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Ireland Walking Tour

with Dublin extension

Duration: 10 or 12 days
Group size: 14-28
Reviews: 74

Unlock the history and scenery of the Emerald Isle, step by step.

Explore Ireland from the ground up on a walking tour through the country’s small cities and most dramatic landscapes. From the Cliffs of Moher to the rocky Burren to the tip of the Dingle Peninsula, you’ll discover the natural beauty that separates Irish landscapes into a league of their own. And in Galway, Connemara, and Cork, you’ll stroll right through history (and hopefully, into a few pubs too).

Your tour package includes

8 nights in handpicked hotels
8 breakfast
1 lunch
3 dinners with beer or wine
9 guided sightseeing tours

Included highlights

The Burren
Cliffs of Moher
Connemara National Park
Killarney National Park
Dingle Peninsula

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Day-by-day itinerary

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Shannon today.

Galway4 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Galway via Shannon

Included meal: Dinner

Welcome to Ireland! After arriving in Shannon, transfer to Galway to meet your fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: The Burren & Cliffs of Moher

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Journey south of Galway today and get to know the region on a series of guided walks.

• Explore the Burren, an expansive limestone plateau where fields of rock are dotted with wildflowers

• Enjoy lunch at a traditional Irish pub

• Walk along the mesmerizing coastline of the majestic Cliffs of Moher, which rise to heights of 600 feet above the Atlantic Ocean

Day 4: Connemara National Park & Kylemore

Included meal: Breakfast

Set out to explore more of the surrounding scenery and historic sights today.

• With a local guide leading the way, amble past the stunning lush valleys, majestic mountains, and mystical lakes of Connemara National Park

• Enter the palatial Kylemore Abbey, a sprawling estate originally built by Mitchell Henry in 1866 as a gift for his new bride

Day 5: Free day in Galway

Included meal: Breakfast

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

Aran Islands

Excursion (additional cost)

County Kerry3 nights

Day 6: Killarney National Park

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Transfer to Killarney National Park, Ireland’s first national park, which has grown to 25,000 acres of diverse ecological landscapes.

• Visit the stately Tudor-style Muckross House, donated to the Irish state in 1932

• Take a guided walking tour through Killarney National Park’s most magnificent landscapes around Muckross Lake

This evening, sit down to an included dinner with your group.

Day 7: The Dingle Peninsula

Included meal: Breakfast

Make your way along the dramatically rugged terrain of the Dingle Peninsula on a walking tour with a local guide leading the way.

• Explore the western tip of Ireland on a guided walk along the Dingle Peninsula

• Enjoy breathtaking views as you wander past secluded harbors and seaside cliffs

• See archaeological sites and ancient ruins dating back to the Mesolithic Period

Day 8: Glengarriff & Garnish Island

Included meal: Breakfast

Take a scenic drive through the Caha Mountains of the Beara Peninsula before setting out for a scenic walk.

• Arrive in Glengarriff, where you’ll board a boat to Garnish Island

• Take a short walk through the cultivated gardens and catch glimpses of wild seascapes and the barren mountains beyond

County Limerick1 night

Day 9: Limerick via Gougane Barra & Cork

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Set out for a guided walk along Loch Gougane Barra, taking in views of the lake as you go. After a short photo stop, continue your hike up a scenic mountain path to marvel at the spectacular vistas from the summit.

Then, stop in Cork for free time before continuing on to County Limerick for a farewell dinner.

Flight Home

Day 10: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay to visit Dublin.

Extension to Dublin

Ireland's capital is home to some of the leading writers of the English-speaking world, including favorite son James Joyce. The city's long literary tradition extends from the long-gone monasteries that kept Classical traditions alive during the Dark Ages, to the illuminated Book of Kells, the creation of Trinity College, and a bumper crop of writers in the 19th and 20th centuries. But it's not all professorial reserve, as a trip to one of Dublin's lively pubs will remind you.

Dublin2 nights

Day 10: Sightseeing tour of Dublin

Included meal: Breakfast

Travel from Limerick to Dublin. This afternoon, take a walking tour of Ireland’s capital city with a local expert leading the way.

• View the Georgian architecture in Parnell Square and stroll down O'Connell Street

• Cross the River Liffey at the Ha'penny Bridge

• Pass through the iconic Temple Bar district, which is full of authentic pubs

• See Trinity College and walk down Grafton Street to St Stephen’s Green

Day 11: Free day in Dublin

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a full free day in Dublin or add excursions.

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

Walking Tour of Glendalough

Excursion (additional cost)

Traditional Irish Dinner & Show

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 12: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.6 average

Walking Tour Ireland

10/08/2018 by 6th time traveler Anonymous

Very good off the beaten path destinations. Saw the wilds of Ireland. Wish we could have seen Fungi the dolphin in Dingle.

Ireland Walking Tour

09/28/2018 by 3rd time traveler Teresa C.

I had a fantastic time on this tour. The hotels were great. Our tour director was Colm Austin and he was brilliant. I highly recommend this tour. Ireland is the most beautiful country.

Oh, the Things We Saw!

08/08/2018 by 5th time traveler Ryan C.

What a wonderful time we had exploring the west coast of Ireland. We traveled in May and the weather couldn't have been more perfect. We experienced quinessential Ireland....the cliffs, Aran and Granish Islands, miles of stone walls, birds, pubs, mountains, Irish Coffee, monasteries, sheep herding a...

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07/20/2018 by 3rd time traveler Deborah Q.

We had a wonderful experience on the tour. The fun began when we all met for the opening dinner reception. Our tour director ensured we were all welcomed ,comfortable and facilitated our bonding. Without question he is best director I have met. His knowledge of the history and topography of Ireland ...

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07/13/2018 by 2nd time traveler Jay T.

This was a great tour. I would call it a hiking tour rather than a walking tour. The country is beautiful, clean and the people are very friendly. We had a great group of 16 and David was an excellent tour guide and Billy was a great driver. The downside is the travel to and from Ireland from m...

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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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Arbutus Hotel

This charming hotel is located in Killarney town centre. Guests enjoy free WiFi and Buckley's Bar, as well as complimentary ginger cake and tea on arr...

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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 2 hours daily across uneven terrain, including dirt paths and unpaved trails, with some hills and steep 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 boats.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Walks on this tour

Depending on local weather conditions, seasons and trail closures, the activities and sequence of your included walks may change.
The Burren – 1.5 miles / 1 hour. A challenging yet beautiful climb up limestone hills with a local guide, including views of the Cliffs of Moher (weather permitting).
Connemara National Park – 4 miles / 3.5 hours. Loose gravel paths and boardwalks give way to sweeping mountain views. You may opt for an easier route of 2 miles / 1.5 hours.
Killarney National Park – 4 miles / 3 hours. A flat path circles Muckross Lake in view of Torc Waterfall.
Dingle Peninsula – 2 miles / 1.5-2 hours. This muddy coastal area boasts some of the most dramatic views in the country—just wear your waterproof boots.
Garnish Island – 1.5 miles / 1 hour. Take an easy stroll through the island's charming gardens. Path includes a stone staircase.
Gougane Barra Walk – 1.8 miles / 3 hours. Moderate walk with some steep steps along path with views of surrounding conifer woodlands, mountains and Lake Gougane Barra.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Shannon and depart from Shannon (or Dublin 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 on this tour 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.
Light hiking boots or sturdy sneakers are recommended for the cobbled stones and uneven terrain.
You may want to consider packing a collapsible walking stick for more challenging walks.
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 your 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 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 some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

Ireland operates on the Greenwich Mean Time Zone (GMT) and are five hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET). When it’s noon in New York, it's 5pm in Ireland.

Currency

You will use the euro in Ireland.
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, but you may choose to order 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.