Compare The Ultimate Tour by Overland Ireland vs Introduction to Ireland by Great Value Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4 | Great
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| Duration | 10 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 2,175 | $ 3,305 |
| Price Per Day | $ 218 | $ 472 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Description |
Sure, have you never heard of an Irish half hour? It can stretch out for days and 10 is what you’ve got to experience this guided ‘road trip’ along the Antrim Coast, through The Wild Atlantic Way. From ancient Newgrange, it’s full tilt ahead to The Titanic Experience in Belfast, an award-winning interactive adventure about the most tragic ship in the world. We’ll walk in the footsteps of Fionn McCool at The Giant’s Causeway, where a volcanic eruption forged this Wonder of the World some 60 Million years ago and look! Is that Jon Snow in the ‘dark hedges’? We’ll be heading to the iconic beech trees to find out. From Derry; the last walled city to be built in Europe, to sinking oyster and champagne shots in Ardara in the Donegal Gaeltacht, (Irish speaking area), you’ll be speaking a "cúpla focal" (a smidgin of Gaelic) in no time. |
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! |
Day 1: Sunday – Dublin to Belfast
This extensive guided, small group tour of Ireland begins with an adventure to the magical stone age passage tomb at Newgrange, richly decorated by megalithic art.
After exploring this Neolithic structure we will travel north to Belfast for the full Titanic experience at Titanic Belfast. This splendid interactive visitor centre was voted the world’s leading tourist attraction in 2016. Prepare to be moved by the wonderful stories told about the world’s most famous ship.
We will finish the day with an enthralling black cab tour of Belfast. This tour is optional but highly recommended. Alternatively, if you just need to take a breath and chill, you can spend some time exploring the city’s coolest pubs, shops and restaurants.
Total driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Day 2: Monday – The Giant’s Causeway to Derry
Today will be both a test of mental strength and a celebration for your soul.
The Giant’s Causeway is one of the most anticipated features in this small group tour of Ireland and never disappoints. The Causeway Coastal Route is breath-taking and while crossing Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge you will feel the exhilaration of the air beneath your feet while the anticipation builds.
Game of Thrones fans will have officially landed in their spiritual home as we take a sneak peak of one of its most famous filming locations, The Dark Hedges.
Our next stop is London
, Northern Ireland’s second largest city, steeped in rich history. Explore the city by night and look forward to a tour of the walled city on day 3.
Total driving time: 3 hours
Day 3: Tuesday – Derry to the Hills of Donegal
Before leaving Derry, let our friends take you on a walking tour of the city. Understand the struggles of our past and the long road to current peaceful times in the North.
Now it is time to venture into the wild northwest – The Hills of Donegal. We continue our exploration of Northern Ireland and embark on a magnificent drive over the Glengesh Pass, and the Assaranca Waterfall. Our accommodation tonight is in the picturesque village of Ardara, County Donegal.
Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Day 4: Wednesday – Donegal to Connemara
Today’s small guided road trip will take you through William Butler Yeat’s County – Sligo and down towards Ireland’s favourite town – Westport!
Our time in Westport begins with a wonderful walking tour of the town and a fabulous lunch to set yourself up for an unforgettable journey through National Park and the famous Famine Trail.
We will arrive at Kylemore Abbey in the heart of Connemara in the afternoon. You will have time to roam the abbey and Victorian Walled Garden on this 1000 acre estate overlooking Kylemore Lake and the majestic Connemara National Park.
Stay in Clifden and discover some great bars, restaurants and nightly music and have a chat with the locals over a pint of the Black Stuff!
This year we have added the option of staying in Ballynahinch Castle!
Total driving time: 4 hours
Day 5: Thursday – The Aran Islands
Cylce The Aran Islands on your Ireland Tour
After a short drive cross country to Rossaveal Pier on Galway bay, our small group tour will board the ferry to the Aran Islands. We will land on rugged Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands. We explore the Island by bicycle or by special request jaunting cart, if cycling is not for you.
Our route will take in the stone fort of Dún Aonghasa, which lies 100m over the ocean before making our way back to the mainland. While you are there you might pick up a few words of ‘Gaelic’ from the locals and maybe get an original Aran Sweater!
Our departure from Rossaveal is the start of our Galway adventure. We will hug the coastline into bustling bohemian Galway. Expect a great atmosphere, entertaining street performers and plenty of craic in this much celebrated town.
Total driving time: 2 hours
Day 6: Friday – Galway to the Cliffs of Moher
Galway is a city that has its Medieval history at its very heart.
Now that you have a “feel” for Galway, our guide will take you down the narrow medieval streets where you can duck in and out of brightly coloured shops.
Try on Claddagh Rings, Galway shawls and pass through The Spanish Arch to take in the famous Claddagh fishing village.
This day just keeps on giving. We will now travel south west towards The Burren National Park and the jaw dropping Cliffs of Moher. On this adventure we will visit Corcomroe Abbey, a 13th century Cistercian Monstary and the 16th century Dunguaire Castle in the fishing village of Kinvara.
Our cliffs experience will take our small tour group by foot across its stunning natural features with the powerful Atlantic Ocean waves crashing in. The cliffs are one of the most spectacular natural features in Ireland and are sure to leave you lost for words. Our evening is spent in the most welcoming and colourful village of Doolin – the hometown of traditional Irish music.
Total driving time: 2 hours
Day 7: Saturday – Doolin to Dingle
Meet the locals at a sheepdog demonstration
A trip to Ireland is not complete without seeing all the ancient structures. We will bring you to the most famous Dolmen at Poulnabrone. These Neolithic monuments are scattered throughout the country marking burial sites and passage ways dating back to 3000BC.
Short journey from the Dolmen, the farmers at Caherconnell will treat you to a spectacular sheep dog trial. Prepared to be awestruck by the skill of the farmer and his furry friend as they gather up their flock of sheep. This is something not to be missed on your tour.
This evening is yours to absorb the atmosphere in Dingle’s famous quirky pubs and fantastic restaurants. Why not sit in Foxy John’s hardware store, order yourself a drink and strike up a conversation with a colourful local!
Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Day 8: Sunday – Dingle Peninsula
Our morning begins on Dingle Bay where we take our kayaks to visit the town’s biggest celebrity – Fungie the Dolphin and explore the caves in the bay. Alternatively, if kayaking isn’t your thing we will take you on a hike up Mount Brandon where you will be rewarded with 360-degree panoramic views of Dingle Bay and Castlegregory. If you would like a more relaxed start to your day why not choose a stroll around the town for some retail therapy, a coffee and watch the world go by. It’s your holiday – Do it your way.
After lunch your expert Overland guide will take you on an impressive trip along one of Ireland’s most scenic roads – The Slea Head Drive before stopping at the famous Dingle Whiskey Distillery. At the distillery you will sample their award-winning whiskey and gin and get an education on the history of whiskey production around the world. We spend another night in the buzzing town of Dingle, so you don’t need to repack your suitcase. Just relax and enjoy.
Total driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Day 9: Monday – The Ring of Kerry to Kinsale
Killarney National Park on your Spectacular South and West Small Group Tour of Ireland
Say a fond farewell to Dingle and journey towards the Ring of Kerry. Our first stop takes us to Killarney on the Ring of Kerry. The Ring of Kerry is the very definition of the word scenic and you will discover many hidden gems including Moll’s Gap, Torc Waterfall and Ross Castle in Killarney National Park. We will bring you on a tour of Ross Castle where you will learn what life was really like behind the stone walls.
We will stop for some shopping and lunch in the beautiful heritage town of Kenmare. For your last night on tour we are excited to bring you to coastal Kinsale which is famed for its culinary culture, delivered by its many award winning restaurants. The town also has a great tradition of poetry, silver, gold and glassware manufacturing which can be seen throughout its local shops and galleries – boasting local talented artists.
Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Day 10: Tuesday – Cork: Kiss the Blarney Stone
Wake up refreshed and ready to be taken on a guided walking tour through the narrow streets of Kinsale. Before leaving Cork – which is often referred to as Ireland’s REAL capital we will bring you to Blarney Castle. Nobody should leave Ireland without giving the Blarney stone a big fat kiss! Kissing the Blarney Stone is said to give the kisser the treasured ‘gift of the gab’. You can let us know if it works!
Our final stop is the Rock of Cashel. The Rock of Cashel is over 1000 years old and you will get to see its medieval round tower, chapel, cathedral and castle. A fantastic end to your trip.
Our guides will journey back with you to our bustling capital city, Dublin, armed with recommendations of things to see and do if you have a little time left. Perhaps this is just the perfect opportunity to sit back and soak up all that you have experienced over the last 10 days.
Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes
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.
