Compare Iconic Ireland by G Adventures vs Ancient Ireland by Wilderness Ireland
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 9 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 3,499 | $ 5,250 |
| Price Per Day | $ 389 | $ 750 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes | N/A |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities | N/A |
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| Meals Included | 8 breakfasts, 1 dinner | N/A |
| Description |
A land of ancient legends, epic folktales, and grand traditions, Ireland is a destination that will truly transport you back in time. Uncover Celtic culture and admire medieval architecture across the stunning countryside, and delve into historic Dublin and the "rebel city" of Cork. Eat, dance, and sing with locals—even kiss the Blarney Stone—as you follow the roots of Irish culture to its core and come home with some Irish ballads of your own. |
Ireland has a long and storied history, with Neolithic peoples, Vikings, Normans and more calling this little island their home. Ireland’s Neolithic inhabitants, who lived here some 5,000 years ago, had great respect for astrology and the changing of seasons, with many of monuments aligned with the winter solstice or other similar events. To them, as to us today, the journey is just as important as the destination, with ancient pilgrimages to tombs and religious sites an important part of life in Neolithic Ireland. On this winter journey, visit some of the sites and places that these ancient peoples once built and revered. This private departure trip is ideal for anyone looking to visit Ireland in the off season, preferring to travel with friends and family rather than join a group departure. On this trip you will meet local experts, learn about Irish history, enjoy Irish traditions, and explore the beauty of short, crisp days in Ireland during winter. If desired, it can be adapted for other seasons, though it is designed to take advantage of historic and cultural experiences best suited to winter. |
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.
Please note that due to space restrictions aboard our transportation, there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. We recommend bringing an additional daypack for essentials and everyday items. Please visit the "What to take" section on the Trip details tab for more information.
Day 2 Dublin
Set out this morning to explore Trinity College Dublin, founded in 1592. Visit its famed library and view the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript dating to the ninth century. Enjoy free time this afternoon to explore the city's Medieval Quarter, visit St. Patrick's Cathedral, set foot in Dublin Castle, or tour a whiskey distillery. In the evening, dine on Irish fare, accompanied by storytelling and traditional music, in a traditional Irish pub.
Day 3 Cork
Travel to the charming city of Cork and set out on an orientation walk; then spend the rest of the day exploring the city on your own. Choose to visit the Cork County Gaol—a former prison—or learn about the voyage of the Titanic in the original ticket office of the White Star Line. Wander the stalls at the historic English Market or settle into a pub for a locally brewed pint of Murphy’s Irish Stout.
Cork is known for its many universities, theatres, art schools and general diversity and culture. With many immigrants settling in this inviting city, it's easy to find different types of foods, shops and cafés lining the streets.
Day 4 Blarney/Killarney
Begin the day with a visit to Blarney Castle, built nearly 600 years ago and now one of the most iconic sights in Ireland. Climb a flight of steps to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone, a ritual said to grant the gift of the gab. Continue to Killarney for an afternoon spent tasting whiskey and chocolate with a local expert. In the evening, opt to enjoy a traditional Celtic dance performance.
The lovely town of Killarney bristles with history, culture and stunning natural beauty. Located on the shores of Lough Leane, adjacent to Killarney National Park, it is surrounded by rolling green hills, lakes and forests.
Day 5 Killarney
Set out on a full-day excursion around the famed Ring of Kerry, considered one of Ireland’s most scenic drives. Take in stunning views of the Iveragh Peninsula’s windswept coast and lush, wild forests. View historic castles, churches, and seaside villages before returning to Killarney for a night at leisure.
Day 6 Galway
Travel to Galway, a historic harbor city on the west coast of Ireland and the gateway to the Galway Gaeltacht, one of the country’s few remaining Irish-speaking regions. Take a guided walking tour of the old city, delving into the history of conquest that has shaped Irish culture, and getting a taste of the city’s reputation as a hub for art and music.
Day 7 Cliffs of Moher/Galway
This morning, head to the stunning Cliffs of Moher and board a boat for a coastal cruise. Enjoy exceptional views of one of Ireland’s most well-known natural wonders from water level, keeping an eye out for seabirds, such as puffins, that call this special protected area home. After the cruise, spend time at the visitor center before returning to Galway to enjoy a free evening exploring the local arts scene or wandering historic streets.
Day 8 Dublin
Return to Dublin this morning and enjoy a free afternoon to explore Ireland's dynamic capital. Stroll among the colorful gardens of St. Stephen's Green, pop into historic pubs in Temple Bar, or view the famed bog bodies housed in the National Museum of Ireland. Opt to visit the Guinness Storehouse for insights into the history of beer and a taste of their famed stout, then gather for an optional farewell dinner with your group at a local restaurant.
Day 9 Dublin
Depart at any time.
Day 1: Dublin
Where else to start your tour of Ancient Ireland but in Dublin? A settlement for over a 1,000 years, wander the streets of Dublin with an expert historian to bring this vibrant city to life from the Celts and Vikings through the Normans, Middle Ages, to more recent rebellions and the War of Independence to modern times.
Optional upgrade: Visit the National Museum of Archaeology with an expert archeologist who will interpret the artefacts housed in National Museum’s extensive collection.
Day 2: The Rock of Cashel
A tour of ancient Ireland wouldn’t be complete with discovering the sacred site of the Rock of Cashel. A fortified monastery built right into the bedrock, there are many stories and myths about this great place. Some say the Devil himself caused the rock underneath Cashel to land there, thrown by Satan from the nearby Devil’s Bit Mountain after St Patrick banished him. After our visit, we continue onwards to the Kingdom of Kerry.
Day 3: Kerry Rock Art
The Ring of Kerry is renowned throughout the world, and can be quite busy in the summer months. However during winter, Kerry’s roads and trails are quiet and peaceful. Today, you’ll head off the beaten path to sites that show some of the world’s best Celtic rock art with the archaeologist who first documented them. With the archeologist, explore these ancient sites and learn how early Christians integrated them into the fabric of medieval churches.
Day 4: The Beara Peninsula
The Beara Peninsula is perhaps one of Kerry’s best hidden gems. Hiking this unspoilt land, you’ll visit some of the lesser-known Neolithic and ancient sites of the Beara Peninsula. In our eyes, some of these little-known sites are even more spectacular ones – be it the tallest Ogham Stone in Europe, one of the spectacular stone circles, or the impressive tombs.
Day 5: Cliffs of Moher
Today, you’ll head north into the beautiful County Clare, home to gems such as the Burren National Park, the Cliffs of Moher, and a stunning coastal landscape. The Cliffs of Moher are Ireland’s most famous cliffs and certainly one of Ireland’s most iconic coastlines. Winter is a wonderful time to visit as few other tourists will be hiking along the cliffs at this time of year, so you’ll be able to marvel at the view on your own without sharing it!
Day 6: The Burren National Park
The Burren’s rocky alien landscape is said to be the inspiration for Middle Earth in JRR Tolkien’s world-famous Lord of the Rings trilogy. Meeting with a passionate, world-renowned archeologist, get ready to explore this other-worldly region. Home to a plethora of unique wildflowers, including some 40 species of orchids, you will learn about the human history of the area, dating back thousands of years. Your guide will chose from a number of different routes to suit your preferences and make the most of the Burren’s lunar landscape.
Day 7: Galway & Depart
This morning, your guide will take you to the bustling town of Galway, where you can choose to explore Galway or make your way onwards.
