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Enchanting Ireland

A Tour of the Emerald Isle

From $5,692
total price from Boston, New York
$5,095 air & land inclusive plus $597 airline taxes and fees
Tour Days
13 days
Tour Membership
12-24 guests
Post-Tour Extension

Physical Activity Level:

Overview

It’s a beautiful, magical land, where the gentle green landscape dazzles and the people delight; where warmth and hospitality are national traits and poets are national heroes. From Dublin to Galway, Killarney to Kilkenny, this full yet well-paced tour showcases Ireland’s many charms – both old and new – to our small band of travelers.

Tour Details

Enchanting Ireland

A Tour of the Emerald Isle

From $5,692

total price from Boston, New York
$5,095 air & land inclusive plus $597 airline taxes and fees

Tour Days
13 days

Tour Membership
12-24 guests

Optional Extension

Physical Activity Level:

Tour Days
13 days

Tour Membership
12-24 guests

Optional Extension

Physical Activity Level:

Overview

It’s a beautiful, magical land, where the gentle green landscape dazzles and the people delight; where warmth and hospitality are national traits and poets are national heroes. From Dublin to Galway, Killarney to Kilkenny, this full yet well-paced tour showcases Ireland’s many charms – both old and new – to our small band of travelers.

Small Group Highlights

  • Dublin touring, including Trinity College and St. Patrick’s Cathedral
  • Magnificent natural scenery of counties Galway and Kerry: Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, Connemara
  • Irish sheepdog demonstration
  • Beautiful Kylemore Abbey
  • Dramatic Aran Islands
  • Ring of Kerry scenic drive
  • Historic Muckross House
  • Visit to Blarney Castle
  • Rock of Cashel
  • Kilkenny Castle
  • Outstanding small group accommodations that enhance the Irish experience

Day-by-Day Itinerary

B
= Breakfast Included
L
= Lunch Included
D
= Dinner Included
1
Depart U.S. for Dublin, Ireland
Depart U.S. for Dublin, Ireland
2
Arrive Dublin
D
D
Arrive Dublin

We arrive in the intimate, and beautiful, Irish capital today and check in at our hotel located right on St. Stephen’s Green. Tonight we enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

We arrive in the intimate, and beautiful, Irish capital today and check in at our hotel located right on St. Stephen’s Green. Tonight we enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

3
Dublin
B
B
Dublin

This morning’s city tour includes a visit to Trinity College, home of the stunning 8th-century Book of Kells illuminated manuscript; and to St. Patrick’s, the national cathedral of the Church of Ireland. This afternoon we embark on an informal walking tour (led by our tour director), passing some of the haunts and hiding places of Ireland’s beloved literary sons. Dinner tonight is on our own in this enchanting city.

This morning’s city tour includes a visit to Trinity College, home of the stunning 8th-century Book of Kells illuminated manuscript; and to St. Patrick’s, the national cathedral of the Church of Ireland. This afternoon we embark on an informal walking tour (led by our tour director), passing some of the haunts and hiding places of Ireland’s beloved literary sons. Dinner tonight is on our own in this enchanting city.

4
Dublin/Galway
B
D
B
D
Dublin/Galway

We leave Dublin this morning for Galway in the West, the region some consider to be the “most Irish part of Ireland.” En route we stop for tea and coffee at Tyrrellspass Castle then continue on to 6th-century Clonmacnoise, Ireland’s most important early monastic site. Located on the East Side of the River Shannon, the monastery occupied a central position in Ireland. For that reason, it was the chosen burial place of the Kings of Connaught as well as those of Tara, including Rory O’Connor, the last High King of Ireland. At one time, it was also the most illustrious school in Europe, predating many universities. After lunch on our own we resume our journey, reaching Galway City this afternoon. We dine at our hotel located in the village of Bearna just outside the city.

We leave Dublin this morning for Galway in the West, the region some consider to be the “most Irish part of Ireland.” En route we stop for tea and coffee at Tyrrellspass Castle then continue on to 6th-century Clonmacnoise, Ireland’s most important early monastic site. Located on the East Side of the River Shannon, the monastery occupied a central position in Ireland. For that reason, it was the chosen burial place of the Kings of Connaught as well as those of Tara, including Rory O’Connor, the last High King of Ireland. At one time, it was also the most illustrious school in Europe, predating many universities. After lunch on our own we resume our journey, reaching Galway City this afternoon. We dine at our hotel located in the village of Bearna just outside the city.

5
Galway/Connemara
B
D
B
D
Galway/Connemara

A day of scenic highlights is in store as we travel through western County Galway in the legendary region known as Connemara, a rugged, silent landscape of mountains, glacial lakes, endless roads, and uninhabited bog lands. Our first stop is at beautiful Kylemore Abbey, built as a private home in 1861 and one of Ireland’s most photographed castles. We then continue our tour of this rugged region that offers spectacular views of the Twelve Ben Mountains on one side and the pounding sea on the other, returning to our Galway hotel late this afternoon. Tonight, we enjoy dinner together, with traditional Irish entertainment.

A day of scenic highlights is in store as we travel through western County Galway in the legendary region known as Connemara, a rugged, silent landscape of mountains, glacial lakes, endless roads, and uninhabited bog lands. Our first stop is at beautiful Kylemore Abbey, built as a private home in 1861 and one of Ireland’s most photographed castles. We then continue our tour of this rugged region that offers spectacular views of the Twelve Ben Mountains on one side and the pounding sea on the other, returning to our Galway hotel late this afternoon. Tonight, we enjoy dinner together, with traditional Irish entertainment.

6
Galway/Aran Islands
B
L
D
B
L
D
Galway/Aran Islands

Today we embark on an excursion to Inishmore, the largest of the fabled Aran Islands, whose unique culture and history have been an inspiration to artists, writers, and filmmakers. Sitting across Galway Bay in the midst of the Atlantic, the islands feature primitive stone forests, early Christian churches, and medieval castles – as well as shops, galleries, and restaurants. An islander guides our tour here, imparting local lore along the way. We stop at Dun Aenghus Fortress, the three prehistoric stone walls crowning the tallest cliffs of Inishmore; have lunch in a local pub; and enjoy some free time before returning to the mainland and our hotel late this afternoon. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant in the village of Bearna.

Today we embark on an excursion to Inishmore, the largest of the fabled Aran Islands, whose unique culture and history have been an inspiration to artists, writers, and filmmakers. Sitting across Galway Bay in the midst of the Atlantic, the islands feature primitive stone forests, early Christian churches, and medieval castles – as well as shops, galleries, and restaurants. An islander guides our tour here, imparting local lore along the way. We stop at Dun Aenghus Fortress, the three prehistoric stone walls crowning the tallest cliffs of Inishmore; have lunch in a local pub; and enjoy some free time before returning to the mainland and our hotel late this afternoon. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant in the village of Bearna.

7
Galway/County Clare/Killarney
B
D
B
D
Galway/County Clare/Killarney

Another day of breathtaking scenery as we leave Galway for Killarney, traveling south along the fabled coastline of County Clare. We pass through the Burren, the 116-square-mile “rocky place” of craggy gray karst (limestone) formations that stretch endlessly in all directions. Then we visit the Cliffs of Moher, the majestic flat-topped “mountains” that rise vertically from the sea for five miles from north to south. After lunch on our own here, we cross by ferry into County Kerry, reaching Killarney in beautiful Killarney National Park late this afternoon. This evening we enjoy dinners with local families.

Another day of breathtaking scenery as we leave Galway for Killarney, traveling south along the fabled coastline of County Clare. We pass through the Burren, the 116-square-mile “rocky place” of craggy gray karst (limestone) formations that stretch endlessly in all directions. Then we visit the Cliffs of Moher, the majestic flat-topped “mountains” that rise vertically from the sea for five miles from north to south. After lunch on our own here, we cross by ferry into County Kerry, reaching Killarney in beautiful Killarney National Park late this afternoon. This evening we enjoy dinners with local families.

8
Killarney
B
B
Killarney

Our exploration of this attractive town, founded as a resort in the 18th century, begins with a jaunting cart ride from the center of town to 15th-century Ross Castle, the last strong­hold to fall to Oliver Cromwell’s forces in 1652. Then we travel by boat to Muckross House, a 19th-century Elizabethan-style manor, which showcases the art and craft of bookbinding, pottery, and weaving. We tour the elegantly furnished rooms, as well as the informal garden, with it’s lush rhododendrons, and the rock garden, with its collection of rolling dwarf conifers. Lunch is on our own here before we return to Killarney mid-afternoon. Dinner tonight is on our own in this charming town.

Our exploration of this attractive town, founded as a resort in the 18th century, begins with a jaunting cart ride from the center of town to 15th-century Ross Castle, the last strong­hold to fall to Oliver Cromwell’s forces in 1652. Then we travel by boat to Muckross House, a 19th-century Elizabethan-style manor, which showcases the art and craft of bookbinding, pottery, and weaving. We tour the elegantly furnished rooms, as well as the informal garden, with it’s lush rhododendrons, and the rock garden, with its collection of rolling dwarf conifers. Lunch is on our own here before we return to Killarney mid-afternoon. Dinner tonight is on our own in this charming town.

9
Killarney/Ring of Kerry
B
L
D
B
L
D
Killarney/Ring of Kerry

Today we expe­rience one of Ireland’s most popular attractions, the stunning mountain and coastal scenery of the Ring of Kerry, a 110-mile route connecting Dingle, Iveragh, and Beara peninsulas. This is the Ireland of postcards and pictures, with tiny villages dotting the breathtaking landscape; we stop in one of them for an Irish sheepdog demonstration and in another for lunch. We also drive through the village of Waterville, home to the famed golf links, before heading back to Killarney. We dine together tonight at our hotel.

Today we expe­rience one of Ireland’s most popular attractions, the stunning mountain and coastal scenery of the Ring of Kerry, a 110-mile route connecting Dingle, Iveragh, and Beara peninsulas. This is the Ireland of postcards and pictures, with tiny villages dotting the breathtaking landscape; we stop in one of them for an Irish sheepdog demonstration and in another for lunch. We also drive through the village of Waterville, home to the famed golf links, before heading back to Killarney. We dine together tonight at our hotel.

10
Blarney/Cashel/Kilkenny
B
D
B
D
Blarney/Cashel/Kilkenny

On our way to Kilkenny this morning we stop in the small town of Blarney to visit the ruins of the 15th-century castle, with its celebrated Blarney Stone believed to bestow the “gift of gab” on those who kiss it. We also visit the Blarney Woolen Mills, housing an excellent selection of Irish crafts as well as knits and woolens of all kinds. After lunch on our own in Blarney, we continue on to the Rock of Cashel, the celebrated – and beloved – archaeological complex (c. 432 CE) of medieval ruins atop a limestone outcropping that presides over the surrounding plain. Late this afternoon we return to Kilkenny and our hotel, where we dine tonight.

On our way to Kilkenny this morning we stop in the small town of Blarney to visit the ruins of the 15th-century castle, with its celebrated Blarney Stone believed to bestow the “gift of gab” on those who kiss it. We also visit the Blarney Woolen Mills, housing an excellent selection of Irish crafts as well as knits and woolens of all kinds. After lunch on our own in Blarney, we continue on to the Rock of Cashel, the celebrated – and beloved – archaeological complex (c. 432 CE) of medieval ruins atop a limestone outcropping that presides over the surrounding plain. Late this afternoon we return to Kilkenny and our hotel, where we dine tonight.

11
Kilkenny
B
L
B
L
Kilkenny

Today is devoted to Kilkenny, a well-preserved medieval city known as Ireland’s cultural capital – and the country’s smallest city. We tour 12th-century Kilkenny Castle, considered one of the country’s most beautiful, then embark on an informal walking tour of Kilkenny itself, noting the many buildings of “black” or Kilkenny marble, quarried locally. After lunch together at a local pub, the remainder of the day is at leisure. The city offers the Kilkenny Crafts Trail to guide visitors to the best of the jewelers, potters, glassblowers, ceramicists, and wood and ironworkers who live and work here – in the center of Ireland’s artisan and handcraft industries. Kilkenny also boasts other important historic and architectural sites, including ancient monuments, monastic settlements, old country homes, and burial sites.

Today is devoted to Kilkenny, a well-preserved medieval city known as Ireland’s cultural capital – and the country’s smallest city. We tour 12th-century Kilkenny Castle, considered one of the country’s most beautiful, then embark on an informal walking tour of Kilkenny itself, noting the many buildings of “black” or Kilkenny marble, quarried locally. After lunch together at a local pub, the remainder of the day is at leisure. The city offers the Kilkenny Crafts Trail to guide visitors to the best of the jewelers, potters, glassblowers, ceramicists, and wood and ironworkers who live and work here – in the center of Ireland’s artisan and handcraft industries. Kilkenny also boasts other important historic and architectural sites, including ancient monuments, monastic settlements, old country homes, and burial sites.

12
Kilkenny/Dublin (Barberstown)
B
D
B
D
Kilkenny/Dublin (Barberstown)

We leave Kilkenny this morning for a final visit to Dublin, where we tour fascinating EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum depicting 1,500 years of Irish history in an interactive environment. Mid-afternoon we reach our hotel outside Dublin; tonight we celebrate our adventure over a farewell dinner.

We leave Kilkenny this morning for a final visit to Dublin, where we tour fascinating EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum depicting 1,500 years of Irish history in an interactive environment. Mid-afternoon we reach our hotel outside Dublin; tonight we celebrate our adventure over a farewell dinner.

13
Depart for U.S.
B
B
Depart for U.S.

We leave this morning for the Dublin airport and our return flights to the United States.

We leave this morning for the Dublin airport and our return flights to the United States.

Tour Price Includes

  • Round-trip air transportation from listed cities
  • 11 nights’ accommodations in Deluxe and Superior First Class hotels
  • 22 meals: 11 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 8 dinners
  • Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees
  • Services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
  • Private motorcoach transportation throughout your trip
  • Luggage handling for one bag per person
  • Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers
  • $100 frequent traveler credit towards your next Odysseys Unlimited tour ($200 after 3 tours; $300 after 10 tours)

Average Daily High by Month (°F )

  Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
Dublin 60 60 65 67 67 63 57
Killarney 52 63 67 69 70 66 61

Average Temperature (°F )

  Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
Dublin 60 60 65 67 67 63 57
Killarney 52 63 67 69 70 66 61

Dates & Prices

Please wait while we retrieve this information.

Post-Tour Extension

Northern Ireland

4 days, 3 nights
From
$1,395
+ from $295 Single Supplement

Northern Ireland

4 days, 3 nights
From
$1,395
+ from $295 Single Supplement

Savor the dramatic beauty of the Antrim Coast, one of the most scenic in all of Ireland and the British Isles, and encounter the lively capital city of Belfast.

Post-Tour Extension Price Includes

  • Round-trip private motorcoach or van transportation Dublin/Belfast
  • 3 nights’ accommodations: 2 nights in Belfast at The Fitzwilliam Hotel (Deluxe); 1 night in Dublin at Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport (Superior First Class)
  • 7 meals: 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
  • Extensive sightseeing including Belfast, Antrim Coast (Giant’s Causeway UNESCO site, Bushmills Distillery, Carrick-a-rede Bridge), new Titanic Museum in Belfast
  • Services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
  • Gratuities for dining room servers, airport and hotel porters

Pricing: $1,395 in 2024; $1,495 in 2025. Single Supplement: $295 in 2024; $345 in 2025

Accommodations

Tour Directors

Kieran Mangan

“Kieran was wonderful! Patient, knowledgeable, always with a smile. He accommodated individual requests when he could and handled any hiccups with grace.”

Grant & Paige Rader
Littleton, CO

Gerry O’Brien

“We cannot praise Gerry enough. Efficient, knowledgeable, helpful, great sense of humor; he left nothing out. He went above and beyond, and we felt very well taken care of.”

Michael & Patricia Arsenault
Beverly, MA

Jay Galvin

“Jay went out of his way to meet everyone’s needs and make it a worry-free trip. His knowledge of Ireland as well as the United States was impressive…His good humor was greatly appreciated.”

Bryant & Sandra Riley
Mount Sterling, OH

Amanda Walsh

“Amanda is a very caring, personable, experienced travel guide whose knowledge of Ireland is staggering. I love history and Amanda painted a picture that made Ireland come to life.”

Jim & Phyllis Foster
Diamond Point, NY

Jeremiah Daly

“Very personable, excellent knowledge of all aspects of the tour. Jeremiah showed that he really cared about the tour group and our enjoyment of the tour.”

Rod & Patty Vance
Farmville, VA

Philip Mahony

“Everyone in the group praised his knowledge, warmth, humor, and dramatic blarney and unanimously found him to be one of the best, if not the best, tour guide they ever had encountered!”

James McGreevey
Iowa City, IA

Tour Directors

Gerry O’Brien

“We cannot praise Gerry enough. Efficient, knowledgeable, helpful, great sense of humor; he left nothing out. He went above and beyond, and we felt very well taken care of.”

Michael & Patricia Arsenault
Beverly, MA

Amanda Walsh

“Amanda is a very caring, personable, experienced travel guide whose knowledge of Ireland is staggering. I love history and Amanda painted a picture that made Ireland come to life.”

Jim & Phyllis Foster
Diamond Point, NY

Jay Galvin

“Jay went out of his way to meet everyone’s needs and make it a worry-free trip. His knowledge of Ireland as well as the United States was impressive…His good humor was greatly appreciated.”

Bryant & Sandra Riley
Mount Sterling, OH

Philip Mahony

“Everyone in the group praised his knowledge, warmth, humor, and dramatic blarney and unanimously found him to be one of the best, if not the best, tour guide they ever had encountered!”

James McGreevey
Iowa City, IA

Kieran Mangan

“Kieran was wonderful! Patient, knowledgeable, always with a smile. He accommodated individual requests when he could and handled any hiccups with grace.”

Grant & Paige Rader
Littleton, CO

Jeremiah Daly

“Very personable, excellent knowledge of all aspects of the tour. Jeremiah showed that he really cared about the tour group and our enjoyment of the tour.”

Rod & Patty Vance
Farmville, VA

Destination Insights

Exploring...

Recommended Books & Films

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Guest Photos & Testimonials

The itinerary gave us a fascinating and awe-inspiring tour; each segment was beautiful, interesting, and different.
Curtis & Lisa Ventriss
South Burlington, VT
Very thoughtful linking of high points and famed attractions as we traveled through the country to understand the differences of Ireland's regions, people, and economy.
David Clark
Stillwater, NY
The itinerary gave us a fascinating and awe-inspiring tour; each segment was beautiful, interesting, and different.
Curtis & Lisa Ventriss
South Burlington, VT
Very thoughtful linking of high points and famed attractions as we traveled through the country to understand the differences of Ireland's regions, people, and economy.
David Clark
Stillwater, NY
Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET

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