Ireland's Icons - Premium
Experience Overview
Discover Ireland’s legendary landscapes and enduring traditions on this 10-day journey through the country’s most celebrated regions. From Georgian squares in Dublin to the windswept shores of Connemara, experience ancient sites, historic estates and vibrant cities. Walk along the Cliffs of Moher, travel the Ring of Kerry and enjoy an enriching MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Powerscourt Gardens. Visit Kylemore Abbey, cruise Lough Corrib and explore monastic ruins, film locations and castles that tell Ireland’s layered story.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 6 Dinner (D)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Blarney: Your up close and personal encounter with the lush gardens of the Blarney Castle estate is brought to life on a guided tour with a senior gardener. On your stroll enhanced by your expert’s insights, learn about the arboretum’s rare trees, mystical Druid rock formations and the Bog Garden boasting three 600-year-old yew trees.
- 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.
Authentic Dining
- Killarney: Choose from a fine selection of local restaurants on your Dine-Around evening.
- Dublin: Celebrate a memorable journey in Ireland on your final night out in Dublin -- hub of food and drink culture including the Guinness factory. In 1759, Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000-year lease on St James Gate Brewery. After your final night out in Dublin, Guinness will be awaiting your return to the Emerald Isle.
Brendan Choice
- Blarney: Your up close and personal encounter with the lush gardens of the Blarney Castle estate is brought to life on a guided tour with a senior gardener. On your stroll enhanced by your expert’s insights, learn about the arboretum’s rare trees, mystical Druid rock formations and the Bog Garden boasting three 600-year-old yew trees.
- 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.
Brendan Experiences
- Kildare: Horse racing is key part of Irish culture; and you'll gain a rare insight into it on your visit to the Irish National Stud. Set in Kildare at the breeding ground of champions and the birthplace of legends, explore the foaling unit, museum and the stallions that continue to make racing history. As the only stud farm in Ireland open to the public, learn the insights of horse-racing at a site whose former visitors include queens and presidents.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
- Wicklow: Stroll through the manicured formal gardens and terraces, passing the striking statues, lakes and secret hollows of Powerscourt Gardens. Savor taking in the wonder of nature curated by world-class gardeners. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
Top Rated Highlights
- Dublin: History and famous figures. St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the few buildings left from medieval Dublin. It is also on this site where St. Patrick reputedly baptized the local Celtic chieftains in the 5th century. The cathedral was later built between 1191 and 1270 and has come to be famous for its choir, also Ireland’s oldest. The cathedral’s burial site of author Jonathan Swift is one of approximately 700 burials on the site.
- Cork: Ireland's second city - "Rebel Cork" dates back to the 7th century. Your Travel Director will show you the Grand Parade and South Mall, along with City Hall and the Opera House on an insightful orientation tour encompassing the development of the religious settlement of St. Finbarr, to Viking raiding and settlement, to the creation of the Norman city and Merchant Princes. You’ll love learning the tales and history of this port city and enjoy hearing the lilt of the Cork accent.
- Ring of Kerry: Venture into a world of towering cliffs, lush lakelands, beaches, fields dotted with sheep, rocky coastline, remote villages and historical sites, as you journey the magical Ring of Kerry. This 111-mile circular route is the best place to admire Ireland's scenic beauty and truly one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
- Lahinch: Towering cliffs and the dramatic sea, the Cliffs of Moher has inspired countless travelers. Visit the Exhibition Center and look out over the Wild Atlantic Way from these majestic cliffs that rise over 700 feet high. Gain insights from your Travel Director into the cliffs’ geology, history and the species that find sanctuary in its nooks and crannies.
- Galway: Fascinating stories and interesting locals take center stage on your orientation of the historic heart of Galway. Visit the Lynch Memorial Window. Then make your way to the Church of St. Nicholas - the largest medieval parish church in Ireland in continuous use, Spanish Arch and Eyre Square.
- Kylemore: With a striking Victorian Walled Garden and turreted church, Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey is a sight to behold. Dig into the Abbey’s history, discovering how it was founded in 1920 for Benedictine Nuns who fled Belgium in World War I.
- Killary Fjord: Glide through the glacial waters of Ireland’s only fjord, framed by the rugged peaks of Connemara and Mayo. As you cruise this 16-kilometer inlet, learn how ancient ice shaped the landscape and hear stories of coastal life past and present from your onboard guide. Keep watch for seals and sea birds along the shoreline.
What's 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.
Trip Details
Product Code: 28285
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+, Luxury
Tour Operator:
Brendan Vacations (CA)
Supplier Code: 45.96B
Starts: Dublin, Ireland
Finishes: Dublin, Ireland
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $7,095 ($710 /day)
Itinerary
Soul-stirring landscapes of rugged cliffs and rolling hills, the 'Emerald Isle' has lured the most curious of travelers for centuries. Begin your journey at Powerscourt Gardens for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Across 47 acres, its sweeping terraces, ornamental lakes and over 200 varieties of trees and shrubs has earned its status as one of the most beautiful gardens in Ireland and the 3rd Best Garden in the world by National Geographic. After a day celebrating the icons of Ireland, embrace its fine cuisine over a Welcome Reception.
Accommodation: Camden Court, Dublin
Meals: Dinner
History dating back to the 1100s awaits as you join a Local Expert on a Dublin city tour to visit St. Patrick's Cathedral. Here at Ireland's largest church, gain all the insights learning how Irish author Jonathan Swift was once installed as Dean and ultimately laid to rest. With rest of the day at leisure, stroll along Grafton Street and see its lively performers, stop for a pint of the 'Black Stuff' in Temple Bar or relax in St. Stephen's Green. Or, join an Optional Experience of food and fun at a Dublin Dinner and Cabaret.
Accommodation: Camden Court, Dublin
Meals: Breakfast
Embark on an excursion to discover Ireland’s thoroughbred legacy at the Irish National Stud. Next up is Cork, a fusion of castles, gardens and foodie havens will enchant curious travelers like you. Your Travel Director orients you to the sights, sounds and flavors from the circa-18th century English Market lined with local cheeses, fresh seafood and handmade chocolate to Cork City Gaol, a museum offering insight into Cork’s history. Cork is also home to the biggest jazz festival in Ireland. With the evening at leisure, take in the city’s musical culture joining an Optional Experience of Irish entertainment with local musicians including a hearty pub dinner.
Accommodation: The Kingsley, Cork
Meals: Breakfast
Today's Brendan Choice gets you up close and personal to one of the icons of Ireland, Blarney Castle, the Witch's Kitchen and Wishing Steps gardens and, of course, the infamous stone – said to bestow the 'gift of the gab' upon whoever kisses it. Or, go beyond the castle and don’t miss the chance to amble the 1,500-acre grounds. After your visit to the stone or stroll through the grounds, head west to Killarney ushering you into the beauty of the Ring of Kerry. Tonight’s Dine-Around evening invites you to enjoy your pick of Irish specialties. Then finish your day with an Optional Experience of traditional Irish song, music, and dance.
Accommodation: Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa, Killarney
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Famous for its 'forty shades of green,' the Ring of Kerry has inspired writers and poets for centuries. Drink in the beauty of the coastal drive lined with beaches, colorful seaside villages and views of the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll be astounded by even more icons of Ireland as you venture inland to a mountainous region dotted with lakes and green woodlands. Enhance your discovery over an Optional Experience Jaunting Cart Ride through Bourn-Vincent National Park. Upon arrival back in Killarney, end your day with a decadent three-course dinner infused with Irish flavors.
Accommodation: Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa, Killarney
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Begin the day with a ferry crossing before arriving at the towering Cliffs of Moher. Perched at 700-feet, take in views of the Clare Coast and the pounding Atlantic, where colonies of puffins make their homes. The area is home to Guillemot and Razorbills, Peregrine Falcon, Kittiwake and Fulmar as well as endangered bird species including Choughs. Full of fascinating insights, make your way through the rocky landscape of the Burren to Galway Bay.
Accommodation: Radisson Red Galway
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Ireland’s cultural center and festival capital, Galway hosts 122 festivals per year. One might say the city’s artistic side is reflected in actor Peter O’Toole, who had a strong connection with Galway. O’Toole claimed that he was born in Galway before being taken to England as a baby and built a house outside Clifden in the county. You’ll feel Galway’s fun, bohemian vibe come to life over an orientation tour. Your Travel Director introduces you to the sights including Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President, John F. Kennedy. With the rest of the day at leisure, continue to explore this bustling port city on your own or join an optional Galway waking tour with pub dinner.
Accommodation: Radisson Red Galway
Meals: Breakfast
Leave Galway behind and journey into the wild beauty of Connemara, where mountain passes and stone-walled fields lead to the Atlantic coast. Embark on a scenic cruise along Killary Fjord, Ireland’s only fjord, stretching 16 kilometers between the peaks of Connemara and Mayo. Learn how glacial forces shaped this dramatic inlet and keep an eye out for seals and sea birds. Continue to Kylemore Abbey, a neo-Gothic estate set against a tranquil lake. Walk through its Victorian walled garden and learn the story of the Benedictine nuns who still reside here. Traverse the remote valleys and boglands of Connemara en route to Clifden, where you’ll enjoy a traditional dinner and overnight stay at Abbeyglen Castle, a 19th-century manor offering views over the bay.
Accommodation: Abbeyglen Castle, Clifden
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey east to Athlone, a strategic crossing on the River Shannon since medieval times. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the town—perhaps step inside Athlone Castle, which dates to the 13th century, or visit Sean’s Bar, reputedly Ireland’s oldest pub with origins as early as AD 900. Alternatively, join an Optional Experience and cruise the Shannon in a Viking-style boat, learning about the town’s riverfront history. Later, return to Dublin for your final evening. You’ll have time for some last-minute shopping on Grafton Street or one final Guinness in a traditional pub, before gathering with your fellow travelers for a memorable dinner to reflect on your journey through Ireland.
Accommodation: Camden Court, Dublin
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
As the curtain falls on a memorable journey with new friends, say a fond slán go fóill to Dublin and the 'Emerald Isle'.
Meals: Breakfast
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Brendan Vacations (CA)
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Peggy Lindenborn - Traveled, October 2021
Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily is a delightful trip and our travel guides and driver, Enzo Chris and Greg were amazing and made the trip very memorable. We saw so many places and had great experiences along the way! Thanks to them for such a wonderful vacation.!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/02/2021
Anonymous - Traveled, December 2022
Great itinerary, good pace, tour director was friendly and very knowledgeable and organised. Bus was very spacious and driver was great. Yes would recommend insight to friends and families.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/11/2023
Jacqueline Thornberry - Traveled, October 2021
The number is our group was small which meant we got to know each other. Our tour guide, Laura Spiers, was excellent as was our driver. The food was good, and of course everything we saw in Iceland was beautiful and educational.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/31/2021
Kathryn Ronca - Traveled, October 2021
The trip was fantastic. Everything was well planned and exceeded my expectations. All insight personal were courteous helpful and professional Ann Manual and Kevin were a topnotch team There was attention to every detail and at all times felt safe and always a personal touch to the trip. The motor coach was clean and roomy and there was multiple wipe downs during the day All hotels were top notch and all staff at the hotels and restaurants were helpful and courteous I would recommend this trip as it gave you a fantastic view of the natural wonders of the the West.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/08/2021
Patrick Ong - Traveled, January 2023
This trip is absolutely amazing! Worth every Penny! Our Tour guide did not Disappoint.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/12/2023
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