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Ireland in a Week - Classic

8 daysIreland, Northern Ireland

Think you know about Ireland? Our 8-day trip offers the full Irish travel experience. Visiting historical Galway, gazing out from the Cliffs of Moher, puckering up for the Blarney stone and taste-testing Guinness come as standard; but exploring the sights of Kilkenny by bike & seeing the UNESCO World Heritage site of the jaw-dropping Giant’s Causeway? Well, now we’re talking.

Length
8 days
Starts and ends
Dublin
Meals
7 breakfasts, 3 dinners
Style
Highlights

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Highlights

  • Travelling to (and through) the UK & Northern Ireland?You’ll need Essential Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) From January 8, 2025, UK law means that if you’re entering/transiting through border control in the United Kingdom (UK) and Northern Ireland you’ll need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before you travel. Confused? Don’t be – just read on here.
  • What does a modular trip mean?A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
  • What currency is used in Ireland?When you’re in the Republic of Ireland (or just Ireland), the currency used is Euros. In Northern Ireland, you’ll have to use the British Pound.
  • What should I pack?Weather in Ireland varies between the seasons, and can be somewhat unpredictable. The Irish like to say that you can expect 4 seasons in one day! In summer we recommend packing comfortable shoes for walking, a light waterproof jacket and UV protection such as a hat and sunscreen. In winter, we recommend warmer clothes; comfortable shoes for walking, a thick waterproof jacket, beanie, scarf, gloves, and an umbrella as backup.
  • What will the weather be like?Depending on the time of year you decide to travel to Ireland, the weather can vary quite a bit. In summer you will typically find the driest and warmest days, with temperatures ranging from 13 degrees to 24 degrees, and longer daylight hours. Winter visitors can expect much colder conditions, with temperatures ranging from 2 degrees to 10 degrees, shorter daylight hours and higher likelihood of wind and rain. A common saying in Ireland is ‘If you don’t like the weather just wait five minutes’ as the conditions can change throughout the day.

Itinerary

  1. DublinDay 1
  2. CorkDay 2
  3. GalwayDays 3–4
  4. Derry/LondonderryDay 5
  5. BelfastDay 6
  6. DublinDays 7–8
Day 1Start DublinDublin

Céad míle fáilte, meaning one hundred thousand welcomes, is what you get in this city packed with heritage, character, and more cute pubs than you could crawl in a week. Meet up with your Trip Manager this afternoon, then meet your new travel squad for dinner and end the day with a lively night of festivities at the cobbled lanes of Temple Bar. Guinness, anyone?

Meals: Dinner

Stay: Travelodge Plus Dublin City Centre (or similar), Dublin

Day 2Dublin to CorkDublin · Kilkenny · Cork

That's us done with Dublin…for now. But fear not Dub-lovers, we'll get another taste of this fine place before our trip comes to an end. Wanna break up your coach hangs with some bicycle time? Then choose to join us for a bike ride in a city sure to leave you wanting Irish in your blood. Explore the castle, a cathedral and take in all of the medieval charm that Kilkenny has to offer before we hit the road again. Welcome to Cork! But not before the chance to opt into sampling some of Ireland's famous whiskey at the Jameson's Distillery in Midleton. After we arrive at the hotel in the evening, we'll tuck into an included dinner and then head off into town together to explore.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: Moxy Cork (or similar)

Day 3Cork to GalwayCork · Blarney · Cliffs of Moher · Galway

Cork, it's been fun, but we have to leave you now. Next up, we're off to an Irish city that was propelled into the pop culture stratosphere by none other than Ed Sheeran. Anyone wanna guess where? Irish folklore tells us there's a chunk of limestone built into a castle that grants its kissers the gift of the gab. Pucker up kids, we're paying her a visit! Whether heights are your cup of Irish Breakfast or not, these impressive cliff faces are not to be missed! From the moment we arrive in Galway, you'll understand why 2 nights were needed here. Everything you've dreamed Ireland to be is tucked into this small, atmospheric city. Step into a local pub and down Irish stew over live music and chats with locals. Outside will be just as lively, with buskers & colourful buildings lining the streets.

  • Visit Blarney Castle
  • See the iconic Cliffs of Moher
  • Get to Know Galway

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Moxy Cork (or similar)

Day 4GalwayGalway

Try your tongue at some Gaelic and carry on exploring gorgeous Galway. Or, if you hear the call of the wild, you can sign yourself up to a ferry ride to Aran Islands (summer departures only) where you can dance around with horses and take a bike ride around the picturesque farms, or head up to Dún Aonghasa (the ruins of a prehistoric fortress) - make sure you take photos, this area is not for the faint-hearted! Irish life, you so sweet.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: Travelodge Galway City Hotel (or similar), Galway

Day 5Galway to Derry/LondonderryGalway · Derry/Londonderry

Goodbye Galway, hello more Irish eye-candy. This afternoon, we'll drive into Derry/Londonderry - a historical city with 17th century walls. Today, you can opt for an authentic rural Irish experience with sheepdogs, a local shepherd and some homemade lunch. Next, we'll head into town for an optional guided tour of the Bogside - a neighbourhood that used to be underwater! This day is as Irish as it gets.

  • See the City Walls

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Waterfoot Hotel Londonderry (or similar), Derry/Londonderry

Day 6Derry/Londonderry to BelfastDerry/Londonderry · Giant's Causeway · Belfast

Today we've got a one way ticket to Belfast and a whole lot more exploration to do. UNESCO World Heritage site of the Giant’s Causeway - also known as those giant rock columns you've probably drooled over on Pinterest, needs to be seen to be believed. Get those hashtags ready, a snap with the group is essential on this mind-blowing natural formation. Next up - we'll arrive in Belfast. Concluding the day will be a driving tour and an optional trip to the Titanic museum where the world's most famous ship was built.

  • See Giant's Causeway
  • Tour Belfast

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: ibis budget Belfast City Centre (or similar), Belfast

The exterior of the Belfast City Hall in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Day 7Belfast to DublinBelfast · Dublin

With one night left in Ireland and on tour, we're on the fast track to Dublin where our Irish fairytale first began. A promise is a promise. Here we are back in the city that started our Ireland infatuations. Use this second stint to do your missed critical activities such as visiting the Guinness Storehouse where you can learn how to pull a pint the Irish way. Tonight you can choose to end your week in Ireland at a Free Time Add-On farewell dinner.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Travelodge Plus Dublin City Centre (or similar), Dublin

Travellers at Trinity College Library in Dublin, Ireland
Day 8End DublinDublin

We leave Ireland today with leprechauns in our hearts and memories in our souls. Say goodbye at breakfast as it will be the last bite our crew has together.

Meals: Breakfast

A pub in Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland

Hotels

Dublin, Ireland

2 nights

Travelodge Plus Dublin City Centre (or similar)

Hotel

2 nights

Moxy Cork (or similar)

Hotel

Galway, Ireland

1 night

Travelodge Galway City Hotel (or similar)

Hotel

Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland

1 night

Waterfoot Hotel Londonderry (or similar)

Hotel

Belfast, Northern Ireland

1 night

ibis budget Belfast City Centre (or similar)

Hotel

What’s included

Optional experiences
  • Kilkenny Bike Tour

    Paid on tour

  • Jamesons Distillery Tour

    Paid on tour

  • Aran Islands Excursion

    Paid on tour

  • Sheep Dog Experience MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience

    Paid on tour

  • Bogside Walking Tour

    Paid on tour

  • Titanic Experience

    Paid on tour

  • Guinness Storehouse

    Paid on tour

  • Irish Farewell Dinner

    Paid on tour

Dates and prices

Per person, twin share

From, per person$1,395

Choose a departure