Compare Introduction to Ireland by Great Value Vacations vs Iconic Ireland by G Adventures
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
4 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 7 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 3,305 | $ 3,499 |
| Price Per Day | $ 472 | $ 389 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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N/A |
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 8 breakfasts, 1 dinner |
| Description |
This is an escorted tour. It’s perfect if you prefer not to do your own driving and want to see as many sights as you can during your vacation. See the highlights of the Emerald Isle in just six nights! This tour is the perfect introduction for first-time visitors who have limited time. You’ll experience some of Ireland’s most magnificent scenery as well as its most famous towns. Start and end in the vibrant capital city of Dublin, and make overnight stops at Ennis, Killarney, and Waterford along the way. You'll enjoy tours to some of the country's most iconic and breathtaking sights, from sweeping "end-of-the-world" cliffs to famous panoramic drives. You'll enjoy guided tours of 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. You'll also enjoy truly unique local experiences; bake scones at Rathbaun Farm and enjoy a Irish coffee demonstration in Waterford. From the scenic beauty to the charming experiences, this Ireland tour is sure to delight all of your senses! |
A land of ancient legends, epic folktales, and grand traditions, Ireland is a destination that will truly transport you back in time. Uncover Celtic culture and admire medieval architecture across the stunning countryside, and delve into historic Dublin and the "rebel city" of Cork. Eat, dance, and sing with locals—even kiss the Blarney Stone—as you follow the roots of Irish culture to its core and come home with some Irish ballads of your own. |
Day 1 Welcome to Dublin!
Céad míle fáilte - a hundred-thousand welcomes! Check into your hotel and take some time to unwind before meeting your Tour Director and traveling companions. Take an orientation drive through O'Connell Street, Georgian squares, and past St. Patrick's Cathedral. Return to the hotel to enjoy a welcome dinner.
Day 2 Dublin - Kildare - Cashel - Limerick - Ennis
Drive to Kildare and visit the Irish National Stud, where powerful thoroughbreds race there, and throughout the world. You'll also get to see the Rock of Cashel, Tipperary, Limerick, and more. You could find dinner on your own, or attend the optional banquet at historic Bunratty Castle.
Day 3 Ennis
Start the day at the coastline, looking out over the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. Take the scenic route across The Burren, a limestone plateau, to bustling Galway where colorful shops and fantastic seafood await. Take the afternoon to visit Rathbaun Farm, where you'll get to make scones and learn about Irish farming, from sheep sheering to dog whistling.
Day 4 Ennis - Killarney
Travel along Clonderlaw Bay to Kilimer, cross the Shannon by ferry, then continue on to Killorglin and arrive at the stunning Ring of Kerry, where panaoramic scenery continues for about 100 miles. Snap beautiful shots of the Lakes of Killarney from the vantage point of Ladies View, and spend the night in Killarney. You could even treat yourself to a horse-drawn car ride across Ross Castle.
Day 5 Killarney - Blarney - Waterford
Make your way through Kerry Mountains and County Cork until you reach Blarney, where the legendary Blarney kissing stone resides. Take time for lunch before walking up to the castle and making your wish. Continue to the city that was founded by the Vikings: Waterford. Tour through the mesmerizing House of Waterford Crystal and enjoy dinner, along with an Irish coffee demonstration.
Day 6 Waterford - Avoca - Glendalough - Dublin
Enter Enniscorthy, the site of the final battle of the Great Rebellion of 1798. You'll also get to watch weavers work at Ireland's oldest Handweaving mill in Avoca, snap photos of the Wicklow Mountains, and visit Glendalough, a Chrisitan monastic site founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. Enjoy the expertise of your Local Guide through all of these stunning sights, then return to Dublin. Consider joining the optional farewell dinner tonight and revel in your last evening in Ireland!
Day 7 Depart Ireland
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Transfer to Dublin airport and bid Ireland goodbye as you board your flight.
Day 1 Dublin
Arrive at any time.
We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this lively city. There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
Please note that due to space restrictions aboard our transportation, there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. We recommend bringing an additional daypack for essentials and everyday items. Please visit the "What to take" section on the Trip details tab for more information.
Day 2 Dublin
Set out this morning to explore Trinity College Dublin, founded in 1592. Visit its famed library and view the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript dating to the ninth century. Enjoy free time this afternoon to explore the city's Medieval Quarter, visit St. Patrick's Cathedral, set foot in Dublin Castle, or tour a whiskey distillery. In the evening, dine on Irish fare, accompanied by storytelling and traditional music, in a traditional Irish pub.
Day 3 Cork
Travel to the charming city of Cork and set out on an orientation walk; then spend the rest of the day exploring the city on your own. Choose to visit the Cork County Gaol—a former prison—or learn about the voyage of the Titanic in the original ticket office of the White Star Line. Wander the stalls at the historic English Market or settle into a pub for a locally brewed pint of Murphy’s Irish Stout.
Cork is known for its many universities, theatres, art schools and general diversity and culture. With many immigrants settling in this inviting city, it's easy to find different types of foods, shops and cafés lining the streets.
Day 4 Blarney/Killarney
Begin the day with a visit to Blarney Castle, built nearly 600 years ago and now one of the most iconic sights in Ireland. Climb a flight of steps to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone, a ritual said to grant the gift of the gab. Continue to Killarney for an afternoon spent tasting whiskey and chocolate with a local expert. In the evening, opt to enjoy a traditional Celtic dance performance.
The lovely town of Killarney bristles with history, culture and stunning natural beauty. Located on the shores of Lough Leane, adjacent to Killarney National Park, it is surrounded by rolling green hills, lakes and forests.
Day 5 Killarney
Set out on a full-day excursion around the famed Ring of Kerry, considered one of Ireland’s most scenic drives. Take in stunning views of the Iveragh Peninsula’s windswept coast and lush, wild forests. View historic castles, churches, and seaside villages before returning to Killarney for a night at leisure.
Day 6 Galway
Travel to Galway, a historic harbor city on the west coast of Ireland and the gateway to the Galway Gaeltacht, one of the country’s few remaining Irish-speaking regions. Take a guided walking tour of the old city, delving into the history of conquest that has shaped Irish culture, and getting a taste of the city’s reputation as a hub for art and music.
Day 7 Cliffs of Moher/Galway
This morning, head to the stunning Cliffs of Moher and board a boat for a coastal cruise. Enjoy exceptional views of one of Ireland’s most well-known natural wonders from water level, keeping an eye out for seabirds, such as puffins, that call this special protected area home. After the cruise, spend time at the visitor center before returning to Galway to enjoy a free evening exploring the local arts scene or wandering historic streets.
Day 8 Dublin
Return to Dublin this morning and enjoy a free afternoon to explore Ireland's dynamic capital. Stroll among the colorful gardens of St. Stephen's Green, pop into historic pubs in Temple Bar, or view the famed bog bodies housed in the National Museum of Ireland. Opt to visit the Guinness Storehouse for insights into the history of beer and a taste of their famed stout, then gather for an optional farewell dinner with your group at a local restaurant.
Day 9 Dublin
Depart at any time.
