The Heart of Ireland
10 Days Starting and ending in Dublin, Ireland
Visiting: Dublin, Freshford, Kilkenny, Waterford, Blarney, Rosscarbery, Baltimore, Cape Clear Island, Killarney, Adare, Limerick, Cliffs of Moher, Rathbaun Farm, Galway, Birr, Ahascragh, Shannonbridge, Kildare
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GP-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on "The Heart of Ireland" tour, a captivating journey through the Emerald Isle's rich culture and stunning landscapes. Begin in Dublin, exploring iconic sites like O’Connell Street and Trinity College. Experience the thrill of hurling in Freshford and wander the charming streets of Kilkenny. Kiss the magical stone in Blarney and ferry to Cape Clear Island for a unique islander perspective. Revel in the breathtaking Ring of Kerry and enjoy a jaunting car ride in Killarney National Park. Marvel at the Cliffs of Moher and indulge in scone baking at Rathbaun Farm. Discover the sustainable practices at Ahascragh Distillery and visit the prestigious Irish National Stud. With comfortable accommodations and delightful meals, this tour offers an unforgettable taste of Ireland's heart and soul.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Dublin,Ireland
Location: Dublin
Accommodation Name: The Samuel Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
This evening, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.
Day 2: Dublin
Location: Dublin
Accommodation Name: The Samuel Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. (B)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 Trinity College.
Day 3: Dublin,Freshford,Kilkenny,Waterford
Location: Dublin, Freshford, Kilkenny, Waterford
Accommodation Name: Granville Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 kmLOCAL FAVORITECULTURE & 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
Accommodation Name: Celtic Ross Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
BLARNEY Visit the village known for its magical Kissing Stone.ROSSCARBERY Free time. 125 mi / 202 km
Day 5: Rosscarbery. Excursion To Cape Clear Island
Location: Rosscarbery, Baltimore, Cape Clear Island
Accommodation Name: Celtic Ross Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 kmLOCAL FAVORITEA 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
Accommodation Name: Limerick Strand Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL 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
Accommodation Name: Country Arms Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 kmLOCAL FAVORITELOCAL 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: Ahascragh, Shannonbridge, Birr
Accommodation Name: Country Arms Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
BIRR Whiskey and Waters AHASCRAGH Visit Ahascragh distillery.SHANNONBRIDGE Enjoy lunch in a local pub.BIRR Free time this afternoon. (B,L)63 mi / 102 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTWHISKEY 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
Accommodation Name: Hilton Dublin City
Meals Included: Breakfast
BIRR–KILDARE–DUBLIN The Winner’s Circle KILDARE Visit the world renowned Irish National Stud.DUBLIN Free time this afternoon. (B)98 mi / 157 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURE & 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
Accommodation Name: Hilton Dublin City
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Welcome Dinner
Meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel on the first evening.
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Orientation Drive in Dublin
Take a morning orientation drive to see O’Connell Street, Georgian squares, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Trinity College.
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Hurling Experience
Learn from an expert about hurling, one of Ireland’s native Gaelic games, in Freshford.
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Visit to Blarney
Visit the village known for its magical Kissing Stone.
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Cape Clear Island Excursion
Take a ferry to Cape Clear Island and enjoy a walking tour with a local islander.
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Ring of Kerry Drive
Enjoy a panoramic drive around part of Ireland’s spectacular southwestern peninsula.
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Jaunting Car Ride in Killarney
Take a jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park.
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Cliffs of Moher Visit
Visit the 668-foot-high Cliffs of Moher above the Atlantic Ocean.
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Rathbaun Farm Experience
Try your hand at scone baking, learn about sheep herding, and enjoy coffee and scones at an Irish farm.
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Ahascragh Distillery Visit
Visit Ahascragh distillery and learn about their award-winning passion for sustainability.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, and tips are not included.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions and activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
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Meals Not Mentioned
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
Accommodation
Stay at The Samuel Hotel in Dublin, Granville Hotel in Waterford, Celtic Ross Hotel in Rosscarbery, Limerick Strand Hotel in Limerick, Country Arms Hotel in Birr, and Hilton Dublin City in Dublin.
Notes
This tour includes some walking on rough terrain on Cape Clear Island.
Meals
9 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinner
Check out our Q&As
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What is the hurling experience in Freshford like?
In Freshford, you will learn from an expert about hurling, one of Ireland's native Gaelic games. Hurling is recognized as the oldest and fastest field sport in the world, and you will have the opportunity to hear all about it and even give it a try.
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What can I expect during the visit to Cape Clear Island?
During the excursion to Cape Clear Island, you will take a ferry to the remote island where a local islander will describe life for the 110 residents on a walking tour. The island is just 3 miles long by 1 mile wide and is the southernmost inhabited part of Ireland. On the ferry journey, you might spot whales, leatherback turtles, dolphins, and even sharks.
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What activities are included at Rathbaun Farm?
At Rathbaun Farm, you will have the chance to try your hand at scone baking, learn about sheep herding, and enjoy coffee and scones. This experience offers a taste of traditional Irish farm life.
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What is special about the Ahascragh Distillery visit?
The visit to Ahascragh Distillery includes a guided tour where you will learn about their award-winning passion for sustainability. The distillery is Ireland's first zero emissions distillery, powered completely by renewable energy. You will hear about their sustainable practices, including heat pump technology and sustainable packaging.
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What will I see at the Irish National Stud in Kildare?
At the Irish National Stud in Kildare, you will learn about Ireland's long tradition of horse breeding. The facility is considered the heart of Ireland's thoroughbred industry and is home to some of the world's most magnificent champion stallions that have made racing history.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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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.
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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.
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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