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Grand Tour of...
 

Grand Tour of Ireland

14 days |  17 days with Glasgow & Edinburgh extension
14 days |  17 days with Glasgow & Edinburgh extension
Group size1538 travelers
Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars

471
Physical activity
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OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsTraveler photosHotels, flights & FAQ
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Get to the heart of Irish culture.

Delve beyond the sheep-dotted green landscapes to the cities and villages that span the country, all the way from Dublin to Derry. Mingle with Dubliners in traditional pubs, pick up a souvenir in Waterford, drive along the Ring of Kerry, and walk across Giant’s Causeway. After two weeks of exploring, you’ll leave feeling like a local (if you can even bear to leave at all).

Your tour package includes

  • 12 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 12 breakfasts
  • 1 lunch
  • 4 dinners with beer or wine
  • 12 sightseeing tours
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Included highlights

  • St. Patrick’s Cathedral
  • Glendalough
  • Kilkenny Castle
  • Waterford Crystal Factory
  • Cobh Heritage Centre
Read more
Start planning today

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

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Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary
Overnight Flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Dublin today.

Dublin2 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Dublin
Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Ireland! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Dublin
Included meal: Breakfast

Take a comprehensive tour of Ireland’s capital city with a local expert leading the way.

  • Stop in Phoenix Park, site of the presidential residence, and pass by the Guinness Brewery.
  • Step inside the soaring St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s largest church.
  • Pass St Stephen’s Green and admire the Georgian architecture of Merrion Square as you go.
  • See Trinity College and enjoy a walking tour of the college grounds.

Enjoy a free afternoon in Dublin to visit Grafton Street or the Temple Bar district, or add an excursion.

Powerscourt Estate & Gardens

From $59 per person

Waterford2 nights
Day 4: Waterford via Glendalough & Kilkenny
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Leaving Dublin, travel a short distance through South County Dublin to County Wicklow.

  • Enter Wicklow Mountains National Park and make your way to the Glendalough Visitor Centre to learn about the historic site.
  • Explore the ancient monastery, passing by the Round Tower, stone churches, and decorated crosses.
  • Continue to Kilkenny, Ireland’s best-preserved medieval town.
  • Tour the imposing 12th-century Kilkenny Castle, overlooking the River Nore.
  • Pass by the Gothic St. Canice’s Cathedral, built in the 13th century.

Please note: the sightseeing tour of Kilkenny may take place on day 5 and the sightseeing tour of Waterford may take place on day 4 November through February due to site closures.

Continue on to Waterford and sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Day 5: Sightseeing tour of Waterford & Rock of Cashel
Included meal: Breakfast

Today, a local guide introduces you to Waterford’s historic sites and exports.

  • Learn about the city’s roots as a Viking settlements as you walk through the Waterford Viking Triangle.
  • Pass Reginald's Tower, a replica Viking ship, and the Dragon Slayer’s Sword.
  • See the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, the oldest Roman Catholic cathedral in Ireland.
  • Visit the Waterford Crystal Factory to learn about its world-famous crystal.

Please note: the sightseeing tour of Kilkenny may take place on day 5 and the sightseeing tour of Waterford may take place on day 4 November through February due to site closures.

Continue on to the Rock of Cashel, an outcrop of limestone dominating Tipperary Plain.

  • View the ruins of the ancient seat of the kings of Munster and the 12th-century Round Tower.
  • Take a tour of the iconic Rock of Cashel, commanding stone buildings that date back to the 12th and 13th centuries.
County Kerry2 nights
Day 6: County Kerry via Cobh & Blarney Castle
Included meal: Breakfast

On your way to County Kerry, get a feel for the many sides of Ireland, from small villages to vibrant cities and iconic castles.

  • Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre to see exhibits that highlight the story of Irish emigration over the past 150 years.
  • Climb to the top of Blarney Castle to kiss the famed Blarney Stone, which is said to grant the “gift of gab.”
Day 7: The Ring of Kerry & Killarney National Park
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel around the Ring of Kerry, a 112-mile coastal route that covers some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery.

  • Pass the pristine Lakes of Killarney in Killarney National Park and gaze across Dingle Bay.
  • Enjoy unsurpassable views of mountains, beaches, and the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Explore the picturesque villages that line the Ring of Kerry including the village of Sneem, “The Knot in the Ring.”

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

County Galway2 nights
Day 8: County Galway via County Clare
Included meal: Breakfast

Head north to Galway today, taking time to view spectacular scenery en route.

  • Walk along the mesmerizing coastline of the Cliffs of Moher.
  • Pass through the Burren, a unique limestone plateau where fields of rock are dotted with wildflowers.

Continue on to Galway for a sightseeing tour of the city led by your Tour Director.

  • Stroll past Lynch’s Castle, Galway Cathedral, the Druid Theater Company, and the broad expanse of Eyre Square.
  • View the city’s medieval walls and Spanish Arch.
  • Peruse authentic Claddagh rings in a local shop.

Enjoy a free evening in County Galway or add an excursion.

Please note: On some departures the Traditional Irish Music & Dance Show with Dinner excursion will be offered on day 9.

Traditional Irish Music & Dance Show with Dinner

From $109 per person

Day 9: Free day in Galway
Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in County Galway or add as excursion.

Please note: On some departures the Traditional Irish Music & Dance Show with Dinner excursion will be offered on day 9.

Kylemore Abbey & Connemara National Park

From $89 per person

Sligo1 night
Day 10: Sligo via Glen Keen Farm
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Pay a visit to Glen Keen Farm, one of the largest sheep farms in Ireland, on your way to Sligo.

  • Learn about sheep farming while soaking in the natural beauty that defines the area.
  • Watch an interactive sheep herding demonstration.
  • Enjoy a traditional lunch at Glen Keen Farm, dessert, coffee, and tea.

Please note: Vegetarian options are available for the included lunch.

After, continue on to Sligo.

Belfast3 nights
Day 11: Belfast via Derry
Included meal: Breakfast

On your way to Northern Ireland, journey through the landscapes immortalized by the poetry of William Butler Yeats.

  • Visit Glencar Waterfall, which is mentioned in W. B. Yeats’ poem titled The Stolen Child.
  • Continue on to Derry, Northern Ireland’s second-largest city, for a guided tour.
  • See the 17th-century city walls and learn about the history of the conflicts that took place between the Protestant and Catholic populations.
Day 12: Sightseeing tour of Belfast
Included meal: Breakfast

Get to know Belfast, the cultural heart of Northern Ireland, from a local’s perspective on a guided tour.

  • Glimpse the copper-domed City Hall and the recently restored Grand Opera House.
  • Learn all about Belfast’s long history, from its origins in the Bronze Age and rise as an international seaport to its role in the conflict known as “the Troubles.”
  • Enter the Titanic Belfast Museum for a look at the vessel’s infamous history.

Enjoy a free afternoon in Belfast or add an excursion.

Castles of Northern Ireland & Afternoon Tea

From $129 per person

Day 13: Free day in Belfast
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Enjoy a free day in Belfast or add an excursion.

This evening, celebrate your trip with your group at a farewell dinner.

Giant's Causeway

From $95 per person

Flight Home
Day 14: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay to visit Scotland.

Extension to Glasgow & Edinburgh
Continue your tour by crossing into Scotland. You'll explore the historic cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh on guided tours and discover the charms waiting at the end of every close. Spend your extra time in each locale however you'd like, and lean on your Tour Director to point you toward the most exciting sites.
Glasgow1 night
Day 14: Ferry to Glasgow & sightseeing tour
Included meal: Breakfast

Board a ferry in Belfast for your voyage across the Irish Sea to the village of Cairnryan, Scotland. Then, continue on to Glasgow for a tour with a local guide.

  • Discover local highlights, including George Square and the River Clyde.
  • Admire the city’s university and medieval cathedral.
  • Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which features everything from medieval suits of armor to a collection of works by Scottish artists.
Edinburgh2 nights
Day 15: Edinburgh via Stirling Castle
Included meal: Breakfast

Travel through the picturesque Scottish countryside to explore Stirling Castle, where King James VI once lived.

Then, continue on to Edinburgh and spend a free evening in the city or add an excursion.

Scottish Céilidh

From $129 per person

Day 16: Sightseeing tour of Edinburgh
Included meal: Breakfast

Get to know Edinburgh in all its medieval beauty on a tour led by a local expert.

  • View the elegant Georgian New Town and the Royal Mile, two UNESCO World Heritage sites.
  • Pass the King George statue, Bute House, and Sir Walter Scott monument.
  • Enter Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish crown jewels and Stone of Scone.

Spend a free afternoon in Edinburgh or add an excursion.

Please note: The order of today's activities are subject to change.

Abbotsford House & Melrose Abbey

From $109 per person

Flight Home
Day 17: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport to board your flight home.

Show full itinerary
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Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars

Overall rating 4.6 out of 5

Based on 471 authentic traveler reviews
Sort by

    5 out of 5 stars

    It was wonderful!!!
    4/26/22 by 1st-time traveler Patricia

    The tour guide was amazing. She was very knowledgeable and was Able to answer all questions. I thoroughly enjoyed the lectures.

    5 out of 5 stars

    Alan Made the Tour the Best! !
    9/10/23 by 1st-time traveler Sidney

    Alan was compassionate, witty, funny, personable, knowledgeable and a wonderful history teacher. I learned so much about Ireland’s past and present. A good teacher leaves you with a thirst to learn more. Alan definitely created that thirst. I think these qualifications make him a superior tour d...

    Read more +

    5 out of 5 stars

    Great tour, great guide, great group
    9/12/23 by 1st-time traveler Christopher

    This was our first time on a tour like this, and our first trip to Ireland. We opted for the Scotland extension and were glad. The entire process was very well done, and it was nice having all the details worked out including air transportation. Our tour guide, Phillip, was superb. Even when some ...

    Read more +
    Show more reviews

    Traveler photos

    Hotels, flights & FAQ

    Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

    Hotels

    We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.
    Cassidys Hotel
    Cassidys Hotel

    This boutique hotel is located in Dublin’s city center. Guests enjoy the bistro, a gym, and the hotel bar. Nearby, you’ll find EPIC The Irish Emigrat...

    Read more +
    Dooley's Hotel Waterford
    Dooley's Hotel Waterford

    This family-run hotel is located in t heart of Waterford. Guests enjoy spacious rooms, live music, and hearty Irish breakfasts. Nearby you'll find Wat...

    Read more +
    Meadowlands Hotel
    Meadowlands Hotel

    This elegant hotel is located in Tralee, County Kerry, along the Wild Atlantic Way. Guests enjoy the manicured gardens and an intimate second-floor ba...

    Read more +
    Maldron Sandy Road
    Maldron Sandy Road

    This comfortable hotel is located near the center of Galway. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a hotel bar, and a restaurant. Nearby, you’ll find the Galway Sh...

    Read more +
    Glasshouse Hotel
    Glasshouse Hotel

    This modern hotel is located in the city center. Guests enjoy a restaurant, fitness center, and two bars. Nearby, you’ll find the Model, Yeats Memoria...

    Read more +
    Crowne Plaza Belfast
    Crowne Plaza Belfast

    This refined hotel is located in Belfast's Lagan Valley Regional Park. Guests enjoy the indoor pool, fitness center, and on-site restaurant. Nearby yo...

    Read more +
    Maldron Hotel Glasgow City
    Maldron Hotel Glasgow City

    This brand new hotel is located in Glasgow. Guests enjoy the fitness center, bar and locally sources meals. Nearby you’ll find Glasgow Cathedral, the ...

    Read more +
    Mercure Edinburgh Haymarket
    Mercure Edinburgh Haymarket

    This modern hotel is located in Edinburgh’s West End. Guests enjoy the fitness center, a bar, and stylish rooms. Nearby, you’ll find Edinburgh Castle,...

    Read more +

    Flights

    Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
    Add our airfare package and you'll get:
    • Round-trip flight for your tour
    • Airport transfers at your destination
    • A great price locked in today
    • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
    • Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
    • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
    • Find out more about flights

    FAQ

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