Experience Overview
From remote islands and historic Dublin, to less-traveled roads and charming villages, this adventure brings together the best of the Emerald Isle. Come to know the culture and welcoming hospitality of the Irish in Dublin, Ireland’s spirited capital city. Step off the beaten path in the seaside village of Kinsale, known as Ireland’s “gourmet capital.” Overnight amongst a labyrinth of stone walls on the remote and enchanting Aran Islands. Discover the windswept terrain of West Cork’s Wild Atlantic Way, one of Ireland’s most scenic coastal routes, before arriving in colorful Dingle. Travel amongst the tranquil countryside and windswept valleys of the Dingle Peninsula. Raise a glass and celebrate a journey unlike any other through the many sides of Ireland.
Highlights
- Overnight on the enchanting Aran Islands and jump head-first into Irish culture.
- Enjoy an after-hours private tour and reception at Christ Church Cathedral.
- Discover a hidden garden island nestled in Bantry Bay.
Trip Details
Product Code: 18278
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator: Collette (CA)
Supplier Code: 15953
Starts: Dublin, Ireland
Finishes: Ennis, Ireland
Duration: 11 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating: Average
Includes
- Visit Area: Dublin,Rock of Cashel,Kinsale,Garnish Island,Dingle Coastal Walk or the Blasket Centre,Cliffs of Moher
- Admittance: Dublin,Rock of Cashel,Kinsale,Garnish Island,Dingle Coastal Walk or the Blasket Centre,Cliffs of Moher
- Meals included: 14
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,849 ($350 /day)
Itinerary
This is your chance to experience a seldom-explored side of Ireland. From the vaults of Christ Church Cathedral to the rolling hills of Dingle, we’ll bring you back to your Irish roots (even if you don’t have any).
Hotel Name: Trinity City Hotel
Fáilte and welcome to Dublin, Ireland’s cosmopolitan capital. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome reception in the crypt of Christ Church Cathedral.* Within the medieval walls of the city’s oldest structure, surrounded by nearly 1,000 years of Irish myths and legends, toast the start of an incredible adventure.
Visit Area: Dublin
Dublin is the capital and the largest city in Ireland. Dublin is located on Ireland’s east coast, and sits at the mouth of the River Liffey. Dublin was founded in 841 by the Vikings. Today, Dublin is the economic center of Ireland and the historical and contemporary center for industry, education and the arts.
A local expert escorts you through Dublin’s magnificent streets on a walking tour, taking you through the history and culture of this eclectic city. Get up close and personal with Dublin as you discover the vibrancy of the capital and its evolution over the centuries. This afternoon, experience an Impact Moment as you immerse yourself in Irish culture with Experience Gaelic Games. This social enterprise benefits the wider community, giving local youth opportunities to engage in community-based sport and cultural activities. Learn why these national sports are so important to many Irish people – and if you’re feeling sporty, have a go yourself! This evening, gather for dinner and enjoy authentic Irish cuisine at a local restaurant.
Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Garryvoe Hotel, East Cork
Admittance: Irish National Stud
Learn about the “Sport of Kings” at the Irish National Stud and its long connection with this land. Learn about this successful breeder farm that has been in operation for seven decades producing winners from the Derby, all five Classics and the Triple Crown - the 1,000 Guineas, Oaks and St. Leger.
Take to Ireland’s country roads. Tour the Irish National Stud, an area of outstanding natural beauty that’s home to regal thoroughbreds and opulent gardens. Continue south to the awe-inspiring Rock of Cashel. Be amazed by its imposing facade and visit the spot where St. Patrick preached.
Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Visit Area: Rock of Cashel
This morning, visit the Old Midleton Distillery, home of the world-famous Jameson Irish Whiskey. Indulge in a tipple with a tasting of the distillery’s production. Next, head to the pretty coastal town of Kinsale for the afternoon, Enjoy free time to peruse the charming shops, galleries, and cafés.
Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Dingle Skellig Hotel
Admittance: Distillery Tour
At the Old Midleton Distillery, you will learn about the techniques and tools that have been used to make Jameson whiskey for generations. Guests will be able to walk amongst thousands of casks that serve as temporary storage for ageing whiskey, taking in both the exterior and interior of the distillery grounds. Of course, there is also the tasting of Jameson's signature drink.
Travel through forty shades of green before arriving in the charming village of Glengarriff. Board a ferry and sail to a place that must be seen to be believed – Garnish Island. Sheltered in the Glengarriff harbor of Bantry Bay, this hidden island is home to one of Ireland’s most beautiful gardens. Continue over the Cork and Kerry mountains to the colorful town of Dingle, located on the Dingle Peninsula – your home for two nights.
Breakfast Included
Visit Area: Kinsale
Kinsale is a historic fishing and port town in County Cork, Ireland. Kinsale is located 15 miles south of Cork City on the River Bandon. The town is known for its historic streets, colorful shops and array of restaurants.
This morning, explore the spectacular scenery of the Dingle Peninsula with a drive along Slea Head, with its enchanting hills and weather-worn bluffs. The locals will remind you that beyond the water, “the next parish over is Boston.” Then, it’s your choice! Take a walk along the coast from Dunquin Pier, a secluded bay surrounded by cliffs -OR- make a quick visit to the Blasket Centre, which shares the story of the people of the Blasket Islands, highlighting their struggles with the elements and the tenacity of their community. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the colorful streets and harbor of Dingle. This evening, dinner will be at a local pub in the heart of town.
Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Aran Islands Hotel
Visit Area: Garnish Island
Off the coast of Southwest Ireland sits Garnish Island, a place that has to be seen to be believed. Board a small ferry and make your way through Bantry Bay to Glengarrif harbor passing Seal Island en route to this hidden gem. Disembark and explore this island comprised of some of Ireland’s most beautiful gardens.
Leave the rugged southern coast behind and embark on an adventure. Board a ferry bound for Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands.** Upon arriving in Inishmore’s ethereal landscape, take a private tour through the labyrinth of stone walls blanketing the island. Visit the east of the island and see the Old Cromwellian Castle and Port Aodh. Learn about the island’s 850 inhabitants, their livelihoods and devotion to traditional culture and customs. As the last ferry leaves for mainland Ireland, breathe in the fresh Atlantic air and settle into your cozy island chalet. The humble accommodations in the heart of Inishmore allow the striking, rocky coast to be the star of your stay.
Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Old Ground Hotel
Drive By: Dingle Peninsula
The Dingle Peninsula stretches for 30 miles into the Atlantic Ocean from the southwest coast, and is the northernmost peninsula in County Kerry, Ireland. The peninsula ends beyond the town of Dingle at Dunmore Head, the westernmost point in Ireland. The peninsula offers beaches which are safe for swimming and surfing, walking routes and towns featuring many events and festivals.
In the morning, visit Dun Aonghusa, a prehistoric hill fort facing the Atlantic Ocean. Continue to the Seven Churches, a pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages. Look to catch a glimpse of a colony of seals on your way to visit a family-run goat farm. Savor the flavors of locally produced award-winning cheeses during a tasting. Later, enjoy time in Kilronan village to explore and peruse the famous Aran sweaters. Then ferry back to the mainland, taking in unrivalled views while sailing beneath the iconic Cliffs of Moher.
Breakfast Included
Visit Area: Dingle Coastal Walk or the Blasket Centre
While on the Dingle Peninsula, it's your choice between two activities. First, a Dingle Coastal Walk - a flat and leisurely cliff top walk that takes in spectacular views of the sea, countryside and headlands. Your other option is to visit the Blasket Centre, which tells the story of the traditional life of the Blasket Islands community, who lived on the Blasket Islands until the 1950's.
Dingle Coastal Walk
Activity Level 4
Your Tour Manager guided walk is approximately 1.8 miles (3km) and will take an hour or less. The terrain is relatively flat and guests should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring rain gear as the weather can change quickly. The walk finishes at the Blasket Centre.
Blasket Centre
Activity Level 1
The musuem tour is self guided and will take around 45 minutes.
This morning, join a local historian on a walking tour of the town of Ennis. Your walk ends at the site of the medieval Franciscan friary, where you can tour the ruins and grounds at leisure. The afternoon is yours with free time to shop for those last-minute souvenirs before joining your fellow travelers this evening to toast the end of an incredible adventure.
Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Admittance: Aran Islands
These rugged islands stand fast against the Atlantic just outside of Galway Bay. Only a few miles from the Cliffs of Moher, each of the three islands possess its own distinct character. Yet they are all seemingly frozen in time and somehow have kept the modern world at bay. We visit Inisheer (or Inis Oirthir, meaning "east island"). With a population of just 250, this rocky place is the smallest of the islands but perhaps has the biggest heart and is revered as the most beautiful. Inisheer’s limestone landscape belies its generous and friendly spirit.
Your journey comes to a close today, leaving you with the spirit of Ireland in your heart forever.
Breakfast Included
Visit Area: Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are a series of cliffs located on the Atlantic coast of County Clare in the west of Ireland. They are 5 miles/8 kms long and 702 feet/213 meters tall at their highest point. On a clear day one can see the Aran Islands and Galway Bay. These cliffs are Ireland’s most visited natural attraction with up to 1 million visitors every year.
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Tour Operator
Collette (CA)
A Story of Hard Work and a Passion for Travel “Our first office was so tiny that if you took a step backwards, you fell down an open hole that was stairs to the basement. Now we are a worldwide company with offices in the United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom.” – Alice I. Sullivan, Chairperson of the Collette Board.Collette is about family As his family grew, Dan’s children took on active roles in the company – in sales, tour development, marketing, tour guiding, and in its charitable arm. Working with a team of dedicated employees, they all stayed true to the original vision of expanding travel opportunities for everyone. That tradition continued as Dan’s eldest child, Dan Sullivan Jr., took the reins as President and CEO in 1990 and the company flourished. Collette_HQ_380x250_v2 The third generation of Sullivans entered the company in the early 2000s, and in 2018 Dan Sullivan Jr.’s daughter, Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, became President & Chief Customer Experience Officer. In 2023, after she successfully steered Collette through the global pandemic, Dan proudly turned the CEO role over to Jaclyn and transitioned to Executive Chairman of the Board. Mrs. Leibl-Cote is only the 4th CEO in the company’s history and its first female leader, making Collette one of the rare companies successfully transfer to the 3rd generation of leadership.
In Business Since 1990
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