Introduction to Ireland

Discover the best of both worlds on your Ireland and Britain escorted vacation for an escape from the high-season crowds, without the high-season prices. Your guided tour of Ireland and Britain begins in the legendary capital city of Dublin. Enjoy seeing the “Fair City,” including statue-lined O’Connell Street, Trinity College, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Drive across the Boyne River to Belfast in Northern Ireland to take in the fascinating Titanic Experience and then, via ferry across the North Channel, travel to the Scottish capital of Edinburgh. See Edinburgh Castle and the beautiful views of the city. You’ll marvel at the scenic beauty of the North Sea coast as you travel to York to tour its maze of quaint streets. You’ll continue your guided vacation in England with a visit to Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford- upon-Avon, and a 2-night stay in vibrant London. Your Local Guide will show you the famous sights, including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace. You’ll visit iconic St. Paul’s Cathedral, and have free time to explore the city on your own. Your guided tour of Ireland and Britain is a welcome escape with fewer crowds and lower costs than high-season tours. You’ll savor the time and leisurely pace of exploring historic Ireland, scenic Scotland, and both rural and cosmopolitan England on your Globus Escape escorted vacation.

This Ireland tour—travelling from its east coast to its west coast—features Ireland’s most popular cities, small towns, and scenic highlights. Your tour starts in Dublin, ends in Limerick, and overnights also in Waterford, Kinsale, and Killarney. Scenic highlights include the 668-foot Cliffs of Moher on Ireland’s west coast, where you’ll savour the breathtaking views of these rugged cliffs dropping into the ocean, and part of the Ring of Kerry, a panoramic drive through rugged and magnificent landscapes. Also take a private boat to Garinish Island, renowned for its gardens and seal colonies. Visit some of Ireland’s charming small towns, including Adare, developed in medieval times and with the original thatched cottages built in the 1820s still lining the streets; Kilkenny, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Smithwick’s Experience to learn about Ireland’s oldest beer brand; New Ross, where you’ll visit the Dunbrody Famine Ship to learn about the famine emigration in the 1840s; Kinsale, a historic port and picturesque fishing town where you’ll take a heritage town walk; Youghal, a walled seaport town preserved from the 13th century; and the charming village of Blarney. Also enjoy guided tours of the GPO Witness History, where you learn about the tumultuous events of the Easter Rising in 1961, the House of Waterford Crystal, where you’ll see the highly skilled artisans at work in the production of this famous crystal, and the Irish National Stud in Kildare, home to thoroughbred champions. Plus, throughout this Ireland tour, Globus has included some unique experiences. You’ll ride on the Waterford & Suir Valley Railway, a heritage narrow-gauge train that runs along the Suir River through rolling farmlands and woodland gardens. Also enjoy a traditional farmhouse dinner at Rathbaun Farm, where you’ll learn to make scones and hear about sheep shearing from the farmer. These are just some of the many highlights of this tour through Ireland. It’s a wonderful holiday!

Breathtaking, lush landscapes combined with vibrant cities and historic attractions—all of this and more await you on this Irish Discovery tour, including Northern Ireland. Starting and ending in Dublin, explore Ireland in depth and hear exciting stories of its rich history, legends, and myths.  On an Ireland tour, you expect to see amazing scenery, and this tour does not disappoint. See the 668-foot Cliffs of Moher on Ireland’s west coast, offering breathtaking views of rugged cliffs dropping into the ocean. Join the Ring of Kerry, a 100-mile drive with sparkling seascapes and mountains dotted with brightly coloured farmhouses. In Northern Ireland, visit awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway, basalt columns formed millions of years ago by volcanic eruptions. On the amazingly green Dingle Peninsula—perched on Ireland’s westernmost tip and dominated by the range of mountains—enjoy one of Europe’s most dramatic drives passing seaside villages, ancient monuments, and views of the Blasket Islands.  On your guided Ireland tour, you’ll also visit some of its vibrant cities—including Dublin, Belfast, and Galway—and charming towns, including Killarney. Stop in Adare, founded in medieval times and known today as one of Ireland’s friendliest and prettiest villages. In Waterford, enjoy a guided tour of the House of Waterford Crystal, where you’ll see the highly-skilled artisans at work in the production of this famous crystal. You’ll also see artisans at work on your visit to Ireland’s oldest handweaving mill at Avoca. In Northern Ireland, visit Derry, one of Ireland’s best-preserved fortified cities, and Downpatrick, burial place of Ireland’s Patron Saint.  This value-minded tour through Ireland is a dream holiday!