Name: A Week in Ireland: St. Patrick's Day
Brand: Go Ahead Tours
SKU: IRP
Price: 2549 USD
Rating: 4.53125 (32 reviews)

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Raise your pint and revel in the spirit of Ireland.

Can you think of a better time to visit Ireland than during St. Patrick’s Day week? Drop in on the Emerald Isle during one of the most festive times of year, exploring its vibrant cities and breathtaking countryside. Don some green, grab a pint, and join the locals in Dublin for the city’s legendary St. Patrick’s Day parade. Then, make your way west to kiss the Blarney Stone and marvel at the Cliffs of Moher.

Your tour package includes

6 nights in handpicked hotels
6 breakfasts
3 dinners with beer or wine
5 sightseeing tours
Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Cobh Heritage Centre
Blarney Castle
Galway Bay

Start planning today

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

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Day-by-day itinerary

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Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Dublin today.

County Dublin3 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 walk past Grafton Street to the Molly Malone statue, ending in the Temple Bar district

Enjoy a free afternoon in Dublin or add an excursion.

(Please note: On some departures, the Dublin sightseeing tour and the Glendalough optional make take place on Day 4 and the St. Patricks Day festival may occur on Day 3.)

Glendalough

From $39 per person

Day 4: St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin

Included meal: Breakfast

Travel into Dublin to celebrate your own way today—catch a glimpse of the legendary St. Patrick’s Day Parade, or take advantage of the cultural events held across the city.

(Please note: On some departures, the St. Patricks Day festival may occur on Day 3 and the Dublin sightseeing tour and the Glendalough optional make take place on Day 4.)

County Cork1 night

Day 5: County Cork via Cork & Cobh

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Make your way to County Cork, stopping along the way in Cork and Cobh.

Wander along Cork’s web of canals to the city center
Explore the city of Cork and enjoy free time to walk through the English Market, a traditional food hall
Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre to see exhibits that highlight the story of Irish emigration over the past 150 years

Later, sit down for an included dinner with your group.

County Galway2 nights

Day 6: County Galway via Blarney Castle & sightseeing tour of Galway

Included meal: Breakfast

En route to County Galway, stop to climb to the top of Blarney Castle and kiss the famed Blarney Stone, which is said to grant the “gift of gab.”

This afternoon, admire some of the Galway’s highlights on a walking orientation with your Tour Director in the lead.

Stroll past Lynch’s Castle, the Druid Theatre 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.

An Evening in Galway: Pub Dinner & Music

From $65 per person

Day 7: The Burren & Cliffs of Moher

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Journey outside the city to explore two of the country’s most dramatic landscapes.

Travel through the limestone plateau called the Burren
Explore the Cliffs of Moher, which rise 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean

Later, head to a traditional pub with live entertainment in Galway to celebrate your trip with your group during a farewell dinner.

Flight Home

Day 8: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home on continue on to London, England.

Extension to London

Mind the gap, get in the queue, ask for bangers with your mash—now you’re ready for London! Fly here and spend extra time in the bustling English capital, taking in the sights alongside a local expert.

London3 nights

Day 8: Flight to London

Included meal: Breakfast

Fly to London, England this morning.

Day 9: Sightseeing tour of London

Included meal: Breakfast

View the regal landmarks of England’s vibrant and cosmopolitan capital on a guided sightseeing tour.

Pass the grand Trafalgar Square and Baroque-style St. Paul’s Cathedral, perched atop Ludgate Hill
See Westminster Abbey, the setting for royal coronations, weddings, and funerals
View icons like Big Ben, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London
Stop by Buckingham Palace, where you may catch the Changing of the Guard

Spend a free afternoon in London or add an excursion.

Windsor Castle

From $109 per person

Day 10: Free day in London

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in London or add an excursion.

This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Stonehenge & Oxford

From $145 per person

Flight Home

Day 11: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

Overall rating 4.5 out of 5

Based on 32 authentic and unedited traveler reviews

Sort by

03/13/19 by 2nd-time traveler Tracy

This is my second tour, so I can only compare it to my first, which was excellent. I think this tour director could have provided us with useful information and more commentary during the time on the bus. Overall, the itinerary and accommodations provided were great. Go Ahead has the best custome...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 03/25/19

Dear Tracy, Thank you so much for letting us know ...

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Fun tour

03/13/19 by 4th-time traveler Julie

This tour was a lot of fun. Would have liked another day in Cork. The hotel in Cork was the best out of the 3 and we had very little time there. Would have liked more time at Blarney, as well. It takes so long to get through the castle you have little or no time to walk the grounds or shop. Ple...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 03/25/19

Dear Julie, Thank you so much for leaving us an on...

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Saint Patrick’s Day In Dublin

03/13/19 by 1st-time traveler Annmarie

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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.

Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport

This modern airport hotel is located in the Corballis neighborhood. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and flight information screens. Nearby you’ll find...

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Garryvoe Hotel

This contemporary hotel is located on the coast of Garryvoe. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and health club. Nearby, you’ll find Garryvoe Beach and b...

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Maldron Sandy Road

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

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Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington

Take some time for rest and relaxation in the comfortable, spacious, and elegantly furnished rooms at the Copthorne Tara Hotel, located in the residen...

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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

Local weather

Cobh, Ireland

Weather averages

Today

High 49 °FLow 32 °F

Galway, Ireland

Weather averages

Today

High 47 °FLow 32 °F

Dublin, Ireland

Weather averages

Today

High 48 °FLow 37 °F

Shannon, Ireland

Weather averages

Today

High 47 °FLow 32 °F

FAQ

Print FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

In order to enter Ireland (and the United Kingdom on the tour extension), U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for at least 1.5 hours daily across moderately uneven terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets with some hills and stairs.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Dublin and depart from Shannon (or London on the tour extension). A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
A flight from Shannon to London is included in the price of the tour extension.
All other included transportation is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to any of the countries on this tour.
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

Irish pubs serve up hearty lunches, such as the traditional stew of bacon and boiled cabbage. Soda bread is delicious, very filling, and served with many meals. Nibble a scone at afternoon tea, with a pat of high-quality butter from County Kerry. Guinness stout is an international sensation, but locals might favor Murphy's, depending on where you are.
Dublin has seen something of a culinary revolution, and the city now boasts an impressive array of new restaurants offering exciting cuisine with continental Europe, Asian, and even American influences.
For traditional English fare at a reasonable price on the tour extension, try a pub meal of fish and chips or bangers and mash. Stilton cheese, steak and kidney pie, and Cumberland sausages are also worth a try.
Modern-day London, on the tour extension, boasts an array of diverse international restaurants. Popular options for the adventurous palate include Indian, Thai, Chinese, Indonesian, Greek, and West African cuisine. Sip afternoon tea with delicious finger sandwiches and scones at Harrods for the ultimate in English tradition.

Electricity & air conditioning

Ireland (and the United Kingdom on the tour extension) operates within 230-240 volts and uses a Type G plug with three large, flat pins.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other electrical device without a built-in converter.
The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances, but these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though charges may apply.
There is no internet access on the motor coach.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

Ireland (and the United Kingdom on the tour extension) is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which is five hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
When it’s noon in New York, it’s 5pm on tour.

Currency

You will use the euro in Ireland (and the Pound sterling in the United Kingdom on the tour extension).
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.

A Week in Ireland: St. Patrick's Day

Raise your pint and revel in the spirit of Ireland.

Day-by-day itinerary

Reviews

Traveler photos

Hotels, flights & FAQ

Hotels

Flights

Local weather

FAQ

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