Experience Overview
Experience the Wild Atlantic Way and journey from Galway to Killarney on this once-in-a-lifetime tour of Ireland. Trace a landscape shaped by myth and geology—home to Europe’s longest defined coastal route and the staggering Cliffs of Moher, rising 214 m (702 ft) above sea level. Discover Galway’s vibrant streets, Killarney’s musical heritage and the storybook beauty of Kylemore Abbey, a neo-Gothic masterpiece built in 1868. From the quiet scholarship of Trinity College with its 9th-century Book of Kells, to the raw beauty of Connemara, this is Ireland at its most authentic and intriguing.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 7 Breakfast (B)
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Blarney: Your up close and personal encounter with the lush gardens of the Blarney Castle estate is brought to life on a guided tour with a senior gardener. On your stroll enhanced by your expert’s insights, learn about the arboretum’s rare trees, mystical Druid rock formations and the Bog Garden boasting three 600-year-old yew trees.
- Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. But to do so, you must dangle from the ramparts. Visit Blarney Castle and see the famous Stone of Eloquence.
Additional Included Highlights
- Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with us, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Authentic Dining
- Dublin: Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner, an opportunity to get to know each other over a meal.
- Ashford Castle: Savor seasonal Farm-to-Table fare in an exclusive private dining room at The Lodge at Ashford Castle, where Irish culinary traditions shine through dishes crafted by award-winning Executive Chef Jonathan Keane, using organic produce sourced from artisan suppliers and grown within the estate grounds.
Brendan Choice
- Blarney: Your up close and personal encounter with the lush gardens of the Blarney Castle estate is brought to life on a guided tour with a senior gardener. On your stroll enhanced by your expert’s insights, learn about the arboretum’s rare trees, mystical Druid rock formations and the Bog Garden boasting three 600-year-old yew trees.
- Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. But to do so, you must dangle from the ramparts. Visit Blarney Castle and see the famous Stone of Eloquence.
Brendan Experiences
- Dublin: A stunning combination of cobblestone walkways, emerald-green lawns and 18th-century architectural gems, Trinity College is one of Europe’s elite universities and counts poet Oscar Wilde among its alumni. Tour the enchanting college campus with a Local Expert and discover insights into its impressive history. Enjoy access to view the famous Book of Kells, an exquisite manuscript of the four gospels of the Christian New Testament, renowned for the intricacy, detail and majesty of the illustrations.
Iconic Experience
- Cliffs of Moher: Towering cliffs and the dramatic sea, the Cliffs of Moher has inspired countless travelers. Visit the Exhibition Center and look out over the Wild Atlantic Way from these majestic cliffs that rise over 700 feet high. Gain insights from your Travel Director into the cliffs’ geology, history and the species that find sanctuary in its nooks and crannies.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
- Ring of Kerry: Meet John, a seaweed advocate and educator for a seaweed foraging walk at Atlantic Irish Seaweed. Stroll along the shore learning about how they work to protect the fragile ecosystem of the wild Atlantic Irish coasts through their educational courses and passion for the local environment. Irish Atlantic Seaweed's environmental policy is to respect, enjoy and protect the natural wonders that surround them, and promote the sustainable use of Ireland's fragile marine ecosystems. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.
Top Rated Highlights
- Dublin: See Custom House and travel along the River Liffey. See the Guinness Storehouse, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral.
- Cashel: See the Rock of Cashel where St. Patrick preached.
- Killarney: Enjoy hearing of the history of Killarney during your city orientation.
- Ring of Kerry: Venture into a world of towering cliffs, lush lakelands, beaches, fields dotted with sheep, rocky coastline, remote villages and historical sites, as you journey the magical Ring of Kerry. This 111-mile circular route is the best place to admire Ireland's scenic beauty and truly one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
- Shannon: Cross the Shannon Estuary by ferry, passing sites linked to smuggling and 19th-century emigration.
- Galway: Visit the stunning cathedral of the City of Tribes. Admire its Renaissance style dome and unique rose-shaped window.
- Kylemore: With a striking Victorian Walled Garden and turreted church, Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey is a sight to behold. Dig into the Abbey’s history, discovering how it was founded in 1920 for Benedictine Nuns who fled Belgium in World War I.
- Cong: Enjoy time as you wish to explore this delightful, quintessential Irish village, used as the location for 1952 film, 'The Quiet Man.' See the statue of the lead characters played by John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara, and the ruins of the Medieval Cong Abbey.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of the luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Trip Details
Product Code: 32866
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles: Family, 55+, Luxury
Tour Operator: Brendan Vacations (CA)
Supplier Code: 38.91C
Starts: Dublin, Ireland
Finishes: Dublin, Ireland
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating: Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5,295 ($662 /day)
Itinerary
Start your exploration of Dublin with an orientation tour with a Local Expert that brings to life Dublin’s architectural treasures and history, stretching back more than 1,000 years. Travel along the River Liffey, see Custom House, Guinness Storehouse, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Visit the 9th century Book of Kells and enjoy a walk through the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College. Back at your hotel, join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner and the opportunity to mingle and get to know your fellow travelers over a pleasant evening.
Accommodation: Clayton Burlington Road, Dublin
Meals: Dinner
Depart Dublin, and pass the famous Curragh Racecourse and green meadows where many of the finest Irish racehorses are bred. Drive south and take a photo-stop to see the spectacular Rock of Cashel, crowned with medieval buildings that dominate the flat countryside for miles around. Then on to explore Blarney with Brendan Choice. Choose to visit Blarney Castle and kiss the magical stone to ensure a lifetime of eloquence. Alternatively, meet a senior gardener for a tour of Blarney Gardens. Head to Killarney, where you may fancy a ‘pint of porter'. This town on the lakes is famous for its lively pubs so in the evening why not join in the ‘craic’?
Accommodation: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning, marvel at spectacular mountain and sea views as you travel the road that winds around the beautiful Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the Ring of Kerry. Meet John for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit his family-run seaweed farm to learn about sustainable farming practices that protect the wild Irish Atlantic coasts.
Accommodation: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
Meals: Breakfast
Cross the Shannon Estuary by ferry and enter County Clare. Stop at the Exhibition Center and enjoy a walk along the Cliffs of Moher, raised approximately 214 m (702 ft) above the pounding Atlantic waves. Then travel north across the Burren, a suddenly stark and barren landscape, scarred with interesting limestone creases. Journey to Galway, the City of Tribes, and visit the last cathedral built in Ireland. Take in the scenery from your hotel which is spectacularly set on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Accommodation: Connemara Coast, Galway
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Embark on a superb exploration of the Connemara National Park and see a wonderland of rivers, lakes and silent hills. Visit the magnificent, turreted Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey.
Accommodation: Connemara Coast, Galway
Meals: Breakfast
Set beside Lough Corrib and the border of County Mayo, Cong combines quiet charm with a storied past. Best known as the filming location for The Quiet Man, the village is also home to the 12th-century Cong Abbey, a former Augustinian monastery with intricate stone carvings and Ireland’s only surviving monastic fishing house. During your free time, walk woodland trails through the grounds of Ashford Estate, visit the Quiet Man Museum or browse local craft shops showcasing Irish woollens and pottery.
Accommodation: The Lodge at Ashford Castle, Cong
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
After a Relaxed Start, travel east to Dublin, founded by the Vikings over 1,000 years ago at the mouth of the River Liffey. Your afternoon is free to explore the capital’s rich cultural scene—perhaps visit the National Gallery, home to works by Jack B. Yeats and Caravaggio, or stroll through St Stephen’s Green, laid out in 1880. Literary fans may opt for the James Joyce Center, while Grafton Street offers a final chance for local finds.
Accommodation: Hilton
Meals: Breakfast
Your journey comes to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Dublin airport.
Meals: Breakfast
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Tour Operator
Brendan Vacations (CA)
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Jeff E. - Traveled, July 2019
What a fantastic vacation! The tour itself was perfectly paced and the combination of little details such as the flourishes and time with local experts and the grand finale stay at Ashford Castle made this an unforgettable experience. Ann was an amazing tour director - organized, professional and always willing to go above and beyond - and our coach driver Michael was a pleasant, jovial fellow that exemplified perfectly the friendly spirit of the Irish people. Truly a wonderful experience!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/24/2019
Victoria E. - Traveled, July 2019
Wonderful trip that gave me an experience of Ireland that was even better than I expected. Every person and place we came across on this vacation made me fall in love with the charms of Ireland and its people. Would highly recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/24/2019
Linda E. - Traveled, July 2019
This was the trip of a lifetime for me. I have always dreamed of going to Ireland. It was everything I dreamed of and this tour and the experience prided by Insight, from the pace of the tour to the special flourishes and the local experts as well as the fabulous cuisine and breathtaking scenery made this a trip I will never forgot.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/24/2019
David E. - Traveled, July 2019
We had an amazing time on this trip and we will remember it for years to come. We couldn’t have asked for a better travel director in Ann and the coach driver was a friendly gentleman with a great sense of humour and a kind spirit. The pace of the tour was perfect and the stay at Ashford Castle was a great ending to a fantastic trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/24/2019
Bruce - Traveled, September 2023
Excellent guide and driver. Saw a lot of things I would not have on my own. Nice bus and great people to hang out with.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/16/2023
Rebecca - Traveled, May 2023
Excellent trip! Greg was helpful and gave great advice. He provided that extra service that made the trip special.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/08/2023
Anonymous - Traveled, April 2023
Traveling with Greg was an unexpected delight! I had imagined a guide who would point things out and give some history or information. What I didn’t expect was a funny and vibrant young man who was willing to go the extra mile at any and every opportunity. From spurring us on to sing “Here Cones the Sun” every single morning as we drove off (and in our case in Ireland it actually worked!) to walking the full length of the bus to ask each of us if we had questions or thoughts, several times a day, to providing us with what he called “little flourishes”—a refreshing mint after we had been walking, or a sample of Butler’s chocolate or tastes of different local beverages— all of it thoughtful and enriching to the trip. His love of music kept us energized as he played songs in the bus to match different locales. He took requests! He gauged the overall feel of the group regularly, getting us off on the road earlier on some days, making sure we had some moments of relaxation to revive before the next stop, or adding in extra things along the way if he heard different members chatting about something. He was quite willing to take hold of someone’s cell phone and capture photos of them at key points. He was consistently upbeat even in some tough moments, like having to chase after a couple who were waylaid for 4 days from catching the tour through no fault of their own and who were terribly sad about it. Greg made sure to save as many events for them as he could and to enfold them into the group so they felt welcomed and supported as soon as they finally caught up with us. I feel that Greg was a fabulous person to travel with and cannot recommend him highly enough.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/08/2023
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2023
Gregg was by far our best tour guide we have ever had. He is extremely knowledgeable, kind and thoughtful. He is also entertaining and fun. My wife and I highly recommend Gregg for any tour experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/07/2023
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2023
Our Irish Elegance tour would not have been as magical without the guidance and imagination of our Travel Director, Greg Colgin. From greeting to good-bye, Greg shepherded us around Ireland with aplomb. He engaged us with his wit, wisdom and comprehensive knowledge of the country. Without exception, all of our needs were met and queries answered, making this tour a worry free trip. Greg’s choice of stops, pacing, hotels and sights enhanced our visit and encouraged instant camaraderie among the sojourners. In addition, the teamwork between Greg and Anthony, our excellent and fearless driver, made the coach a happy place in which we travelled across the country. It is our hope that Insight realizes what an asset Greg is and how much he projects a positive image for Insight.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/07/2023
Richard - Traveled, September 2019
Really well designed tour with an excellent guide and local experts on scheduled tours and optional add-ons. This was our first trip to Ireland, and it was extremely comforting to leave the planning to someone else and just enjoy the ride
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/30/2019
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