Compare Highlights of Ireland by G Adventures vs 12 Day Kaleidoscope of Ireland by Gate 1 Travel

Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.

Trip	Highlights of Ireland by G Adventures 5 \| Excellent 42314 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip Reserve	12 Day Kaleidoscope of Ireland by Gate 1 Travel 3.5 \| Average 746 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip See Offer

Duration	9 days	12 days
Price From	$ 1,983	$ 3,159
Price Per Day	$ 220	$ 263
Highlights	Drink a pint and listen to traditional music in a local pub Visit the sites along the ring of kerry Walk some of the wild atlantic way to the cliffs of moher Explore the cities of dublin and belfast	At Trinity College, view the magnificent 8th century Book of Kells Visit the imposing 12th century Kilkenny Castle, overlooking the River Nore Enjoy a visit to Jameson Whiskey Distillery Tour the storied 15th century Blarney Castle, where you will have the chance to kiss the Blarney Stone View some of Ireland's most spectacular scenery as you drive to the mighty Cliffs of Moher Marvel at the Giant's Causeway, renowned for its layered black basalt columns Tour the Titanic Experience, a nine-gallery museum in the dockyard where the ship was built †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
Trip Style	Small group tour	Group tour
Lodging Level	Standard	Premium
Physical Level	2- Easy	3- Moderate
Travel Themes	Cultural	Cultural 50 plus
Countries Visited	Ireland	Ireland
Cities and Attractions	Belfast Dublin Galway Ring of Kerry	Belfast Dublin Galway Kilkenny
Flights & Transport	Ground transport included	Ground transport included
Activities	Homestays & Cultural Immersion	N/A
Meals Included	8 breakfasts, 1 lunch	N/A
Description	We’re all a little bit Irish come March 17, but if you’re in the market for something more meaningful than a pint of green beer, hop aboard this delightful nine-day adventure to the Emerald Isle. Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, traditional music in a local pub... seriously, it doesn’t get much more quintessentially Irish than this. We mix the essential sites and time in the villages to really round out the experience. Even if Ireland isn’t the Old Country for you, this trip will make you feel as though you’re back home.	2 Dublin, 1 Kilkenny, 2 Cork, 1 Limerick, 2 Sligo, 2 Belfast

Itinerary: Highlights of Ireland

Day 1 Dublin

Arrive at any time.

We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this lively city. There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.

If you wish to explore Dublin before the tour begins, consider booking pre-tour accommodation with us. Please speak to a G Adventures representative about booking accommodations in Dublin before Day 1 of this itinerary.

Day 2 Dublin

Take a free day to roam the cobblestone streets of this historic city.

Walk along the riverside, or marvel at the city's medieval castles and cathedrals. Don't tire yourself out too much - you'll want to get out later tonight and experience the nightlife that the Temple Bar area is known for.

Day 3 Dublin/Killarney

Continue on to Killarney with free time to enjoy the town or explore the nearby national park.

Day 4 Killarney

Enjoy a day trip to experience some sights along the famous Ring of Kerry. Return to Killarney for another night in town.

Day 5 Killarney/Galway City

Travel to Ireland's west coast to Galway. Set off on a guided walking tour before enjoying a free afternoon to explore the city's colourful streets and bohemian atmosphere.

Day 6 Galway City

Travel to the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. Hike the picturesque countryside along the cliffs. Gaze out at the splendour before returning to Galway for the evening. Opt for a night out at the local pub.

Spend a few hours following the Wild Atlantic Way from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher. Soak in the views as you hike the trail. Opt for a picnic along the way.

Day 7 Galway City/Belfast

Travel along the coast towards Northern Ireland. Stop for lunch in the historic city of Derry, then visit the mysterious Dark Hedges. End the day in Belfast.

Day 8 Belfast

Stop at the Giant's Causeway and marvel at the natural phenomenon of its volcanic columns. Continue on to Bushmills Distillery for a guided tour of the oldest working distillery in Ireland. Return to Belfast.

Day 9 Belfast

Depart at any time.

If you wish to extend your stay in Belfast, consider booking post-tour accommodation with us. Please speak to a G Adventures representative about booking accommodations in Belfast after your tour ends.

Itinerary: 12 Day Kaleidoscope of Ireland

DAY 1, Saturday - Depart for Ireland
Depart for Ireland

DAY 2, Sunday - Arrive in Dublin
Upon arrival in Dublin, transfer to your hotel. Most flights arrive in the early morning and your room may not be ready for you. In this case, leave your luggage with the concierge and your Tour Manager will provide suggestions for you to explore the city on your own. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by a light dinner
Overnight: Dublin
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Monday - Dublin City Tour
Begin the exploration of Dublin with a drive through Phoenix Park, one of Europe's largest walled city parks. More than green space, it is home to numerous monuments. You might also see fallow deer grazing in the fields. Continue on to view St. Patrick's Cathedral, the National Cathedral of Ireland founded in 1191. Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels, was dean of the cathedral from 1713 to 1745. On O'Connell Street, admire the handsome buildings that line the city's main thoroughfare. Next, at Trinity College, one of the oldest gospel books grabs your attention, the Book of Kells. This illuminated manuscript was created in the year 800 by Celtic monks. The afternoon is at leisure in the Irish capital. Perhaps visit the Guinness Storehouse, follow in the footsteps of your favorite writer, or browse the shops and museums
Overnight: Dublin
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Tuesday - County Wicklow, Travel to Kilkenny
Drive south from Dublin to Glendalough in County Wicklow, for a short stop at the mystical 6th century monastic site with its round tower before driving through the hilly rolling countryside of County Kildare. Arrive in Kilkenny, a small city located on the banks of the River Nore and visit the 12th-century Kilkenny Castle. Enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening
Overnight: Kilkenny
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Wednesday - Waterford, Jameson Distillery
This morning, drive to Waterford, where you will have an orientation tour of the city. Continue along the coast through the seaside resort of Youghal. Next, tour the Jameson Whiskey distillery and enjoy a tasting session, before arriving in Cork. Dinner together tonight is at the hotel
Overnight: Cork
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6, Thursday - Kinsale, Cork
Start the day visiting Kinsale, a fishing port of great significance in Irish history. A former trading post, the town is known for its 800 year old church, and Georgian houses. The maritime and military history will come to life on a guided walking tour with a local guide. Return to Cork, where the remainder of the day is at leisure
Overnight: Cork
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Friday - Blarney, Home Hosted Lunch, Limerick
Start out today with a stop at Blarney Castle, dating from the 15th century, though earlier fortifications were built on the same spot. Visit the grounds and maybe kiss the stone of eloquence. Next, visit a farm, where the family will host a delicious lunch. Continue to Limerick where you will see the imposing King John's Castle. This castle was built in the 13th century on the banks of River Shannon to safeguard the city. Tonight, perhaps participate in the optional Medieval Banquet* dinner for a lively evening of music, singing, and storytelling
*For Mar & Nov departures, the Knappogue Medieval Banquet will be substituted with Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet
Optional: Knappogue Medieval Banquet (PM)
Overnight: Limerick
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 8, Saturday - Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Travel to Sligo
First stop is at the dramatic Cliffs of Moher. This rock wall towers 700 feet over the crashing surf of the Atlantic. It's sure to be one of the most spectacular meetings of land and water you're likely to see. Then head to Galway, a seafaring town steeped in tradition. Enjoy free time to discover the historic squares and pubs of this colorful town and to view Galway Cathedral. Later, travel to Sligo for overnight. This lovely town was home to a young William Butler Yeats. The poet died in 1939 in France, and ten years later his remains were re-interred here by the Irish navy. Savor dinner together at your hotel this evening
Overnight: Sligo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9, Sunday - Donegal, Slieve League
Begin a full day excursion with a drive to the gravesite of William Butler Yeats at Drumcliff. Continue into County Donegal, with its soaring sea cliffs, white sandy beaches, jaw-dropping landscapes and welcoming atmosphere. Visit the towering Slieve League cliffs, that stretch towards the horizon and admire the stunning panorama before you. At almost 2000 feet, they are among the highest sea cliffs in Europe. Later, drive back to Sligo
Overnight: Sligo
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 10, Monday - Derry City Tour, Giant's Causeway
First stop today is Derry (Londonderry) in Northern Ireland. Your local guide will give you a walking tour around the 17th century city wall. View the Guildhall, Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall and St. Columb's Cathedral. Proceed to the Bogside district and the symbolic Peace Bridge. Local legend and lore make visiting Ireland especially unique and there is no shortage of tales to accompany Giant's Causeway, your next stop. The giant Finn McCool is said to have created this geological wonder so he could walk to Scotland to confront another giant. From there, the story varies. Today, a massive floor of 40,000 hexagonal stones stretches into the sea. Later, continue to Belfast
Overnight: Belfast
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11, Tuesday - Belfast City Tour
Today, embark on a morning sightseeing tour of Belfast*. The city is located on the western shores of Belfast Lough, at the mouth of the River Lagan. To the northwest, mountains rise to the Antrim Plateau. This lovely setting has given the city a microclimate that nurtures its green spaces. Its location on calm waters has made it ideal for shipbuilding; the most famous vessel christened here was the Titanic. Start the half day tour by exploring the Titanic Experience, a nine-gallery museum in the dockyard where the ship was built. It's a city rich in history, architecture, and culture, and its share of political upheavals. Visit a neighborhood in West Belfast, where buildings are still scarred from The Troubles, which came to an end with the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. Then, view the hallowed quads of the university district and botanic garden, and visit the Ulster Museum. Finish at the colonnaded façade and towering dome of the Edwardian City Hall. Tonight, enjoy dinner and bid farewell to your Tour Manager
*For Jul 2, sightseeing may be altered due to local events
Overnight: Belfast
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12, Wednesday - Depart Ireland
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast