Emerald Isle

Overview

When you think of a holiday 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 breathtaking views of rugged cliffs dropping into the ocean. You’ll also witness sparkling seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly coloured farmhouses, and a breathtaking panorama of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View as you drive 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 holiday. So grab your camera and get ready for an amazing tour through Ireland!

UK - Dublin, Ireland

On arrival in Dublin, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Céad míle fáilte—a hundred-thousand welcomes! Check into your hotel. At 3 pm, meet your Tour Director and travelling 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.

Dublin - Kildare - Strokestown - Ballina

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.

Ballina - Kylemore - Galway

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.

Galway. Excursion to the Aran Islands

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 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.

Galway - Cliffs of Moher - Limerick

Enjoy a real Irish farm experience at RATHBAUN FARM this morning. Try your hand at 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?

Limerick - Foynes - Dingle Peninsula - Tralee

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 LOCAL PUB on the peninsula.

Tralee. Ring of Kerry Excursion

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.

Tralee - Blarney - Waterford

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.

Waterford - Avoca - Glendalough - Dublin

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 travelling companions for a fitting farewell to Ireland: an optional cabaret evening with dinner, followed by dance, song, and laughter.

Dublin - UK

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.