Compare 3 day tour of Southern Ireland, Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Galway & Dingle by Shamrocker Adventures vs Country Roads of Ireland - End Dublin, Small Group, Summer End Dublin Small Group by Insight Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Duration | 3 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 299 | $ 5,054 |
| Price Per Day | $ 100 | $ 421 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
N/A |
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
|
N/A |
| Meals Included |
2 Breafasts |
N/A |
| Description |
Blarney Castle, Cliffs Of Moher, Galway & Dingle Tour Of Ireland Short on time but want a massive fix of Irishness? This tour should do the trick! Be blown away by the dizzying heights of the Cliffs of Moher, while fairies and leprechauns wait to be found in the lunar landscape of the Burren. Dangle upside down from Blarney Castle in hope of getting the ‘gift of the gab’ and experience a real Irish ‘dishco’ in the party town of Killarney. Lose yourself on the Dingle Peninsula with its beautiful beaches and rugged coastline then jig the night away in Ennis, renowned for traditional Irish music. Our 100% local Guides are sure to show you the best Ireland has to offer. |
Let the luck of the Irish be with you on this 12-day guided tour across Ireland. Start the tour in Dublin, where you get up close to the Book of Kells, an ancient Gospel manuscript filled with mythical beasts and Celtic knots. In Kilkenny, try your hand at hurling, a 3,000-year-old sport, in a private lesson with a professional. A chef will share traditional Irish recipes at a farm-to-table feast in Killarney. You'll see the Ring of Kerry, a mystical, verdant peninsula dotted with seaside villages. Finally, step onto Giant's Causeway with it's basalt columns carved onto the coast by volcanic lava, or a giant's feet, if Irish myth is to be believed. |
Day 1: Dublin To Killarney
We leave Dublin at 8.30am and travel south-west through the lush green Irish countryside. Pass the River Liffey, we head to the imposing Rock of Cashel, proudly towering over the fields of the Golden Vale. Once the seat of the Kings of Munster and a medieval architectural delight, this iconic site will awaken your Celtic soul.
We continue to the rebel county of Cork and the famous Blarney Castle. Now’s your chance to give the stone a big juicy smacker to get the legendary ‘gift of the gab’. You will now realise your Guide has kissed the stone many, many times… Tonight, use your new gift in a pub and get friendly with the locals in the party town of Killarney. It’s bound to be an epic night!
Day 2: Killarney To Ennis
Meals: Breakfast
Today, it’s all about breathtaking scenery and adventure. We take the stunning Slea Head Drive down the coast and spend the day exploring the dramatic Dingle Peninsula, the highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way. Your Guide will take you to the edge of the ancient world and tell tales of our ancient heroes and warriors.
Spot 'The Sleeping Giant' and 'The Three Sisters' amongst the rugged coastline and take in the stunning Coumeenoole Beach, before we travel through Tralee into County Clare. We spend the night in charming Ennis where the pubs are filled with locals playing traditional Irish music. Grab your pint of Guinness and get carried away by the lively tunes!
Day 3: Ennis To Dublin
Meals: Breakfast
Today we brave the heights and soak up the dramatic views at the Cliffs of Moher that tower high above the wild Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy the wind on your face as you snap a photo of potentially the most famous cliffs in the world that were also used as a backdrop in Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince and The Princess Bride.
Afterwards, we’ll explore the weird and magical world of the Burren, Ireland’s lunar landscape and home to fairies and leprechauns! Leave the mesmerising landscapes behind and have lunch in one of the brightly painted pubs of Galway, Ireland’s cultural capital, before returning to Dublin at approximately 5.30pm.
Day 1: Welcome to Dublin
On arrival at Dublin airport, transfers leave for your hotel at 08:30, 11:00 and 13:00. Join your Travel Director at 18:00 for a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner, with the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a meal with wine.
Day 2: In Dublin’s Fair City Relaxed Start
Become acquainted with Dublin’s elegant squares during an orientation of the city. Discover Custom House, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Enjoy entrance to the 9th century Book of Kells and a walk through the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College accompanied by a Local Expert, who will share their insights into modern life and the establishment’s impressive history. The afternoon is free to explore.
Day 3: A Journey from Dublin to Cork
In the morning, visit one of the country’s main racehorse breeding centres. Continue to the acclaimed 100 year old Japanese Gardens where you can ‘journey through life’ during a walk through the beautiful surrounds. Travel to the medieval city of Kilkenny, home of the world's fastest field game. The ancient Celtic sport of Hurling is over 3,000 years old and Ireland's national sport. Meet an experienced player who will share his passion as you test your skill during a lesson. Continue through Cahir and see its imposing 13th century castle, featured in the film 'Excalibur', on the way to Cork. On arrival, your Travel Director will show you around the compact university city, with its vibrant waterfront and grand Georgian parades.
Day 4: Across the Mountains to Killarney Relaxed Start
Travel to the ruined Blarney Castle. Will you hang upside down from the ramparts to kiss the stone and ensure a lifetime of eloquence? Or enjoy a sensory walk in the extensive and varied estate gardens. Travel across the majestic Derrynasaggart Mountains to the peaceful town of Killarney. For your Farm-to-Table dining experience, enjoy some Irish home cooking in the kitchens of chef John Sheehan. Join John and Freda, your hosts at the 19th Green Guesthouse, and savour the delicious flavours of fresh local cuisine on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Gather together at a Farm-to-Table dinner, using responsibly sourced ingredients from the local community, and gain personal insight into classic Irish recipes that are loved throughout the world.
Day 5: Ring of Kerry Experience Relaxed Start
Start your day with Insight Choice. Choose a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys. Alternatively, join a gentle hike with a Local Expert along the lake shore and past the grounds of Ross Castle, admiring the incredible scenery of the National Park. While there aren't any mountains to climb, walkers should be fit, have good walking shoes or boots, sunscreen and rain gear. Explore around the magnificent Ring of Kerry. Here, mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is breathtaking beyond words. Journey past lush lakelands and around towering cliffs as you appreciate sweeping sea views. Continue through delightful villages like Sneem and cross the peat bogs of the Black Mountains to Moll’s Gap to admire Queen Victoria’s Ladies View. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Maybe take the opportunity to hire a bicycle and enjoy one of the many scenic trails around the lake or through the National Park.
Day 6: Around the Dingle Peninsula Relaxed Start
Continue driving with views of wide skies, peaceful towns and coastal scenery of the Dingle Peninsula — the setting for the film Ryan’s Daughter. Drive to dramatic Slea Head at the peninsula’s far end, before reaching your hotel on the shores of Dingle harbour. With the evening at leisure, why not treat yourself to a relaxing experience at the hotel's spa? Offering holistic and therapeutic treatments, the Peninsula Spa is the perfect place to unwind after a busy day of exploring the coast.
Day 7: The Cliffs of Moher and Galway
Journey to the Visitor Centre at the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Clare Coast before a delightful drive through the strange, rocky landscape of the Burren to Galway Bay. On arrival, see the Lynch Memorial and Church of St. Nicholas, where Christopher Columbus reputedly prayed before his voyages to America. See the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President, John F. Kennedy.
Day 8: Free day Galway or Aran Islands Relaxed Start
Spend a day at leisure to relax and enjoy Galway. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to the Aran Islands? A genuine highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way. With their cliffs and spectacular coastal views, the islands are a true Irish experience.
Day 9: Londonderry
Continue on to County Sligo, stopping at a peaceful churchyard in Drumcliffe to visit the final resting place of Ireland's famous poet, William Butler Yeats. Admire the Blue Stack Mountains of Donegal as you cross into Northern Ireland, bound for the ancient walled city of 'Derry.' What better way to experience sightseeing than with one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers, Ronan, as he takes you on a tour inside the city walls, still topped with cannons. Walk down steep Shipquay Street, with its elegant Georgian houses, to the Gothic Guildhall.
Day 10: Walk in the Giant’s Steps Relaxed Start
Journey to the iconic Giant's Causeway for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Learn how the National Trust is enabling farming and biodiversity to work together, supporting both wildlife and quality food production. Next, prepare yourself for miles of breathtaking beauty as you travel along the road clinging to the Antrim Coast. Continue onto your hotel, overlooking Ballygally Bay. For those who are brave enough, perhaps check out The Ghost Room, in one of the castle’s turrets? In the evening, please join us for a finale Celebration Dinner, where old-fashioned hospitality is blended with good food and wine for an experience that delights the senses.
Day 11: The Antrim Coast to Belfast Relaxed Start
Continue around the Antrim Coast, past the huge Norman castle at Carrickfergus, to arrive in the Northern Ireland capital of Belfast. Meet Hilda, your Local Expert, for a passionate city tour including views of the City Hall, Queen's University, the Parliament Building at Stormont and murals in different locations indicating political sentiments of local residents.
Day 12: Depart Dublin
An early departure transfer will arrive at Dublin airport at 08:00.
