Compare Authentic Ireland with Castle Stay by Great Value Vacations vs Shades of Ireland featuring Northern Ireland - 2024 by Collette
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| Trip |
4 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 13 days |
| Price From | $ 2,284 | $ 3,149 |
| Price Per Day | $ 286 | $ 242 |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | NA | No |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 17 |
| Description |
Roam Ireland like a local in this self-drive vacation! You can stop at Ireland’s greatest cities and small towns, as well as national parks and important landmarks.
Your journey kicks off in Kilkenny, where you can visit Waterford Crystal Factory, see Kilkenny Castle, or have a pint of beer in a cozy local pub. Next, you’ll drive to Connemara, where you can get to know more about Ireland’s history. Visit Aughnanure Castle, or try local fish ‘n’ chips! Get to know the town for two nights, then drive to your next stop - Westport. Feel free to take a bike ride along the Great Western Greenway! For the last leg of your vacation, spend time in Dublin. This bustling city is full of shops, pubs, museums, and historic sites. Visit Christ Church or other popular sites! Spend two days in Dublin, then fly home to tell everyone about your incredible Irish journey! |
Experience Ireland in all its vibrant shades as you travel from the lively city of Dublin to the untamed natural beauty of Northern Ireland. |
Day 1 Welcome to Kilkenny!
Start your Ireland vacation in Kilkenny! Once you pick up your car from the airport, you can start exploring as you wish! Known as the Marble City, Kilkenny is famous for its black marble and rich medieval history. A great way to spend the day is a visit to Waterford Crystal, where the popular crystal is made each day.
Day 2 Kilkenny
Continue your Kilkenny stay! Today you can try fresh seafood, or stop into a cozy pub. Wander the streets to discover incredible architecture! You might enjoy seeing Kilkenny Castle, built in 1195. The Castle overlooks the River Norte - you’re sure to get some gorgeous vacation photos here!
Day 3 Kilkenny - Connemara
Today, you'll drive to Connemara! Take a stroll through the green National Park. Snap incredible pictures along the way! The rolling hills and wildlife make this a must-see.
Day 4 Connemara
Consider stopping at Aughnanure Castle, the home of the 'Fighting O'Flahertys!' This 16th-century castle is a fascinating Irish landmark. You may want to see Kylemore Abbey, a lovely lakeside structure.
Day 5 Connemara - Westport
Make the short drive from Connemara to Westport! You’ll find interesting spots along the way, like Killary Fjord, which offers boat tours, and nearby Aasleagh Falls. When you get to Westport, consider biking the Great Western Greenway! Or check out Croagh Patrick, a mountain and pilgrimage site.
Day 6 Westport - Dublin
Today, drive from Westport to Dublin! The capital city of Ireland is where you’ll spend the last few days of your journey. Consider stopping for a pint of beer at the famous Guinness Storehouse!
Day 7 Dublin
Spend the day exploring Dublin! Christ Church Cathedral is a popular attraction, as is nearby St. Patricks’ Cathedral. Take a walk through St. Stephen’s Green for a picture-perfect afternoon. Soak in the culture and history on your final day to explore!
Day 8 Depart Ireland
Today you’ll depart Dublin and fly home with your memories of your Ireland getaway!
Day 1 Overnight Flight
Set out on an amazing Irish adventure that tells the complete story of the shades of Ireland.
Day 2 Dublin, Ireland - Tour Begins
Get a taste of old Dublin. Tonight, you and your fellow travelers revel in a traditional Irish evening, including regional cuisine.
Day 3 Dublin
Today, it’s your choice! Choose to ride with a local guide to see St. Patrick’s Cathedral, O’Connell Street, the National Gallery, and the historic Phoenix Park -OR- choose a walking tour of the city’s historic center, exploring St. Stephen’s Green, Grafton Street, and the General Post Office. Either way, 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.
Day 4 Dublin - Kilkenny - Waterford
Step back in time and begin the day in the medieval splendor of 12th century Kilkenny on the River Nore. Then, in Waterford, embark on a leisurely paced walking tour of Ireland’s oldest city. 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.
Day 5 Waterford - Blarney Stone - Killarney
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. Cross into County Kerry and continue on to charming Killarney, where you will board a traditional boat* and sail through breathtaking lakes in the company of an expert boatman. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 6 Killarney - Ring of Kerry - 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. At the Gap of Dunloe, shop for local artisan-made crafts. The night is free for reminiscing about the day as you find your own authentic taste of Irish culture.
Day 7 Killarney - Cliffs of Moher - Ennis
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.
Day 8 Ennis - Galway - Enniskillen, Northern Ireland
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.
Day 9 Enniskillen - Donegal Town - Derry
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, it’s Diner’s Choice… choose your included dinner from a "menu" of Derry’s great restaurants.
Day 10 Derry - Inishowen Peninsula - Derry
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.
Day 11 Derry - Giant's Causeway - Glens of Antrim - Belfast
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. Then lose yourself in the natural beauty of Northern Ireland as you explore the scenic back roads of the Glens of Antrim to Belfast. Top your day off with a visit to a whiskey distillery and learn the process of making this national tipple. Here you can taste whiskey and enjoy dinner.
Day 12 Belfast
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 “Titanic Experience,” Northern Ireland’s most visited attraction. This afternoon is yours to explore Belfast further, as your Irish adventure comes to a close.
Day 13 Belfast - Tour Ends
Your tour ends in Belfast.
