Irish Experience
Experience Overview
Explore all the best the Emerald Isle has to offer on your trip filled with tales of mythical creatures and the troubled history of an island split in two. Beyond soul-stirring landscapes, there’s time with a local ‘Cabbie’ who’ll guide you through Belfast.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Be My Guest
- Ballycastle: Join your hosts, the Cole family, at their home, Broughgammon Farm near Ballycastle, where you'll enjoy farm life and a delicious meal of local favorites.
Dive into Culture
- Belfast: Experience Belfast from the comfort of your dedicated Black Cab with expert 'Cabbie' commentary.
- 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 with a Local Specialist at the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience, a replica of one of the original ships used in the 1800s.
Iconic Experience
- Dublin: A Local Specialist will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House.
- 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.
- 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.
- Galway: Explore the historic heart of Galway. See landmarks such as the Spanish Arch and the cathedral, or perhaps admire the distinctive Claddagh rings.
- Ring of Kerry: Admire Ireland's enduring scenic beauty on one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
- 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.
- New Ross: Visit the port town of New Ross. On the quayside, perhaps see the Dunbrody replica famine ship and statue of John F. Kennedy.
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 Dublin, Belfast and Londonderry
- Discover Galway and Waterford
- Visit St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, the Titanic Experience in Belfast, the UNESCO World Heritage site at the Giant's Causeway, Belleek to see how the famous pottery is made, Kylemore Abbey, the Cliffs of Moher, Blarney's Castle to kiss the stone and gain the 'gift of the gab', the Crystal Showroom at Waterford and the Dunbrody Famine Ship in New Ross
- View the City Walls and Murals of Londonderry
- See Galway Cathedral
- Scenic Cruise across the Shannon Estuary
- Scenic Drive through Connemara and along the Ring of Kerry
Trip Details
Product Code: 22221
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+
Tour Operator:
Trafalgar (CA)
Supplier Code: 111.410B
Starts: Dublin, Ireland
Finishes: Dublin, Ireland
Duration: 11 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 $4,315 ($392 /day)
Itinerary
Embrace your playful side and discover the allure of the lively Irish capital - a small city with a lot of heart and yours to explore before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers this afternoon for a sightseeing tour with your Local Specialist. See the stately Georgian Squares and Trinity College before enjoying a Whiskey Tasting at a local distillery.The excitement will build this evening over drinks, good food and great company as your Travel Director gives you a taste of what’s to come.
Accommodation: Clayton Ballsbridge, Sandymount
Meals: Dinner
Leaving the cosmopolitan streets of Dublin behind, we travel to Northern Ireland and the bustling city of Belfast, where you will have some free time to enjoy a spud for lunch or perhaps an Irish stew. Later, we meet our Local Specialist 'Cabbie' for an insider view of the city’s living history during a journey through its vibrant streets in a real taxi. We spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure, or perhaps join an Optional Experience.
Accommodation: AC by Marriott , DoubleTree by Hilton Belfast Templepatrick
Meals: Breakfast
Dive Into Culture during a visit to the award-winning Titanic Belfast Experience. Gain insights into the tragic story of the Titanic and its passengers who lost their lives in the icy Atlantic. Leave the city behind, traveling to your Be My Guest experience near Ballycastle for lunch. Then onto the Giant's Causeway as we walk in the footsteps of Finn MacCool. Our visit will help to conserve this iconic natural landmark. Take some time to admire the natural spectacle of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns before continuing to Londonderry, our home for the next two nights.
Accommodation: City Hotel Derry, Waterfoot
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Join your Local Specialist for a walk along the 17th-century city walls and see the formerly turbulent Bogside neighborhood, with its street murals depicting the history of the 'Troubles'. Spend a free afternoon walking along the pretty Foyle River or consider joining an Optional Experience to Inishowen Peninsula, with its rich history. This evening enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Accommodation: City Hotel Derry, Waterfoot
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey through the lush countryside to Belleek, where you'll Dive Into Culture and witness talented pottery crafters create the exquisite collectables that have graced homes since the mid-19th century. Arrive in Galway later, where you will stay for the next two nights.
Accommodation: Maldron Oranmore
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
The rugged beauty of Connemara was captured in the film 'The Quiet Man' with John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara. Its loughs and mountains are yours to explore today during a scenic drive. Arrive at Kylemore Abbey later to visit the country's most romantic castle and ramble through the hidden nooks of its Victorian walled garden. Returning to Galway, enjoy some free time to explore its imposing stone Cathedral or stroll through Eyre Square, which John F. Kennedy visited in 1963.
Accommodation: Maldron Oranmore
Meals: Breakfast
See the imposing UNESCO-listed Cliffs of Moher rising over 650 feet (200 m) above the pounding Atlantic and scan the horizon all the way to the Aran Islands to get the full view of the irresistible beauty of this special place. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with your Local Specialist to truly appreciate this breath-taking landscape. You’ll have an opportunity to visit the ‘Atlantic Edge’ exhibition which will bring to life this extraordinary natural phenomenon in a way that only the wildlife of the area get to see. Enchanted by the wild landscapes, you’ll continue along the Wild Atlantic Way with spectacular views of this dramatic coastline before you board a ferry across the tranquil Shannon Estuary river. Then, continue through County Kerry to your hotel in Killarney, where you'll have an evening at leisure or join in the craic at an optional Irish ceilidh.
Accommodation: Killarney Towers, Killarney
Meals: Breakfast
The soul-stirring landscapes of Iveragh Peninsula provide a mesmerizing backdrop for our scenic coastal drive around the Ring of Kerry – an unimaginably beautiful natural setting. En route we will see Killorglin, famous for its annual 'Puck Fair', as well as Daniel O'Connell's Cahirciveen, the fishing village of Waterville, the Black Valley and Moll's Gap.
Accommodation: Killarney Towers, Killarney
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today you might acquire the 'gift of the gab', bending over backwards to kiss the Blarney Stone before we travel to Waterford. Admire the delicate creations of fine crystal during a visit to the House of Waterford Crystal where you will Dive Into Culture and witness a demonstration by master crafters. This evening, arrive in Kilkenny with its imposing 12th-century castle, once the seat of the Butlers of Ormonde.
Accommodation: Kilkenny
Meals: Breakfast
After a morning exploration of Kilkenny, depart for New Ross where you'll see the monument to John F. Kennedy, who visited his ancestral family hometown in 1963. Dive Into Culture and gain insights into the tragic plight of Irish emigrants during the potato famine of the 1800s on your visit to the nearby three-masted Dunbrody Famine Ship. Journey through the lush Irish countryside of County Wicklow, the 'Garden of Ireland', and back to Dublin where you’ll spend your final evening with travel companions sharing stories of your memorable journey through Ireland at dinner.
Accommodation: Clayton Leopardstown, Sandymount
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
It’s time to say a fond farewell to Ireland and newfound friends as you prepare to end your wonderful Irish experience.
Meals: Breakfast
Similar Tours
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
Eric Horvat - Traveled, August 2024
Wonderful Irish Experience. Trafalgar were very informative on trip itinerary and optional experiences. We experienced a wide variety of Irelands history, culture and landscapes with a very informative tour guide and safe coach driver.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/17/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, August 2024
Fantastic itinerary! So many special moments.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/25/2024
Marilyn Cook - Traveled, August 2024
Wonderful trip to Ireland with views unparalleled and fantastic tour. Trafalgar is a wonderful tour company and all amenities were top notch. I didn't feel they short-changed us in any way. Would not hesitate to go with Trafalgar on tours in the future. Great itinerary and views were spectacular!! Beautiful all the way around Ireland. Trip was a memory to last a lifetime.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/16/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, August 2024
Great scenery. Well organized but a little too crowded at times. Would have been nicer with about 35 participants instead of 47. Would also have been better with a little more free time to explore local villages etc.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/20/2024
Deborah Kelley - Traveled, August 2024
Great company! Sit back and relax and enjoy. No worries about tickets, hotels or restaurants. What a wonderful way to get the flair of Ireland . Not only did we get to see Ireland but also learn about the history. From the time you land in Ireland till you leave everything is taken care of. All you to have to is show up , sit back and enjoy. Great company and would recommend it to anyone.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/10/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, August 2024
Irish memories! Very organized and attentive Hit all the high points. The scenery and Irish people were beautiful We loved the Caleigh and Irish bar visits
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/22/2024
Dorothy Roberts - Traveled, August 2024
Shane was terrific. He was very knowledgeable, informative and approachable. Great asset for Trafalgar Colm was excellent and very professional. Very much a gentleman and helpful. Great personality and attitude.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/16/2024
Robert Alexander - Traveled, August 2024
Excellent trip. Very professional employees
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/07/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, August 2024
This was the first tour of this type we have done. We loved it. Although it is a very busy tour, including many and varied stops, it was the most relaxing trip I have ever been on. From the time we arrived at Dublin airport, everything was organized for us. We didn't have to worry about anything. Our Tour Director, Carol Lynn and our Driver, Paul were both amazing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/07/2024
Debra Dionne - Traveled, August 2024
Ireland visit! Everyone working on the tour is extremely professional and knowledgeable. The Tour Director Allie and the Driver Darius are both excellent! Visited beautiful areas of Ireland. Learned a lot about it's it's history.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/17/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, August 2024
Great trip just recommend a few changes. It was good overall. We would have liked to have more time at the Blarney Castle. I would recommend spending more time there and less time at the crystal place. I would also recommend having a fun evening early on to get to know the other guests at the start of the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/13/2024
Penelope Phillips - Traveled, August 2024
Trafalgar Irish Experience is a fantastic way to see the Irish highlights! The service was great. Really appreciative that a porter service was included in the trip. There is a lot crammed into 10 days. Some of the most beautiful scenery but occasionally there is too much to try and see and do and it cannot be squeezed into the allotted time frames. The Tour Director made everyone feel welcomed and included and made the trip fun. The coach driver was great. We don’t know how he managed to get that huge coach down those tiny roads. All the “local experts were interesting and knowledgeable. As a solo traveller it was lovely to be befriended by my fellow Trafalgar tourists. Really enjoyed the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/07/2024
Patricia Edwards - Traveled, September 2024
Absolutely awesome vacation!! Loved my visit to Ireland, enjoyed the countryside, people, castles, and all the history shared by our Tour Director Terry. Our driver Kris was just as amazing and very personable! I never felt rushed at any of the included or optional tours and loved every single one of them! I was recently asked what was the best part of my trip and I could not find one specific thing that I loved more than the other. The entire time was outstanding. I highly recommend this tour if you want to experience Ireland in more than a couple of days.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/28/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, August 2024
An activity packed, counterclockwise coach tour of the Emerald Isle. Services provided for this vacation were "top drawer" quality. We travelled in a modern, comfortable coach driven by Darius - a friendly, professional and obviously skilled driver. Allie was our Tour Director - a knowledgeable, helpful and friendly with good group motivation and leadership skills. Good to very good hotels, included drinks, meals and activities. The optional experiences were very educational and/or entertaining. We participated in the Irish Experience coach tour of Ireland earlier this September and found it to be a very enjoyable vacation. Being a large group of 42, our travelling companions were a collaborative, punctual and respectful lot who appreciated the efforts of Allie, our Tour Director and Darius our remarkable Driver.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/22/2024
Kathleen Ann Cassidy Barthelme - Traveled, July 2024
Best tour guide ever in ************!!! And great driver, Darius. Trip well planned and beautifully choreographed. Felt like I got my money's worth. a great value: comfortable coach, great sights, some really great food, diverse optional events, good hotels. So well organized. I could truly sit back and relax and enjoy!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/06/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, August 2024
The service was good the location of the hotels we stayed at disappointing as we would have loved the ability to go to pubs and hear some music. We were too far away from that to experience it. It’s a great trip with hitting all the major sites. Tour director very knowledgeable and personable and the driver maneuvering the narrow roads safely! My one complaint is the number of optionals that need to be purchased additionally. It wasn’t always easy not to do something as you’re left in nowhere places if not accompanying the group. I understand the tour director makes his compensation on these and retail stops along the way. I would rather see them being paid rather than making them be a salesman.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/29/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, August 2024
Wonderful they took care of every detail for the trip. This trip lived up to all of my expectations and more. *Personal information removed by Feefo* our tour director and a *Personal information removed by Feefo* our bus driver were the best. We became a big family.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/08/2024
Ralph Chiechi - Traveled, July 2024
History Of Ireland! Tour Guide & Bus Driver were very Good and made our Trip very Nice! It was Good!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/02/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, August 2024
The tight schedules are quite exhausting. Not enough free time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/06/2024
Ronald Craig - Traveled, July 2024
wo Kiwis Doing a Lap Of Ireland! A good range of sites and areas visited. A great combination of driver Dave, who seemed unfazed by the narrow roads and oncoming traffic, and Michael who gave us a great commentary and quite a few good jokes as we traveled around. Great range of sites and experiences during the tour with enough leisure time to do some private exploring. For me this mainly included searching out music venues and good pubs.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/18/2024
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