Bring 6+ travelers 1-800-719-9805 Help & contact

//a.storyblok.com/f/53624/1600x900/13108169d7/eir-5c3aa34f293695350.jpg

Overview Itinerary Reviews Hotels, flights & FAQ

Ireland: Traditions of the Emerald Isle

with Belfast extension

Duration: 11 or 13 days
Group size: 15-38
Reviews: 294

Ireland’s green landscapes, welcoming cities, and rich culture await.

On this adventure through the Emerald Isle, you’ll see that even the oldest traditions continue to thrive. Discover the country’s highlights, starting in historic Dublin and continuing on through County Cork, “The Rebel County.” After exploring the breathtaking Ring of Kerry, the mesmerizing Cliffs of Moher, and the charming coastal city of Galway, you may find it hard to say goodbye to Ireland.

Your tour package includes

9 nights in handpicked hotels
9 breakfasts
4 dinners with beer or wine
7 guided sightseeing tours
Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Rock of Cashel
Cobh
Cork
Blarney Castle

Start planning today

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

Get in touch

Day-by-day itinerary

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Dublin today.

Dublin2 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Dublin

Included meal: Dinner

Welcome to Ireland! Meet your 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: Glendalough departure time may vary

Glendalough

Excursion (additional cost)

County Cork2 nights

Day 4: Cork via the Irish National Stud & Rock of Cashel

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel to Cork, stopping for several guided visits along the way.

• Visit the Irish National Stud farm in County Kildare, where world-class race horses are bred and trained

• Explore the Japanese Gardens of the Irish National Stud farm

• Take a tour of the iconic Rock of Cashel, commanding stone buildings that date back to the 12th and 13th centuries

This evening, sit down to an included dinner with your group.

Day 5: Cobh, Cork & Blarney Castle

Included meal: Breakfast

Get a feel for the many sides of Ireland, from charming villages to vibrant cities and iconic castles.

• Discover the town of Cobh, once a launch site for ships bound for North America

• Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre, whose exhibits tell the story of Irish emigration over the past 150 years

• Pass through Cork, also known as “The Rebel City," and enjoy a brief walking tour around the city center

• Stop at Blarney Castle to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone

County Kerry2 nights

Day 6: County Kerry via Muckross House

Included meal: Breakfast

Transfer to County Kerry today, stopping at Muckross House. Take time to explore this Victorian mansion and stroll through its beautifully manicured gardens.

Later, enjoy a free evening in County Kerry or add an excursion.

Traditional Irish Music with Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 7: The Ring of Kerry & Killarney National Park

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Make your way around the Ring of Kerry, a 112-mile coastal route that covers some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery.

• Pass the pristine Lakes of Killarney

• Explore the picturesque villages that line the Ring of Kerry

• Stop for photos at Muckross Lake and Lough Leane in Killarney National Park

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

Galway2 nights

Day 8: Galway via the Cliffs of Moher & the Burren

Included meal: Breakfast

Board a ferry to Shannon this morning. Then, head north to Galway, taking time to view spectacular scenery en route.

• Walk along the mesmerizing coastline of the Cliffs of Moher

• Pass through the Burren, a unique limestone plateau where fields of rock are dotted with wildflowers

• Arrive in Galway and admire some of the city’s highlights on a walking orientation with your Tour Director in the lead

Enjoy a free evening in Galway or add an excursion.

Castle Banquet Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 9: Free day in Galway

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a full free day in Galway or add an excursion.

Aran Islands

Excursion (additional cost)

County Dublin1 night

Day 10: Transfer to County Dublin

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Leave Galway behind as you make your way to Dublin today. Once back in the capital, take a guided tour of the Kilmainham Gaol, a historic prison-turned-museum which once housed some of Ireland's most notorious criminals.

This evening, celebrate your trip at a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers in County Dublin.

Flight Home

Day 11: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or continue on to Belfast.

Extension to Belfast

The city of Belfast was once the largest in Ireland, the home of Irish linen and the most productive shipyard in the world, a place whose hills inspired Jonathan Swift to write Gulliver's Travels. Come discover the charming Victorian architecture of the cultural heart of Northern Ireland.

Belfast2 nights

Day 11: Sightseeing tour of Belfast

Included meal: Breakfast

Journey to Belfast, the cultural heart of Northern Ireland, where you’ll get the local perspective of the city on a guided tour.

• Glimpse the copper-domed City Hall and the recently restored Grand Opera House

• Learn all about Belfast’s long history, from its origins in the Bronze Age and rise as an international seaport to its role in the conflict known as The Troubles

• Enter the Titanic Belfast Museum for a look at the vessel’s infamous history

Day 12: Free day in Belfast

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a full free day in Belfast or add an excursion.

Tonight, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow travelers.

Giant's Causeway

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 13: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Show full itinerary

Get unbeatable value

With price matching, risk-free booking,
interest-free payments, and more

Read details

Reviews

294

4.7 average

Emerald Isle Dreams

07/08/2019 by 2nd time traveler Araceli A.

Ireland is one of the most beautiful countries to visit in Europe. The weather is so wonderful at the beginning of summer, and the landscape is worth the trip. We had a wonderful pace during the entire tour. Nothing was too rushed, visits and meals were well spaced out, and there were plenty of bath...

Read more +

An Amazing Tour

07/05/2019 by 3rd time traveler Renee D.

On the tour Traditions of the Emerald Isle, our group was able to learn so much of the history of Ireland. The sights and sounds of the trip were enhanced by our knowledgable, colorful guide, Cathal, and expert driver Arthur. The hotel staff at every location were friendly and helpful. I would book ...

Read more +

Amazing experience in Ireland

07/03/2019 by 2nd time traveler Chris M.

We had a fantastic time in our tour of Ireland. Our Tour Director Matthew L was great and he was able to get us places with small or no crowds. We visited a fairy well, castle ruins, and other stops where we were the only people there. He also timed our visit to Blarney Castle when we were one of ...

Read more +

First Tour

07/03/2019 by 2nd time traveler James H.

This was our first tour and I was a little nervous about what to expect. Go Ahead made it so easy that the nerves went away and we started having fun from the first day. Tour director made it informative and enjoyable. Driver was an expert which made all of us feel safe. Ireland was beautiful no mat...

Read more +

07/02/2019 by 2nd time traveler Stephany L.

I loved my tour of Ireland. Our tour director and driver were excellent, so thorough and professional. I can’t wait till my next trip with your company.

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

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.

Imperial Hotel

Elegance and Excellence are guaranteed at The Imperial Hotel, which is centrally situated on the Promenade with stunning views across the bay. With it...

Read more +

Arbutus Hotel

This charming hotel is located in Killarney town centre. Guests enjoy free WiFi and Buckley's Bar, as well as complimentary ginger cake and tea on arr...

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

Passport & visa requirements

This tour visits Ireland (plus the United Kingdom on the tour extension). In order to enter these countries, 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 each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for about 1 hour daily across moderately uneven terrain, including cobblestone streets and paved roads, 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.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in and depart from Dublin (or from Belfast 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.
All other included transportation is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Airlines have varying weight restrictions on baggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage; be advised that you are responsible for any such costs.
Contact your airline for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flight, but please note that our travelers are restricted to one checked bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
One carry-on bag of 45 total inches (length + width + height) is also permitted.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

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).

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to any of the countries on this tour.
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.

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.

Electricity & air conditioning

Ireland (plus the United Kingdom on the tour extension) operates within 230-240 volts and use 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.

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.

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.

Currency

You will use the euro in Ireland (plus 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.

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 $7USD 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.

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. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.

Choose your dates to start a quote

102 Departures

Tour prices are per person, before flights, and based on two travelers per hotel room.