Ireland’s Coasts from North to South

18 days
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4.4/5 Great
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Group Tour
Journey from the natural wonder that is the Giants Causeway to the rugged seacoast of the Southwest as you experience the unrivaled beauty of Ireland. Walk the Walls of Derry, and discover Northern Ireland’s troubled history in Belfast. Witness the haunting beauty of the Inishowen peninsula in county Donegal and journeying south, explore the stone age passage...
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • With a National Trust expert, explore Giants Causeway and learn the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    • Visit a working Irish farm where you will get the opportunity to milk a cow and try your hand at baking traditional Irish soda bread.
    • Learn about the history of Northern Ireland with a field trip to the political murals in Belfast and an excursion to the parliament of Northern Ireland.

What's this trip about?

    Journey from the natural wonder that is the Giants Causeway to the rugged seacoast of the Southwest as you experience the unrivaled beauty of Ireland. Walk the Walls of Derry, and discover Northern Ireland’s troubled history in Belfast. Witness the haunting beauty of the Inishowen peninsula in county Donegal and journeying south, explore the stone age passage tombs of Newgrange. Learn about Irish emigration while in Cork and encounter some of Ireland’s greatest treasures — its people — as you meet a Member of Parliament in Belfast and dine with local families in county Cork.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityBelfast
End CityDublin

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Education / Learning

Destinations

  • Europe
  • United Kingdom
  • Ireland

Attractions

  • Belfast
  • Connemara
  • Cork
  • Derry
  • Dublin
  • Galway
  • Giant’s Causeway
  • Queenstown

Activities

  • Educational/ learning
  • Historic sightseeing
  • History

Trip includes

    • 16 nights of accommodations
    • 4 expert-led lectures
    • 20 expert-led field trips
    • 5 hands-on experiences
    • 1 performance
    • An experienced Group Leader
    • Customary gratuities throughout the program
    • The Road Scholar Travel Protection Plan, 24-hour-a-day emergency assistance coverage
    • Taxes

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: In Transit to Program

In Flight

Day 2: Arrival Day, Belfast

Meals: Dinner

Jury's Inn Belfast

Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Afternoon: Arrivals continue, with free t...

Day 3: Belfast Murals, Stormont, Belfast

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Jury's Inn Belfast

Breakfast: A full Irish breakfast in the hotel dining room. Choices vary but will include a variety of eggs, bacon, sausages, tomato, potatoes, cereals, fruit, toast, pastries and jams ...

Day 4: Amargh & St. Patrick’s Cathedrals, Belfast

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Jury's Inn Belfast

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: We begin this morning with a lecture on "The Legend of St Patrick: Ireland's Revered Saint". We depart by motor coach for Armagh where we will experienc...

Day 5: Transfer to Derry, Giant’s Causeway

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: City Hotel Derry.

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: We board the motor coach to transfer to Derry, stopping en route to enjoy a field trip to Bushmills Whiskey distillery, the world’s oldest licens...

Day 6: Derry’s City Walls, The Inishowen Peninsula, Derry

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: City Hotel Derry.

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Discover why Derry is regarded as one of the best examples of a walled city in Europe as we set out on foot with a local expert. Following the wa...

Day 7: Transfer to Galway, Yeats at Drumcliff, Galway

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Salthill Hotel

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: We depart by motor coach for Galway – the cradle of Gaelic culture in the West and often referred to as the “city of tribes”, as it was home to 14 f...

Day 8: Connemara, Galway

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Salthill Hotel

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Today we travel by motor coach for a full day exploring Connemara. A broad peninsula between Killary Harbour and Kilkieran Bay in the west of County...

Day 9: Galway City

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Salthill Hotel

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Take in an informative lecture on “The Celts and the West of Ireland”, followed by an expert-led walking orientation of Galway City in the company of a loca...

Day 10: Transfer to Cork, Cliffs of Moher & the Burren

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Imperial Hotel

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: We board the motor coach to transfer to the city of Cork. En route will we stop to take in the natural wonders of the world-famous Cliffs of Moher, ...

Day 11: Cobh, The Queenstown Centre, Cork.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Imperial Hotel

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: We travel to Cobh by motor coach, where we will be treated to an expert-led walk of this attractive port town, followed by a visit to the Queenstown...

Day 12: Transfer to Killarney, Blarney Castle

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Earls Court House Hotel

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: We depart Cork by motor coach for Killarney, via Blarney Castle – home of the famous Blarney Stone. Tradition dictates that the gift of elo...

Day 13: Ring of Kerry, Killarney

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Earls Court House Hotel

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: We begin with a talk and slide show, “A Ramble Down the Ol’ Bothrain”, before we depart by motor coach with a local expert to explore the R...

Day 14: Transfer to Dublin, Waterford, Tramore

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Ashling Hotel

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Depart by motor coach for Dublin, Ireland’s capital city and your final destination. On the way we’ll visit the world-famous Waterford Crystal visito...

Day 15: St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Ashling Hotel

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Orientate yourself to Dublin with an expert-led field trip of the city, including visits to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Dublin Castle.

Lunch: On your...

Day 16: Brú na Bóinne, Dublin

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Ashling Hotel

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Board the motor coach for an expert led visit of Brú na Bóinne in nearby County Meath. Brú na Bóinne comprises the Neolithic burial chambers of Newgr...

Day 17: Glendalough, Dublin

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Ashling Hotel

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: We begin with a lecture on “Christian & Monastic Ireland”, before boarding the motor coach and departing for Glendalough. First established in th...

Day: 18: Program Concludes, In Flight

Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast: In the hotel. Some participants may depart prior to breakfast.

Morning: Transfer to Dublin Airport (DUB) for onward flights. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independen...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,955
Price per day$220
Last Updated: 8/2/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Road Scholar.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Road Scholar, the not-for-profit leader in educational travel since 1975, offers 5,500 educational tours in all 50 states and 150 countries. Alongside local and renowned experts, experience in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities, from cultural tours and study cruises to walking, biking and more.

Programs For Whatever You Love to Do:

Much more than a tour, a Road Scholar program is a true learning adventure. Whether you join us in Seattle or Santiago, Beijing or Berlin, Road Scholar programs all share four unique attributes:

--Exceptional opportunities for learning and exploration through special behind-the-scenes access to the world's most fascinating treasures, led by our passionate and knowledgeable instructors.

--The shared fellowship of learning and warm camaraderie, whether a solo traveler or with a companion.

--Comfortable accommodations and appetizing meals.

--Excellent value.

Explore Your Mind and the World:

There are no grades or tests on Road Scholar programs. All that's needed is an inquiring mind, an adventurous spirit, and the belief that learning and discovery are lifelong pursuits.

Established in 1975, Road Scholar offers participants once-in-a-lifetime experiences delivered by local and world-renowned experts. Experience in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities, from cultural excursions and study cruises to walking, biking and more.

Our Most Popular Tours:

Adventures Afloat Cruises: On these educational cruises, you’ll traverse some of the world's most spectacular waterways, offering you a convenient and rewarding way to learn and explore aboard ocean liners, riverboats and small ships.

Independent City Discoveries: Combine structured learning with independent discovery — each program includes hotel accommodations and some meals, lectures, expert-led field trips and detailed outlines for four self-guided excursions.

Grandparent Travel: Discover and explore together with your grandchild through interactive learning experiences and field trips. Both you and your grandchild will share the joy of learning with other grandparents and their grandchildren, bridging generations and opening doors to discovery and friendship.

National Parks: From Denali to the Everglades and countless beautiful, historic places in between, field trips to America’s National Parks reveal what tourists can’t see on their own, with specialized experts showing you how to track wildlife or lead you to the spot with the most awe-inspiring view.

Outdoor Adventures: From hiking in the Grand Canyon to exploring France by barge and bicycle, to sharpening your golf or tennis skills, these active programs exercise the body and the mind.

Service Learning: From tutoring school children or helping restore a crucial forest habitat for wildlife, to assisting with artifact restoration and museum curatorial work, Service Learning adventures are an opportunity to make a difference in the world.

Small Groups: Love to learn in a small-group setting? Check out this collection of programs that have 10-24 participants.

Why Road Scholar?

You Can't Beat Road Scholar's Remarkable Value: Our all-inclusive prices have no hidden costs. Compare the price of one of our programs to what it would cost to duplicate the experience on your own (if that's even possible) and you'll see what we mean by "remarkable value."

Lifelong Learning and Lifelong Friends: When you participate in a Road Scholar program, you will not only expand your mind, you will be in the company of other people who believe that learning is one of the best parts of life.

Instructors Who Inspire: Road Scholar instructors are both experts in their field and lifelong learners themselves who are excited to answer your questions, hear your opinions and share in your experience.

Solo Participants Love Our Programs: Road Scholar programs are renowned for being inclusive, warm and welcoming for solo participants. We can either match you with a roommate or, on most programs, you can choose to room on your own.

Think Outside the Tour: The educational focus of Road Scholar programs makes us completely different from a commercial travel tour. Road Scholar programs offer educational experiences that answer the what's, the why's and the how-to's.

You Go Where Others Can't: We've been offering educational experiences since 1975 and we've made connections with educators and other local "insiders" all around the world, creating learning opportunities that show you the world in a way that just can't be done on your own or on a "tour."

We've Covered All the Bases: From expert-led lectures and field trips to comfortable lodgings and meals, we handle all the details, including the ones you might not anticipate. We've taken the worry out of the planning, so you can focus on your learning experience.

Peace of Mind Through the Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan: The Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan, which is purchased on behalf of every participant, provides 24-hour emergency assistance in the unlikely case of a medical emergency.

Scholarships for Those in Financial Need: Each year, Road Scholar awards $250,000 in scholarships toward programs in North America for those who do not have the financial means to participate.

Our Donors: Each year, thousands of donors contribute to our Annual Fund, helping to cover the gap between the tuition we charge and the actual cost of our programs.

What they’re known for
Popular global tours with a unique focus on educational experiences for mostly senior travelers.

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Logistics

Accommodation

,Jury's Inn Belfast: 3 nights  Belfast Modern hotel located in the heart of the city next to Belfast Opera House.            City Hotel Derry.: 2 nights  Derry City Hotel Derry enjoys an idyllic location perched on the banks of the River Foyle, within 5 minutes walking distance of the historic Derry Walls. These walls remain the oldest complete defensive walls in Ireland.   Salthill Hotel: 3 nights  Galway The hotel boasts views over Galway Bay, Clare Hills Salthill Promenade.   Imperial Hotel: 2 nights  Cork AVEDA Lifestyle Salon and Spa.   Earls Court House Hotel: 2 nights  Killarney Earls Court House Hotel Killarney stands on its own grounds, located 7 minutes gentle stroll to Killarney’s bustling town centre. The olde world charm and relaxed atmosphere makes it your ideal base for exploring the Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula and Killarney National Park.      Ashling Hotel: 4 nights  Dublin 8 The Ashling is located in the heart of historic Dublin adjacent to Heuston Station, Dublin Zoo, Kilmainham Gaol and on the Luas red line.
Travel Insurance
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Meals Included

16 Breakfasts, 14 Lunches and 14 Dinners

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Travelstride Take
TBD
Additional Information
Trip ID
roadscholar-19446RJ

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