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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

4.7 star rating

433
Physical activity
red guinness sign with toucan picture
sheep herder sitting on hillside with his dogs
two people sitting on hillside with view of cliffs of moher
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
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Start planning today

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

Talk to a Tour Consultant

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 guided tour of Ireland’s charming capital city.

  • 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 the entrance of Grafton Street to see the Molly Malone statue
  • End your tour in the iconic Temple Bar district

Enjoy a free afternoon in Dublin or add an excursion.

Powerscourt Estate & Gardens

From $55 per person

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

Leaving Dublin, travel a short distance southwest to County Kildare.

  • 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 legendary 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
  • See one of the country’s finest examples of Romanesque stone carving, which dates back to 500 B.C., at Cormac’s Chapel
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.

Traditional Irish Music & Dance Show with Dinner

From $105 per person

Day 9: Free day in Galway
Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in County Galway or add excursions.

Castle Banquet Dinner

From $129 per person

Kylemore Abbey & Connemara National Park

From $79 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 $89 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.

Abbotsford House & Melrose Abbey

From $99 per person

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

Transfer to the airport to board your flight home.

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Reviews

4.7 star rating

Overall rating 4.7 out of 5

Based on 433 authentic traveler reviews
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    4.0 star rating

    Grand tour if Ireland /Scotland
    8/8/23 by 1st-time traveler Evelyn

    The tour was great we saw the country and high lights. I really liked the sheep dog demonstration. I was disappointed we didn’t get to go to the Scottish dancing and music. - Fergus was a great tour guide and made the history very interesting.

    EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 9/19/23

    Thank you so much for taking the time to provide y...

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    5.0 star rating

    8/8/23 by 1st-time traveler Elizabeth

    5.0 star rating

    Wet but Wonderful
    7/25/23 by 13th-time traveler Joanne

    We had a wonderful time in Ireland, even though it rained nearly every day for a bit, sometimes stormy. Ireland had never been on our bucket list, but after hearing enough people tell us how great it was, we decided to visit. We've never seen so much green landscape! And I think there are as many...

    Read more +
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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 Parnell Square
    Maldron Hotel Parnell Square

    This charming hotel is located in Parnell Square in the Dublin city center. Guests enjoy a restaurant and lounge, bar, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you'll ...

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    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 intimate second floor bar. N...

    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 restaurant. Nearby, you'll find the Galway Shop...

    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 +
    Maldron Belfast City
    Maldron Belfast City

    This modern hotel is centrally located in Belfast. Guests enjoy the on-site coffee house, bike rentals, restaurant. Nearby, you’ll find Belfast City H...

    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, bar, and stylish rooms. Nearby, you'll find Edinburgh Castle, t...

    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

    Print FAQ
    Passport, visa & entry requirements
    • In order to enter Ireland and the United Kingdom, 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 each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
    • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code LSS.
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    Tour pacing & mobility
    • You will walk for at least 1 hour daily across moderately uneven terrain, including paved roads and unpaved trails, 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, as well as getting in and out of ferries on the tour extension.
    • Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
    • If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
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    Transportation & arrival information
    • Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Dublin and depart from Belfast (or Edinburgh 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 ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan is included in the price of the tour extension.
    • All other included transportation is by private motor coach.
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    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.
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    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).
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    Health
    • 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.
    • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code LSS.
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    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.
    • Scottish cuisine, on the tour extension, relies on readily available ingredients like game, dairy, and fish, with little use of exotic spices. Pickled kippers and smoked salmon are popular as well as hearty dishes like Scotch broth (stew of meat and root vegetables) and haggis (a savory pudding of sheep innards). Scotch whisky is a legendary local spirit, and Scottish ales are world-famous.
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    Electricity & air conditioning
    • Ireland and the United Kingdom operate within 230-240 volts and use 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.
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    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.
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    Time zones
    • Ireland and the United Kingdom are 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.
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    Currency
    • You will use the euro in Ireland and the Pound sterling in the United Kingdom.
    • 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.
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    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 $8USD 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.
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    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.
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