Compare The Best of Ireland: The Coast, the Countryside and Dublin by Road Scholar vs Irish Elegance - Classic Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Day 2 Arrive Shannon, To Killarney, Orientation, Welcome Dinner Killarney

Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m.

Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This program is staffed with a Group Leader who will accompany us throughout the program and deal with logistics, deliver informal talks, conduct some field trips, and serve as an information resource on program-related topics. At various points during the program, we will be joined by local experts, who will lecture and conduct field trips. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

In the hotel dining room, we’ll have a 3-course plated and served welcome dinner with coffee, tea and water; other beverages are available for purchase.

Day 3 Ireland’s History, The Dingle Peninsula Killarney

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 110 miles, approximately 4 hours. Walking approximately 3 miles, periods of standing; varied terrain including grassy flat areas, gravel paths, and rugged hilly trails; some low entrances to ancient buildings. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

We’ll gather at the hotel for a lecture on Ireland’s history, delivered by a local expert. After the lecture, we will take a motorcoach to the Dingle Peninsula to explore the area’s rich archaeological heritage and unique culture. Once cited as “the most beautiful place on earth” by National Geographic magazine, much of the peninsula is a Gaeltacht – an area where the Irish language is widely spoken at home, in the workplace, and at school. As we ride along narrow country roads, enjoying spectacular sea views, our Group Leader will explain the ways in which governments and communities have made efforts to preserve the Irish Gaelic language since the establishment of the Irish Free State in the 1920s. Along the way, we’ll make a stop in Dingle Town, where we’ll have the opportunity for independent exploration.

We’ll be joined by a local expert to continue our exploration of the Dingle Peninsula, whose Slea Head is the westerly part of Ireland. The sandstone of the rugged peninsula has been a rich resource for builders through the ages, and ancient stone structures abound in the landscape. Our local expert will explain the significance of these prehistoric and medieval constructions. Some of the most distinctive, which we’ll explore during our field trip, are the beehive huts (clocháns) and the mysterious Gallarus Oratory. Our local expert will also give us a history and a firsthand account of life on the peninsula, including changes that have taken place here in recent decades. We’ll return to the hotel by motorcoach after our field trip, and the remainder of the afternoon is free.

At leisure. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions should you wish to further explore Killarney.

In the hotel dining room, we’ll have a full Irish breakfast buffet. Choices vary but will include a variety of eggs, breakfast meats, tomato, potatoes, cereals, fruit, toast, pastries and jams, plus juices, coffee, tea, water.

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Plated hotel meal.

Day 4 The Ring of Kerry, Dinner With A Local Family Killarney

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 105 miles, approximately 5 hours. Walking approximately 2 miles, periods of standing; varied terrain including paved streets, grass with uneven rocky areas, stone paving, gravel paths, sandy beach. Extent and duration of walking and other activities in Sneem according to personal choice. Transport arrangements and driving distances for dinner with local families vary.

Traveling by motorcoach with a local expert, we’ll explore the Ring of Kerry, which is made up of spectacular coastal and mountain scenery that envelops the towns of Glenbeigh, Cahersiveen, Waterville, and Sneem. We’ll stop in Rossbeigh and enjoy a walk along the dramatic sandy beach that provides a safe haven for all kinds of marine life and seabirds. It is a designated natural heritage area and a Special Area of Conservation.

The picturesque village of Sneem comprises two squares, North and South, with a bridge acting as a knot between them. We’ll stop for some time to explore the village independently on foot as we continue our field trip by motorcoach around the Ring of Kerry. We’ll finish our field trip at the hotel, with some time to relax before dinner. In the late afternoon, we will meet members of the families who will host our dinners this evening and travel to their homes.

After returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening is at leisure.

Hotel buffet.

At a local restaurant in the charming village of Cahersiveen, we’ll have a 2-course plated and served meal with coffee, tea, water; other beverages are available for purchase.

In the homes of local host families from the surrounding area, we’ll be treated to family-style meals featuring traditional dishes. While chatting with our hosts and savoring home-cooked Irish cuisine, we’ll learn about the rhythm of daily Irish life.

Day 5 Killarney National Park, Free Time Killarney

Walking about 3 miles, periods of standing; varied terrain including tarmac and gravel paths, woodland, uneven grassy areas. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

We’ll set out on foot for a field trip to Killarney National Park, led by our Group Leader. The park is home to magnificent native oak woods and one of the oldest yew woods in Europe. We’ll enjoy a gentle hike through the park, and hope to catch a glimpse of the native Irish red deer along the way.

Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most in Killarney. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Hotel buffet.

On your own to enjoy what you like.

On your own to enjoy what you like.

Day 6 Transfer to Galway, The Cliffs of Moher, The Burren Galway

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 205 miles, approximately 5.5 hours. Walking approximately 2 miles, periods of standing; varied terrain including paved streets and paths, flat grassy areas, uneven limestone surfaces; main routes at Cliffs of Moher include numerous steps, alternative step-free access is available.

Once checked out of the hotel, we’ll begin our transfer by motorcoach to Galway.

As we continue our transfer to Galway, we will take a field trip to two of Ireland’s most incredible natural phenomena. We will begin at the spectacular and world-famous Cliffs of Moher, a few miles along the coast from Lahinch. The cliffs rise like a cathedral into the sky some 700 feet over the wild Atlantic Ocean, with views stretching as far as Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. Human activity here dates back at least 2,000 years. They are home to one of Ireland’s major colonies of cliff-nesting seabirds, and also lend their name to a popular fiddle jig performed at least as early as 1850. After an introduction by our Group Leader, we’ll have some time for self-directed exploration at the visitor center. We’ll continue by motorcoach to the Burren, where we’ll meet a local expert who will lead us through one of the largest karst limestone landscapes in Europe. The Burren — meaning “rocky place” — is what remains of a tropical sea from 350 million years ago. The starkly beautiful karst limestone surface is almost moonlike in appearance. Geologists, botanists, and zoologists flock to this region to learn about its rare flora and fauna. We will take a gentle hike on this rugged terrain, which together with the Cliffs of Moher forms a UNESCO Global Geopark. We’ll complete our transfer to Galway by motorcoach, and check in to the hotel with some time to settle in to our rooms before dinner.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

On your own to enjoy what you like in the coastal town of Lahinch.

At the hotel, we’ll have a 3-course plated and served meal with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 7 Galway, Community Visit, The Claddagh, Glenlo Abbey Galway

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 5 miles, approximately 1/2 hour. Walking approximately 2 miles, walking and standing for up to 2 hours. Paved city streets with numerous cobbled areas. You may wish to wear more formal attire for the dinner at Glenlo Abbey. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

We will take an in-depth look at different aspects of Irish heritage and community life in Ireland, meeting locals who are actively involved in preserving their region’s culture and heritage at a community center. Following this, we will enjoy an expert-led walk around Galway during which we will visit the Spanish Arch and part of the original city wall before making our way down the cobbled streets to the tiny fishing enclave of the Claddagh. Immortalized in the song “Galway Bay,” the Claddagh is also where the piece of traditional jewelry – the Claddagh Ring – originated as a symbol of love, friendship, loyalty and commitment.

We’ll begin the afternoon with some time for independent exploration in Galway. In the late afternoon, we’ll board a motorcoach at the hotel and ride to our dinner venue, Glenlo Abbey. Despite its name, the Abbey was never consecrated. It was constructed in the 1790s as a private church adjoining a grand house built in 1740 for the Ffrenches, one of the fourteen “Tribes of Galway” — famed merchant families who dominated the economic and social life of the city at that time. In the years since, ownership of the house and estate passed to other notable Galway families, and in the 1980s it was converted into a hotel. Upon arrival at historic Glenlo Abbey, we will be welcomed by our host, a Galway academic and expert in the field of Anglo-Irish literature.

During our dinner, we’ll enjoy conversation on the topics of the Irish Big House and Galway’s literary tradition. After returning to the hotel by motorcoach, the rest of the evening will be at leisure.

Hotel buffet.

On your own to enjoy what you like.

At Glenlo Abbey, we’ll enjoy a sumptuous candlelit plated dinner with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 8 Inis Mor, Free Time Galway

Getting on/off a motorcoach and boat; driving about 50 miles, approximately 2 hours; ferry crossing approximately 3/4 hour each way. Varied terrain, south side of island generally rugged cliff paths with some steep sections, north side generally paved village streets and narrow country roads (with few vehicles other than bikes), sandy beaches. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

We’ll board a motorcoach and ride along the Connemara coast to the village of Rossaveel. At the village’s harbor, we’ll board a ferry and sail to Inis Mor, the largest of the islands of Aran. Stepping ashore, we’ll meet a local resident who will introduce us to this last remnant of authentic Gaelic civilization, where Christian ruins stand side by side with remarkable Pagan relics. The remainder of the morning will be free for independent exploration. You may wish to set out on foot, bicycle, mini-van or traditional horse-drawn jaunty car.

Free time to continue your independent exploration of Inis Mor. Please refer to the list of free time opportunities for Inis Mor (listed under Galway) for further information. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. We’ll regroup at the pier in Kilronan in the late afternoon, and return to the hotel by ferry and motorcoach.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Hotel buffet.

On your own to enjoy what you like.

In the hotel.

Day 9 Transfer to County Donegal, Sligo, Drumcliffe Stranorlar

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 150 miles, approximately 5 hours. Walking about 1/2 mile, periods of standing; paved streets, grass lawns.

After checking out of the hotel, we’ll begin our transfer by motorcoach to County Donegal. Undoubtedly one of Ireland’s most untouched and ruggedly beautiful counties, County Donegal’s striking landscape has remained relatively unaffected by the passage of time. The Donegal people, too, are renowned for their warmth and hospitality.

En route from Sligo to County Donegal, we’ll make a stop at Drumcliffe, the final resting place of famed Irish poet W.B. Yeats. Yeats is remembered as an important cultural leader, as a major playwright, and as one of the very greatest poets of the century. The epitaph on his gravestone is well known: “Cast a cold eye / On life / On death / Horseman, pass by!” Once we have completed our motorcoach transfer to Donegal, we will check in to the hotel with some time to settle in to our rooms before dinner.

We’ll be joined at the hotel by local musicians, who will regale us with a performance of traditional Irish music.

Hotel buffet.

On your own to enjoy what you like in the town of Sligo, en route to County Donegal.

At the hotel, we’ll have a 3-course plated and served meal with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 10 Killybegs, Irish Language Lesson, Glencolmcille Stranorlar

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 105 miles, approximately 3.5 hours. Walking about 2.5 miles, periods of standing; varied terrain including paved streets, gravel paths, uneven grassy areas.

We will board a motorcoach and ride to Killybegs, a fishing port located on a large natural harbor, where we’ll take a walking field trip.

We’ll board a motorcoach and ride to Glencolmcille, where we’ll take an Irish language lesson at a cultural center aiming to preserve Gaelic language and culture. After our lesson, we’ll set out on foot to explore Glencolmcille, a unique and beautiful place that was chosen as a base by St. Columba, one of Ireland’s three patron saints. The name Glencolmcille, or “Gleann Cholm Cille,” means “The Glen of St. Columba’s Church” in the Irish language. It is not surprising that Glencolmcille is rarely on a standard Irish itinerary — you need to be determined to get there — but due to the stark beauty of its landscape, it has been drawing visitors for over 1,500 years. We will also enjoy an expert-led walk to one of the 15 Pilgrimage Stones, retracing the steps of pilgrims from 500 CE. We’ll return to the hotel by motorcoach after our field trips.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Hotel buffet.

On your own to enjoy what you like in Killybegs.

Plated hotel meal.

Day 11 Transfer to Dublin, Ulster American Folk Park Dublin

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 150 miles, approximately 4.5 hours. Walking about 2.5 miles, periods of standing; varied terrain including paved streets, some cobbled areas, gravel and woodland paths; steps to some areas at Ulster American Folk Park, including entrances to some buildings.

After checking out of the hotel, we’ll board a motorcoach to begin our transfer to Dublin, the bustling capital of the Republic of Ireland and our final destination. We’ll pass through County Tyrone, one of the six counties of Northern Ireland as we make our way to the Ulster American Folk Park, an outdoor museum that tells the poignant story of emigration from Ulster to America in the 18th and 19th centuries. Volunteers in period costumes demonstrate day-to-day tasks of the era and the site consists of period housing, industry, and even a full-scale sailing ship.

We will complete our transfer to Dublin, a settlement since the 8th century. Dublin is abundant with great universities, cathedrals and theatres and carries with it a unique literary legacy. Upon arrival, we will check in to our hotel with some time to relax and settle in to our rooms before dinner.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

At a restaurant near the Ulster American Folk Park, we’ll have a 2-course plated and served meal with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

At the hotel, we’ll have a 3-course plated and served meal with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 12 Exploring Dublin, Free Time Dublin

Walking about 2.5 miles, periods of standing; paved streets, some cobbled areas, gravel paths, grassy areas. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

We will set out on a field trip exploring Dublin’s rich literary heritage. Our program was planned far in advance when details of specific bookings were not available. When confirmed, the information will be posted on the Road Scholar website under this program number and will also be included in preparatory materials sent following enrollment.

After lunch, we'll enjoy a theatre performance at one of Dublin's historic buildings. Afterwards, we will have some time for independent exploration in central Dublin.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

At a local restaurant we'll have a 2-course plated meal with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

On your own to enjoy what you like.

Day 13 General Post Office, Free Time Dublin

Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

We’ll set out on foot to Dublin’s iconic GPO, or General Post Office, significant for the role it played in the Rising of 1916 as the Irish Volunteers’ main stronghold. Inside the GPO, which still functions as the headquarters of the Irish postal service An Post, we’ll explore the immersive exhibition and learn how the Rising shaped modern Ireland.

Free time.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

On your own to enjoy what you like.

On your own to enjoy what you like.

Day 14 Free Day in Dublin Dublin

Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Free time. Experience all of the variety that Dublin has to offer during a day of free time in Ireland’s capital and most populous city. You might like to take a field trip to the Hill of Tara and the megalithic tomb of Newgrange, or visit Glendalough in beautiful County Wicklow. Alternatively, you could relax, sip a coffee, and gossip with the locals as you sample some of Dublin’s famed café culture.

Free time. You might like to explore some more of Dublin’s many bookshops and museums, or see the National Library of Ireland’s genealogy research section.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.

Hotel buffet.

On your own to enjoy what you like.

At a local eatery in Dublin’s city center, we’ll have a 3-course plated and served farewell dinner with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase. We’ll spend our last evening in Dublin enjoying traditional Irish food and relaxed banter as we bid farewell to Ireland and our newfound friends.

Day 15 Program Concludes In Flight

Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. See your program’s Transportation Information regarding transfers.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Hotel buffet. Some participants may depart prior to breakfast, whereupon a boxed breakfast will be provided. This concludes our program.

Day 1: In Dublin’s Fair city

Welcome to Dublin. On arrival at Dublin airport, your airport transfer shuttle service leaves for your hotel at 08:30, 11:00 and 13:00. Meet your Travel Director at 14:30 for an orientation tour that brings to life Dublin’s architectural treasures and history, stretching back more than 1,000 years. Travel along the River Liffey, see Custom House, Guinness Storehouse, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. See the 9th century Book of Kells and a walk through the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College, accompanied by a Local Expert who will share their insights into modern life and the establishment’s impressive history. Back at your hotel, join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner with drinks and the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a pleasant evening of dinner and wine.

Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Dublin.

Dinner with Wine

Day 2: Cashel and Blarney, heading for Killarney

Depart Dublin, and pass the famous Curragh Racecourse and green meadows where many of the finest Irish racehorses are bred. Explore Blarney with Insight Choice. Choose to visit Blarney Castle and kiss the magical stone to ensure a lifetime of eloquence. Alternatively, meet a senior gardener for a tour of Blarney Gardens.Head to Killarney, where you may fancy a ‘pint of porter.' This town on the lakes is famous for its lively pubs so in the evening why not join in the ‘craic’?

Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 3: Ring of Kerry Experience Relaxed Start

In the morning, marvel at spectacular mountain and sea views as you travel the road that winds around the beautiful Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the Ring of Kerry. Meet John for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit his family-run seaweed farm to learn about sustainable farming practices that protect the wild Irish Atlantic coasts.

Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa.

Breakfast

Day 4: The Cliffs of Moher and on to Galway

Cross the Shannon Estuary by ferry and enter County Clare. Stop at the Exhibition Centre and enjoy a walk along the Cliffs of Moher, raised approximately 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic waves. Then travel north across the Burren, a suddenly stark and barren landscape, scarred with interesting limestone creases. Journey to Galway, the City of the Tribes, and visit the lovely cathedral. Take in the scenery from your hotel, which is spectacularly set on the shores of Galway Bay.

Connemara Coast Hotel, Galway.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 5: Captivating Connemara Relaxed Start

Embark on a superb exploration of the Connemara National Park and see a wonderland of rivers, lakes and silent hills.Explore Connemara with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the magnificent, turreted Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey. Alternatively join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and visit one of Ireland’s oldest oyster farms for a tasting. Learn about their commitment to biodiversity and work promoting sustainable packaging.

Connemara Coast Hotel, Galway.

Breakfast

Day 6: Majestic Ashford Castle Relaxed Start

Sitting on the edge of Lough Corrib and nestled on the border of County Galway and County Mayo, is the delightful Cong. You may recognise much of the town as it was used as the location in the 1952 film, 'The Quiet Man.' With free time to explore this quintessential Irish village, see the statue of the lead characters played by John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara, and the ruins of the Medieval Cong Abbey. Then a short drive down the road leads you to Ashford Castle, the highlight of your travels. As you arrive a lone piper escorts you over the drawbridge.Your exquisite hotel provides a romantic backdrop in superior surroundings, offering both relaxation and comfort. There are many opportunities to explore the vast estate, pamper yourself at the spa, or get to know the hawks and woodland surroundings at the hotel's falconry school. Dining at Ashford Castle ranks among the finest culinary experiences in the world. Creative cooking, locally sourced ingredients and an innovative menu await at your Celebration Dinner. Gentlemen, a jacket is required.

Ashford Castle, Cong.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 7: Across the Emerald Isle to Dublin Relaxed Start

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the morning and perhaps a stroll on the estate? Then cross the midlands to Dublin where the rest of the day is free for independent activities and maybe some last minute shopping.

Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Dublin.

Breakfast

Day 8: Depart Dublin

Your journey comes to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Dublin airport at 07:00, 09:00 and 10:30.

Breakfast