Where we go and what we do
Emerald Isle Tour – August 4-14, 2024
Castles and culture await your arrival. From the St James Gate Brewery and the Jameson Irish Whiskey Distillery in Dublin, to the Titanic Experience, and serene countryside of County Cork, you'll experience the friendly nature of the Irish on this stellar tour.
$3899/pp, or $3099/pp if you purchase your own airfare (based on dual occupancy)
Single Occupancy
There is an additional hotel room charge for single occupancy of $75 per night, per person. I will try to match single travelers as roommates, wherever possible to minimize room costs. The best tour rates are achieved with dual occupancy.
Trip Details
Daily Tour Information
Sample Daily Itinerary
Travel Day – Depart the USA, Arrive in Ireland
Depart the USA on August 4th and arrive in Dublin Ireland the following morning.
Day 1 – Travel to Northern Ireland
We pick up our bags in the Dublin Airport, proceed through European Union Customs, and board the Express Bus to take the short 1-hour ride to Connolly Train Station to board our train to Belfast and then take the local bus to our tour hotel, where we drop off our bags. We take a break at the tour hotel for unpacking and then we’ll do a short walking tour of the local area to get a good orientation of the services available nearby. We’ll have dinner in Belfast at a local pub and then get a good night’s rest for the evening.
Day 2 –Game of Thrones and Giant’s Causeway
We’ll board a motorcoach for a day trip as we embark on an epic journey through the Seven Kingdoms on this full-day tour of Northern Ireland’s Game of Thrones filming locations from Belfast. Immerse yourself in the real-life locations seen on-screen in the hit series and follow in the footsteps of characters like Arya Stark, Sansa Stark and Jon Snow. Along the way, marvel at natural wonders like the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway and walk the notorious Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
Day 3 – Titanic Experience and Pub Crawl
We’ll delve into the fascinating history of the Titanic at Titanic Belfast, the world’s largest Titanic exhibition, on a self-guided tour of the magnificent museum. Explore the institution at your own pace in order to discover insightful exhibits detailing the construction, voyage, and legacy of the infamous ship. Enjoy interactive displays; watch audiovisual presentations; and feel your adrenaline levels surge during an exhilarating Shipyard Ride. You’ll receive complimentary entry to the SS Nomadic (White Lines last produced ship) with your Titanic Belfast ticket. Upon completion of the Titanic Experience, we’ll visit several local pubs to enjoy the local culture and have dinner downtown before returning to our hotel to pack for tomorrow’s travel.
Day 4 – Travel to Dublin and Local Pub Crawl
We’ll depart our Belfast hotel and proceed to Lanyon Place Train Station to catch our train to Dublin. We’ll catch the Express Bus from Connolly Station to our Dublin tour hotel, unpack for the trip, and take some open time in the afternoon before taking an Irish pub crawl for the group in the famous Temple Bar district.
Day 5 – Hop On-Hop Off Tour Bus in Dublin
We explore the city and its many scenic buildings as we explore Dublin at our own pace with Big Bus tour; your 24-hour ticket allows you to hop on and hop off whenever you like at more than 30 stops. You can choose from two routes offering live or digital commentary that teaches you about Dublin's history and cultureHop on and off as many times as you like to explore Dublin highlights at your leisure, such as St. Stephens Green, Croke Park, EPIC the Irish Emigration Museum, and others.
Day 6 – Cliffs of Moher, Wild Atlantic Way and Galway City Tour
Explore Ireland’s west coast on this full-day Cliffs of Moher tour from Dublin. Travel into rural Ireland by air-conditioned coach with your guide and enjoy panoramic views over the Emerald Isle’s spectacular countryside. Journey along the Wild Atlantic Way and enjoy our exclusive stop at the amazing Kilmacduagh Abbey. Also visit Galway and visit the Cliffs of Moher for some of Ireland’s most impressive coastal views.
Day 7 – Blarney Castle and Cork City Day Tour
Explore hidden gems and popular attractions around County Cork on this Blarney day tour from Dublin. Travel deep into the Golden Vale of County Cork with your guide and soak up some free time in Cork to explore at your leisure, before exploring the famous Rock of Cashel. Then, visit Blarney Castle and follow in time-honored tradition by kissing the Blarney Stone. Top off the trip with tax-free shopping at the Woollen Mills Store before returning to Dublin.
Day 8 – Glendalough and Wicklow Mountains Day Tour
We’ll grab breakfast before boarding our motorcoach for an all-day tour to the mountains south of Dublin. You’ll feast your senses on the unrivaled natural beauty of the Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough on our full-day trip as we escape the bustling charm of Dublin in favor of the glittering lakes and undulating hills of County Wicklow. Discover ancient legends as you listen to illuminating commentary from your knowledgeable guide; marvel at a lake that resembles a pint of Guinness; and see the ancient monastic ruins of Glendalough before revitalizing with lunch in Ireland’s highest village.
Day 9 – Waterford Crystal and Kilkenny City and Castle
We’ll depart the hotel, grab breakfast on the way to our departure point on Nassau Street. From there, we’ll travel to Waterford City. Waterford has been producing fine-quality crystal since the 18th century and boasts a reputation for quality across the world. On this tour, we’ll visit the Waterford factory and see traditional glassblowers and engravers at work. We’ll explore medieval Kilkenny, and discover top attractions including St. Canice’s Cathedral and the Black Abbey. We’ll enjoy some free time at Kilkenny Castle or the rose gardens, with round-trip transport from central Dublin included.
Day 10 – Travel to the USA
Our departure times are fairly similar, so we’ll journey to the airport together. We’ll depart our tour hotel and board the Express Bus for Dublin Airport to travel back to the USA. It’s best to get a bite to eat after proceeding through airport security, and then do a little final souvenir shopping as you wing your way home.
Tour Deposit
$700
Due prior to May 1st and fully refundable if travel plans change, up until flight and hotel plans are made. Once flight and hotel plans are complete, tour fees are non-refundable and trip refunds are conducted with the travel company providing, tours, transportation, and lodging, based on their published travel policies.
Air, Hotel, Local Transportation and Bus Tours Fee
$3199, or $2399 if you purchase your own airfare.
Due by March 15th. Includes round trip airfare, hotel, local transportation fees, and all motorcoach tours. You have the option to choose your own flight itinerary, and I’ll book your flight, hotel, and the tours, as soon as your tour fee is paid. My booking process is what provides substantial tour savings, and flexibility in your flight schedules.
Travel Insurance
Optional
Travel Insurance is available at an additional cost, by a number of insurance providers, such as travel companies (Expedia, Priceline, etc…) or Berkshire-Hathaway. This can be a very cost-effective option, should anything go awry in the travel process, and I can advise on options to select, once you elect to go on tour.