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Week in Ireland:...
 

A Week in Ireland: St. Patrick’s Day

8 days |  11 days with London extension
8 days |  11 days with London extension
Group size1535 travelers
Reviews

4.6 star rating

48
Physical activity
crowds of people dressed up for st patricks day in dublin
people walking along the cliffs of moher in ireland on cloudy day
close up of people cheering their glasses of beer
people walking around st patricks cathedral in dublin ireland
OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsTraveler photosHotels, flights & FAQ
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Raise your pint and revel in the spirit of Ireland.

Can you think of a better time to visit Ireland than during St. Patrick’s Day week? Drop in on the Emerald Isle during one of the most festive times of year, exploring its vibrant cities and breathtaking countryside. Don some green, grab a pint, and join the locals in Dublin for the city’s legendary St. Patrick’s Day parade. Then, make your way west to kiss the Blarney Stone and marvel at the Cliffs of Moher.

Your tour package includes

  • 6 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 6 breakfasts
  • 3 dinners with beer or wine
  • 5 sightseeing tours
  • Expert Tour Director & local guides
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Included highlights

  • St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin
  • St. Patrick’s Cathedral
  • Cobh Heritage Centre
  • Blarney Castle
  • Galway Bay
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Start planning today

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

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Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary
Overnight Flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Dublin today.

County Dublin3 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Dublin
Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Ireland! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Dublin
Included meal: Breakfast

Take a comprehensive tour of Ireland’s capital city with a local expert leading the way.

  • Stop in Phoenix Park, site of the presidential residence, and pass by the Guinness Brewery
  • Step inside the soaring St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s largest church
  • Pass St Stephen’s Green and admire the Georgian architecture of Merrion Square as you go
  • See Trinity College and walk past Grafton Street to the Molly Malone statue, ending in the Temple Bar district

Enjoy a free afternoon in Dublin or add an excursion.

(Please note: On some departures, the Dublin sightseeing tour and the Glendalough optional make take place on Day 4 and the St. Patricks Day festival may occur on Day 3.)

Glendalough

From $69 per person

Day 4: St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin
Included meal: Breakfast

Travel into Dublin to celebrate your own way today—catch a glimpse of the legendary St. Patrick’s Day Parade, or take advantage of the cultural events held across the city.

(Please note: On some departures, the St. Patricks Day festival may occur on Day 3 and the Dublin sightseeing tour and the Glendalough optional make take place on Day 4.)

County Cork1 night
Day 5: County Cork via Cork & Cobh
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Make your way to County Cork, stopping along the way in Cork and Cobh.

  • Wander along Cork’s web of canals to the city center
  • Explore the city of Cork and enjoy free time to walk through the English Market, a traditional food hall
  • Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre to see exhibits that highlight the story of Irish emigration over the past 150 years

Later, sit down for an included dinner with your group.

County Galway2 nights
Day 6: County Galway via Blarney Castle & sightseeing tour of Galway
Included meal: Breakfast

En route to County Galway, stop to climb to the top of Blarney Castle and kiss the famed Blarney Stone, which is said to grant the “gift of gab.”

This afternoon, admire some of the Galway’s highlights on a walking orientation with your Tour Director in the lead.

  • Stroll past Lynch’s Castle, the Druid Theatre Company and the broad expanse of Eyre Square
  • View the city’s medieval walls and Spanish Arch
  • Peruse authentic Claddagh rings in a local shop
Day 7: The Burren & Cliffs of Moher
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Journey outside the city to explore two of the country’s most dramatic landscapes.

  • Travel through the limestone plateau called the Burren
  • Explore the Cliffs of Moher, which rise 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean

Later, head to a traditional pub with live entertainment in Galway to celebrate your trip with your group during a farewell dinner.

Flight Home
Day 8: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the Dublin airport for your flight home or continue on to London, England.

Please note: some transfers to the airport may leave very early in the morning to accommodate return flights.

Extension to London
Mind the gap, get in the queue, ask for bangers with your mash—now you’re ready for London! Fly here and spend extra time in the bustling English capital, taking in the sights alongside a local expert.
London3 nights
Day 8: Flight to London
Included meal: Breakfast

Fly to London, England this morning.

Day 9: Sightseeing tour of London
Included meal: Breakfast

View the regal landmarks of England’s vibrant and cosmopolitan capital on a guided sightseeing tour.

  • Pass the grand Trafalgar Square and Baroque-style St. Paul’s Cathedral, perched atop Ludgate Hill
  • See Westminster Abbey, the setting for royal coronations, weddings, and funerals
  • View icons like Big Ben, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London
  • Stop by Buckingham Palace, where you may catch the Changing of the Guard

Spend a free afternoon in London or add an excursion.

Windsor Castle

From $175 per person

Day 10: Free day in London
Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in London or add an excursion.

This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Stonehenge & Salisbury

From $215 per person

Flight Home
Day 11: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.6 star rating

Overall rating 4.6 out of 5

Based on 48 authentic traveler reviews
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    5.0 star rating

    Amazing ST Pattie’s week!!!
    3/14/23 by 1st-time traveler Timothy

    My tour to Ireland was everything I was hoping for and more. Our tour guide was excellent 14 out of 10 star rating!!!! The week was spectacular and exceeded all expectations!!!! This was my first tour with any group and EF tours knocked it out of the park. I would highly recommend EF tours to anyone...

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    5.0 star rating

    Ireland!!!
    3/15/23 by 5th-time traveler Anonymous

    Patricia was an exceptional tour guide! She was so fun and made everything go smoothly! I would definitely recommend trip and especially her as guide!!

    3.0 star rating

    Fair experience
    3/15/23 by 1st-time traveler Anonymous

    Spent a lot of time in Dublin with St Patrick's Day, and that did not lend enough time to the rest of the locations on the tour. This tour would be best suited for a longer time, perhaps 10 days. Also would have loved to have more than one excursion available in the different locations (ie Irish Dan...

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    EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 4/13/23

    Thank you for your review. We are so sorry to hear...

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    Traveler photos

    Hotels, flights & FAQ

    Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

    Hotels

    We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.
    Clayton Cardiff Lane
    Clayton Cardiff Lane

    This modern hotel is located in Dublin’s city center. Guests enjoy an indoor pool, fitness center, and Vertigo Bar. Nearby, you'll find the Samuel Bec...

    Read more +
    Garryvoe Hotel
    Garryvoe Hotel

    This contemporary hotel is located on the coast of Garryvoe in County Cork. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and health club. Nearby, you’ll find Garry...

    Read more +
    Maldron Sandy Road
    Maldron Sandy Road

    This comfortable hotel is located near the center of Galway. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a hotel bar, and restaurant. Nearby, you'll find the Galway Shop...

    Read more +
    Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington
    Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington

    This relaxing hotel is located in the residential area of Kensington in London. Guests enjoy views of the city, spacious rooms, and many on-site dinin...

    Read more +

    Flights

    Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
    Add our airfare package and you'll get:
    • Round-trip flight for your tour
    • Airport transfers at your destination
    • A great price locked in today
    • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
    • Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
    • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
    • Find out more about flights

    FAQ

    Print FAQ
    Entry requirements
    • In order to enter Ireland (and the United Kingdom on the tour extension), U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
    • We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
    • There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
    • If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
    • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code IRP.
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    Tour pacing & mobility
    • You will walk for at least 1.5 hours daily across moderately uneven terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets with some hills and stairs.
    • Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
    • You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times.
    • If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
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    Transportation & arrival information
    • Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in and depart from Dublin (or depart from London on the tour extension). A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
    • Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
    • A flight from Shannon to London is included in the price of the tour extension.
    • All other included transportation is by private motor coach.
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    Baggage allowance
    • Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
    • Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
    • Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
    • Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
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    Clothing & packing tips
    • We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
    • A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
    • You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
    • It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
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    Health
    • At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
    • If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
    • If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
    • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code IRP.
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    Cuisine
    • Irish pubs serve up hearty lunches, such as the traditional stew of bacon and boiled cabbage. Soda bread is delicious, very filling, and served with many meals. Nibble a scone at afternoon tea, with a pat of high-quality butter from County Kerry. Guinness stout is an international sensation, but locals might favor Murphy's, depending on where you are.
    • Dublin has seen something of a culinary revolution, and the city now boasts an impressive array of new restaurants offering exciting cuisine with continental Europe, Asian, and even American influences.
    • For traditional English fare at a reasonable price on the tour extension, try a pub meal of fish and chips or bangers and mash. Stilton cheese, steak and kidney pie, and Cumberland sausages are also worth a try.
    • Modern-day London, on the tour extension, boasts an array of diverse international restaurants. Popular options for the adventurous palate include Indian, Thai, Chinese, Indonesian, Greek, and West African cuisine. Sip afternoon tea with delicious finger sandwiches and scones at Harrods for the ultimate in English tradition.
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    Electricity & air conditioning
    • Ireland (and the United Kingdom on the tour extension) operates within 230-240 volts and uses a Type G plug with three large, flat pins.
    • We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other electrical device without a built-in converter.
    • The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
    • Hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances, but these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
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    Connectivity
    • Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though charges may apply.
    • There is no internet access on the motor coach.
    • Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
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    Time zones
    • Ireland (and the United Kingdom on the tour extension) is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which is five hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
    • When it’s noon in New York, it’s 5pm on tour.
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    Currency
    • You will use the euro in Ireland (and the Pound sterling in the United Kingdom on the tour extension).
    • Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
    • We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
    • You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
    • Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
    • International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
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    Tipping
    • At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
    • We recommend tipping the equivalent of $8USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
    • If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
    • Tips can only be paid in cash.
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    Purchasing excursions on tour
    • Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
    • Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
    • Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
    • Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.
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