Amazing Ireland
Experience Overview
Take your time to soak up all that this leisurely trip has to offer. From iconic sights like the Titanic Belfast and Giant’s Causeway to heartfelt moments and a tasty meal with a celebrity chef at her home in Ballyknocken, this is Ireland at its finest.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 13 Breakfast (B)
Be My Guest
- Wicklow: Traditional Irish fare with an Italian twist is served up at Glenealy House near Dublin with your host Catherine Fulvio who is one of Ireland’s top culinary stars, and her family on hand to share their story.
Dive into Culture
- Belfast: Discover the full story of the Titanic at the Titanic Belfast visitor attraction and monument in Belfast.
- Belleek: See traditional craftsmen at work at the Belleek Pottery Visitor Center, one of the oldest working potteries in the world.
- Waterford: Learn how crystal is crafted at the House of Waterford Crystal during a workshop tour.
- New Ross: Explore the tragic history of Ireland's famine emigration at the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience, a replica of one of the original ships used in the 1800s.
Iconic Experience
- Belfast: Join a Local Specialist to hear about the history of the city and learn of its progress and current prosperity. See the murals in different locations indicating the political sentiments of local residents.
- Bushmills: In Northern Ireland you'll discover the legend of the Giant's Causeway as you explore this iconic natural landmark.
- Londonderry: With a Local Specialist explore inside the city walls. See the Gothic Guildhall and the Georgian houses of Shipquay Street.
- Knock: In the pilgrimage town of Knock, visit the beautiful Marian Shrine, where the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph and John the Evangelist are said to have appeared to the townsfolk in 1879.
- Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden: Visit the turreted Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey. This monastery was founded in 1920 for Benedictine Nuns who fled Belgium in World War I.
- Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. But to do so, you must dangle from the ramparts! Visit Blarney Castle and see the famous Stone of Eloquence.
- Cork: Your Travel Director will show you the Grand Parade and South Mall, along with City Hall and the Opera House.
- Kilkenny: Meet an experienced hurling player for a fun session to learn about and try for yourself this 3,000-year-old discipline and proud legacy of Ireland's heritage.
- New Ross: Dedicated to the memory of John F. Kennedy, whose great-grandfather was born nearby, this arboretum contains a plant collection of presidential proportions.
- Dublin: A Local Specialist will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
- Lahinch: Join your Local Specialist, either Oonagh or Marie to gain a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty surrounding you as they illuminate the interconnection between environmental issues and current conservation initiatives at the Cliffs of Moher. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Belfast, Londonderry and Dublin
- Discover Donegal, Galway, Cork and Waterford
- Visit the Titanic Experience in Belfast, the Giant's Causeway, Belleek's Pottery Visitor Center, Kylemore Abbey, Connemara, Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, the Waterford Crystal showroon and the John F. Kennedy Arboretum and the Dunbrody Famine Ship in New Ross
- View the Antrim Coast and the Marian Shrine in Knock
- See City Hall in Belfast, the Cathedral of Galway, Trinity College and the Georgian Squares in Dublin
- Scenic Drive of the Ring of Kerry
Trip Details
Product Code: 19257
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+
Tour Operator:
Trafalgar (CA)
Supplier Code: 684.2004A
Starts: Dublin, Ireland
Finishes: Dublin, Ireland
Duration: 14 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Whats Included
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Ferry across the Shannon estuary
- Optional Experiences and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5,333 ($381 /day)
Itinerary
Embrace the warm welcome of the 'Emerald Isle' – its ancient heritage, legends and lore are yours to explore as you travel the length and breadth of this island and its tale of two nations. The charismatic capital of Dublin is your first stop on this epic journey, which begins as you join your Travel Director and travel companions for dinner.
Accommodation: Maldron Kevin Street
Meals: Dinner
Belfast beckons today and you'll journey to Northern Ireland for some time at leisure in this vibrant city. Join a Local Specialist to view the historic murals splashed across the walls of the nationalist and loyalist areas, and see the City Hall. Dive Into Culture at the Titanic Belfast Experience and gain a new perspective into the world's most famous ship and the tragedy that befell it. This evening, dine at your hotel.
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Belfast Templepatrick
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Visit the Giant’s Causeway for a memorable experience, which will help to conserve this iconic landmark. Tread in the footsteps of Finn MacCool – his geometric Giant's Causeway is more the stuff of legends than the result of ancient volcanic activity which left its mark on the northern Irish coast. Admire the 40,000 interlocking basalt columns that fade into the sea. After a day of myths, legends and Hollywood blockbusters, consider tucking into an optional Fish and Chips dinner.
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Belfast Templepatrick
Meals: Breakfast
Traversing Northern Ireland, arrive at the old walled city of Londonderry on the Foyle River, where you'll join a Local Specialist who will take you to its most iconic sights. Delving into the former struggles of the region, you'll visit the People's Gallery in Bogside to view its poignant murals. Journey to County Donegal later, where you will spend the next two nights. This evening, enjoy a tasty dinner in your hotel.
Accommodation: Kee's
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Explore the town of Donegal located at the mouth of the River Eske and Donegal Bay. Consider visiting the ancient Donegal Castle, once the stronghold of the O'Donnell clan. This afternoon, visit Belleek where you'll Dive Into Culture and learn about the locally made Irish pottery for which the region is famous.
Accommodation: Kee's
Meals: Breakfast
Continue to the pilgrimage town of Knock to visit the beautiful Marian Shrine where the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, and John the Evangelist are said to have made an appearance to the townsfolk in 1879. Complete the day's journey in Galway.
Accommodation: Maldron Oranmore
Meals: Breakfast
The untamed landscapes of Connemara, set against rugged mountains and tranquil loughs, provide a soul-stirring backdrop for your scenic drive to Kylemore Abbey. This Benedictine monastery, built on the grounds of Kylemore Castle, features a magnificent Victorian Walled Garden, which you will have an opportunity to explore before returning to Galway. This afternoon, spend your free time exploring Galway's vibrant Latin Quarter, striking stone Cathedral or the 18th-century Eyre Square. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Accommodation: Maldron Oranmore
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Your sightseeing trip across the rugged beauty of Ireland continues as we see the spectacular UNESCO-listed Cliffs of Moher plunging into the wild Atlantic over 200 meters below. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with your Local Specialist to truly appreciate this breath-taking landscape. At the 'Atlantic Edge' exhibition, you’ll get an enchanting bird’s eye view of the nooks and crannies where colonies of Atlantic Puffin find sanctuary and go beneath the surface to explore the ancient rocks. The inspiring views continue as we journey along the scenic coastal route, through County Clare bound for Killarney. This evening is yours to spend as you wish, but perhaps we can tempt you with a bit of craic at a traditional Irish ceilidh to soak up the town's festive atmosphere.
Accommodation: International
Meals: Breakfast
Circle the mystical Ring of Kerry – among Ireland’s most enchanting landscapes along which you’ll have an opportunity to view the island’s stunning scenery. Travel through Moll’s Gap and take a moment to view the marvelous natural scenery at Ladies View. This evening is at leisure.
Accommodation: International
Meals: Breakfast
Your 'gift of the gab' secured after kissing the Blarney Stone this morning, you'll then venture to Cork to spend some time exploring the cosmopolitan city that rivals Dublin in its energy and charisma. Spend some free time visiting the famous food market or perhaps relax at one of the city's tearooms, indulging in fresh scones and tea. Your final stop today is in medieval Waterford where you'll spend the next two nights.
Accommodation: Waterford Marina
Meals: Breakfast
A leisurely start to your morning could see you amble along Meagher's Quay, before you visit the House of Waterford, where you’ll Dive Into Culture and witness the art of creating the exquisite crystal. Travel to the medieval city of Kilkenny, home to 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 skills during a lesson. Spend the rest of the afternoon on your own in Waterford.
Accommodation: Waterford Marina
Meals: Breakfast
Traverse beautiful County Wexford to the John F. Kennedy Arboretum – a peaceful retreat in New Ross with over 4,500 species of plants across 252 hectares dedicated to the former American president. Leave the enchanting outdoors behind and take a step back in time to the 1800s as you visit the three-masted Dunbrody Famine Ship. Dive Into Culture, gaining insight into the tragic plight of the Irish emigrants, who were compelled to leave their home during the potato famine and endured even harsher conditions than at home in the 'coffin ships' that took them to new lands. Join the Fulvio family and Connect With Locals over dinner at a Be My Guest experience featuring Irish fare with an Italian twist, served at their Ballyknocken Farmhouse near Dublin.
Accommodation: Maldron Kevin Street
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Wander through Dublin this morning, joining a Local Specialist for a superb sightseeing tour that will see you view Trinity College and the magnificent Georgian Squares. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city on your terms. Indulge in a pint of the 'Black Stuff' at one of its many quaint pubs, admire the colorful performances on Grafton Street, or delve into its centuries-old history. This evening, let the rousing sounds of a traditional Irish cabaret tempt you for an Optional Experience that will have you dancing your way through the Dublin streets.
Accommodation: Maldron Kevin Street
Meals: Breakfast
Your memorable journey through Ireland is at its end. All that’s left to say is slán abhaile to newfound friends as you prepare to depart for home.
Meals: Breakfast
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Tour Operator
Trafalgar (CA)
Family owned and run since 1920, The Travel Corporation (TTC) is the world leader in immersive travel experiences across an extensive range of travel categories. Each year TTC's 40 award winning hospitality and travel brands connect over 1 million happy travellers to the world. We give you access to the 12 DMC’s behind these brands, so you can build your business by capitalizing on the extensive experience, local expertise, and financial assurance of TTC. LOCAL EXPERTISE The world leaders in travel for over 100 years, we offer unparalleled local expertise with a global footprint. Our 12 DMCs, led by experienced in-destination teams, deliver experience rich travel solutions in more than 80 countries. Additionally, our market based teams are on hand to support across our 40 offices worldwide
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Frank Orfei - Traveled, September 2024
Exceptional opportunity to experience a beautiful country and people! Exceptional tour guide. Well versed. Very professional yet friendly and approachable. Made all travelers feel valued and important. Our coach driver *Personal information removed by Feefo* was beyond nice. So friendly and polite. The best! Local tour guides were so interesting and accommodating. Display a genuine love of their local area. Wonderful opportunity to experience the history, culture and people of Ireland. The two week itinerary mixes the opportunity of professional guides and time to explore on your own. We did find the optional experiences interesting but a bit overpriced for what you actually experienced.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/23/2024
Martin Davies - Traveled, May 2024
My trip with Trafalgar was well organized. We had a wonderful courier in *Personal information removed by Feefo*. Our bus driver, *Personal information removed by Feefo* was superb. Hotels were of high standard. Meals were well prepared and food was plentiful. The sites we saw were well worth seeing. Overall, the trip was well worth the money I paid.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/18/2024
Kathy - Traveled, April 2024
The only disappointment was our guided bus tour of Dublin. It was confusing and seemed to travel in circles and as we did not stop by any venue only one side of the bus was able to see anything. Also our tour guide *Personal information removed by Feefo* was so fantastic that our first night in Dublin and on our way out of Dublin to Belfast he had pointed out many of the points of interest and had given us much of the history. Nothing else was gained and a walking tour might have covered more and allowed us to actually see the landmarks in question. The hurling demonstration and participation was awesome as was our walking tour of the walled city. It would have been nice if our final group dinner was on the last night not an optional one. Missed the opportunity to say goodbye to many in our group.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/25/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2024
Amazing Ireland lives up to the title. Everything is streamlined and works well. We especially appreciate the shuttle service to and from the airport. Our Guide *Personal details removed by Feefo* . - has an incredible musical talent and shared it with us. She sang on the bus and in the local pubs, and also played recordings of local music while we traveled through the areas. Her anecdotal tidbits of culture and history were also spot on. Otherwise- her use of What's App was helpful, she was knowledgeable, courteous, friendly and just an all round great guide. Our driver, *Personal details removed by Feefo* . was cheerful, polite, and most importantly very competent! We felt safe and comfortable. We were fortunate in the weather- and were able to see and do lots. Perhaps a greater emphasis on the importance of rain gear might help in the welcoming email for future travelers. Our local guides were all very good- especially the two in Belfast. Good historical background information shared in a lively, humorous, and respectful way. The Hurling explanation and practice/ experience was a great change of pace.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/13/2024
Maureen Hitchens - Traveled, April 2024
Amazing Ireland Trip. The planning and payment of the trip was made simple for us. Trafalgar was very good at getting us all of the information we needed and the paperwork. They were flexible with the airport pick up and drop off.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/16/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2024
We were unfortunate victims of the Dubai flood crisis. We travelled on 18/4/2024 on Emirates business class. It was supposed to be only a 2-hour layover in Dubai before our flight to Dublin, but we were stranded in Dubai for 5 days. Emirates could only put us on flight to Dublin on 22/4/2024. We were stranded without our luggage. Upon reaching Dublin, our luggage was still missing. We hired a car to take us to Belfast to catch up with the Trafalgar tour group. We were warmly welcomed by *Personal information removed by Feefo*. She was very understanding and did all she possibly could to help us. Unfortunately without our luggage which contained crucial medications and warm clothing, we decided to return to Singapore on 23/4/2024. We wish to thank *Personal information removed by Feefo* for her exceptional service and concern for our wellbeing during the short time we were in Belfast.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/20/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, September 2024
It was great I got a real taste if Ireland and loved it
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/22/2024
David Carroll - Traveled, October 2024
Had a great time, the people of Ireland were friendly. Our director and driver were outstanding. The scenery was amazing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/29/2024
James Hernon - Traveled, September 2024
First let me say our guide was amazing. The hotel accommodations for us were below average but our travelling companions always had above standard rooms. I found the free meal selections to be either the same in each location or poorly prepared. Needless to say I was not impressed. The final evening out was very disappointing for our group as we were jammed in a corner against a wall so you had to struggle to watch the show. If someone wanted to use the facilities the whole row had to get up so they could get out. To me either Trafalgar dropped the ball or they weren’t the preferred bus tour. This was my first time and possibly my last time with Trafalgar. At one hotel we were put next to the maintenance room. Kept us awake all night with the door slamming and staff talking.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/20/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, September 2024
September is a very crowded time to visit Ireland. The historic sites and other interesting places were just packed with people. You would pull up and there were just lines and lines of buses already there. Sometimes we were given too short of time to visit the site, go to the bathroom, and eat lunch before getting back on the bus. The seats are uncomfortable, can't really stretch your legs. First time taking a bus trip, won't take another. For me it felt like one long school field trip. Plus, 3 of my 4 traveling companions came back with covid. We weren't the only ones, most of the people on our bus were coughing and sick by the end of the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/05/2024
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