Overview
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When you think of a vacation to Ireland, what comes to mind? Witnessing the lush, green landscape? Visiting historical and religious sights, and seeing remains from medieval times? Perhaps it is visiting farms or savouring authentic Irish food. If so, all of this and more are offered on this amazing Ireland tour—with overnights in Dublin, Ballina, Galway, Limerick, Tralee, and Waterford.
As you’d expect on an Ireland tour, you will have the opportunity to see spectacular scenery. The 668-foot Cliffs of Moher on Ireland’s west coast offer breath-taking views of rugged cliffs dropping into the ocean. You’ll also witness sparkling seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly colored farmhouses, and a breath-taking panorama of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View as you travel around the Ring of Kerry, a 100-mile panoramic drive. The Aran Islands offer limestone rock, rugged cliffs, and a variety of wildflowers. On the largest Aran Island, Inishmore, you’ll visit Dun Aengus, one of Europe’s most spectacular and dramatic prehistoric stone forts on a truly unique and unforgettable day.
Other historical sights you’ll see on this Ireland tour include Kylemore Abbey, a massive castle acquired by the Benedictine nuns, and Glendalough, the Christian monastic site founded by St. Kevin. You’ll also learn about Irish history on your visit to the Strokestown House, a restored 1740s mansion with its original furnishings and fabrics, splendid gardens, and Famine Museum.
You’ll also get a taste of Irish life when you visit a sheep farm, where you’ll learn to make scones and then eat them. Then, sample a classic Irish Coffee at the very place where the first one was served in the 1940s after a group of Americans stepped off Pan Am Flying Boat in Foynes. Or how about lunch at one of the Aran Islands’ oldest and most traditional pubs or a dinner at a local pub on Dingle peninsula? All of these are special treats offered by Globus to bring authentic experiences to your Ireland vacation. So grab your camera and get ready for an amazing tour through Ireland!
Please note: 2021 itinerary is based on 2020 and is subject to change, but by booking today you will lock in your price. Full details will be confirmed in September 2020.
Highlights
Orientation drive; welcome dinner
KILDARE Guided tour of the Irish National Stud
STROKESTOWN HOUSE Guided tour of the house and Famine Museum, and visit the gardens
KYLEMORE Visit the Benedictine abbey
CONNEMARA Visit a marble workshop
GALWAY Orientation
ARAN ISLANDS Ferry to and from Inishmore, hear a presentation on life on the island by a local historian, [LF] enjoy lunch at Tí Joe Watty’s pub, take a minibus tour with a driver-guide, visit Dun Aengus
RATHBAUN FARM See the farmer at work, [LF] bake your own scones, and enjoy morning coffee in the farmhouse
CLIFFS OF MOHER Savor the spectacular views
FOYNES Guided tour of the Flying Boat Museum, enjoy an Irish Coffee
DINGLE PENINSULA Slea Head drive and visit Dingle town, enjoy [LF] dinner at a local pub
RING OF KERRY Scenic peninsula drive
KILLARNEY Horse-drawn jaunting car ride
BLARNEY Visit the famous village
WATERFORD Guided tour of the House of Waterford Crystal
AVOCA Guided tour of the handweaving mill
GLENDALOUGHGuided tour of St. Kevin’s center of Irish Christianity
Save 10% on 2021 departures
Plan ahead and get our best prices! Get 10% off the tour portion of your holiday when you book a 2021 Globus tour in North or South America or Europe.
See all tours in offer2021 Tour itinerary
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Total meals included:
- 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 dinners
ARRIVE IN DUBLIN, IRELAND.
Day1
Céad míle fáilte—a hundred-thousand welcomes! Check into your hotel. At 3 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for an afternoon orientation drive through statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and past St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Oscar Wilde’s Trinity College. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel.
Meals included:
- Dinner
DUBLIN–KILDARE–STROKESTOWN–BALLINA
Day2
Horse-racing country awaits this morning. Drive across the Curragh to the IRISH NATIONAL STUD at Kildare, whose thoroughbreds command respect on the racecourses of the world. Then, head north to Longford for a guided tour of STROKESTOWN HOUSE, the 1740s mansion with its fine gardens. Experience an insight into the circumstances of the Great Irish Famine of the 1840s at the Famine Museum. Overnight in Ballina, famous for its hospitality and internationally renowned for its exceptional salmon fishing in the Moy River.
Today’s Distance: 179 mi / 300 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
BALLINA–KYLEMORE–GALWAY
Day3
Via Westport, head for the unspoiled region of Connemara, an area known for its hardy breed of ponies. Visit KYLEMORE ABBEY, a massive yet graceful castle acquired by Benedictine nuns as a precious heirloom for Ireland. At Moycullen, visit the Joyce family at their MARBLE WORKSHOP before arriving in the port city of Galway. Tonight’s recommendation: an optional evening at Dunguaire Castle, where the intimate banquet has an enlightening literary theme.
Today’s Distance: 104 mi / 166 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
GALWAY. EXCURSION TO THE ARAN ISLANDS
Day4
At Rossaveal, board a comfortable, modern FERRY for the 45-minute crossing to Kilronan on Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands and where Gaelic is the first language of the islanders. Your fascinating day continues with a presentation about life on Inishmore by an island historian. After LF a light LUNCH at Tí Joe Watty’s pub, board a minibus to enjoy your driver/Local Guide’s commentary on a tour of the island. End with a visit to clifftop DUN AENGUS, one of the most spectacular and dramatic prehistoric stone forts in Europe. Back in Kilronan, board your ferry back to the mainland. There are plenty of dining options in Galway this evening.
Today’s Distance: 45 mi / 72 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
GALWAY–CLIFFS OF MOHER–LIMERICK
Day5
Enjoy a real Irish farm experience at RATHBAUN FARM this morning. Try your hand at LF SCONE BAKING, and learn from the farmer about sheep shearing and herding. Afterwards, enjoy coffee and your scones, fresh from the oven. Take the scenic route across the desolate limestone plateau known as The Burren, and stop for photos of prehistoric Poulnabrone Dolmen. At the CLIFFS OF MOHER, rising 668 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, savor the breathtaking panorama of the Clare coast. This evening, why not take part in a unique optional dinner excursion to Bunratty Folk Park?
Today’s Distance: 129 mi / 207 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
LIMERICK–FOYNES–DINGLE PENINSULA–TRALEE
Day6
This morning, make your way to Foynes for a guided tour of the FLYING BOAT MUSEUM. Board and explore the world’s only full-size replica of a Boeing B314 “Clipper.” In the flight simulator, re-enact the thrilling experience of crossing the Atlantic in a 1930s long-range flying boat. You will also be treated to an IRISH COFFEE DEMONSTRATION, complete with a sample of the classic drink. Then, enjoy the wonderful views during the Slea Head drive on Dingle Peninsula, stroll through quaint Dingle, and maybe catch a glimpse of Fungi, the resident dolphin. Dinner will be at a LF LOCAL PUB on the peninsula.
Today’s Distance: 145 mi / 238 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
TRALEE. RING OF KERRY EXCURSION
Day7
At Killorglin, join the famous RING OF KERRY for a 100-mile panoramic drive around the island’s southwestern tip. Plenty to focus your camera on here: sparkling seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly colored farmhouses, winding lanes bordered with subtropical vegetation, and the breathtaking panorama of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View. Stop in the popular resort town of Killarney and enjoy a special treat: a fun-filled horse-drawn JAUNTING-CAR RIDE through the national park with glorious vistas of the Lakes of Killarney and ancient Ross Castle.
Today’s Distance: 104 mi / 166 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
TRALEE–BLARNEY–WATERFORD
Day8
Across the Kerry Mountains, drive into County Cork for a visit to Blarney, renowned for its castle and magical Kissing Stone. Time for lunch, to walk up to the castle, and to shop for traditional Irish handicrafts. In the afternoon, proceed via Cork, Youghal, and Dungarvan to Waterford, a stronghold founded by the Danish Vikings in 853. Here, enjoy a visit to the HOUSE OF WATERFORD CRYSTAL.
Today’s Distance: 150 mi / 236 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
WATERFORD–AVOCA–GLENDALOUGH–DUBLIN
Day9
Today’s agenda: Enniscorthy, site of the final battle of the Great Rebellion of 1798; Ireland’s oldest HANDWEAVING MILL at Avoca; and GLENDALOUGH, the early Christian monastic site founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. See the engaging audiovisual Ireland of the Monasteries, then your Local Guide will show you the remains of this ecclesiastical settlement. Back in Dublin tonight, join your traveling companions for a fitting farewell to Ireland: an optional cabaret evening with dinner, followed by dance, song, and laughter.
Today’s Distance: 120 mi / 192 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
DUBLIN
Day10
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Hotels
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
The Gibson
Superior First-Class
The Gibson does sleeping, dining, imbibing, and relaxing really well. The chic restaurant and bar offers pan-Asian cuisine; or choose the sleek outdoor terrace lined with bamboo to enjoy wicked cocktails and a great choice of beers and wines. The gym and a relaxation area with outdoor baths invite you to relax after a day out in town.
Location
Point Village, Dublin, Ireland
Hotel Facilities
- Business Center
- Luggage Storage
- Fitness Room
- Ice Machine
- Free WiFi
- Laundry Available
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
- Elevator
- Currency Exchange
Room Facilities
- Mini-bar
- Cable/Satellite
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Air Conditioning
- Coffee Maker
- Room Service
- Hair Dryer
- Television
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Non-smoking Rooms
- In-Room Safe
- Internet Access
- Phone
Hilton Dublin Kilmainham
Superior First-Class
Towering elegantly over one of Dublin's oldest addresses, the 4 Star Hilton Dublin Kilmainham Hotel is perfectly positioned on the most accessible edge of the city center: close enough to be there within minutes - yet peacefully removed.
Location
Inchicore Road, Dublin 8, Ireland
Hotel Facilities
- Restaurant On-Site
- Fitness Room
- Pool
- Concierge desk
- Currency Exchange
- Bar/Lounge
- Luggage Storage
- Elevator
- Free WiFi
- Spa Services
- Business Center
- Laundry Available
Room Facilities
- Internet Access
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Cable/Satellite
- Phone
- Room Service
- In-Room Safe
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Coffee Maker
- Hair Dryer
- Mini-bar
- Television
- Alarm Clock
- Air Conditioning
Ballina Manor Hotel
First-Class
The Ballina Manor Hotel is perched on the banks of the River Moy and overlooks St Muredach's Cathedral. The Manor Hotel offers a fine dining restaurant and rooms with free Wi-Fi. The Ridgepool Restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. There is an international menu with fresh fish specials. In the heart of Ballina, the hotel is close to town's shopping district.
Location
The Moy Ridgepool & Salmon Weir, Barrett Street , Ballina, Ireland
Hotel Facilities
- Beauty Salon
- Free WiFi
- Fitness Room
- Restaurant On-Site
- Business Center
- Pool
- Spa Services
- Laundry Available
- Bar/Lounge
- Concierge desk
- Elevator
- Currency Exchange
- Ice Machine
- Luggage Storage
- Parking/Valet
Room Facilities
- Alarm Clock
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Smoking Rooms
- Wake-Up Calls
- Window Opens
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Internet Access
- Phone
- Non-smoking Rooms
- In-Room Safe
- Coffee Maker
- Desk
- Hair Dryer
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Television
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Room Service
Galmont Hotel and Spa
Superior First-Class
You are guaranteed the best of all worlds when you stay at the luxury 4 star Galmont & Spa Galway. One of the finest Galway Hotels with scenic Galway Bay views, luxury city center hotel accommodation, excellent food and world class spirit one spa & leisure facilities.
Location
Lough Atalia Road, Galway, Ireland
Hotel Facilities
- Elevator
- Restaurant On-Site
- Concierge desk
- Free WiFi
- Pool
- Parking/Valet
- Spa Services
- Fitness Room
- Bar/Lounge
- Laundry Available
- Ice Machine
- Business Center
- Luggage Storage
- Currency Exchange
Room Facilities
- Room Service
- Coffee Maker
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Phone
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Mini-bar
- Air Conditioning
- Hair Dryer
- Cable/Satellite
- Internet Access
- In-Room Safe
- Television
Limerick Strand Hotel
Superior First-Class
A unique and individual hotel with an exceptional location on the Shannon. The award-winning River Restaurant and welcoming Terrace Bar & Café serve the finest quality of Irish and international cuisine, created with locally sourced produce. The Energize Health Centre features a 20-meer swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, state-of-the-art exercise and high-performance cardo & weights machines as well as a plunge pool and hydrotherapy facilities. Complimentary Wi-Fi access is available throughout the hotel.
Location
Ennis Road, Limerick, Ireland
Hotel Facilities
- Spa Services
- Fitness Room
- Beauty Salon
- Restaurant On-Site
- ATM
- Bar/Lounge
- Gift Shop
- Elevator
- Hot Tub
- Pool
- Business Center
- Laundry Available
- Free WiFi
- Concierge desk
- Parking/Valet
Room Facilities
- Coffee Maker
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Desk
- Complimentary Toiletries
- In-Room Safe
- Phone
- Cable/Satellite
- Television
- Internet Access
- Room Service
- Hair Dryer
- Non-smoking Rooms
The Rose Hotel
First-Class
The Rose Hotel is located a short walk outside of the centre of Tralee town set agains the backdrop of the Slieve Mish Mountains. The 161 contemporary guest rooms feature complimentary Wi-Fi access as well as all other modern amenities including air conditioning, tea/coffee maker, hairdryer and more. The Park Restaurant, Dott's Bar or Rose Room are gorgeous places for guest to relax, enjoy the surroundings and experience delicious regional food and drinks. The hotel also has a wonderful Serenity Spa and a fully equipped Gym.
Location
Dan Spring Road, Tralee Co.Kerry, Ireland
Hotel Facilities
- Fitness Room
- Laundry Available
- Elevator
- Parking/Valet
- Currency Exchange
- Restaurant On-Site
- Spa Services
- Bar/Lounge
- Free WiFi
- Beauty Salon
Room Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Cable/Satellite
- Desk
- Hair Dryer
- Wake-Up Calls
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Phone
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Room Service
- In-Room Safe
- Internet Access
- Coffee Maker
- Television
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Window Opens
Granville Hotel
Superior First-Class
Family-owned Hotel overlooking the River Suir; former home of Waterford's mayor, Thomas Meagher the father of a Civil War General.
Location
The Quay, Waterford, Ireland
Hotel Facilities
- Concierge desk
- Parking/Valet
- Spa Services
- Beauty Salon
- Currency Exchange
- Bar/Lounge
- Luggage Storage
- Laundry Available
- Restaurant On-Site
- Business Center
- Elevator
Room Facilities
- Phone
- Hair Dryer
- Cable/Satellite
- Coffee Maker
- Room Service
- In-Room Safe
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Television
- Internet Access
