Country Roads of Ireland - Insight Guided Vacations

Experience the wild, enchanting coastal routes as you explore the Emerald Isle. Along the way you'll encounter ruined castles, quiet lakes, natural wonders and legendary characters.

Vacation type: Country Roads

Insight Choice

Killarney: Choose between a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys or join a gentle hike with a Local Expert along the lake shore and past the farmlands of the Muckross Estate, admiring the incredible scenery.

Insight Experiences

Dublin: Visit Book of Kells and Trinity College.

Kildare: Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens

Kilkenny: Meet a hurling player to gain an exciting insight into this unique Irish cultural experience and have a go for yourself on the pitch.

Londonderry: Explore the city with a Local Expert.

Top Rated Highlights

VISIT Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Giant's Causeway
CITY TOUR of Belfast with a Local Expert.
SEE Dublin Castle and O'Connell Street in Dublin, Cahir Castle, City Hall and Opera House in Cork, Killarney, Thatched cottages in Adare, Lynch Memorial, Church of St. Nicholas and Eyre Square in Galway, Grave of William Butler Yeats in Drumcliffe, Ballygally, Carrickfergus Castle

Authentic Dining

Ballygally: The Irish call it "craic" - the warm feeling resulting from the confluence of music, drink, good food, laughter, and conversation. And after circumnavigating the Emerald Isle, there's bound to be a fair share of craic at your grand finale Celebration Dinner. Sláinte!
Killarney: Your farm-to-table experience is all about locally sourced ingredients prepared with skill, so that you can taste the freshness in every mouthful.

Location:

Dublin, Ireland (DUB), Cork, County Cork, Ireland, Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland, County Clare, Ireland, Galway, County Galway, Ireland, Londonderry/Derry, Northern Ireland, UK, Ballygally, Northern Ireland, UK, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK (BFS), Ireland, Great Britain, UK

13 Days | 11 nights

SEE AVAILABILITY AND PRICES

INCLUSIONS

Round-trip flights to Dublin (if flight and tour package option is chosen)
11 nights of accommodation
16 meals including 11 Buffet Breakfasts, 2 Dinners and 3 Dinners with Wine, all with tea or coffee
Transportation by luxury air-conditioned coach
Porterage (1 piece of luggage per passenger)
$50 CAD credit voucher for an Optional Experience (described in the itinerary below; 1 voucher per person
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
English-speaking travel director
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Earn and redeem Aeroplan® Miles

Insight Services

Our highly skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organizer, and friend overseas.
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxury, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel WiFi (where available).
From time to time, your Travel Director will enchant you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights’ accommodation with Air Canada Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

ITINERARY

Dublin - Kilkenny - Cahir - Cork

Day 5

Cork - Blarney - Killarney

Day 6

Killarney - Ring of Kerry - Killarney

Day 7

Killarney - Dingle Peninsula - Dromoland

Day 8

Dromoland - Cliffs of Moher - Galway

Day 9

Galway

Day 10

Galway - Drumcliffe - Londonderry

Day 11

Londonderry - Giant's Causeway - Ballygally

Day 12

Ballygally - Belfast

Day 13

Belfast - Return to Canada

Day 1

Depart Canada

Fly to Dublin.

Country Roads of Ireland - Insight Guided Vacations

Day 2

Welcome to Dublin

On arrival at Dublin airport, transfers leave for your hotel at 8:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Join your Travel Director at 6:00 p.m. for a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner with the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a meal with wine.

Meal(s): Dinner with wine

Accommodation:

(1 night)

Day 3

Dublin

RELAXED START - IN DUBLIN’S FAIR CITY

Become acquainted with Dublin's elegant squares during an orientation of the city. Discover famous O'Connell Street, Custom House and Dublin Castle. Enjoy your VIP priority entrance to the 9th-century Book of Kells and a walk through the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College accompanied by a university insider, who will share their insights into modern life and the establishment's impressive history. The afternoon is free to explore Dublin.

Meal(s): Buffet breakfast

Accommodation:

(1 night)

Day 4

Dublin - Kilkenny - Cahir - Cork

A JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE FROM DUBLIN TO CORK

In the morning, visit one of the country’s main racehorse breeding centres. Continue to the acclaimed 100 year old Japanese Gardens where you can ‘journey through life’ during a walk through the beautiful surrounds. Travel to the medieval city of Kilkenny, home of the world's fastest field game. The ancient Celtic sport of Hurling is over 3,000 years old and Ireland's national sport. Meet a player who will share his passion as you test your skill during a lesson. Continue through Cahir and see its imposing 13th century castle, featured in the film 'Excalibur', on the way to Cork. On arrival, your Travel Director will show you around the compact university city, with its vibrant waterfront and grand Georgian parades.

Meal(s): Buffet breakfast

Accommodation:

(1 night)

Day 5

Cork - Blarney - Killarney

RELAXED START - ACROSS THE MOUNTAINS TO KILLARNEY

Travel to the ruined Blarney Castle. Will you hang upside down from the ramparts to kiss the stone and ensure a lifetime of eloquence? Travel across the majestic Derrynasaggart Mountains to the peaceful town of Killarney. For your Farm-to-Table dining experience, enjoy some Irish home cooking in the kitchens of chef John Sheehan. Join John and his wife, Freda for drinks and a personal insight into classic Irish recipes that are loved throughout the world. Then, settle down for a night of great food and drink in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

Meal(s): Buffet breakfast, Dinner with wine

Accommodation:

(1 night)

Day 6

Killarney - Ring of Kerry - Killarney

RELAXED START - RING OF KERRY EXPERIENCE

Start your day with Insight Choice. Choose between a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys or join a gentle hike with a Local Expert along the lake shore and past the farmlands of the Muckross Estate, admiring the incredible scenery. While there aren't any mountains to climb, walkers should be fit, have good walking shoes or boots, sunscreen and rain gear. Take a leisurely excursion around the magnificent Ring of Kerry. Here, mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is breathtaking beyond words. Journey past lush lakelands and around towering cliffs as you appreciate sweeping sea views. Continue through delightful villages like Sneem and cross the peat bogs of the Black Mountains to Moll’s Gap to admire Queen Victoria’s Ladies View. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Maybe take the opportunity to hire a bicycle and enjoy one of the many scenic trails around the lake or through the National Park?

Meal(s): Buffet breakfast

Accommodation:

(1 night)

Day 7

Killarney - Dingle Peninsula - Dromoland

AROUND THE DINGLE PENINSULA

Continue driving with views of wide skies, peaceful towns and coastal scenery of the Dingle Peninsula - the setting for the film Ryan’s Daughter. Drive to dramatic Slea Head at the peninsula’s far end, before reaching your hotel on the shores of Dingle harbour. With the evening at leisure, why not treat yourself to a relaxing experience at the hotel's spa? Offering holistic and therapeutic treatments, the Peninsula Spa is the perfect place to unwind after a busy day of exploring the coast.

Meal(s): Buffet breakfast

Accommodation:

(1 night)

Day 8

Dromoland - Cliffs of Moher - Galway

THE CLIFFS OF MOHER AND GALWAY

Journey to the Visitor Centre at the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher for breathtaking views of the Clare Coast. Enjoy a delightful drive through the strange, rocky landscape of the Burren to Galway Bay. On arrival,see the Lynch Memorial and Church of St. Nicholas, where Christopher Columbus reputedly prayed before his voyages to America. See the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President, John F. Kennedy.

Meal(s): Buffet breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

(1 night)

Day 9

Galway

RELAXED START - FREE DAY GALWAY OR ARAN ISLANDS EXPERIENCE

Spend a day at leisure to relax and enjoy Galway. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to the Aran Islands - a genuine highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way. With their cliffs and spectacular coastal views, the islands are a true Irish experience.

Meal(s): Buffet breakfast

Accommodation:

(1 night)

Day 10

Galway - Drumcliffe - Londonderry

LONDONDERRY

Continue on to County Sligo and stop at a peaceful churchyard in Drumcliffe to visit the final resting place of Ireland’s famous poet, William Butler Yeats. Admire the Blue Stack Mountains of Donegal as you cross into Northern Ireland bound for the ancient walled city of 'Derry.' What better way to experience sightseeing than with one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers, Ronan, as he takes you on a tour inside the city walls, still topped with cannons. Walk down steep Shipquay Street, with its elegant Georgian houses, to the Gothic Guildhall.

Meal(s): Buffet breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

(1 night)

Day 11

Londonderry - Giant's Causeway - Ballygally

RELAXED START - WALK IN THE GIANT'S STEPS ON THE WAY TO BALLYGALLY

Journey to the legendary Giant's Causeway, a geological masterpiece created by the cooling of lava which burst through the earth's crust millions of years ago. Next, prepare yourself for miles of breathtaking beauty as you travel along the road clinging to the Antrim Coast. Continue onto your hotel, overlooking Ballygally Bay. For those who are brave enough, perhaps check out The Ghost Room, in one of the castle's turrets? In the evening, please join us for a finale Celebration Dinner, where old-fashioned hospitality is blended with good food and wine for an experience that delights the senses.

Meal(s): Buffet breakfast, Dinner with wine

Accommodation:

(1 night)

Day 12

Ballygally - Belfast

RELAXED START - THE ANTRIM COAST TO BELFAST

Continue around the Antrim Coast, past the huge Norman castle at Carrickfergus, to arrive in the Northern Ireland capital of Belfast. Meet Hilda, your Local Expert, for a passionate city tour including views of the City Hall, Queen's University, the Parliament Building at Stormont and murals in different locations indicating political sentiments of local residents.

Meal(s): Buffet breakfast

Accommodation:

(1 night)

Day 13

Belfast - Return to Canada

Departure transfers arrive at Dublin Airport at 8:00 a.m.

Meal(s): Buffet breakfast

ACCOMMODATIONS

WHERE YOU'LL STAY

The hotels listed below are presented as examples for your reference only. Where “or similar” is indicated, guests will stay at a hotel of the same star rating. The hotel accommodations will be communicated to the consumer or travel agent prior to departure.

LOCATION

HOTEL

Dublin, Ireland (DUB)

Clayton Hotel Burlington Road(or similar)

Cork, County Cork, Ireland

Maldron Hotel South Mall(or similar)

Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland

Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa(or similar)

Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland

Skelling Hotel(or similar)

Galway, County Galway, Ireland

Connemara Coast Hotel(or similar)

Londonderry/Derry, Northern Ireland, UK

Maldron Hotel Derry(or similar)

Ballygally, Northern Ireland, UK

Ballygally Castle(or similar)

Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK (BFS)

Europa Hotel(or similar)

Room Specifications

Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Room occupancy: 2 adults travelling together.
Twin Room. Single or Triple occupancy option: Travellers who prefer to stay in a single occupancy or a triple occupancy room can call us book: 1 866 529-2079. Subject to availability.

IMPORTANT INFO

DEPARTURE DATES

August 15, 2020
September 19, 2020

*Non-definite departure dates

Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange your departure flight to arrive on or before the Tour Start Date.

MORE TO KNOW

Brochure correction November 15,2019: Please note that for this tour brochure states return from Belfast but it should actually be Dublin.

For an additional $175 CAD per person, travellers can pre-pay gratuities for the Travel Director and Driver. Call us at 1 866 529-2079 to add this option to your reservation.

ACTIVITIES

Most Insight Guided Vacations already include a host of bonus highlights and comprehensive sightseeing. There may also be an exciting array of Optional Experiences ($) which will turn an already amazing experience into the trip of a lifetime! These are entirely optional and can be booked through your Travel Director/Local Representative at the commencement of your trip. Please note, many Optional Experiences are operated by independent third party suppliers, not Insight Vacations. The Optional Experiences and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.

Irish Countryside & Glendalough

An afternoon drive takes you through the rural countryside of County Wicklow - the garden of Ireland. With our Local Expert, we'll pass through the pretty Wicklow Mountains to the picturesque setting of St. Kevin's great 6th-century monastic site at Glendalough. Afterwards, we'll explore the monastic remains before returning to Dublin via the Great Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Adult Price: EUR 25

Code: DUB0006

Dublin at its Best

Join your Tour Director for a unique opportunity to dine at one of the Capital City's top restaurants. A perfect way to spend your evening in this amazing city, famous for its easy-going charm and cultural heritage.

Adult Price: EUR 55

Code: DUB0012

Queenstown Story

Experience this intriguing port town, home to the world's second-largest natural harbour. We’ll visit stunning St Colman’s Cathedral to hear of the town’s maritime past and also visit the Queenstown Story to discover how the town became the single most important port of emigration from Ireland.

Adult Price: EUR 23

Code: COR0001

Cork Dinner

Lively and fun loving, Cork city is justly celebrated for fine local produce and great restaurants. Tonight, take the opportunity to dine out and enjoy the great atmosphere and vibrant heart of Ireland's 'rebel' city. Three course dinner with a drink.

Adult Price: EUR 49

Code: COR0002

Gaelic Roots

A tour de force of traditional Irish song, music and dance, Gaelic roots showcases Ireland at its best. Using traditional instruments, Irish dance and time-honoured folk songs, this energetic show will have you tapping your feet and singing along in no time.

Adult Price: EUR 34

Code: KIL0008

An Irish Pub Experience

Enjoy an exclusive Irish "session" in the oldest pub in town, perhaps even pull your own pint! A local musician joins us this afternoon for music, song and a glimpse into Ireland's past. Enjoy this unique experience whilst sipping on an Irish Coffee, Whiskey or local Draft Beer.

Adult Price: EUR 24

Code: KIL0007

Shannon Castle Banquet

Calling all Lords and Ladies! Please be seated for a delicious banquet in the great hall of the castle. In the splendour of a bygone age, entertainment is provided by the court jester, castle musicians and attendants of the medieval court. It won’t be long before you're making merry with the fine music, singing, dancing, good food and laughter. You'll be sure to take home warm memories of this delightful evening.

Adult Price: EUR 73

Code: LIM0001

Galway Walking Tour

The medieval streets of Galway are best explored with a local. Join our expert Galway guide for a stroll through history in this charming port city.

Adult Price: EUR 15

Code: GAL0002

Aran Islands

Take the Aran ferry across Galway Bay to an ancient landscape. Hear the story of Inishmore from the island men themselves as they guide us to sites such as the 3,200-year-old fort of Dun Aonghasa, the site of the seven churches and also enjoy leisure time in the island villages.

Adult Price: EUR 51

Code: GAL0004

Spirit of Derry

Before dinner this evening, take the chance to enjoy the unique and fun experience of learning the history of Derry and the North through storytelling, music and song in a local pub. A gathering of song and comedy, coupled with moments of poignant truth, in the city of "Danny Boy". Look out over the famous Bogside Murals, as you enjoy a drink during this unique and emotive experience.

Adult Price: GBP 26

Code: DER0001

When Your Home is a Castle...

Join the Earl of Antrim's butler George and housekeeper Elaine on an exclusive insight into the family and estate at Glenarm and Dunluce. We'll also see the day-to-day goings-on and discover how the earls have made this historic house fit with today's modern family. Then enjoy a stroll through the walled garden; 4.5 acres of lawns with imaginative herbaceous borders.

Adult Price: GBP 28

Code: BAL0001

Historic Pub Walk & Dinner

This evening, a local will take us on a leisurely walk through the changing heart of Belfast. We'll view street art inspired by the murals of the past and experience the renewal of this vibrant city through the history of its best-known pubs. We'll finish with supper in a Victorian pub, famed for its home-cooked fare.

Adult Price: GBP 40

Code: BEL0003

Prices listed above are valid as of November 1, 2018 and are subject to change without notice.

TRANSPORTATION

On arrival at Dublin airport, transfers leave for your hotel at 8:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the hotel. Return transfers on the last travel day will arrive at Dublin Airport at 8:00 a.m.