enjoy the “forty shades of green” that Johnny Cash famous memorialized as your motor coach zips through the scenic Irish countryside. Your route will take you through the heart of Ireland, an area once ruled by the Kings of Munster and where a fiercely independent streak can still be found today. Tonight, opt to join a Traditional Irish Evening of song, dance and food.
Optional Excursions
Traditional Irish Evening $99* pp
Enjoy this special evening of Irish food, music and live entertainment. Dinner will be served first, giving you a taste of traditional Irish dishes. You’ll then be treated to a live show of Irish music and dance. Join in the fun as you enjoy a merry and memorable night. Please note: The specific venue and day of the week for this optional may change due to availability.
Day6
Delve into Dublin, a small capital with a whole lot of charm
Breakfast
St. Patrick's Cathedral, Trinity College
A local guide leads a sightseeing tour of the city. Drive to Phoenix Park, the largest enclosed public park in Europe. Its grounds include the Arás an Uachtaráin (Presidential Residence). Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, founded by Ireland’s patron saint in A.D. 450, and then visit Trinity College, where you can view the illuminated Book of Kells in the university’s library. This afternoon is yours to explore the Irish capital at your leisure. You may wish to stop in at one of the many pubs in the Temple Bar neighborhood for a pint of Guinness or a glass of fine Irish whiskey. Or, you might meander from cafe to cafe as you take in the haunts of some of Dublin’s most famous writers. There’s never a dull moment in Dublin, no matter how you plan to spend your time.
Day7
Drink up city views from the Gravity Bar or head to wild Wicklow
Breakfast, Dinner
Discover Dublin at your own pace today. You might choose to quaff the perfect pint at the Guinness Storehouse. The storehouse is a relatively new attraction that encapsulates Dublin’s rare ability to cherish its past while looking forward to its future. The Storehouse rises seven stories above the city, and at the top, you’ll find Gravity Bar, where you can enjoy a complementary pint of Arthur Guinness’s world-famous dry stout while taking in panoramic views of Dublin. Alternatively, join an optional excursion into the countryside of Wicklow to visit Powerscourt House, where you can walk through Ireland’s most beautiful formal gardens, and Glendalough, a romantic glen where St. Kevin founded Ireland’s most important monastery in the 6th century. Powerscourt was originally created as a military stronghold in the 13th century but underwent considerable transformation 500 years later. During the 18th century, the seventh Viscount Powerscourt toured France’s Versailles, Austria’s Schonnbrunn and other famous estates throughout Europe; upon turning 21, the Viscount ordered Powerscourt to be remade in the image of his favorite castles. The new estate’s gardens took two decades to flourish, but today, they’re among Ireland’s most beautiful. Glendalough, by contrast, reflects the monastic ascetism of its founder St. Kevin. Here you’ll find a collection of ancient dry-stone buildings, including an enormous round tower, one of only a handful remaining in Ireland. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers for an included Farewell Dinner.
Optional Excursions
Powerscourt & Glendalough $79* pp
County Wicklow is home to some of the wildest and most spectacular scenery in Ireland, as well as two of the country’s most important historic sites. Your first stop is at the picturesque village of Enniskerry, where you’ll visit Powerscourt, an elegant country mansion with the finest formal gardens in the country. Later, continue on to Glendalough, which became famous throughout Europe as a center of Christian learning before it was sacked by Viking crusaders in the 10th century. You’ll also see St. Kevin’s Cross, the remains of the 6th-century cathedral and the remarkable Round Tower, thought to have been used by the monks as a place of refuge.
Passport & Visa
In order to enter Ireland, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport. The expiration date must extend at least six months beyond the date of your return home. No visa is required for U.S. or Canadian citizens. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact the Irish consulate for your specific entry requirements.
Health
There are no major health risks when traveling to Ireland. It is always advisable to check with your doctor or health-care provider for the latest updates and overseas travel requirements.
Transportation / Walking on tour
Round-trip flights arrive in Shannon and depart from Dublin. Included transportation on “A Week in Ireland: Galway, Cork & Dublin” is by private motor coach. Most of the destinations are easily walkable, but you may want to spend your free time exploring Dublin by a combination of walking and public transportation. The city is serviced by numerous buses, and if you wish to take excursions on your own outside of Dublin, use the very efficient Dublin Area Rapid Transport (DART) trains, which hit most locations on the coast.
Clothing & Packing Tips
Light, loose-fitting clothing that provides comfort when exploring the sights is essential for your tour. A sun hat, sunglasses and a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers are recommended for sightseeing. It’s always a good idea to be prepared for any eventuality—a lightweight sports jacket and emergency rainwear are advised. If you plan to visit an especially elegant restaurant or attend the opera or theater, you will probably feel more comfortable with something more formal to wear. Also, remember that it is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
Currency
The euro is the currency you will be using on your tour. Better rates of exchange are usually available in your destination countries, although it is worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive. We advise that you take a combination of bank/ATM cards, credit cards and traveler’s checks, which can be exchanged for cash at local banks, as needed. We suggest that you inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges. Please note: With the conversion to the euro, it has been increasingly difficult to exchange travelers checks outside of Europe’s major cities—both at banks and shops—and they often attract higher fees.
Tipping
At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend tipping in your tour country’s currency, the equivalent of $3USD/CAD per person per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/CAD per person per day for your Tour Director. If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD/CAD per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash. Please keep current local currency exchange rates in mind when tipping.
Special Info
Journey along the coast to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, which rise out of the Atlantic Ocean to heights of more than 700 feet. See 300-million-year-old river channels cutting through the base of this awe-inspiring site.
Traveler Tips
Once ignored by the literary establishment, James Joyce is writ large in the new Dublin, with several monuments, celebrations and historical centers dedicated in his name. You can retrace the steps of Leopold Bloom, the main character of Joyce’s masterful Ulysses, with the “Ulysses Map of Dublin,” which your tour director will be happy to provide. Stops include Sandycove Tower (from Chapter One), Davey Byrne’s pub on Duke Street and the National Library of Ireland.
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A week in Ireland
Great flight over and back although I wish United would use a larger plane and not the 757-200. Weather was great throughout. Only had a few drizzles and one time that was on the bus. Loved Galway and Dublin. Cork was okay but it could be substituted for some other place. All of the hotels were very nice. meals were exceptional. Our tour guide, Johnathan, was very knowledgeable of local history and made the tour very interesting. Our driver, Dormant, was very safety conscious and friendly. Would liked to have been in Dublin for St. Patty's Day as everyone was getting into the spirit just prior. A good trip to wet your appetite for a longer visit.
Ireland amazing!!
Ireland was the first out of county trip i have ever taken. It was very special to me to share the experience with my mother. The saint Patrick's cathedral in Dublin was amazing.the architectural work was phenomenal. The trinity college library in Dublin was like walking back in time. The books where every where to top to bottom. The powers court garden was incredible. It was breath taking how they but all different cultures together in the garden it was perfect. The blarney castle was amazing. Climbing the stair case to kiss the stone was the greatest accomplishment I have ever done. In cork we had a chance to take a horse carriage ride. It was the first time doing something like . We saw so many rainbows it was incredible. Ireland stolen my heart.
Thanks
It was an amazing, memorable trip. Awesome tour director!
My trip to Ireland
This was the first time I have traveled out of the United States; Go Ahead Tours did a great job. Our tour guide was great and he was very knowledgeable of the region. The best part of Ireland was the Cliffs of Moher outside of Galway. The cliffs were breathtaking. Then when we went to Blarney Castle, I was so pleased that I was able to make it to the top to kiss the stone!! The three nights we spent in Dublin was wonderful, for the locals were friendly, helpful and the tradtional Irish dishes were outstanding at the pubs. I have to say if you go to Ireland those are things you have to experience!! This travel experience through Go Ahead Tours has been so remarkable,that I have booked a trip to London, Paris and Amsterdam in October 2013 through them!
Ireland Pearls
The tour was good but the highlight for me was the excursion to Powerscourt and Glendalough. The gardens were still beautiful in October. The history in Glendalough is amazing. Both areas had nature walks so you could stretch your legs after a long bus ride. A little advice make sure you tell the agent what airport is closest to you. We flew to Heathrow before going to Ireland not a stop we wanted.
Ireland: Galway, Cork, & Dublin
I thoroughly enjoyed this tour; this was my first tour with Go Ahead Tours. Everything from the transportation, to the sights, to the hotels, to the tour director were really excellent. I found everyone to be extremely helpful and happy to answer questions. We saw a great deal of the countryside, which was beautiful, but also spent time in the cities. I especially enjoyed Dublin. Seeing the historical sights but having enough free time for shopping and seeing some things on my own. The food was excellent and the hotels were very nice. I would definitely recommend this tour to fellow travelers.
Trip of a Lifetime!
This was an amazing tour! We had a fantastic tour director (Cornelius Webber) very informative and hilarious! Our bus driver Tommy was an amazing driver! We also had a wonderful group of people on our tour and made many new friends! There are no words to describe the beauty and history of Ireland. If you have a chance to take this tour I HIGHLY recommend it. Make sure you ask for Con and Tommy! God Bless!
A Week in Galway, Cork, and Dublin
My daughter and I had a marvelous week in Ireland. The country is breathtaking and thepeople are so kind and helpful. The food is delicious and oh my their dairy is so lovely. Truely a most enjoyable week with lots of great company.
Galway, Cork and Dublin with the best tour director ever
My daughter, myself, and some friends just got back from the Go Ahead tour of Ireland. We had an amazing time that was accentuated by our awesome tour guide, Cornelius Weber, and scarily good driver Tommy. From the moment we landed in Shannon, Cornelius guided us through the beauty and history of Ireland with his sharp wit and hilarious sense of humor. Tommy's driving was so awesome that we half joked we wished he could fly the plane home! Ireland was so breathtaking and beautiful. We had the best time and it was in large part to Con and Tommy. I would definitely recommend this trip with Cornelius as your guide and Tommy as the driver. The only thing I would change would be the stop in Cork and less than 3 days in Dublin. The Irish countryside is too beautiful to be stuck in the city! Also, if you have any dietary restrictions, you need to call the airline yourself 24 hours before each flight. I contacted our tour rep a few times regarding my daughter and I being vegetarians. On the flight home (8 hours) we were told by the airline that they didnt have anymore vegetarian meals. It was a long flight to go without any food. The rest of the cabin received two meals and we got nothing. Just a word of advice so it doesnt happen to anyone else.
Worth it!
Our tour director was great as he was extremely knowledgeable, accommodating and what appears to be, someone who didn't sleep or eat! Sean was always on top of every aspect of our trip from dusk till dawn and beyond! The touring was great. Beautiful sites. The only downfall, which is personal to each person rather than a tour issue, is how the bus always made you feel like you were sleepy, which many sleepy heads were sure it was due to the jet lag. We had an odd dynamic where our party had 2 daughters in their 40's and a mother who was 70. We wanted 3 beds in each hotel and that's exactly what Sean made happen! All the hotels chosen were great as well. I would love to take my husband back on the same tour.
