Compare The Irish Isle: Intergenerational Enchantment by Road Scholar vs Northern & Southern Ireland by Intrepid Travel
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 13 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 3,555 | $ 2,880 |
| Price Per Day | $ 273 | $ 360 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Internal airfare and ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
11 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches and 11 Dinners |
N/A |
| Description |
Enter an enchanting world of folklore, forts and faeries in the magical land of Ireland, where landscape, myth and tradition permeate the country. Two generations study the Emerald Isle, learning about traditional sheep farming, exploring the unique landscape of County Clare, the Irish art of storytelling, and your own family history through lessons on tracing ancestral roots! An evening of “limericks,” as well as traditional Irish dance and music, introduces the rhythms of everyday life. |
The northern nooks and the regal Republic – see it all on an eight-day adventure on both sides of the Irish border. Travel past green pastures, stunning lakes, striking cliff faces and, in the evening, head straight to the pub for a Guinness (or two). Visit medieval castles and ancient sites filled with folklore and whimsy, and marvel at the views of Ireland's rugged coastline, including the Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher and the Giant's Causeway. Hitting the cities of Belfast and Dublin, don't forget to gather your travel crew together for some pub grub and live music to cap off a tour that hits all the hotspots of Ireland. ‘To be sure?’, you say? Why yes, we’re sure. |
Day 1: Overnight on board plane
Overnight in Flight
Day 2: Arrive at Shannon Airport, Cork
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Imperial Hotel
Lunch: Excluded
Afternoon: Check in at hotel. Welcome meeting and orientation at 5:00pm.
Dinner: At Hotel.
Evening: Free Evening
Day 3: Mythology & music with Irish dancing & tin whistle workshop, Cork
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Imperial Hotel
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Lecture: Irish Music and Mythology. Tea / Coffee. Followed by an Irish dancing lesson and a workshop showing how to learn a traditional Irish tune on the tin whistle.
Lunch: In the hotel.
Afternoon: Depart by coach on a guided field trip of Cork city including St Fin Barre's Cathedral and Cork city gaol.
Dinner: In the hotel.
Evening: At leisure.
Day 4: Cobh/Cork
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Imperial Hotel
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Lecture: Irish Folklore & Traditions: Celtic Gods, rituals and customs, curses and cures’. Depart on a field trip to Cobh: the Queenstown Story to learn at first hand about emigration from Ireland to America
Lunch: Lunch in Cobh at the Queenstown Centre.
Afternoon: Meet your guide Michael Martin to take the ‘Titanic Trail’: Follow in the footsteps of the passengers who boarded the doomed ‘Titanic’. Return to Cork via St. Colman’s Cathedral .
Dinner: In the hotel.
Evening: Grandchildren ‘interview’ their grandparents in order to complete their family tree. Special prize for the grandchild with the most ancestral information!
Day 5: Blarney, Killarney
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: International Hotel Killarney
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Depart for Blarney Castle. Climb the steps to the top of the castle for spectacular views and kiss the Blarney Stone to get the ‘gift of gab’.
Lunch: Lunch at Blarney Woollen Mills hotel.
Afternoon: Transfer to the hotel in Killarney in Co Kerry.
Dinner: In the hotel.
Evening: At leisure.
Day 6: Outdoor Adventure Centre, Killarney
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: International Hotel Killarney
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Depart for a full day's field trip to an Outdoor Adventure Centre.
Lunch: Lunch at centre
Afternoon: Enjoy an afternoon of activities at the Centre, including fun team building activities and water activities.
Dinner: Dinner at the Centre
Evening: Grandchildren: Supervised activities with leader
Day 7: Storytelling, Killarney
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: International Hotel Killarney
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Adventures and Heroes of Irish mythology; a morning of storytelling. Our story teller weaves worlds of mythic Irish lore, shrouding us in the mythological knowledge that has shaped this land. Tea/coffee. The Art of Storytelling, the traits of the craft: Release the storyteller within!. This involves the use of drama games, enactment, telling and retelling of tales both familiar and new. All the morning's activities work towards opening up the storytelling skills of each member.
Lunch: Lunch allowance given.
Afternoon: Free afternoon.
Dinner: In the hotel.
Evening: At leisure.
Day 8: Ring of Kerry. Kissane, Killarney
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: International Hotel Killarney
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Hear a lecutre on "Growing up in Kerry: A Ramble Down The Ol' Botharin" before embarking on a full day field trip around the Iveragh Peninsula: the world renowned ‘Ring of Kerry’ including a visit to the Kissane family Sheep Farm, located in the scenic area of Moll's Gap. The goal of this family run farm is to preserve the Irish heritage of mountain sheep farming and the mountain sheep that have been in the hills and on the roads of Kerry for over one hundred years. In doing so, the heritage of a traditional family farm in this Special Area of Conservation is saved for future generations. You will have the opportunity to learn about the work of the sheepdogs and see them in action on this mountainous terrain, to catch a sheep in the farmyard and try to shear it yourself and to bottle feed some of the orphan lambs!
Lunch: Taken en route.
Afternoon: The field trip continues.
Dinner: In the hotel.
Evening: At leisure.
Day 9: Lakes of Killarney.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: International Hotel Killarney
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Experience the most beautiful part of Ireland in the most memorable way; on board a traditional jaunting car where you will explore the famous Lakes of Killarney on a boat with your grandchildren. This spectacular tour will inform you on the history, legends & folklore of the area, and if you are lucky enough you might just bump into the odd 1 or 2 Leprechauns!!!
Lunch: At the Muckross Garden Restaurant.
Afternoon: Children depart by mini bus with leader to attend an afternoon of discovery with Irish young people their own age at Killarney National Park Education Centre, whose ethos is based on a hands-on approach to learning about nature. Activities include live capture and release of small mammals, scavenger hunts, food chain games, quizzes, pond dipping, moth trapping, and use of microscopes. It is hoped that through this the participant will become more aware of the value of an unspoilt environment and the need for conservation. Grandparents have a guided visit of Muckross House, a magnificent Victorian mansion in the beautiful surroundings of Killarney National Park.
Dinner: In the hotel.
Evening: Depart hotel for a spectacular evening of Irish music, song and dance.
Day 10: Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Ennis
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Old Ground Hotel
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Depart for Ennis in County Clare. Stopping at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.
Lunch: Lunch in Bunratty.
Afternoon: Look around the model village of traditional farm houses and cottages at Bunratty Folk Park.
Dinner: In the hotel.
Evening: Evening of Limericks. Learn how to put together your very own Limerick!.
Day 11: The Medieval City of Galway, Ennis
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Old Ground Hotel
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Depart for the medieval city of Galway. Talk and Introduction to the City of the Tribesfollowed by a walking tour of this medieval city.
Lunch: Enroute
Afternoon: Grandparents enjoy free time in Galway while the children visit an Atlantic Ocean Aquatic Centre and Swimming Pool.
Dinner: In the hotel.
Day 12: Cliffs of Moher & the Burren, Banquet at Knappogue Castle, Ennis
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Old Ground Hotel
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Depart for an excursion to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. Explore the Burren, a magnificent moonscape type terrain renowned all over the world for its rare flora and fauna. via the Poulnabrone Dolmen. Dating from between 3800 and 3200 B.C., Poulnabone is one of the finest examples of a portal dolmen in Ireland. Depart for the village of Bealaclugga
Lunch: En route.
Afternoon: Take a Ramble through the foothills of the Burren with an expert guide and storyteller. See the landscape and terrain of the Fairies. Learn about Fairy Forts, scary banshees and ancient Celtic customs .
Dinner: At Knappogue Castle you will be taken back in time to medieval Ireland, where you will enjoy an authentic medieval banquet with court jesters and entertainers!
Day 13: Ennis
Meals: Breakfast
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Transfers to Shannon Airport for departure.
Day 1 Belfast
Welcome to Belfast and the Emerald Isle! Your Irish adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6 pm. As you don't spend much time in Belfast as part of the trip, we recommend you arrive a few days early to make the most of it. If you happen to do so, spend some time wandering the streets of the bohemian Cathedral Quarter, or perhaps visit the leafy suburbs of South Belfast or the stately City Hall in Donegal Square. Make sure you also visit the revitalised waterfront area where you will find the Titanic Belfast monument on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard where the legendary RMS Titanic was built. The monument tells the story of the ship's ill-fated maiden voyage in 1912.
Day 2 Giant's Causeway / Belfast
Take a private transfer to the renowned natural wonder known as The Giant's Causeway (approximately 2.5 hours), travelling along the scenic and rugged wild coast north of Belfast. Giant's Causeway is home to roughly 40,000 basalt columns. The landmark has inspired artists and storytellers for centuries. Depending on the school of thought you wish to believe, they are either the result of an ancient volcanic eruption or a rather big argument between rival giants! Upon return to Belfast in the evening, why not visit the areas that have a connection to the Troubles, such as Shankill Road, the unionist Protestant area, the nationalist and Catholic area, as well as the 'Peace Wall'. Explore the local neighbourhoods to get more of a feel of this regenerated city, perhaps with a visit to a local pub for a meal with your travel crew.
Day 3 Galway
This morning, travel by public bus to the harbour city of Galway – capital of the county of the same name. You will be crossing the border from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland, so you may need to switch your Pounds for some Euros at this point. While you're in Galway, you could visit the impressive Galway Cathedral. Its full name, the Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, is far more elaborate than the simplicity of its building.
Day 4 Aran Islands / Galway
Enjoy a day trip by ferry to the Aran islands, which have been crafted by centuries of wild winds and smashing waves. The islands are one of the few places where the Irish language is still spoken on an everyday basis. You’ll travel by minibus and on foot to explore the native flora and fauna, with visits to the ruins of a church and a lighthouse. There are also some remains from Bronze and Iron Age fortresses to be found. If you're lucky you may even spot a seal lounging on the rocky shore! Return to Galway for a free evening and time for more exploration. The best way to take in the spirit of this city is by attending a live performance in one of the many pubs, accompanied by a pint of Guinness, of course.
Day 5 Cliffs of Moher / Adare / Killarney
The magnificent Cliffs of Moher will leave you in awe with their striking look over the Irish coastline. The daring can walk to the edge and watch puffins nesting along the cliff face (from April to late July). Learn about the history of the famous site and its feathered inhabitants at the Cliffs Exhibition. Next stop is the quaint village of Adare. Arrival into Killarney is in the late afternoon. You'll learn quickly that pubs are the heartbeat of Ireland, whether you're interested in guzzling beer or simply getting to know more about Irish culture, pubs are definitely an important part of any Irish adventure – the place for infectiously cheerful music, tall tales and making friends over a pint or two. The Irish take their beer seriously, so this is a great chance to taste a variety of rich 'real ales'. Get to know classic pub fare such as Irish stew, chowders and fish and chips, while also sampling less familiar dishes such as coddle, boxty and champ.
Day 6 Ring of Kerry / Killarney
Prepare for picturesque rolling green hills and breathe in the salty coastal air as you travel along the Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the Ring of Kerry – a mystical and unspoilt region of Ireland. You'll pass through bucolic villages and enjoy views across some of Ireland's greatest beaches, beautiful lakes and rivers as well as a bit of dramatic coastal scenery. It's the perfect place for a small town crime drama to be set. Travelling by private vehicle will allow you to stop frequently at any of the numerous outlooks along the way for photos. You’ll visit a sheep farm and will see a demonstration of sheep herding – with skilled border collie dogs at work rounding up the sheep, and following commands from the shepherd, they’re no doubt full of practice. Arrive back into Killarney in the early afternoon. If there is enough time perhaps head out to Ross Castle, picturesquely sitting on the shores of Lough Leane.
Day 7 Dublin / Cork
Travel by train to Cork and take a city tour led by your leader. Cork is known as the culinary capital of Ireland, so grab a bite before boarding another train this time bound for the real, proud capital of the Republic of Ireland - Dublin. Spend the evening exploring the cobbled streets of this humming city or drop into the pub for a pint and a yarn. Dublin has much to offer, so make sure you go out and maximise your time here. In the evening, perhaps get your group together and cosy up at a local pub or head into town to find a cool restaurant or bar in Dublin’s Creative Quarter, also known as the city’s 'hipster triangle'.
Day 8 Dublin
As there are no activities planned for today, you are free to head on your way at any time, providing you comply with the accommodation’s internal check-out policy. You might want to return to Belfast by train or further explore Dublin and surrounding area. Your leader can be of assistance in organising train tickets back to Belfast. If you’d like, additional accommodation can be booked in both locations (subject to availability).
