Compare Dublin & Belfast by Rail by Great Value Vacations vs Ireland to Island Tour by Overland Ireland
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| Trip |
4 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 6 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 1,223 | $ 1,500 |
| Price Per Day | $ 204 | $ 214 |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | NA | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
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| Description |
Explore two capital cities on this five-night getaway! Begin in lively Dublin, where you can knock back a drink in the famous Temple Bar after a whirlwind of castles, museums, bridges, and cathedrals. The Dublin Pass will give you two days of entry to Dublin's most popular attractions as well as hop-on/hop-off bus privileges. While you're there, don't miss the famous Dublin zoo or the Irish Whiskey Museum. After that, you'll be whisked away to Belfast. Explore the birthplace of the RMS Titanic and tour landmarks such as Belfast City Hall, Ulster Museum, and the Botanic Gardens. Enjoy brunch at one of the city's top-rated restaurants and enjoy a bike tour through the cobbled streets on the C.S. Lewis Trail. You will return to Dublin to complete the trip, grab a few last pints, then return home. |
Get more from your small group tour with the Ireland to Island experience. Featuring Ireland and two of its most famous islands this tour never disappoints. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site and Puffin sanctuary, Skellig Michael, delve into Ireland’s past by visiting the Rock of Cashel steeped in 1000 years of history and explore the beautiful seaside village of Cobh, the final port of the marvellous Titanic. Explore Killarney National Park and visit the jaw dropping sights of The Cliffs of Moher. Sail across Galway Bay to the spectacular Aran Islands and soak up the atmosphere in the artsy city of Galway. Of course, no trip to Ireland is complete without a trip to one of our famous distillers, so let’s meet the makers of our beloved Jameson! |
Day 1 Welcome to Dublin!
Arrive at the airport and collect your belongings. After checking in, activate your Dublin Pass so you can jump right into exploring. Once settled, venture forth and discover the city at your leisure! Treat yourself to an authentic Irish dinner or perhaps a drink at Dublin's oldest pub, The Brazen Head, which has been pouring pints since 1198.
Day 2 Dublin
Take advantage of your included Dublin Pass, which gives you access to more than 30 of Dublin’s top attractions. Explore the historical and spiritual highlights of the city, from the Christ Church Cathedral (also Dublin's oldest building) to the imposing St. Patrick's Cathedral. In the afternoon, wind down with a stroll through the courtyard of Dublin Cathedral. You could also take a deep dive into Dublin's drinking culture; pay a visit to the Guinness Storehouse or the Teeling Whiskey Distillery and discover the magic behind brewing your favorite Irish sips and spirits.
Day 3 Dublin - Belfast
Take the train to Belfast today and experience a ride on the comfortable Irish Rail. Once settled in, head over to Belfast Castle and explore its stunning exterior and vast territory. Thanks to its position 400 feet above sea level, you'll also be treated to panoramic views of the city.
Day 4 Belfast
Explore the highlights of Northern Ireland's capital city; pay a visit to the award-winning Titanic Belfast, the most popular tourist attraction in Northern Ireland! You'll have the chance to explore nine galleries telling the story of the Titanic, from its creation in Belfast in the early 1900s, to its famous maiden voyage and tragic end. You'll also learn about the discovery of the wreck and the contemporary undersea exploration. Time willing, consider paying a visit to the Botanical Gardens, an important part of Belfast's Victorian history. Visit the picturesque rose garden or stroll through the tropical palm house. Within the property of the gardens you'll also find the Ulster Museum, home to a massive collection of works from painted masterpieces to important archaeological finds.
Day 5 Belfast - Dublin
Take the Irish Rail back to Ireland's capital city today. Explore the literary gems of the city; the illuminated manuscript the Book of Kells is a must-see. You may recognize Trinity College's iconic Long Room, which has served as inspiration for many film sets. Head to the courtyard of Dublin Castle, where you'll find the Chester Beatty Library - a museum dedicated to the art of the written words with permanent and rotating collections sure to satisfy any bibliophile. In the evening head to the Temple Bar district to experience its famed nightlife; treat yourself to a pint of Guinness at a local pub (preferably one offering live music) - the perfect way to celebrate your last night in Ireland.
Day 6 Depart Ireland
Make your way to Dublin Airport (DUB) in accordance with your flight today.
Day 1: Sunday – Dublin to Cobh, County Cork
The Rock of Cashel on your South and West Skellig Michael Experience Ireland Tour
Our Ireland small group tour begins by leaving the capital of Dublin for the South of Ireland with our first destination being Cobh, County Cork – one of the world’s finest natural harbors and the last port of call for the Titanic.
As we journey to County Cork we will stop at the Medieval Rock of Cashel. The Rock dates back 1000 years. You will be treated to a tour of the round tower, chapel, cathedral and castle! Take the first of many jealousy inducing photos of your tour!
Once you have built up a thirst at Cashel we will make our way to the world-famous Midleton Distillery for lunch and a tour. There is so much to taste and learn at this whiskey museum and visitor center. This is the home of the best whiskeys in the world.
Spend the night in Cobh soaking up the beautiful harbor views, colorful houses and great nightlife.
Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes
The Ultimate Tour of Ireland - Small Groups, Big Experiences on your Overland Ireland Ultimate Small Group Tour
Day 2: Monday – Blarney & The Ring of Kerry
Before embarking on our small group tour of Kerry we will tick off a very important item on your bucket list of Ireland. This morning you will kiss the Blarney Stone where you will receive the ”gift of the gab”. While at Blarney we will also have time to stroll around its beautiful grounds and explore the gardens, castle and rock close.
After lunch we will enter the Kingdom of Kerry. Your guide will give you some time to wander the streets, shops and delights of Kenmare. This is your gateway to the Ring of Kerry experience – Ireland’s most scenic and celebrated drive.
Tonight we will stay in Portmagee in anticipation of our trip to Skellig Michael in the morning! Star Wars fans will be very familiar with this as this is where Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) used the powers of the force to pull a perfect of Guinness. It is the only time that Luke Skywalker has ever turned to the “dark side”.
Total driving time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Discover Portmagee
Your Fully Guided Overland Ireland Small Group Tour Lets You Meet Friendly Locals
Day 3: Tuesday – The Skellig Michael Experience
Climb Skellig Michael on your South and West Skellig Michael Experience Ireland Tour
It is time to get excited. There are only a very select few places on this planet that can be described as “out of this world” and Skellig Michael is unquestionably one of these. Today we will embark on this hypnotic journey to the islands. You will feel like you have journeyed to a “galaxy far, far away”.
The island is naturally rugged, and the 599 steps will lead you up the 700ft climb to its peak. It is home to one of the world’s most treasured bird sanctuaries where you will see all types of wildlife and fauna in its untouched natural habitat. Your imagination will be captivated by one of the oldest and best-preserved monasteries in Europe. This is a sublime sanctuary, a place of peace and power where the presence of the monks can still be felt.
After you disembark from your epic journey to the past your afternoon is yours to enjoy in Killarney – The capital of Kerry.
Total driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Comfortable Accommodation on your Overland Ireland Small Group Tour
Day 4: Wednesday – Killarney to Dingle
Our day begins with an adventurous 2 hour cycle through Killarney National Park. There are numerous trails to choose from so that you can take it at your own pace. Discover Muckross House and gardens, Torc Waterfall and many other beautiful spots along the way. There is always an option to go jaunting around the park if you feel like taking it easy today!
From Killarney we will make a short drive to Inch Beach to stretch our legs and refresh for an afternoon on the Dingle Peninsula.
Tonight we stay in the celebrated, cozy coastal town of Dingle. The evening is yours to absorb the atmosphere in Dingle’s famous quirky pubs, fantastic restaurants and stumble across unforgettable traditional music sessions. This just might be the location for that perfect pint of Guinness.
Total driving time: 3 hours
Cycling Killarney National Park on your Ireland Adventure Tour
Comfortable Transport on your Overland Ireland Small Group Tour
Day 5: Thursday – Cliffs of Moher & The Burren
Cliffs of Moher on your South and West Skellig Michael Experience Ireland Tour
Today, before we leave the Kingdom of Kerry, we watch a local sheepdog show off his finely-honed skills, during a sheepdog demonstration. Next, we take the ferry to County Clare, home of the spectacular Cliffs of Moher and the natural beauty of the Burren National Park.
From Skellig to the Cliffs, we are spoiled for natural beauty. The cliffs are spectacular and need to be seen in person to be justly appreciated. We will explore the cliffs by foot with the roaring Wild Atlantic providing the perfect backdrop! Your Overland Ireland guide will take you off the beaten track and point some very special locations along the way. There are many secret passages that we will show you that are not on the typical tourist route. Friends at home will definitely be very envious when you share your snaps from this stunning landmark.
We will spend the evening in the most welcoming and colourful fishing village of Doolin, the home-town of traditional Irish music.
Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Traditional Food and Contemporary Cuisine on your Overland Ireland Small Group Tour
Day 6: Friday – The Aran Islands
Jump from Ireland to Island on the Doolin ferry to Inishmore – the largest of the Aran Islands. The magnificent Aran Islands are romantically remote and have inspired many a poet and playwright! Sharpen your pencil before hopping aboard!
We will take our bikes and cycle around the coastline where we will see many ancient sites along the country roads. Jaunting and bus tours are an option for all guests. Landmarks include the medieval Christian ruins of the Seven Churches and Clochán na Carraige. We will visit the famous ring fort of Dún Aonghasa, which lies 100m over Galway Bay.
Learn a few words of Gaelic from the locals and treat yourself to a feast of seafood before making our way back to Rossaveal Pier in County Galway. From here we will take a short drive to the picturesque market town of Clifden which is nestled between the Twelve Bens mountain range and the Atlantic Ocean.
Total driving time: 1 hour
Cylce The Aran Islands on your South and West Skellig Michael Experience Ireland Tour
Day 7: Saturday – Galway to Dublin
Galway on your South and West Skellig Michael Experience Ireland Tour
Your final day on the Ireland to Island tour will not disappoint. Today you will travel through Connemara National Park on route to Ireland’s capital of culture – Galway City. Before you lose yourself on the bustling streets of bohemian Galway we will take a short hike on Diamond Hill in the heart of Connemara where you will be spoiled with panoramic views of the hills and valleys.
In Galway we will take a historic tour of the city and you will have some free time to soak up the atmosphere. Street performers, live music and dance and colourful locals will keep you entertained during your stay. Sit back and relax in one of their award winning cafes and restaurants and watch the world go by.
Late afternoon you will be taken back to Dublin City armed with recommendations of places to see and things to do if you have a couple of days left in the Emerald Isle. On the journey back over 40 shades of green, why not reminisce about your time on this best small tour group ever!
Total driving time: 4 hours
