From $4,225 Was $4,695
Guarantee
Group Tour
Easy
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
Let the luck of the Irish be with you on this 12-day guided tour across Ireland. Start the tour in Dublin, where you get up close to the Book of Kells, an ancient Gospel manuscript filled with mythical beasts and Celtic knots. In Kilkenny, visit the majestic Kilkenny Castle. A chef will share traditional Irish recipes at a farm-to-table feast in Killarney. You'll see the Ring of Kerry, a mystical, verdant peninsula dotted with seaside villages. Finally, step onto Giant's Causeway with it's basalt columns carved onto the coast by volcanic lava, or a giant's feet, if Irish myth is to be believed.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 11 Breakfast (B)
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Killarney: Explore the scenery of Killarney National Park on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.
- Killarney: Join a gentle hike with a nature guide in Killarney National Park and admire stunning mountains, lakes, woods and waterfalls. Stroll along the lake shore and past the impressive 15th Century Ross Castle and the famous Muckross Estate, a charming 19th Century mansion and grounds. Alternatively, enjoy a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.
Authentic Dining
- Dublin: Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner, an opportunity to get to know each other over a meal.
- Ballygally: The Irish call it 'craic' - the warm feeling resulting from the confluence of music, drink, good food, laughter, and conversation. And after circumnavigating the Emerald Isle, there's bound to be a fair share of craic at your grand finale Celebration Dinner. Sláinte!
Insight Choice
- Killarney: Explore the scenery of Killarney National Park on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.
- Killarney: Join a gentle hike with a nature guide in Killarney National Park and admire stunning mountains, lakes, woods and waterfalls. Stroll along the lake shore and past the impressive 15th Century Ross Castle and the famous Muckross Estate, a charming 19th Century mansion and grounds. Alternatively, enjoy a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.
Insight Experiences
- Dublin: A stunning combination of cobblestone walkways, emerald-green lawns and 18th-century architectural gems, Trinity College is one of Europe’s elite universities and counts poet Oscar Wilde among its alumni. See the enchanting college campus and discover insights into its impressive history. Enjoy access to view the famous Book of Kells, an exquisite manuscript of the four gospels of the Christian New Testament, renowned for the intricacy, detail and majesty of the illustrations.
- Kildare: Horse racing is key part of Irish culture; and you'll get a rare peek into it over 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.
- Kilkenny: Visit Kilkenny Castle with a Local Expert. On a guided tour, learn the history of this magnificent castle and that of the powerful family that came to call it home for so many centuries. Amble through the Picture Gallery, library, drawing room, nursery and bedrooms decorated in 1830s splendor as well as the rolling parkland formal terraced rose garden, woodlands and man-made lake.
- Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone, the famous stone of eloquence, are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. Take your turn at giving it a peck knowing that the stone was sourced from 330-million-year-old limestone.
- Londonderry: There's no better way to experience sightseeing than with one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers, Ronan, as he takes you on a tour inside the city walls. See the Gothic Guildhall and the Georgian houses of Shipquay Street.
Make Travel Matter
- Killarney: Meet passionate restaurant owners John and Freda at their beautiful guesthouse in Killarney, where you'll hear more about their Farm-to-Table concept, while enjoying a delicious meal made from fresh ingredients sourced within a five mile radius. John and Freda have a policy that all food is sourced locally from farms and the coach of the Emerald Isle. On the farm they also grow and harvest all their own fruit and veg. They educate their visitors about sustainable consumption and the benefits of eating fresh homegrown produce. This experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption & Production.
- Giant's Causeway: Visit the legendary Giant's Causeway, site of wonders. At the visitor center, learn about the efforts to protect biodiversity and ecosystems, participating in habitat restoration. The National Trust charity has been undertaking replanting activities in Innisfree Farm, adjacent to the Causeway. By sowing a field of Herbal Ley seed mixes containing up to 17 different species, they have prioritized biodiversity and quality food production leaving a low carbon footprint. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
Top Rated Highlights
- Dublin: See Custom House and travel along the River Liffey. See the Guinness Storehouse, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral.
- Cahir: See one of the largest castles in Ireland dating back to the 13th century.
- 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.
- Killarney: Enjoy hearing of the history of Killarney during your city orientation.
- Dingle Peninsula: Enjoy a scenic drive to Slea Head past the sandstone mountains.
- Ballygally: Explore this seaside town with your Travel Director.
- Carrickfergus: See the immense Castle as your drive around it.
- Belfast: Meet Hilda, a true Belfast local, having lived in the same house her entire life. During your panoramic tour, hear about the history of the city and learn why Hilda is proud of its progress and current prosperity. You'll also see the City Hall, Queen's University, Parliament Building at Stormont and murals in different locations indicating political sentiments of local residents.
- Cliffs of Moher: 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.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1458
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+, Luxury
Supplier Code: 34.782A
Starts: Dublin, Ireland
Finishes: Belfast, United Kingdom
Duration: 12 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) $4,225 ($352 /day)
Itinerary
Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner, with the opportunity to mingle and get to know your fellow travelers.
Accommodation: Clayton Burlington Road, Dublin
Meals: Dinner
Accompanied by a Local Expert, become acquainted with Dublin’s elegant squares during an orientation of the city. Discover Custom House, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Enjoy entrance to the 9th century Book of Kells and a walk through the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College.
Accommodation: Clayton Burlington Road, Dublin
Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, visit one of the country’s main racehorse breeding centers. Continue to the acclaimed 100 year old Japanese Gardens where you can ‘journey through life’ during a walk through the beautiful surrounds. Travel to the medieval city of Kilkenny to visit the majestic Kilkenny Castle. With a Local Expert, learn how the castle was built in 1195 after the Norman Conquest of Ireland and admire its beautifully restored Victorian era rooms. Continue through Cahir and see its imposing 13th-century castle, featured in the film 'Excalibur', on the way to Cork. On arrival, your Travel Director will show you around the compact university city, with its vibrant waterfront and grand Georgian parades.
Accommodation: The Kingsley, Cork
Meals: Breakfast
Travel to the ruined Blarney Castle. Will you hang upside down from the ramparts to kiss the stone and ensure a lifetime of eloquence? Travel across the majestic Derrynasaggart Mountains to the lively town of Killarney. For your Farm-to-Table dining experience, enjoy some Irish home cooking in the kitchens of chef John Sheehan. Join John and Freda, your hosts at the 19th Green Guesthouse, and savor the delicious flavors of fresh local cuisine on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Gather together at a Farm-to-Table dinner, using responsibly sourced ingredients from the local community, and gain personal insight into classic Irish recipes that are loved throughout the world.
Accommodation: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Start your day with Insight Choice. Choose a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys. Alternatively, join a gentle hike with a Local Expert along the lake shore and past the grounds of Ross Castle, admiring the incredible scenery of the National Park. While there aren't any mountains to climb, walkers should be fit, have good walking shoes or boots, sunscreen and rain gear. Then explore around the magnificent Ring of Kerry. Here, mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is breathtaking beyond words. Journey past lush lakelands and around towering cliffs as you appreciate sweeping sea views. Continue through delightful villages like Sneem and cross the peat bogs of the Black Mountains to Moll’s Gap to admire Queen Victoria’s Ladies View. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Maybe take the opportunity to hire a bicycle and enjoy one of the many scenic trails around the lake or through the National Park.
Accommodation: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
Meals: Breakfast
Continue driving with views of wide skies, peaceful towns and coastal scenery of the Dingle Peninsula �� the setting for the film Ryan’s Daughter. Drive to dramatic Slea Head at the peninsula’s far end, before journeying back to reach your hotel.
Accommodation: Falls & Spa, Ennistymon
Meals: Breakfast
Journey to the Visitor Center at the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Clare Coast before a delightful drive through the strange, rocky landscape of the Burren to Galway Bay. On arrival, see the Lynch Memorial and Church of St. Nicholas, where Christopher Columbus reputedly prayed before his voyages to America. See the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President, John F. Kennedy.
Accommodation: Connemara Coast (Sea View Rooms), Galway
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Spend a day at leisure to relax and enjoy Galway. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to the Aran Islands? A genuine highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way. With their cliffs and spectacular coastal views, the islands are a true Irish experience.
Accommodation: Connemara Coast (Sea View Rooms), Galway
Meals: Breakfast
Admire the Blue Stack Mountains of Donegal as you cross into Northern Ireland, bound for the ancient walled city of 'Derry.' What better way to experience sightseeing than with one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers, Ronan, as he takes you on a tour inside the city walls, still topped with cannons. Walk down Shipquay Street, with its elegant Georgian houses, to the Gothic Guildhall.
Accommodation: Maldron Hotel Derry, Londonderry
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey to the iconic Giant's Causeway for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Learn how the National Trust is enabling farming and biodiversity to work together, supporting both wildlife and quality food production. Next, prepare yourself for miles of breathtaking beauty as you travel along the road clinging to the Antrim Coast. Continue onto your hotel, overlooking Ballygally Bay. For those who are brave enough, perhaps check out The Ghost Room, in one of the castle’s turrets? In the evening, please join us for a finale Celebration Dinner, where old-fashioned hospitality is blended with good food and wine for an experience that delights the senses.
Accommodation: Ballygally Castle, Co. Antrim
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Continue around the Antrim Coast, past the huge Norman castle at Carrickfergus, to arrive in the Northern Ireland capital of Belfast. Meet your Local Expert for a passionate city tour including views of the City Hall, Queen's University, the Parliament Building at Stormont and murals in different locations indicating political sentiments of local residents.
Accommodation: Titanic, Belfast
Meals: Breakfast
Departure transfers arrive at Belfast George Best City Airport and Belfast International Airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Tour Operator
Insight Vacations (US)
As a global leader in premium escorted travel, Insight Vacations® has been crafting magical journeys for 40 years that embody The Art of Traveling in Style. Through meticulous planning, detailed preparation and boundless passion, Insight’s collection of award-winning itineraries showcases the most outstanding destinations in Europe and North America. Guided by a highly-skilled Travel Director, guests can look forward to traveling in smaller groups, savoring authentic dining and enjoying a range of immersive Insight Experiences.
In Business Since 1978
Reviews
Frances Babb - Traveled, July 2024
See my previous comments. For me this trip would have been better if 2 things were different. #1 I needed to know a more detailed timeline for each day, in advance of the trip. I don't expect an exact timeline, but knowing that the day started at 8am and first up was to visit this site and stay there for x amount of time. Then there were be a break for lunch and activities would resume at 2pm where we would do some other event that generally would last 2 hours. Then there would be some downtime before heading to dinner at 6pm. Having that info in advance would allow me to schedule other activities in our downtime. #2, on the last day, it is unreasonable to ask us to be ready to leave Ireland at 5:30am to depart to the airport, when our flight home left at 3pm. The problem is that there was only one bus, which was needed for use for the next tour at 8am. You need an additional bus so that guests don't have to wake up before sunrise on the last day of the tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/02/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2024
It was great. It was extensive and informative, we had a great driver and tour guide. We were lucky to have a small tour group all with similar situations an interests as ours. It would have been nice to stay 2 nights in some more places.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2024
Professional, knowledgeable tour guide Professional, talented driver
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2024
Phillip Mitchell - Traveled, July 2024
Excellent service our Guide Ann and Driver Connor were very polite and courteous at all times. I have done the Country Roads of Ireland tour before and I enjoyed both tours. Very well organized. Timeframe is easy to handle. Good variety of attractions and extras.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/07/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, August 2024
Enjoyed the sights less traveled roads and optional choices
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/01/2024
Barbara Neyland - Traveled, July 2024
I used a travel agent so am unaware of how easy it was to book this tour. I enjoyed this trip. hitting the highlights of rural Ireland. The schedule was good and allowed free time for browsing through little towns. I was not as excited about the bigger cities and was happy to focus on the beauty of ireland
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/03/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, July 2024
Customer Experience Our tour director - Michelle was outstanding and same for our bus driver - Paddy...The people of Ireland are all about 'service' . I just completed Country Roads of Ireland a week ago -- I loved that it toured both the Republic and Northern Ireland (though I would have tacked on an extra day in Belfast which is full of interesting history) There were so many highlights for me -- but the main ones were The Giants Causeway, The Titanic Experience and the Aran Islands. Where else in the world would a local come up to you and ask "are you ok love do you need some help' (to me - camera in hand walking and looking all around).. Great food, great people...if you are on the fence about Ireland - jump off and just go!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/02/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, July 2024
Tour guide Michelle was very professional and her knowledge and commentary of Ireland was amazing. Our Bus driver Paddy was an excellent driver under sometimes challenging conditions.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/02/2024
Ray Simpson - Traveled, July 2024
Very professional, friendly and attentive tour director (Ann) and driver (Connor) who looked after us well. We arrived late to the orientation dinner at the start due to a cancelled flight but Ann greeted us and ensured we had a meal and drinks when we got there. Only negative comment we emailed Insight Vacations well before the tour to clarify luggage restrictions but got no response. However we did ring the European Service Team when we were going to arrive late and they clarified the luggage issue and were flexible with it. Comprehensive tour covering key cities and towns, historic buildings, places of interest and natural areas at a leisurely pace. Good quality hotels used. Our tour director Ann was extremely knowledgeable and gave a detailed account of the history of Ireland and the various places we visited. Local tour guides were used in various places to give detailed local history and knowledge. Very enjoyable tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/02/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, July 2024
The friendly and helpful Irish people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/20/2024
Nicola Charman - Traveled, July 2024
Our tour Director, Ann Ellard and driver Conor were excellent. Ann's historical knowledge of Ireland is superb, her humour very infectious and her organisational skills absolutely first class, she made the tour so enjoyable for all on the trip. Conor our driver handled all the roads which such skill and confidence, always there to help you on and off the bus and ultra efficient in getting our luggage to the right place, an absolutely charming man.. All the group enjoyed the pairing of Ann and Conor to show us the beautiful sights of a very charming and picturesque island. The Itinerary was good, especially the road trip around The Ring of Kerry, the 2 day stop in Killarney and the ferry journey over to the Aran Islands. I would have taken out some of the many viewings of churches, cathedrals and castles as once you have seen one they are all very much alike, my opinion of course. The evening at the Farm to Table in Killarney was extremely disappointing, the Chef's spread of food was very poor. Also the stops at tourist shops that work on commission for goods sold is a little intimidating when all you want to do is browse at your own leisure.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/20/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, June 2024
The company was very accommodating for my sister who is not as mobile as others. They tried to always give her a room near a lift. When we visited sites with a lot of walking they always made sure there was a means of transport for handicapped guests. You visit fabulous villages and many famous sites. Some of the little towns and villages are places you might not know about if not for this tour. In fact my favorites were Dingle in the Republic of Ireland and Ballygally in Northern Ireland. The visit to the Marian apparition site in Knock was a spiritual experience and a highlight for me. I just wish we had stayed longer than an hour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/12/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2024
We continue to use Insight for several reasons: great hotel selections, great tour directors and drivers, and reconfiguring the bus to hold a max of 40 participants. The additional leg room is greatly appreciated. Nicely covered the highlights of coastal Ireland. As always, wish we had more time in each city.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2024
Bruce Gronich - Traveled, May 2024
A marvelous way to get to know Ireland and its people
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2024
FredS - Traveled, May 2024
Our host Karin was terrific. So friendly and helpful. Also her insights into Irish culture was also great. So many great sights we saw throughout Ireland. We loved the added experience to the Earl of Antrims’ castle. Very unique experience. The hotels were 4 star hotels in the heart of town. I only wish we could always have a queen size bed. Having 2 twin beds is not ideal for adults especially at the added expense we paid for higher end hotels.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2024
Joanne Reynolds - Traveled, June 2024
Insight really shows you Ireland! Great tour director who shared her incredible knowledge and experiences of each area and our wonderful driver who made everything seamless. Both were always anticipating the needs of our group. They made it fun and we felt like they were sharing wonderful memories. And the seats had plenty of room even for my 6'9" husband. No other tour company has this nice a bus! They were the best! We are already picking out our next trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/05/2024
Alan Raeside - Traveled, June 2024
Great tour director and driver. Roomy bus, great hotels, excellent tour director and bus driver. First rate trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/18/2024
Martin Pallas - Traveled, June 2024
Excellent knowledgeable and everhelpful staff
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/12/2024
Richard Kier - Traveled, July 2024
It was simply excellent for the reasons stated above. Very complete and very well planned. The tour guide and coach driver went out of their way to make this a memorable journey.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/19/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, June 2024
To be aware of extra costs for excursions Not many included
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/12/2024
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