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Ireland: Traditions of the Emerald Isle

with Belfast extension

Duration: 11 or 13 days
Group size: 15-38
Reviews: 313

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Ireland’s green landscapes, welcoming cities, and rich culture await.

On this adventure through the Emerald Isle, you’ll see that even the oldest traditions continue to thrive. Discover the country’s highlights, starting in historic Dublin and continuing on through County Cork, “The Rebel County.” After exploring the breathtaking Ring of Kerry, the mesmerizing Cliffs of Moher, and the charming coastal city of Galway, you may find it hard to say goodbye to Ireland.

Your tour package includes

9 nights in handpicked hotels
9 breakfasts
4 dinners with beer or wine
7 guided sightseeing tours
Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Rock of Cashel
Cobh Heritage Centre
Cork
Blarney Castle

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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.

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 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: The departure time of the Glendalough optional excursion may vary.

Glendalough

Excursion (additional cost)

County Cork2 nights

Day 4: Cork via the Irish National Stud & Rock of Cashel

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel to Cork, stopping for several guided visits along the way.

Visit the Irish National Stud farm in County Kildare, where world-class race horses are bred and trained
Explore the Japanese Gardens of the Irish National Stud farm
Take a tour of the iconic Rock of Cashel, commanding stone buildings that date back to the 12th and 13th centuries

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Day 5: Cobh, Cork & Blarney Castle

Included meal: Breakfast

Get a feel for the many sides of Ireland, from charming villages to vibrant cities and iconic castles.

Discover the town of Cobh, once a launch site for ships bound for North America
Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre, whose exhibits tell the story of Irish emigration over the past 150 years
Pass through Cork, also known as “The Rebel City," and enjoy a brief walking tour around the city center
Stop at Blarney Castle to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone

County Kerry2 nights

Day 6: County Kerry via Muckross House

Included meal: Breakfast

Transfer to County Kerry today, stopping at Muckross House. Take time to explore this Victorian mansion and stroll through its beautifully manicured gardens.

Day 7: The Ring of Kerry & Killarney National Park

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Set out on 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.

Galway2 nights

Day 8: Galway via Cliffs of Moher & the Burren

Included meal: Breakfast

This morning, head to Tarbert where you’ll board a ferry and cross the Shannon Estuary to County Clare. Then, travel north to Galway, 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 and discover the local energy and living traditions of Ireland’s third-largest city with your Tour Director.

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 Galway or add an excursion.

Castle Banquet Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 9: Free day in Galway

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Galway or add excursions.

An Evening in Galway: Pub Dinner & Music

Excursion (additional cost)

Aran Islands

Excursion (additional cost)

County Dublin1 night

Day 10: Transfer to County Dublin & Teeling Whiskey Distillery

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Travel to Dublin and take a guided tour of the Teeling Whiskey Distillery.

Learn about the process and history of distilling whiskey
Sample some of the whisky during a tasting

This evening, celebrate your trip at a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers in County Dublin.

Flight Home

Day 11: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or continue on to Belfast.

Extension to Belfast

Journey to Belfast, the cultural heart of Northern Ireland. You’ll join a local guide on a citywide tour past the Grand Opera House and shipbuilding docks where the Titanic was built.

Belfast2 nights

Day 11: Sightseeing tour of Belfast

Included meal: Breakfast

Journey to Belfast, the cultural heart of Northern Ireland, where you’ll get the local perspective of the city 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

Day 12: Free day in Belfast

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Belfast or add an excursion.

Tonight, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow travelers.

Giant's Causeway

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 13: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.7 average

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

Lovely Trip

02/03/2020 by 4th time traveler Rose C.

My husband's people came from Ireland, so we decided to go see what it was like. We thoroughly enjoyed the trip. lt was well managed and there were no snags. This was my third trip with Go Ahead Tours, and we will probably go on more trips in the future.

11/06/2019 by 2nd time traveler Bob D.

The total tour experience was excellent from the initial informational contact, the booking to the tour. Everyone was helpful and accommodating, working to ensure a pleasant trip. Thank you.

03/02/2020 by 7th time traveler Anonymous

Going in October was good for one reason -not so crowed with tourists. The down size was that two of the excursions were cancelled at this time because of the late season. Go ahead should have notified us ahead of time instead of the tour director springing the news on our first night on the tour. ...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 03/02/2020

Dear Traveler, Thank you very much for traveling w...

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11/06/2019 by 3rd time traveler Sarah P.

Just a wonderful experience from start to finish - great tour director, fantastic hotels, really well-curated tour. Thanks for a trip of a lifetime!

Ireland First Timers

10/29/2019 by 2nd time traveler Denise Q.

My husband and I always wanted to go to Ireland and, as first timers, we were so glad to finally get that chance. This tour was perfect for us. We got to see and hear so much about this beautiful Island. The tour went without a hitch. We were met at airport, brought to our hotel and met by our Tour ...

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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.

Hampton by Hilton Belfast City Centre

This comfortable hotel is located in the city center. Guests enjoy a fitness center, free Wi-Fi, and a bar. Nearby you’ll find the Grand Opera House, ...

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Clayton Hotel Belfast

This modern hotel is located in the Linen Quarter. Guests enjoy an indoor pool, fitness center, and Wi-Fi. Nearby, you'll find Albert Memorial Clock, ...

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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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Sneem Hotel

This colonial hotel is located in the Golden Heights neighborhood. Guests enjoy outdoor dining, a restaurant, and a bar. Nearby, you’ll find the River...

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Castle Hotel

This boutique hotel is located in downtown Macroom. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and gym. Nearby, you’ll find the Macroom Golf Club, the Gearagh, a...

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The Blarney Hotel and Golf Resort

This modern hotel is located in Tower village. Guests enjoy a bar, restaurant options, and on-site golf course. Nearby you’ll find the Blarney Golf Cl...

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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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Meadowlands Hotel

This charming hotel is located on the Wild Atlantic Way. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and garden. Nearby, you’ll find downtown Tralee, Ashe Memoria...

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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

Print FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

This tour visits Ireland (plus the United Kingdom on the tour extension). In order to enter these countries, 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.

Tour pace

You will walk for at least 1 hour daily across moderately uneven terrain, including cobblestone streets and paved roads, 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.
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.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Dublin and depart from Dublin (or from Belfast 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.
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.

Electricity & air conditioning

Ireland (plus the United Kingdom on the tour extension) operates 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.

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 (plus 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.

Dates & prices

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202020212022

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2020

Ireland: Traditions of the Emerald Isle

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