The Heart of Ireland

The Heart of Ireland

4 Views
10 Days From

$2544

$2235

The Heart of Ireland

10 Days

Visiting: Arrive In Dublin, Ireland, Dublin, Freshford, Kilkenny, Waterford, Blarney, Rosscarbery, Rosscarbery. Excursion To Cape Clear Island, Killarney, Adare, Limerick, Cliffs Of Moher, Rathbaun Farm, Galway, Birr, Kildare

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

GP-2025

From: $2544 $2235 Operator discount: -$198 Travel Club discount: -$111 -12%

NB: Prices correct on 19-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

This relaxed 10-day tour combines many lesser visited parts of Ireland with some of the must-see iconic locations. The delights of Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford, Killarney, and Galway are combined with more remote and unique experiences. Hear from an expert about the ancient Gaelic sport of hurling and take the chance to hit a few “sliotars” yourself; take a boat ride over to the tiny island of Cape Clear where one of its 110 inhabitants will tell all about their life; make (and eat) your own scones and watch a sheep dog at work at a typical Irish farm; have lunch in an Irish pub; hear about the ancient art of whiskey distilling at a modern distillery at the cutting edge of 21st century sustainability; and visit one of the world’s premier horse studs. You’ll leave with your Irish Heart filled!

Places You'll See

The Samuel Hotel

Granville Hotel

Celtic Ross Hotel

Limerick Strand Hotel

Hilton Dublin City

Courntry Arms Hotel

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Dublin,Ireland

Location: Arrive In Dublin, Ireland

Meals Included: Dinner

This evening, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.
ARRIVE IN DUBLIN, IRELAND Céad mile fáilte—a hundred-thousand welcomes! This evening, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Day 2: Dublin

Location: Dublin

DUBLIN Take a morning orientation drive to see O’Connell Street, Georgian squares, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Trinity College. Free time this afternoon.
DUBLIN Ireland’s Capital City DUBLIN Take a morning orientation drive to see O’Connell Street, Georgian squares, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Trinity College. Free time this afternoon.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS “In Dublin’s fair city where girls are so pretty,” you’ll also find great personality and charm. The charisma of Dubliners and the bounty of pubs here is matched only by the gorgeous Georgian Squares, 12th-century St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the legendary library of Trinity College.

Day 3: Dublin,Freshford,Kilkenny,Waterford

Location: Dublin, Freshford, Kilkenny, Waterford

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

FRESHFORD [LF] Learn from an expert about hurling, one of Ireland’s native Gaelic games. KILKENNY Time to explore one of Ireland’s most quaint towns. 122 mi / 196 km
DUBLIN–FRESHFORD–KILKENNY–WATERFORD Hit the Sliotar! FRESHFORD [LF] Learn from an expert about hurling, one of Ireland’s native Gaelic games.
KILKENNY Time to explore one of Ireland’s most quaint towns. (B,D)
122 mi / 196 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURE & TRADITION Hurling is a game of stick (caman) and ball (sliotar), recognized as being the oldest and fastest field sport in the world, going back 3,000 years. Today it is played around the world but is an integral part of Irish life and culture. Hear all about it from an expert and take the opportunity to give it a go!

Day 4: Waterford,Blarney,Rosscarbery

Location: Waterford, Blarney, Rosscarbery

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

BLARNEY Visit the village known for its magical Kissing Stone.ROSSCARBERY Free time. 125 mi / 202 km
WATERFORD–BLARNEY–ROSSCARBERY Spend Your Day Your Way in Waterford

WATERFORD Explore Waterford on an included YourChoice Excursion.

TAKE YOUR PICK

Explore your way today with your choice of excursions:
WALK THE VIKING TRIANGLE Join a Waterford local on a guided walk through Ireland’s oldest city. Enjoy two cathedrals, four national monuments, and eleven centuries of rogues and rascals along the way, delivered in a witty, entertaining style, by a master storytellers.

OR:


CRYSTAL CLEAR Waterford is synonymous with the luxury crystal manufacture that bares its name. At the House of Waterford Crystal you are guided through the mould room and the blowing, cutting and engraving departments to see how the highly skilled master craftsmen create majestic Waterford Crystal.

BLARNEY Visit the village known for its magical Kissing Stone.
ROSSCARBERY Free time. (B,D)
125 mi / 202 km

Day 5: Rosscarbery. Excursion To Cape Clear Island

Location: Rosscarbery. Excursion To Cape Clear Island

Meals Included: Breakfast

BALTIMORE Visit the village whose heritage revolves around sailing and fishing.CAPE CLEAR ISLAND [LF] Take a ferry to the remote island where a local islander describes life for the 110 residents on a walking tour. 57 mi / 91 km
ROSSCARBERY. EXCURSION TO CAPE CLEAR ISLAND Island Life BALTIMORE Visit the village whose heritage revolves around sailing and fishing.
CAPE CLEAR ISLAND [LF] Take a ferry to the remote island where a local islander describes life for the 110 residents on a walking tour. (B)
57 mi / 91 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
A FERRY GOOD DAY Cape Clear Island is just 3 miles long by 1 mile wide. Situated 8 miles off the coast of West Cork, it is the southernmost inhabited part of Ireland with its own distinct culture and history. An islander guide will talk about life on the island as you take you on a stroll from North to South Harbour. On the ferry journey to and from Cape Clear, watch for whales, leatherback turtles, dolphins, and even sharks. A truly memorable experience!

Day 6: Rosscarbery,Killarney,Adare,Limerick

Location: Rosscarbery, Killarney, Adare, Limerick

Meals Included: Breakfast

RING OF KERRY Panoramic drive around part of Ireland’s spectacular southwestern peninsula.KILLARNEY Take a jaunting car ride through the national park, followed by free time.ADARE Stop in the quaint village to see its thatched cottages. 139 mi / 224 km
ROSSCARBERY–KILLARNEY–ADARE–LIMERICK A Jaunting Good Time RING OF KERRY Panoramic drive around part of Ireland’s spectacular southwestern peninsula.
KILLARNEY Take a jaunting car ride through the national park, followed by free time.
ADARE Stop in the quaint village to see its thatched cottages. (B)
139 mi / 224 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS County Kerry is home to the exquisite natural beauty of a rugged and mountainous expanse in Killarney National Park. A horse-drawn jaunting car ride is a great way to experience this natural wonderland, including the 1,000-foot Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland. Nestled at the foot of these mountains, the Lakes of Killarney’s shores and woodlands share this magical place with waterfalls and dramatic skies above Ross Castle.

Day 7: Limerick,Cliffs Of Moher,Rathbaun Farm,Galway,Birr

Location: Limerick, Cliffs Of Moher, Rathbaun Farm, Galway, Birr

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

CLIFFS OF MOHER Visit the 668-foot-high cliffs above the Atlantic Ocean.RATHBAUN FARM [LF] Try your hand at scone baking, learn about sheep herding, and enjoy coffee and scones at an Irish farm.GALWAY Free time. 165 mi / 266 km
LIMERICK–CLIFFS OF MOHER–RATHBAUN FARM–GALWAY–BIRR Sheep and Scones CLIFFS OF MOHER Visit the 668-foot-high cliffs above the Atlantic Ocean.
RATHBAUN FARM [LF] Try your hand at scone baking, learn about sheep herding, and enjoy coffee and scones at an Irish farm.
GALWAY Free time. (B,D)
165 mi / 266 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Someone’s in the kitchen in Rathbaun Farm, just outside of Galway. You can don an apron and whip up your own delicious home-made scones, served with fresh preserves and whipped cream. Learn about the long-time tradition of sheep farming in this beautiful Irish landscape.

Day 8: Birr

Location: Birr

Meals Included: Breakfast

AHASCRAGH Visit Ahascragh distillery.SHANNONBRIDGE Enjoy lunch in a local pub.BIRR Free time this afternoon. 63 mi / 102 km
BIRR Whiskey and Waters AHASCRAGH Visit Ahascragh distillery.
SHANNONBRIDGE Enjoy lunch in a local pub.
BIRR Free time this afternoon. (B)
63 mi / 102 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
WHISKEY GALORE! Ahascragh Distillery a historic old mill building has been brought back to life by careful restoration to become Ireland’s first zero emissions distillery, powered completely by renewable energy and cutting-edge technology. On your guided tour you’ll hear all about their award-winning passion for sustainability, from the heat pump technology to sustainable packaging, heritage preservation and community engagement. And the whiskey’s good too!

Day 9: Birr,Kildare,Dublin

Location: Birr, Kildare, Dublin

Meals Included: Breakfast

KILDARE Visit the world renowned Irish National Stud.DUBLIN Free time this afternoon. 98 mi / 157 km
BIRR–KILDARE–DUBLIN The Winner’s Circle KILDARE Visit the world renowned Irish National Stud.
DUBLIN Free time this afternoon. (B)
98 mi / 157 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION The Irish National Stud is home to the long tradition of Ireland’s love of horses. This horse breeding facility in County Kildare, considered the beating heart of Ireland's thoroughbred industry, continues to inspire all who visit. Hear about some of the world’s most magnificent champion stallions that have made racing history since the turn of the 20th century.

Day 10: Dublin

Location: Dublin

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
DUBLIN Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Accommodation

Dublin:The Samuel Hotel
Waterford:Granville Hotel
Rosscarbery:Celtic Ross Hotel
Limerick:Limerick Strand Hotel
Birr:Courntry Arms Hotel
Dublin:Hilton Dublin City

Check out our Q&As

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

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