Irish Explorer

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tourhub | Expat Explore Travel | Irish Explorer | IRE | Map

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7 Days From

~~$1685~~

$1140

Irish Explorer

7 Days Starting and ending in Dublin, Ireland

Visiting: Dublin, Belfast, Giant's Causeway, Londonderry, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Limerick, Adare, Killarney, Kerry, Blarney Castle & Gardens, Kilkenny

Tour operator:

Expat Explore Travel

Tour code:

IRE

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

10 - 51

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

10-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

From:

$1685

$1140 (USD) Operator discount: -$545

Tourhub Members Discount - Sign In

-32%

NB: Prices correct on 17-May-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Ireland tours are what travel dreams are made of! Beautiful natural scenery, historic cities, friendly locals and hidden gems are waiting to be explored. Experience the must-see sights in Dublin, Belfast and Galway. Visit the breathtaking and legendary Giant’s Causeway. Explore the cities of Belfast and Galway. Admire the views from the Ring of Kerry and marvel at the world-famous Cliffs of Moher. Tours to Ireland are nothing short of spectacular! Explore Ireland over one week and the “Emerald Isle” will have a special place in your heart. You’ll be a true Irish explorer!
If you'd like to explore Great Britain in addition to Ireland, consider the Best of UK & Ireland tour - click here.

Highlights

Explore the natural wonder of Giant's Causeway
Visit the capitals of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland; Dublin & Belfast
Experience Blarney Castle, the Ring of Kerry and the Cliffs of Moher
Visit Galway, Adare and Killarney

Places You'll See

Ethan

Cliffs Of Moher

Itinerary

tourhub | Expat Explore Travel | Irish Explorer | IRE | Route Map

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Day 1 : Start Of Tour In Dublin

Location: Dublin

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Céad míle fáilte! (Or, should we say, a hundred thousand welcomes!) Welcome to Ireland and the start of your tour! Meet your tour leader and the group at the hotel this morning before it’s time to explore this wonderful city! Embark on a driving and walking tour of Dublin with your tour leader and see the highlights of Ireland’s capital city. This afternoon is free to explore as you wish. Why not join the fascinating Discover Dublin excursion for an exciting taste of Irish culture and some of Dublin’s top sights? Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner with the group.

Dublin driving and walking tour: Enjoy a driving and walking tour of this vibrant capital city! See Dublin’s top sights including St Patrick’s Cathedral, the General Post Office building, the many bridges over the River Liffey and more.

Welcome dinner: Tonight, sit down for a wonderful welcome dinner in Dublin. Get to know more about the rest of your fellow travellers and get excited for the exciting days to come on this incredible tour of Ireland!

Day 2 : Belfast - Giant's Causeway - Derry

Location: Belfast, Giant's Causeway, Londonderry

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, head into Northern Ireland. Your tour leader will share insight on topics like the Rising, the Civil War and the Fight for Independence, along with The Troubles. Although peaceful now, this is an important part of Ireland’s history, particularly the north. Stop in the famous city of Belfast and enjoy a combined driving and walking tour. Then, it’s onto Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge for a photo stop. Get your cameras ready for the famous Giant’s Causeway. Legend has it that the causeway was built by an Irish giant named Finn McCool so that he could challenge his Scottish rival Benandonner to a battle. Today’s last stop is the riverside city of Derry, where the tour will spend the night.

Visit Belfast: Your tour leader will introduce you to some of Belfast's highlights on a driving tour, including Shankill Road and the Falls Road. These roads are associated with loyalist and republican communities respectively and are separated by peace walls.

Photo stop at Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge: Enjoy a Photo stop at Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, which links the mainland with the tiny island of Carrick-a-Rede. Spanning 20 meters, the bridge is suspended 30 metres above the rocks below. Enjoy the spectacular Cliffside views!

Marvel at the Giant’s Causeway: The Giant’s Causeway is one of Ireland’s most famous sights, a natural geological wonder that is the result of ancient volcanic activity in the area. Or perhaps a giant did actually build it as the legend suggests!

Day 3 : Derry - Galway

Location: Galway, Galway

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Heading out from Derry, travel to Galway, joining up with the famous Wild Atlantic Way - the longest coastal drive in the world, and probably the most scenic! After a comfort stop along the way, arrive in Galway in the early afternoon. Enjoy some free time in this arty, bohemian city that boasts a vibrant ambience, thanks to its large student population. With students making up a quarter of the population, you’ll find plenty of bars and cafés, some of which will feature live music. Check out the remnants of the medieval town walls, or take a stroll down the promenade to Salthill, on Galway Bay, source of the area’s delicious well-known oysters.

Visit Galway: Enjoy the bohemian vibe of this lively town, where you’ll find plenty of bars and cafes. Look out for live music! Alternatively, find the remnants of the medieval city walls or walk down the promenade to Salthill on Galway Bay.

Day 4 : Cliffs Of Moher - Limerick - Adare - Killarney

Ethan

Location: Cliffs of Moher, Limerick, Adare, Killarney

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

First up today is one of the highlights of the tour – the world-famous Cliffs of Moher. This natural wonder rises over 200 metres above the churning sea! Then, it’s onto Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. The present version of Bunratty Castle was erected in the early 1400s, however, it dates back to the 10th century. Adjoining the castle is Folk Park, a reconstructed traditional Irish village. Enjoy a photostop in Limerick, with its fascinating castle, traditional pubs, art museum and thriving café culture. Take the opportunity to wander through Adare, which is often called ‘Ireland’s prettiest village’ - catch a glimpse of the perfectly-preserved thatch cottages. Finally, arrive in Killarney for the night.

Marvel at the Cliffs of Moher: Get those cameras ready for these awe-inspiring views of rugged cliffs and crashing waves.

Explore Bunratty Castle: A beautiful 15th century tower house in County Clare, Bunratty Castle is a piece of Irish history, with the original structure on this site dating back to the 10th century. Folk Park adjoins the castle, and here you’ll get a peek at a traditional reconstructed Irish village, complete with cottages, weavers, pie-makers, a forge and a working blacksmith.

Visit Limerick: Stop at the Treaty Stone, where legend says the Treaty of Limerick was signed, which ended the Williamite War in Ireland between the Jacobites and the supporters of William of Orange and concluded the Siege of Limerick. You can also take great photos of King John’s Castle from across the river.

Enjoy a photo stop at Adare: Take a few photos as we stop in the “prettiest village in Ireland”. This village has perfectly preserved thatch-roofed cottages that are being used as craft shops and restaurants.

Day 5 : Kerry Region: Free Day

Location: Kerry

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in the Kerry region. Take the time to explore the hiking trails, golf courses and picturesque churches of Killarney. Or join the optional excursion - a drive and various stops along the Ring of Kerry. This iconic route takes you along the Iveragh Peninsula. Experience charming stops along the way - such as Kerry Bog Village and a Sheepdog demonstration. Sit back and relax on a jaunting (carriage) ride through Killarney National Park. This excursion immerses you in all that this iconic route has on offer.

Day 6 : Blarney Castle - Kilkenny - Dublin

Location: Blarney Castle & Gardens, Kilkenny, Dublin

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Journeying back to Dublin and leaving the Wild Atlantic Way, enjoy a stop at Blarney Castle, where you’ll have the chance to kiss the famous Blarney Stone and gain the ‘gift of the gab’. Next up is the medieval town of Kilkenny. Here, join your tour leader on an orientation tour of the historic centre, known as the 'Medieval Mile'. Arriving back in Dublin later today, celebrate the last night of your tour with an optional Irish music evening, including dinner and a show. It’s a fantastic way to finish off this wonderful tour of the Emerald Isle!

Visit Blarney Castle: Kiss the famous Blarney Stone and you might gain the ‘gift of the gab'!

Kilkenny orientation tour: Join your tour leader through the sights of Kilkenny. Explore places like the National Design & Craft Gallery, the Medieval Mile, Dominican Black Abbey and St Mary’s Cathedral.

Day 7: End Of Tour In Dublin

Location: Dublin

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye as the tour concludes. We hope you’ve enjoyed the scenery, the culture, the sights and the history of this incredible part of the world. Don’t forget to share your details with your fellow travellers. Farewell, Ireland!

What's Included

Accommodation

6 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)
Transport

Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)
Meals

6 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
Experiences

See Dublin on a walking and driving tour!
Welcome dinner in Dublin
Driving tour of Belfast
Stop at Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Explore the Giant's Causeway
Free time to enjoy Galway
See the iconic Cliffs of Moher
Visit Bunratty Castle, a 15th Century tower house
Visit Limerick; see the treaty Stone and King John's Castle
Stop off in "Ireland's prettiest village", Adare
Visit Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone
Orientation tour through Kilkenny

What's Not Included

International flights
Travel to the start point and from the endpoint is not included. We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on international flights.

Travel insurance
For a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with the peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries.

All passengers travelling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance. Click here for more information.

Mode of Transport

Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard

Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)

Accommodation

6 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms

Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)

Traveller Comfort - COACH tours

We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.

Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.

Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.

We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.

For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.

With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.

For more information regarding traveller fitness please see our Terms and Conditions.

Check out our Q&As

Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

If you are travelling alone there is no compulsory charge - you will share a twin room with another passenger of the same gender. There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our team.
Children on tour?

Our tours are not suitable for young children which is why we have a minimum age limit of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email. Minors (between 10 and 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who accepts full responsibility for them. Unaccompanied minors will not be accepted on tour. Expat Explore reserves the right to decline any booking at our discretion. Any minor (between 10 and 18 years of age) is priced the same as an adult.
What policies are in place for Covid-19?

The health and safety of our travellers and employees are our top priority. Which means, when you travel with us, our enhanced hygiene protocols will ensure you do so in a safe and responsible way - ask for details of current policies.
How long has the tour company been trading?

Since 2005
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

At Expat Explore we value responsible travel and are committed to exploring the world consciously and kindly. We are proud to make responsible travel possible with a number of our sustainable travel practices!

Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

Relate is a South African based not-for-profit organisation that Expat Explore supports. The group aims to help those less fortunate create better lives for themselves through a variety of fundraising initiatives. On our South Africa tours, each passenger will receive an Expat Explore branded Relate bracelet. We donate the cost of these bracelets to our chosen Relate charity: the Nelson Mandela Sc

Reviews of this operator

Roger

Wonderful new addition

19-Oct-2022

Great new country and addition by Expat. One of the most interesting and beautiful countries I've ever been. Great food, scenery and lovely people.

Jamie the Kingslayer

Everything I had expected and more

01-Oct-2022

It was my first time traveling to Europe so I was nervous about everything including finding my way around, speaking the languages, and finding lodging. It turned out to be an incredible experience, I couldn't ask for a better your guide. Luke truly is the best in the business and we were so lucky o have him on the last tour of the season. I am definitely going to recommend Expat to my family and friends when they want to travel to Europe. I am going to go as far as finding out when Luke will be the guide and have family/friends specifically book the tour with him.

Randy

Outstanding!

25-Sep-2022

From orientation to farewell dinner Martina was always there to ensure that everyone was happy and enjoying the tour! It was fast paced, especially with the added excursions, but the tour covered the best of Italy and Martina was absolutely the best. She was entertaining and informative. Look forward to another tour with her!!

Emma

Perfect combination of sites, history, culture and food

19-Oct-2022

The highlights of Japan tour with Expat Explore was the ideal way to see the country. It had the perfect mix of big cities, small quaint villages, historical sites and food! The tour was well organised and a good pace to enjoy the various places and activities. We had the opportunity to be immersed in local culture and try the cuisine in a range of dining experiences. The hotels were clean and roomy to rest for days filled with adventures. Japan with Expat should be on your wish list!

CCY

Good experience

07-Oct-2022

Enjoyed the views of different places and learnt about the history of different places in UK/Ireland.

Kendra Olson United States

Classic Europe - 14 Days

03-Apr-2024

Such a great trip and saw so many places, if we did this trip on our own I think we would only get half of what we did done in this time period. It definitely was busy with not much down time but we didn’t pay to go be bored. Beautiful and memorable trip!

Travelling Solo

12 Day Italian Delights

18-Oct-2022

A great tour made even better by our tour leader Marty. She was so knowledgeable and helpful. Made us laugh, showed us amazing sites and always had great recommendations.

Tash

Really nice experience

26-Oct-2022

Loved the small country towns. Very beautiful MARTY AND ALEX THE DRIVER , made the tour experience perfect for me. She is a brilliant guide.

Disappointed

Totally exhausted

05-Oct-2022

I need a holiday to recover from this full-on, insufficient down time, tour. Late hotel arrivals, late city tours, late dinners and excessive walking due to public transport use and then early morning starts. And to top it off, no seat rotation (tour leader advised on day 2 for covid reasons) which made sense on day 2 but not by day 3 or 4 when we had been grouped together at meals, on walking tours, and sharing rooms with people we had just met...merrily spreading our germs between our group anyway! This seating rule however was waived for a special few...those who insisted that they get travel sickness (and must sit in the front seat) and..those who think the rule is not for them and aren't challenged by the tour leader anyway. No seat rotation also meant not getting the opportunity to get to know everyone on the tour on an equal basis.

Dates & Availability

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May
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Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Saturday

May 26, 2024 - Jun 01, 2024

~~$1495~~ $1314 (USD)

Operator discount: -$181 (USD)