Compare Iconic Ireland by G Adventures vs A Week In... Ireland 2024 by Tauck
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4 | Great
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| Duration | 9 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 3,499 | $ 5,790 |
| Price Per Day | $ 389 | $ 724 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes | N/A |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
| Activities | N/A |
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| Meals Included | 8 breakfasts, 1 dinner | N/A |
| Description |
A land of ancient legends, epic folktales, and grand traditions, Ireland is a destination that will truly transport you back in time. Uncover Celtic culture and admire medieval architecture across the stunning countryside, and delve into historic Dublin and the "rebel city" of Cork. Eat, dance, and sing with locals—even kiss the Blarney Stone—as you follow the roots of Irish culture to its core and come home with some Irish ballads of your own. |
Featuring multiple nights at some of the Emerald Isle's finest hotels; indulge in Irish culture on a trip that takes you from the rugged west to the historic south and ends with three nights in one of Europe's most popular cities, Dublin. |
Day 1 Dublin
Arrive at any time.
We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this lively city. There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
Please note that due to space restrictions aboard our transportation, there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. We recommend bringing an additional daypack for essentials and everyday items. Please visit the "What to take" section on the Trip details tab for more information.
Day 2 Dublin
Set out this morning to explore Trinity College Dublin, founded in 1592. Visit its famed library and view the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript dating to the ninth century. Enjoy free time this afternoon to explore the city's Medieval Quarter, visit St. Patrick's Cathedral, set foot in Dublin Castle, or tour a whiskey distillery. In the evening, dine on Irish fare, accompanied by storytelling and traditional music, in a traditional Irish pub.
Day 3 Cork
Travel to the charming city of Cork and set out on an orientation walk; then spend the rest of the day exploring the city on your own. Choose to visit the Cork County Gaol—a former prison—or learn about the voyage of the Titanic in the original ticket office of the White Star Line. Wander the stalls at the historic English Market or settle into a pub for a locally brewed pint of Murphy’s Irish Stout.
Cork is known for its many universities, theatres, art schools and general diversity and culture. With many immigrants settling in this inviting city, it's easy to find different types of foods, shops and cafés lining the streets.
Day 4 Blarney/Killarney
Begin the day with a visit to Blarney Castle, built nearly 600 years ago and now one of the most iconic sights in Ireland. Climb a flight of steps to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone, a ritual said to grant the gift of the gab. Continue to Killarney for an afternoon spent tasting whiskey and chocolate with a local expert. In the evening, opt to enjoy a traditional Celtic dance performance.
The lovely town of Killarney bristles with history, culture and stunning natural beauty. Located on the shores of Lough Leane, adjacent to Killarney National Park, it is surrounded by rolling green hills, lakes and forests.
Day 5 Killarney
Set out on a full-day excursion around the famed Ring of Kerry, considered one of Ireland’s most scenic drives. Take in stunning views of the Iveragh Peninsula’s windswept coast and lush, wild forests. View historic castles, churches, and seaside villages before returning to Killarney for a night at leisure.
Day 6 Galway
Travel to Galway, a historic harbor city on the west coast of Ireland and the gateway to the Galway Gaeltacht, one of the country’s few remaining Irish-speaking regions. Take a guided walking tour of the old city, delving into the history of conquest that has shaped Irish culture, and getting a taste of the city’s reputation as a hub for art and music.
Day 7 Cliffs of Moher/Galway
This morning, head to the stunning Cliffs of Moher and board a boat for a coastal cruise. Enjoy exceptional views of one of Ireland’s most well-known natural wonders from water level, keeping an eye out for seabirds, such as puffins, that call this special protected area home. After the cruise, spend time at the visitor center before returning to Galway to enjoy a free evening exploring the local arts scene or wandering historic streets.
Day 8 Dublin
Return to Dublin this morning and enjoy a free afternoon to explore Ireland's dynamic capital. Stroll among the colorful gardens of St. Stephen's Green, pop into historic pubs in Temple Bar, or view the famed bog bodies housed in the National Museum of Ireland. Opt to visit the Guinness Storehouse for insights into the history of beer and a taste of their famed stout, then gather for an optional farewell dinner with your group at a local restaurant.
Day 9 Dublin
Depart at any time.
Day 1 Arrive Shannon
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Dromoland Castle. A transfer is included from Shannon Airport to Dromoland Castle, your royal home for two nights. Join us this evening for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner in the castle. Please note: Airline schedules and arrival airport details may fluctuate; ask at time of booking.
MEALS : D
LODGING : Dromoland Castle
PORTOFCALL : Shannon, Ireland
Day 2 Spirits Soar at the Cliffs of Moher
Make your way today through The Burren, an eerie landscape of limestone outcrops, en route to the Cliffs of Moher. Over five miles long and towering up to 660 feet, the cliffs reign unrivaled over the Atlantic Ocean coastline, offering amazing views. Sample a taste of country life during lunch in Ennis; return to Dromoland Castle for a day spent as you please.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Dromoland Castle
PORTOFCALL : Liscannor Ireland
Day 3 Blarney Castle & a Concert in Cork
Your travels take you to County Cork today for a two-night stay in an elegant manor house hotel and an in-depth discovery of all things Irish – including a visit to legendary Blarney Castle; get ready to pucker up for the "gift of gab" if you climb its ramparts to kiss the magical stone. After time to explore Blarney's castle and village and enjoy lunch on your own, continue on to Cork and the Hayfield Manor Hotel, your stately home for the next two nights. This evening, you're invited to a private recital at St. Fin Barre's Cathedral before returning for dinner at your hotel.
MEALS : B, D
LODGING : Hayfield Manor Hotel
PORTOFCALL : Blarney Ireland
Day 4 Seaside Kinsale & Cork as your Please
This morning, head out from your manor house accommodations to coastal Kinsale, where you'll visit historic Charles Fort, one of the finest examples of a 17th-century fortification in Ireland; spend some time exploring and have lunch on your own in this lovely harborside village. Return to Cork for an afternoon spent exploring the city as you wish. Dinner tonight is à la carte at your leisure at one of the hotel's fine restaurants.
MEALS : B, D
LODGING : Hayfield Manor Hotel
PORTOFCALL : Kinsale, Ireland
Day 5 Cook Up Some Fun & Irish Fare
Today you are in for a tasty treat! This morning, drive to Ballyknocken for a stop at the Ballyknocken Cookery School. Nestled between lush herb, vegetable and fruit gardens, Ballyknocken House and Cookery School is the fulfilled dream of Wicklow native and Irish celebrity chef, Catherine Fulvio. Discover an infectious passion for good food (using fresh & quality ingredients) and develop new skills during a culinary experience with one of the school's tutors. Drive to your hotel in Dublin and get ready for an Irish evening experience tonight.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection
PORTOFCALL : Dublin, Ireland
Day 6 A Day of Dublin Delights
Experience an in-depth introduction to Dublin on a sightseeing tour that includes lively O'Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and beautiful parks. This afternoon, take some time to enjoy the city as you wish, perhaps wandering along eclectic Grafton Street, strolling along the River Liffey, exploring St. Stephen's Green (on which your hotel is situated), or experiencing the grandeur of Merrion Square; laid back and laden with charm, Dublin is small, compact and made for walking. Have dinner on your own tonight; Dublin restaurants – of which there are many to choose from close to your hotel – and Irish cuisine have earned high marks on the European culinary scene.
MEALS : B
LODGING : The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection
PORTOFCALL : Dublin, Ireland
Day 7 A Look at 10th-Century Glendalough
Extend your Ireland travel outside Dublin into the hills of Wicklow to the monastic settlement of Glendalough, founded in the 6th century, via Tauck's scenic Yellow Roads. Most of the ruins and sites date from the 10th century and are remarkably preserved; see some of the most significant ones on a guided tour. Return to Dublin midday for more time to explore this legendary city at your leisure. Please join us tonight for a farewell reception followed by dinner at your stately hotel on St. Stephen's Green; your Irish eyes will be smiling as you celebrate the new friendships you've made and the fun you've had on the Emerald Isle!
MEALS : B, D
LODGING : The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection
PORTOFCALL : Dublin, Ireland
Day 8 Journey home
Tour ends: Dublin. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection to Dublin Airport; allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in.
MEALS : B
PORTOFCALL : Dublin, Ireland
