Ireland Uncovered

10 days
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4.9/5 Excellent
51 reviews  
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Small Group Tour
Ireland’s beauty has inspired romantics, poets and dreamers for centuries. Its towns and villages exude unforgettable charm, cheer, and the rich tapestry of Gaelic culture. Explore storied pasts in magnificent castles that dot the landscape, discover mysteries along Ireland’s stunning seascapes, emerald lakes and moss covered bogs on this tour to Island. Visi...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • See why Ireland’s beauty has inspired romantics, poets and dreamers for centuries
    • Ireland is a country where locals love a chat. Start your conversation on this small group tour of Ireland
    • Live like royalty at Powerscourt House and Gardens
    • Discover the mystery of the desolate and barren landscape of Achill Island
    • Dublin is a very energetic scene. Stroll through Temple Bar and take in a tasting at the Guinness Brewery
    • Witness Ireland’s un-spoiled natural wonder of the Ring of Kerry and see shepherds in action at a working sheep farm.

What's this trip about?

    Ireland’s beauty has inspired romantics, poets and dreamers for centuries. Its towns and villages exude unforgettable charm, cheer, and the rich tapestry of Gaelic culture. Explore storied pasts in magnificent castles that dot the landscape, discover mysteries along Ireland’s stunning seascapes, emerald lakes and moss covered bogs on this tour to Island. Visit Dublin voted the 3rd friendliest city on earth, marvel at Waterford Crystal, and feast on Irish hospitality – it’s a country where locals love a chat. Start your conversation on this small group tour of Ireland.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportRound trip airfare and all internal transport included
Start CityDublin, Ireland
End CityDublin, Ireland

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Ireland

Attractions

  • Dingle Peninsula
  • Dublin
  • Galway
  • Killarney National Park

Activities

  • Culture
  • History
  • Nature
  • Ruins & Archaeology

Trip includes

    • Roundtrip International Airfare
    • 8 Nights 4-star Accommodations
    • 14 Meals
    • Tour of Dublin City with Guinness Brewery
    • Excursion to Achill Island
    • Powerscourt House and Gardens & Avoca Hand Weavers
    • Waterford Crystal & Crystal Blowing/Cutting Demonstration
    • Tours of Distinction Tour Director
    • Gratuities for Tour Director, Local Guide and Driver/Guide

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Itinerary

 Day 1 - Depart for Dublin, Ireland Today, transfer to the airport for your tour of Ireland and board your overnight flight to Dublin.  Day 2 - Arrive Dublin Arriving at Dublin International Airport, you will be met by your local guide and escorted to your awaiting motor-coach. This morning, you will enjoy a tour of Dublin City; originally founded as a Viking settlement, Dublin has been home to the Irish Parliament since the creation of the Irish Free State in 1922. On your tour, witness Georgian Squares with their 18th Century houses, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Trinity College with the Book of Kells, Phoenix Park (biggest town park in Europe), statue filled O’Connell Street and the fashionable Grafton Street. Later, no visit to Dublin would be complete without a visit to the Guinness Brewery founded in 1759 by Arthur Guinness. Here, you will enjoy a guided tour which concludes with a leisurely pint of Guinness in the 360-degree roof top bar while enjoying some spectacular views of Dublin City. After, check-in to the Camden Court Hotel for our overnight stay and Welcome Dinner.   Day 3 - Waterford After breakfast, we depart Dublin and travel south to County Wicklow, known as The Garden of Ireland. Your first stop will be Powerscourt House and Gardens. Powerscourt House which was badly damaged by fire in 1974 has been refurbished and opened to the public. The gardens at Powerscourt were laid out when the house was rebuilt in 1731. From here, you continue to Glendalough (Valley of Two Lakes) where you travel back in time to the 7th century with a guided tour of this remarkable early monastic settlement. Your tour continues through the beautiful Vale of Avoca to the Avoca Hand Weavers (the oldest in Ireland). We tour the weaving cooperative and get our own chance to try weaving!  Day 4 - Killarney House of Waterford Crystal awaits today! See highly skilled local craftsmen demonstrate crystal blowing and cutting in the new state of the art visitor center. After, continue along the southern coastline to Blarney where you will have an opportunity to visit and kiss the famous Blarney Stone - said to bestow the gift of eloquence on all those who dare. Following this adventure, continue to Killarney for a two-night stay in the Killarney Towers Hotel.    Day 5 - Dingle Peninsula Today, you will enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the Dingle Peninsula, once cited as the most beautiful place on earth by National Geographic. You will stop at the Brian de Staic studio in Dingle which specializes in Celtic jewelry. This jewelry is handcrafted and engraved with ancient Celtic symbols and the letters of the ogham alphabet, an ancient Irish form of writing. As you continue around Slea Head, you will get some breathtaking views of the Atlantic coastline and see some beehive huts (early monastic settlements) dating back over a thousand years. Plus, we visit the westernmost point in Ireland where you can view the Blasket Islands. You will also see the locations for such films as Ryan’s Daughter and the more recently filmed Far and Away which starred Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. You will have some free time in Dingle for lunch before returning to Killarney.   Day 6 - Galway This morning, you bid farewell to Killarney and travel to Tralee, capital town of County Kerry and famous for The Rose of Tralee Festival. You continue to Tarbert where you board the Shannon Ferry and cross the Shannon Estuary to Killimer. From here, you travel the coast to the majestic Cliffs of Moher, which rise to a height of 600 ft. over the Atlantic Ocean. Following some free time to view the cliffs, your tour continues through the ‘lunar’ type landscape of the Burren, from the Irish word ‘bhoireann’ meaning, ‘a stony place’ or ‘a rocky place.’ This is the perfect description for this 350 sq. kilometer limestone plateau in North Clare. Later, you continue along the shores of Galway Bay to Galway City and check-in to the Galway Harbour Hotel where we have dinner.   Day 7 - Westport Today you depart Galway and travel through Connemara with an abundance of mountains, lakelands and boglands. Because of its wild and rugged beauty, it has been the location for many films - “The Quiet Man” with John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara and, in more recent times, “The Field,” starring Richard Harris. Kylemore Abbey is our next stop. Built in 1866, it was home to Benedictine Nuns from 920 to 2008. You can also visit the Abbey’s Victorian Walled Garden which is completely enclosed by a brick and limestone wall and beautiful Gothic Church. From here, continue through the scenic Doolough Valley taking in a stretch of road known as the famine walk and follow in the footsteps of the many people who left their home in search of food during the great famine. You will visit Glen Keen Farm and enjoy some freshly baked scones followed by a sheep herding demonstration. From here you continue by the foothills of Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s Holy Mountain to Westport. We unpack here for our two-night stay at the Hotel Westport.   Day 8 - Achill Island After breakfast, travel to Mulranny and cross the Michael Davitt Bridge to Achill, Ireland’s largest offshore island. We follow the coastline and experience breathtaking views on the island’s spectacular Atlantic Drive and visit the deserted village at Slievemore.  This village consists of 80 - 100 stone cottages (booley homes) on the southern slopes of Slievemore Mountain. There is a pub stop on Achill Island for lunch before returning to Westport, where you will have the remainder of the afternoon free. Take time to explore this picturesque town with its cheerful, multi-coloured shop fronts and an attractive selection of pubs, cafés and restaurants.  Day 9 - Dublin Bid farewell to Westport this morning as we travel to the town of Knock, where Our Lady appeared in 1879, and has since become a great place of pilgrimage with thousands of people visiting each year. Then, continue to Dunboyne Castle Hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel.  Day 10 - Depart Dublin After breakfast, we transfer to Dublin International Airport with fond memories, newly acquired accents and many stories. Upon arrival in the USA, transfer home.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,200
Price per day$320
Last Updated: 4/26/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Tours of Distinction.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Tours of Distinction Reviews & Ratings

4.9/5  Excellent
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J Lamb

Aug 2023

Written on

Great Itinerary and Value

We loved this trip. Our guide was excellent. We really enjoyed all th...

S

Suzie

Sep 2022

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The trip itself was amazing!

The trip itself was amazing! The Venus were interesting and beautiful. The food was delicious (especially the buffet at The Grand on Mackinac Island). We enjoyed get...

M

MISLED

Feb 2024

Tours of Distinction Company Reviewsby Tours of Distinction

UNDERWHELMING TO SAY THE LEAST

TOURNAMENT OF ROSES PARADE DECEMBER 29, 2023 - JANUARY 3, 2024 I have wanted to attend The Rose Bowl Parade since I was a kid. Happened to spot the L.A./Pasadena tri...

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Tour Operator

Tours of Distinction

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Since 1971, Tours of Distinction has offered a diverse collection of escorted and customized individual tours, carefully crafted by our professional travel team to over 500,000 travelers. We are one of the best tour companies that specialize in everything from carefree Day Trips, Land & Multi-day Tours and Cruises. From the USA, Canada and all over the world, whether you are a first-time traveler or a seasoned globetrotter, if you love life-enriching moments and experiencing the heart, soul, and adventure of a destination, then traveling with Tours of Distinction is the right vacation for you.

We’ve been providing life-enriching experiences putting you at the heart of the destination and creating lasting memories for 50 years. Our expert service, guidance and years of experience help make all the difference.

Most tours are fully inclusive of airfare, superior accommodations, most meals, all gratuities, and the highlights of each destination. Mixed with a balance of free-time and the leadership of a professional Tours of Distinction Tour Director, you will see what you have dreamed to see in safety and security.

For Tours of Distinction, our goal is to make sure your journey is as distinct as you, and the best it can be.

Our name says it all.

Distinct Commitments:

Accountability 

Here at Tours of Distinction we believe in delivering on the commitments we make – to our colleagues, to our clients, to our community, and to our fellow travelers. Everything we do is done with purpose, passion, and a promise to always do the right thing.

Authenticity

We know because we’ve been there. Here at Tours of Distinction we are passionate about travel! With more than 45 years as a respected tour operator and more than 100 years of combined travel & tourism expertise, we know what’s important to consider when booking a tour. What’s more, many of our staff have traveled to the destinations we promote and are well-equipped to handle different situations as they may arise.

Easy to work with

We pride ourselves on being responsive and easy to work with from the very first point of contact to post-trip.

Support

Whether you are a solo traveler or part of a pre-formed group, our dedicated staff of professional Tour Planners and Tour Directors work hard to finesse all the details of custom planning, booking, and escorting your trip to ensure that you have the smoothest, most memorable experience possible.

Community Focused

Tours of Distinction is a close-knit bunch. Creating enjoyable tour experiences, along with a history of shared memories with our colleagues, clients, and fellow travelers is what unifies us and encourages loyalty. We value our clients and reward loyalty through several programs.

Innovative

Keeping up with the latest trends in travel and, more important, how you prefer to travel is paramount to how we operate. We are always leveraging the feedback we receive and industry data to deliver unique tour packages that inspire the imagination, offer relaxation, and promote optimal well-being.

Back & Relax Even Before Your Tour Begins:

Daily Experience                                                              

It's all in the details. Our Tour Directors are constantly working behind the scenes to ensure every moment matters. Hotel check-ins, porterage, meals and all our other tour inclusions are coordinated so everything runs right on time. Not only will your experience be seamless, but we promise you top-of-the-line accommodations, restaurants, and even more exclusive ways to witness first-hand the must-see sights of each and every area!

Professional & Passionate

Each of our Tours of Distinction Tour Directors has over 20 years of experience. They know how to make each tour safe, fun and inclusive. Sit back and relax - you are in good hands!

Knowledge

Been there and done that. Our Tour Directors know the road, and what works to really make each trip extra special and memorable. Their local knowledge of special sights, sounds and smells make every moment fun and the journey smooth.           

Local Guides

At times, our Tour Directors enlist the assistance of local guides in order to give our clients a more in-depth and authentic experience. Local guides are thoughtfully chosen for their insider's knowledge of local customs and traditions that gives visitors a glimpse of how life is really lived.

Time and Money

Your time and money are valuable! Guided travel offers you the unique value of saving precious time. Don't spend even a minute stressing over every aspect of your getaway, such as missing flights, the best attractions and incredible cuisine. Instead, we plan out every detail so you never have to think twice about your vacation running smoothly.

Get the most out of your travel experience traveling at the right time of year and getting the best experiences with the best people. We know the perfect time of the year to visit each of our unique locations around the world, for the very best value. Plus, our tour vacation packages are fully inclusive.

Small Groups

There are so many rewards to small group travel, which is the reason why Tours of Distinction specializes in this type of travel experience. As a general rule of thumb, small group travel means that group sizes are limited and normally do not include more than twenty people.

New Friends

One of the basic advantages to small group travel is that you will visit a destination with like-minded travelers. Traveling with people and sharing interests as well as experiences often bond travelers together. Small group travel is not only sharing life-changing experiences with others, but you also come away with fabulous memories and new friends!

Just Enjoy

Another perk of small group travel is that you get a more in-depth look at a destination without the logistical hassles of traveling completely on your own. In short, with a small group, you are able to enjoy more time experiencing a destination rather than organizing and haggling when in it.

Authentic Experiences

Much of the time, small group itineraries offer more authentic off the beaten path experiences that you would not find on your own. Special local guides take you into the heart of a destination allowing you to see more with the added benefit of sharing the delights of the adventure with like-minded others.

More Personalized

An experienced guide often makes a destination come alive by providing first hand, on the spot travel experience, knowledge and stories. Small group travel is more personalized and will make you feel more like a traveler and less like a tourist.

Safe

If safety is on your mind, when traveling with a small group you are most likely less likely to be blend-in with the local atmosphere. Plus, it is much easier for our Tour Directors to get know everyone.

We have partnered with the World Travel and Tourism Council with our Ready, Set Travel campaign highlighting our new safety policies and hygiene guidelines.

Economical

Economically small group travel is an excellent value for your money. In addition to the non-tangible benefits of a small group, on a Tours of Distinction tour the cost is calculated up front so once you have paid for your trip, all you need to bring along is some spending money for personal items and souvenirs.

Eco-Friendly

If you are concerned about the environmental footprint, small group travel is structured to leave a lighter footprint on a destination. For example, traveling in a group leaves a much lighter carbon footprint than if each person in the group hired an individual car. A small group also offer the added benefit of utilizing more local restaurants, guides, and hotels giving a little more back to the community we are visiting.

Tours of Distinction offers small group tours nationally and internationally.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel Insurance, Alcoholic Beverages, Items of a Personal Nature

Accommodation

,Premier Accommodation
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
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Meals Included

8 Full Irish Breakfasts | 6 Dinners

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
tourso-IreDis

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