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A Week in Ireland: St. Patrick's Day

Duration: 8 days
Group size: 15-38
Reviews: 33

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. Start your journey in Galway, making your way to Cork and the Blarney Castle before settling in for the celebrations in Dublin. Don some green, grab a pint, and join the locals for the city’s legendary St. Patrick’s Day parade.

Your tour package includes

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

Included highlights

St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin
Galway Bay
Cliffs of Moher
the Burren
Cork’s English Market

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Day-by-day itinerary

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Shannon today.

County Galway2 nights

Day 2: Arrival in County Galway

Included meal: Dinner

Welcome to Ireland! After landing in Shannon, travel to County Galway. Once settled in, discover the local energy and living traditions of Ireland’s third-largest city on a guided tour.

• 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

Later, get to know your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: The Burren & Cliffs of Moher

Included meal: Breakfast

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

Back in Galway, enjoy a free afternoon to explore the city.

County Cork1 night

Day 4: Cork via Blarney Castle

Included meal: Breakfast

Pay a visit to Blarney Castle, where you’ll have the chance to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone. Then continue on to Cork, a city synonymous with the Irish spirit of rebellion, and explore the city with your Tour Director.

• Wander along Cork’s web of canals to the city center

• Stop at the English Market, a traditional food hall best known for its butchers and fresh fish

County Dublin3 nights

Day 5: Sightseeing tour of Dublin

Included meal: Breakfast

Zip through lush scenery on your way to Dublin, where you’ll embark on a guided tour of the Emerald Isle’s capital city.

• Stop in Phoenix Park, site of the presidential residence, and pass by the Guinness Storehouse

• 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

Day 6: 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: The St. Patrick’s Day Parade takes place on March 17. If March 17 falls on day 7 of your departure, the parade will take place on day 7 and the free day in Dublin will take place on day 6.

Day 7: Free day in Dublin

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Spend the day exploring Dublin on your own or add an excursion.

Later, say goodbye to your fellow travelers and take in Irish entertainment at a farewell dinner in one of Dublin’s oldest pubs.

Glendalough

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 8: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.5 average

03/25/2019 by 3rd time traveler Tracy R.

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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Fun tour

03/25/2019 by 5th time traveler Julie D.

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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A week in Ireland & St. Patrick’s Day

04/11/2019 by 4th time traveler Stephanie W.

This was my first trip to Ireland & my 3rd trip with Go Ahead. My opinion is that the time in Cork City was not worthwhile. I would have liked a more structured afternoon with an excursion. Brian was a very engaging & knowledgeable guide. However, after arriving in Dublin his only communication ...

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I hope this gets posted, this was not my first go ahead tour, my first was excellent.

04/17/2018 by 3rd time traveler Patricia C.

I enjoyed Ireland and will go back. Our tour director Tom and bus driver, Paddy were wonderful. I should have realized more that St. Patty’s in Dublin would be a drunken party, what surprised me were the fellow travelers we merged with for one event were ridiculously drunk! And the facility we had...

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04/10/2018 by 2nd time traveler Cynthia L.

In the past I’ve only traveled with my late Husband. I had to continue to see what is in store for me next . So I found myself signing up to travel with a group ( I didn’t know anyone in the group) and it was great fun ! The weather was at time wet , rain , snow and wind but it was all together gre...

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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.

Clayton Hotel Galway

This modern hotel is located outside Galway. Guests enjoy an indoor pool, fitness center, and Wi-Fi. Nearby, you'll find Galway City Museum, the Natio...

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Blarney Woollen Mills Hotel

This family-run hotel is located in in the heart of Blarney Village. Guests enjoy traditional pub and restaurant facilities, and a fitness Center with...

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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

FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

In order to enter Ireland, 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 about 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 Shannon and depart from Dublin. 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.
All other included transportation is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Airlines have varying weight restrictions on baggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage; be advised that you are responsible for any such costs.
Contact your airline for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flight, but please note that our travelers are restricted to one checked bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
One carry-on bag of 45 total inches (length + width + height) is also permitted.
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 a meal. 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.

Electricity & air conditioning

Ireland 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 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 in Dublin.

Currency

You will use the euro in Ireland.
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. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.