Irish Explorer—10 day tour
A classic circular tour travelling from the Georgian Squares of Dublin, via the maritime cities of Waterford and Cork, to the scenic Ring of Kerry. Return to Dublin via the wild Atlantic coast and the World Heritage Site of Bru Na Boinne.
Included Highlights
- Dublin City Tour
- Blarney Castle
- Ring of Kerry
- Connemara National Park
- Newgrange
Hotel Nights
- Dublin 2
- Waterford 1
- Cork 1
- Killarney 2
- Galway 2
- Dublin 1
Day 1 Dublin
On arrival at Dublin airport a professional local guide greets and accompanies us by motor coach to our Dublin hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight Dublin
Day 2 Dublin
Our guide takes us on a morning tour of this lively city. Visits are included to St Patrick's Cathedral as well as Trinity College where we see the famed illustrated medieval manuscript known as The Book of Kells. See O'Connell and Grafton Streets and stroll along the banks of the River Liffey. The afternoon is free to explore some of the city's other attractions such as The Jameson's Whiskey Centre or The Guinness Storehouse. Tonight enjoy an evening of traditional Irish food and musical entertainment.
Overnight Dublin
Day 3 Waterford
Leaving Dublin we travel via the lush, green fields and mountains of County Wicklow, bound for the southern maritime city of Waterford. Afternoon arrival in Waterford, where a tour of the famous Waterford Crystal Factory is included.
Overnight Waterford
Day 4 Midleton – Cobh – Cork
Following the coast we travel to Midleton for a tour of the Old Midleton Distillery, associated with Jameson and Powers. We proceed to the pretty village of Cobh, renowned as a major emigration point from Ireland to countries all over the world. Cobh was also the last port of call for the 'Titanic' before its ill-fated journey. A visit is included to the highly emotive Queenstown Story, where both these momentous events are remembered. Continue to Cork.
Overnight Cork
Day 5 Blarney Castle – Killarney
Enjoy a tour of central Cork before visiting Blarney Castle, where you may wish to kiss the legendary Stone of Eloquence. There are also shopping opportunities at the Blarney Woollen Mills. Afternoon arrival in the charming resort town of Killarney.
Overnight Killarney
Day 6 Ring of Kerry
Today's excursion explores the Ring of Kerry, a route along some of the most dramatic roads in the country with wonderful views. See the famed Lakes of Killarney, keep an eye out for red deer, travel through Moll's Gap and admire the stunning Ladies View. We even get a chance to experience life in 18th Century Ireland with a visit to the Kerry Bog Village.
Overnight Killarney
Day 7 Cliffs of Moher – Galway
This morning we follow the Atlantic coast and take a ferry across the mouth of the majestic River Shannon in to County Clare. Reaching the ocean again a visit is made to the Visitors Centre at the dramatic Cliffs of Moher. Continuing though the incredible landscapes of The Burren we arrive in Galway.
Overnight Galway
Day 8 Connemara National Park – Kylemore Abbey
A full day excursion takes us into Connaught and the Connemara National Park. A stop is made at a workshop that makes the Bodhran, a traditional Irish instrument. Try out your own music skills before re-boarding the coach for the dramatic journey through the wild landscape of the Connemara National Park. A visit is made to Kylemore Abbey, the Monastic home of the Benedictine Nuns of Ireland, before returning to Galway.
Overnight Galway
Day 9 Newgrange – Dublin
This morning travel back to Dublin. En route we learn about the Battle of the Boyne and go even further back in time with a visit to the World Heritage Site of Bru Na Boinne. Short transfers by mini-bus take us into Newgrange, a prehistoric tomb that is older than the Pyramids of Egypt or England's Stonehenge. Afternoon arrival in Dublin for a final night, and perhaps a farewell pint of Guinness.
Overnight Dublin
Day 10 Dublin
Group transfer included to Dublin airport. We will be pleased to tailor your tour to suit your preferred arrival and departure airports.
You can find out more about our service on the Your Tour and Tour Price page. Please do email or call us to discuss your requirements. All quotations are provided free of charge and without obligation. We look forward to hearing from you.