relaxed ireland
experience the emerald isle at aN EASY pace
small group* custom tour may 11-22, 2025
EXPLORE THE BEAUTY & CULTURE OF IRELAND WITH LOTS OF FREE TIME!
*12-24 PASSENGERS ONLY
Itinerary
May 11 - Overnight Flight to Shannon. Depart the US and arrive in Shannon the next morning.
May 12 - Welcome to Ireland! Upon arrival in Shannon, we'll be met by our private transfer for the journey to Galway where we will spend 3 nights in the Park House Hotel (or similar).
We will have the afternoon to relax and enjoy the surrounding town and music it has to offer. In the evening, we'll gather for our Welcome Dinner at the Park House Restaurant. (D)
May 13 - Galway
This morning we'll join a local guide for a gentle walking tour of Galway. See the medieval city walls, Lynch's Castle and the narrow streets lined with shops and pubs.
The rest of the day is free for you to explore Galway on your own or relax in a park or at the hotel.
We'll head back into the streets of Galway in the evening to enjoy a classic Irish Dinner at a local pub with live music. (B, D)
May 14 - FREE DAY in Galway OR an OPTIONAL Aran Island Tour
Today you can enjoy your day as you like in Galway, shopping, walking or sightseeing some more on your own.
OR
You might like to book an optional tour ($65/person) to take a short ferry ride from Rossaveal to Inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands. These rocky islands are renowned for the hardy islanders who maintained the traditional fishing and farming lifestyle. The Irish language of Gaelic is still spoken here.
You'll take a short bus ride to Dun Aengus, a huge pre-historic fortress perched on sheer cliffs, which fall away to the Atlantic Ocean below. Have a look around Kilronan before heading back to Galway and enjoying dinner on your own at one of the many local restaurants. (B)
May 15 - The Burren, Cliffs of Moher & Killarney
After breakfast we bid goodbye to Galway and head south toward Killarney. We'll pass through the Burren, a unique area of limestone fields that contain numerous dolmens, prehistoric monuments formed by large limestone slabs.
We'll continue on along the scenic coast of County Clare to visit the famous Cliffs of Moher. We'll have time to enjoy the visitor's center and the stunning views over the cliffs to the Atlantic Ocean, with O'brien's Tower keeping watch.
Next we take a short ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary before stopping in to visit the Foynes Flying Boat Museum, a fascinating piece of history about the beginning of air travel in the 1930's & 40's. Here is where the original Irish coffee was first created and we will learn how to make the perfect cup, then sample some!
We end our day at our next hotel in Killarney for 3 nights, the Great Southern Hotel (or similar). After some time to get settled, we'll enjoy a group dinner at the hotel's restaurant. (B, D)
May 16 - Ring of Kerry
This morning after breakfast we head off to explore the Ring of Kerry, which consists of over 100 miles of marvelous scenery! See some of Ireland's highest peaks on one side of the road and a coastline scattered with golden beaches and rocky headlands on the other. There will also be plenty of stops to take in the scenery and snap photos.
Then we'll cross to Valencia Island to visit the Skellig Experience, which describes the life of early monks who led austere lives on the nearby islands. Next we head into Portmagee to enjoy some free time and enjoy lunch on our own, then finish the drive back to Killarney.
This evening we'll walk to the local restaurant famous for boxties and enjoy dinner together. After dinner you can enjoy their gift shop below the restaurant and stroll through town to get back to the hotel. (B, D)
May 17 - Dingle Peninsula & Killarney Free Time
Today after breakfast, we head off to discover the beauty of the Dingle Peninsula, once described by the National Geographic Traveler as "the most beautiful place on earth". We'll drive along the south shore of the peninsula for plenty of vistas of heathery mountains, sandy beaches , stunning green landscapes and rocky headlands. We'll make strategic stops to allow you to get photos of this stunning area.
Next, we'll go into Dingle town and spend some free time to enjoy this small fishing town, grab some lunch on your own and maybe a pint at a local pub.
The rest of your afternoon will be free in Killarney to explore or relax and then enjoy dinner on your own. (B)
May 18 - Killarney National Park & Kinsale
This morning after breakfast and check out, we'll visit Killarney National Park, roughly 24,700 acres of beautifu nature. We will visit Muckross House, a 19th century mansion built for the Herbert family. We'll see the elegant rooms and rich furnishings before strolling through the gardens.
Next we'll stop by Muckross Weaving Workshop, which sells a variety of woven items made by master weavers.
We'll then head to our next overnight, the small fishing village of Kinsale, known as the gourmet capital of Ireland. With so many great restaurants, you'll be on your own to choose the one that suits your taste for dinner and then perhaps find some local music. We'll spend 1 night at Actons Hotel (or similar) (B)
May 19 - Cahir, Rock of Cashel & Dublin
Today we head northeast to Dublin, with some fun sightseeing along the way. Our first stop will be the town of Cahir, with a visit to the partially reconstructed Cahir Castle, stronghold of the Butler family. It's located on an island with some buildings dating back to the 13th century. We'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in town.
Next we head to visit the Rock of Cashel to see the church ruins that are clustered high on a limestone outcrop overlooking the surrounding countryside.
Then we arrive in Dublin for our last 3 night stay at the Davenport Hotel. Settle in and enjoy a group dinner at the hotel this evening. (B, L, D)
May 20 - Dublin Walking Tour & Merry Ploughboy Show
Today we will have a moring walking tour of historical Dublin. See the Old Irish Parliament, Dublin Castle, City Hall and the Medieval & Viking Quarters as well as Temple Bar. We'll enjoy a tour at the Guiness Storehouse where you learn the history of this age old Irish favorite, as well as get to sample a pint in their rooftop bar.
The rest of your afternoon is free and you'll be provided a 48 hour Hop On/Off bus ticket to use at your leisure.
This evening we head to the Merry Ploughboy Pub for dinner and a show of Irish traditional music and dancing. (B, D)
May 21 - FREE DAY IN DUBLIN & Farewell Dinner
Today is yours to explore the city of Dublin using your Hop On/Off bus ticket. You may want to see the Book of Kells in Trinity College, visit the Epic Museum or the National Gallery or perhaps the Teeling or Jameson Distillery. (We highly recommend booking entrance tickets for these prior to the trip on your own.) Perhaps you'd prefer to enjoy music at some of the pubs in Temple Bar or shop on Grafton Street or relax in St. Stephens Green.
Tonight we'll enjoy a Farewell Dinner at the Woolen Mills restaurant. (B, D)
May 22 - Flight Home
This morning after breakfast and check out we'll be transferred to Dublin airport for our flight home with some great Irish memories. (B)
PRICE PER PERSON: $4997*/per Person Dbl Occupancy
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $1800 ADD'L
Pricing Includes: 10 Nights Luxury Hotel, English-speaking Tour Leader, All Transportation & Transfers & Tours Listed, Daily Breakfast, 1 Lunches, 7 Dinners.
Pricing Does NOT Include: Airfare, Gratuities, Meals Not Listed or Travel Protection, which can be purchased separately for an additional cost.
*Pricing is based on small group size of at least 12 people.
Payment Schedule:
DEPOSIT $250/person** DUE BY JUNE 1, 2024
December 9, 2024 - 2nd PAYMENT $2000/person
February 3, 2025 - FINAL PAYMENT
** SMALL GROUP OF 24 PEOPLE - AVAILABILITY BASED ON FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS
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