Take to the footpaths for an intimate discovery of Ireland’s most legendary landscapes. Mythical tales of Celtic fairies ad heaven-like realms come to mind, as you amble through a patchwork of valleys and mystic lakes. As you walk, absorb the very essence of Ireland.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Galway

Board your overnight flight to Ireland.

Day 2 - Galway

Touch down in Shannon. A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport and escorts you to your hotel in Galway. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers at an included dinner. (B in flight, D)

Day 3 - Galway

Venture out for your first scenic stroll this morning in one of the most breathtaking examples of the Irish countryside, Connemara National Park. Then pay a visit to Kylemore Abbey, a former country estate in the midst of the Irish Highlands. (B)

Day 4 - Killarney

Journey south today for a guided walk along some of Ireland’s most mesmerizing coastline. Hike through the Burren, a limestone plateau where fields of rock are interspersed with wild flowers. Then stroll along the majestic Cliffs of Moher, rising out of the Atlantic Ocean to heights of 600 feet. Rejuvenate from your walks with an included pub lunch. Upon your arrival in Killarney this evening, enjoy an included dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 5 - Killarney

When Muckross House and the surrounding woodlands and moors were donated to the Irish state in 1932, Ireland’s first national park was born. Today, Killarney National Park has grown to 25,000 acres of diverse ecological landscapes from red sandstone mountains to extensive bogs and lowlands. Pass through the ornate halls of Muckross House at the park’s core. Then follow in the footsteps of a local guide on a walking tour through the park’s most awe-inspiring areas. (B)

Day 6 - Killarney

Make your way along the rugged terrain of the Dingle Peninsula on a guided walking tour. The Dingle Peninsula is shrouded in the traditions and legends of Irish culture. As you wander past secluded harbors and seaside cliffs, your guide will point out archaeological sites and ancient ruins along the way. After free time to explore Dingle, your tour director will introduce you to the Gallarus Oratory, a tiny church built nearly 1,300 years ago. (B)

Day 7 - Cork Region

Today begins with a scenic drive through the Caha Mountains of the Beara Peninsula. Stop in Glengarriff to board your boat to Garnish Island for a one-hour walk. Much of the island’s charm resides in the contrast between the cultivated gardens and the glimpses of wild seascape and barren mountains beyond. This evening, arrive at your hotel in the Cork region for an included dinner. (B, D)

Day 8 - Cork Region

Enjoy exploring the Cork region on your own. Alternatively, embark on a coastal walk along Kinsale’s beautiful shoreline and a visit to Charles Fort, a star-shaped fortress built to protect the town’s harbor. (B)

$35 USD

Kinsale Coastal Walk Today, enjoy a walk along Kinsale’s beautiful coast and a tour director-led visit to Charles Fort, a star-shaped fortress built to protect the harbor.

Day 9 - Shannon

This morning, take part in one of Ireland’s most time-honored traditions by puckering up to the legendary Blarney Stone on a visit to Blarney Castle. As you continue toward Limerick, stop to wander the paths and groves of Doneraile Wildlife Park. Celebrate your last night in Ireland with an optional medieval feast at Bunratty Castle, the Emerald Isle’s most complete medieval castle. (B, D)

$125 USD

Bunratty Medieval Banquet Celebrate your last night in Ireland with an optional medieval feast at Bunratty Castle, the Emerald Isle’s most complete medieval castle set within a re-creation of a 19th-century Irish village.

Day 10 - Shannon

Continue into Northern Ireland on our tour extension to Derry, or transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)

Protect your investment with affordable travel protection

Basic Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage
Protect yourself in the event you need to cancel your trip or leave your tour unexpectedly due to an emergency. Or choose one of the comprehensive packages below, and receive a discounted rate!

TravelSafe Plus — For one low price, you’ll receive:

• Trip cancellation & interruption protection
• Medical & accident protection
• Baggage & property protection

TravelSafe Gold with Flight Cancellation Protection
Take advantage of the best possible deal for your investment dollar. For $60 USD more, you’ll get all of the above plus additional coverage (up to $1,000 USD) if the flight to your tour is cancelled due to reasons beyond your control.

Purchase your travel protection package early and receive an added benefit!
Purchase one of the above TravelSafe packages within 14 days of reserving your tour, and you’ll automatically receive AnyTime Travel Protection at no additional charge. This means you can cancel for any reason up to 72 hours prior to the departure of your initial flight and still protect your investment. You will be provided with a credit voucher towards your next Go Ahead tour.

What’s unique about these protection plans?

• Most primary travel protection companies don’t cover international travel.
• Under the AnyTime Travel Protection Plan, you can cancel for any reason and your investment is protected in the form of a credit voucher.
• Efekta travel protection covers lost or stolen cash while on tour.
• Efekta travel protection covers the cost towards replacement of valuable documents—such as passports, airline tickets and visas while on tour.
• In the event that your roommate cancels for a reason covered under the policy, you will be reimbursed for the single supplement fee, should you still choose to travel.
• The following policies are also available to be purchased separately:
  • Medical & Accident: $70 USD
  • Baggage & Property: $60 USD

Extended Protection Plan
The Extended Protection Plan allows you to purchase extended coverage for any travel you do before or after meeting up with your Go Ahead Tours tour group (with flights arranged by Go Ahead Tours).

For more detailed descriptions of the benefits available under Efekta Insurance International LTD's Travel Protection Plans please call 1-800-597-0350 or download a PDF copy of the Efekta Travel Protection booklet here.

Passport & Visa

In order to enter Ireland and England, U.S. citizens need a valid passport. The expiration date must extend at least six months beyond the date of your return to the United States. No visa is required for U.S. citizens. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must contact the Irish consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Health

There are no major health risks when traveling to Ireland. Travelers should be in reasonable health to take our scheduled walks, although we will make every effort to accommodate those who choose to stay behind. It is 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 and depart from Shannon. (Departure flights on the tour extension leave from the Belfast airport.) Included transportation on “Walking the Emerald Isle” is by private motorcoach. Most of the destinations are easily walkable.

Clothing & Packing Tips

Light, loose-fitting clothing that provides comfort when exploring the sights is essential for your tour. Hiking boots are recommended. We also suggest that you bring a collapsible walking stick for the more challenging walks. A change of footwear is also essential. A plastic water bottle is handy for staying hydrated on your walking tours, and a pair of binoculars enhances your enjoyment of the scenery. Insect repellent, sunscreen, bandages, lip balm and a flashlight are also a good idea. 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. Also, remember that it is preferable notto visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).

Currency

The euro (as well as the British pound, on extension) is the currency you will be using on your tour. Better rates of exchange are usually available in your destination countries rather than in the United States, 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 traveler’s 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 Go Ahead Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend $2 USD per person per day for your driver and $4 USD to $6 USD per person per day for your tour director. If you have local guides on your tour, we recommend tipping $1USD per local guide per day.