Shades of Ireland

Set out on an amazing Irish adventure that tells the complete story of the shades of Ireland.
Hotel Name: Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge

Visit Area: Dublin
Dublin is the capital and the largest city in Ireland. It's located on Ireland’s east coast, and sits at the mouth of the River Liffey. Dublin was founded in 841 by the Vikings. Today, it's the economic center of Ireland and the historical and contemporary center for industry, education, and the arts.

Get a taste of old Dublin. With no scheduled activities through the afternoon, take your time to wander the city streets and soak up that Irish charm. Tonight, you and your fellow travelers revel in a traditional Irish evening, including regional cuisine.
Dinner Included

Today, ride with a local guide to visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral and see O’Connell Street, the National Gallery, and the historic Phoenix Park. What follows is an afternoon to discover Dublin’s charms on your own. Later, you may join an optional tour to the Guinness Storehouse, followed by dinner at a contemporary restaurant showcasing Irish cuisine.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Granville Hotel

Admittance: Blarney Castle
Blarney Castle is a medieval castle in Blarney near County Cork, Ireland. The castle was built nearly 600 years ago by Cormac MacCarthy. It's very popular with travelers because of the Stone of Eloquence, more commonly referred to as the Blarney Stone. Millions of travelers have flocked to the castle in kiss the Blarney Stone, located at the top of the castle.

Step back in time and begin the day in the medieval splendor of 12th-century Kilkenny on the River Nore, visiting the Cope family in their stately home of Shankhill Castle. Then, in Waterford, embark on a leisurely paced walking tour of Ireland’s oldest city. Later, it’s your choice! Tour the Waterford Crystal factory and learn how exquisite crystal has been made for centuries -OR- visit the Medieval Museum for a guided tour and a glass of wine in the 15th-century Mayor’s Wine Vault.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: The Heights Hotel

Admittance: Jaunting Car Ride
A jaunting car ride refers to a two-wheeled carriage pulled by a single horse, with seating for 2 or 4 people placed back-to-back. This was the main mode of transport for people in Dublin throughout the 19th century and around other parts of Ireland at that time. Jaunting cars are primarily used in Ireland today for tourists.

The legend goes that those who kiss the Blarney Stone gain the gift of eloquence. Give it a try if you wish at historic Blarney Castle by navigating the 128 steps to the top. Continue your journey to the vibrant and bustling town of Killarney. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is a 111-mile-long circular route in County Kerry in southwestern Ireland. It is Ireland’s longest, and one of its most diverse, big circle driving routes. The route features beautiful beaches, lakes, medieval ruins, mountains, and lakes. Driving "the Ring" is a very popular daytrip for travelers visiting the area, especially in the summer months.

Start your day with an authentic jaunting car ride* in Killarney. Take in the rugged coastline as you loop your way around the picturesque Ring of Kerry, past pristine beaches, quaint villages, and majestic landscapes. Along the way, you'll have free time to enjoy lunch on your own. Once back in Killarney, the evening is at leisure for you to explore the town as you please.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Old Ground Hotel

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 kilometers 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.

Bid Killarney farewell and travel across the lovely Shannon River into County Clare. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most iconic sites. Walk along the rambling edge, soaking up unparalleled views and snapping incredible photos. Complete your day at the historic Old Ground Hotel in the heart of Ennis Town. This evening, you may join an optional medieval banquet dinner, hosted in a castle.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Radisson Blu Hotel

Admittance: Farm Visit

Experience the daily life of a traditional Irish family during a memorable farm visit. Then continue on to Galway for a brief tour that showcases “The City of Tribes.” Your day ends in the northwest reaches of Eire.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: The Ebrington

Visit Area: Giant's Causeway
At the foot of the basalt cliffs on the coast of Northern Ireland’s County of Antrim lies the stunning Giant’s Causeway. Travelers flock to this UNESCO World Heritage site to experience the 40,000 massive dark columns rising from the sea. The natural phenomena has sparked legends of giants and magic, but its unique geology points to volcanic activity from over 50 million years ago. Walk along the gorgeous sea coast…step on the hexagonal formations of the sea-level Causeway itself…and behold the Giant’s Boot and Chimney Stacks. Just don’t forget your camera. The Giant’s Causeway is one of the most beautiful sights in all of Ireland and the experience of a lifetime.

Take in the rugged, natural beauty of County Donegal. Stop in Donegal Town and stroll the town square, enjoying its quaint craft and woolen shops. Next, travel to Derry, known for its turbulent political history. This afternoon, a local guide leads a walk through the old city, including the Craft Village, a charming 19th-century Georgian square in the heart of the walled city. Tonight, dinner is included in local restaurant.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Glens of Antrim
The Glens of Antrim is a region of glens, or valleys, located in Northern Ireland. Known locally as "The Glens", this area features nine glens that stretch from the Antrim Plateau to the coast. This area boasts spectacular scenery, as well as many stories of its history, and magical myths and legends about the area.

This morning, journey to the Inishowen Peninsula and Malin Head. Take in breathtaking scenery as you explore Ireland's northernmost point. Return to Derry and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Tonight, you may join an optional tour to discover the culture of Derry through storytelling, music, and song, with dinner at a restaurant serving pub-style food.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Europa Hotel

Admittance: Titanic Experience
The Titanic was built in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Due to the ship's construction here, a popular attraction to see in Belfast is the Titanic Belfast, the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience. The experience features full scale reconstructions and innovative interactive features to learn all about the Titanic and its story.

See the most famous natural site in Northern Ireland as you visit the magnificent Giant’s Causeway. Formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, the causeway resembles a cobble road leading into the sea. Experience a traditional barbecue lunch and local entertainment at the historic Crosskeys Inn, the oldest thatched inn in Northern Ireland. Then, lose yourself in the natural beauty of Northern Ireland as you explore the scenic back roads of the Glens of Antrim to Belfast.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included

Begin the day with a guided tour of Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, and hear of the struggles in this great city’s history as you pass through the different neighborhoods. See “Samson” and “Goliath,” the cranes at the shipyard that built the Titanic, before touring the “The Titanic Experience,” Northern Ireland’s most visited attraction. This afternoon is yours to explore Belfast further. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a memorable farewell dinner as you celebrate your journey through Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Your tour ends in Belfast.

Breakfast Included