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Insight - Undiscovered Ireland - Small Group (05/2024 - 08/2024) (SB902ZN19)

13 Days From Shannon to Shannon 
Tour Style: Country Roads
Insight Brochure Price from $4,695.00
Brochures: Europe & Britain Premium 2023 v2, Europe & Britain Premium 2024 v1
Visits: Ireland

Setting out from Shannon, this all new itinerary charts the road less travelled in Ireland with a chance to experience the country’s favorite sport—hurling, the breathtaking views of the Clare shoreline from the 700-feet tall Cliffs of Moher and an all Irish trip to a local Pub, where you’ll be serenaded by the musicians of Kilkenny. From here it is a short way to Tipperary and Blarney Castle—home of the kissing stone, before journeying onwards to the port of Cobh, the Titanic’s final port of call before it set sail for New York. Spanning two immersive weeks, this exploration includes a stay at the Carton House, Queen Victoria’s favorite retreat in Dublin.
Choice Highlights
  • Choose between two carefully selected activities
  • Westport: Travel to Ballycroy National Park for a nature walk through lush countryside with panoramic views of Achill Island and the Nephin Beg mountain range.
  • Westport: Join a local foodie for a culinary walk through the town sampling authentic Irish delicacies.
  • Choose between two carefully selected activities
  • 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. Alternatively, visit the world-famous Guinness Storehouse Brewery and learn how to pour the perfect pint.
  • Dublin: Visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn about Ireland's national drink.

Top Rated Highlights
  • Cliffs of Moher: Stop by the Exhibition Centre and look out over the Wild Atlantic Way from these majestic cliffs.
  • Galway: Enjoy an orientation tour of the many landmarks in Galway such as the Lynch Memorial, Church of St. Nicholas, Spanish Arch and Eyre Square.
  • Galway: See the stunning cathedral of the City of Tribes.
  • Westport: Travel to Ballycroy National Park for a nature walk through lush countryside with panoramic views of Achill Island and the Nephin Beg mountain range.
  • Sligo Bay: Explore this scenic town during an orientation with your Travel Director.
  • Letterkenny: Discover Ireland's unspoilt scenery as you travel along the Wild Atlantic Way.
  • Dublin: During your orientation with your Travel Director, see Custom House and and St. Patrick's Cathedral.
  • Glendalough: Join your Local Expert on a walk in the ‘valley of the two lakes’.
  • Kilkenny: Your Travel Director will provide you with an orientation of the medieval city of Kilkenny with its majestic castle and River walk.
  • 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.
  • Cobh: The Queenstown Story at Cobh retraces the steps of Irish emigration from the famine of 1845 to the great ocean line era of the 1950s. This is a must for those with Irish ancestors who crossed the Atlantic during this time.
  • Kinsale: During your orientation with your Travel Director, see Charles Fort, one of the finest surviving examples of a 17th-century star-shaped fort.
  • Kinsale: Take an easy and peaceful walk to the Old Head of Kinsale, to see the memorial to the crew of RMS Lusitania and the ruins of Downmacpatrick Castle.
  • Adare: Experience a village walk through the main street lined with thatched cottages.

Authentic Dining
  • Galway: Indulge in a light lunch made from fresh local produce.
  • Westport: Join a local foodie for a culinary walk through the town sampling authentic Irish delicacies.
  • Dublin: Visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn about Ireland's national drink.
  • Adare: With good food and wine, toast the culmination of your travels during a fabulous Celebration Dinner.
  • Dining Summary: 6 Dinner with Wine (DW), 12 Breakfast (B), 1 Lunch with Wine (LW), and 1 Morning Tea (MT)

Insight Experiences
  • Westport: Meet the owners of the historic Lissadell Estate, enjoy tea and delicious home-baked scones, and learn about this beautiful house, built in 1830 and immortalised by the poet W.B. Yeats. After 70 years of neglect, husband and wife Edward Walsh and Constance Cassidy have led an intensive programme of restoration, without any public funding, of the house and its gardens, restoring Lissadell again as both a place of beauty and a family home for their seven children. Tour the galleries hosting exhibitions of Yeats and The Countess Markievicz amongst others, and enjoy the exquisite Victorian walled Kitchen garden, and Alpine garden overlooking the Atlantic.
  • 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. Alternatively, visit the world-famous Guinness Storehouse Brewery and learn how to pour the perfect pint.
  • Wicklow: Visit Powerscourt Estate and join a gardener for a walk through one of the world's greatest estates, with gardens covering over 47 acres.
  • Kilkenny: Visit Kilkenny Castle with a Local Expert. On a guided tour, learn the history of this magnificent castle and that of the powerful family that came to call it home for so many centuries.

Make Travel Matter
  • County Tipperary: Meet entrepreneur Ailbhe and hear about her passion for sustainable farming. Learn about biodiversity, regenerative agriculture and the secret to crafting the most delicious honey on the island.

Insight Tour Itinerary

Day 1Welcome to Ireland
Transfers to your hotel depart from Shannon airport at 07:00 and 13:00. Relax and settle into your hotel or perhaps head for the nearby Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. At 17:30, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant with the opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers.
Visits: Shannon, Ennistymon
Meals: Dinner with Wine
Day 2Cliffs and Delights of Galway
Journey to the incredible West Coast and the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre where you can enjoy breath-taking views of the Clare shoreline and the Atlantic Ocean. Your next stop is Galway, the City of Tribes. See the St Nicholas Church, the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square on your orientation, before indulging in a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Arrive in quaint and colourful Westport in Co. Mayo, on the Clew Bay.
Visits: Ennistymon, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Westport
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine
Accommodation: The Wyatt Hotel, Westport.
Day 3Explore Westport
Explore Westport with Insight Choice. Choose to join a Local Expert on a culinary walk through the town, sampling the best sweet and savoury artisan dishes. Alternatively, travel to Ballycroy National Park for a nature walk through lush countryside, with panoramic views of Achill Island and the Nephin Beg mountain range.
Visits: Westport
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Wyatt Hotel, Westport.
Day 4Lissadel Estate and on to Sligo Relaxed Start
Visit the historic Lissadell Estate, childhood home of Irish revolutionary Constance Markievicz, who went on to becoming the first Irish Cabinet Minister. Meet the owners who have lovingly restored the house and gardens to its former glory and listen to their story as you enjoy tea and scones. Continue to the seaport town of Sligo for an orientation with your Travel Director. Tonight, enjoy hearty Irish fare as you dine in the home of a local family.
Visits: Westport, Sligo
Meals: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: Sligo Park Hotel, Sligo.
Day 5Wilderness of the Northwest
Continue through Creeslough across the true wilds of Donegal. See Doe Castle, historical stronghold of Clan Sweeney, then on to the Atlantic Drive. Part of the Wild Atlantic Way, it is one of Ireland’s best kept secrets, offering pristine and unspoilt scenery. Continue back to Sligo, and return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Visits: Donegal, Letterkenny
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sligo Park Hotel, Sligo.
Day 6Dublin, the capital
Journey across the Emerald Isle to Dublin, see the Custom House, St Patrick’s Cathedral, and travel along River Liffey on your orientation with your Travel Director. Explore Dublin with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the world-famous Guinness Storehouse Brewery. Alternatively, join a Local Expert to visit Trinity College and see the Book of Kells. Continue to your hotel in Kildare, the luxurious K Club is one of Ireland's top golf and spa resorts firmly anchored in traditional old-school Irish hospitality. Tonight, enjoy a chef demonstration of making Irish Soda Bread and savor a delicious dinner at the Palmer Club Restaurant.
Visits: Dublin
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 7A Day at Leisure Relaxed Start
Today take advantage of the activities available at your hotel. Stop on the estate grounds and look out for rare birds. Take your chance at fishing, play a round of golf or pamper yourself at the spa. Transfers are also available for guests wishing to further explore Dublin.
Visits: Dublin
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The K Club, Kildare.
Day 8Gardens of Ireland
Your first stop this morning is at the Powerscourt Estate, in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, where you join a gardener for a walk through one of the world’s greatest estates. Your next stop is at Glendalough where a Local Expert takes you on a walk in the ‘valley of the two lakes’. This evening, arrive in Kilkenny, where your Travel Director shows you the medieval city, with its majestic castle and river walk. The evening is at your leisure.
Visits: Dublin, Glendalough, Kilkenny
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Kilkenny.
Day 9Treasures of Kilkenny Relaxed Start
Visit Kilkenny Castle with a Local Expert. On a guided tour learn how the castle was built in 1195 after the Norman Conquest of Ireland and admire its beautifully restored Victorian era rooms. Tonight, enjoy a pub dinner where local musicians entertain you in true Irish tradition.
Visits: Kilkenny
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: Hotel Kilkenny.
Day 10Castles on the way to Cork
Cross County Tipperary as you travel to 15th-century Blarney Castle, home of the famous Stone of Eloquence ! In Cobh, visit the Queenstown Story exhibition, offering a glimpse into the hardships of the early emigrants to British overseas colonies. The ill-fated Titanic also called to the port on its voyage to New York, and the ocean liner Lusitania was struck by a torpedo just off the shore of the town.
Visits: Kilkenny, Blarney, Cork
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11Walks in Nature
Explore Kinsale, one of the most picturesque towns on the southwest coast of Ireland. Visit Charles Fort, one of the finest surviving examples of a 17th-century star-shaped fort. Overlooking the town and the mouth of the Bandon River, it provides breath-taking views of the county. An easy and peaceful walk takes you to the Old Head of Kinsale, to see the memorial to the crew of RMS Lusitania and the ruins of Downmacpatrick Castle.Enjoy the freshest seafood this evening on your Sea-to-Table dinner.
Visits: Kinsale, Cork
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 12County Tipperary and Adare
Travel across County Tipperary to Brookfield Farm and join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Meet Ailbhe Gerrard, a passionate farmer and beekeeper, who shares her secrets to crafting the most delicious honey of the island, crafted sustainably, vital for the preservation of biodiversity in the region.Continue to Adare, Ireland’s prettiest village, for a walk among thatched cottages.Tonight, toast to your travels and memories made at your Celebration Dinner.
Visits: Cork, Killaloe, Adare, Bunratty
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 13Farewell Ireland
Departure transfers arrive at Shannon airport at 05:30 and 09:00.
Visits: Adare, Shannon
Meals: Breakfast


Available Room Types: Single, Triple, Twin, Twinshare
Child: ages 5 to 17

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Guaranteed Departure  indicates Guaranteed Departure
*Tour StartRetailRequest
Wed 05/01/24 $4,695.00
Wed 06/26/24 $4,775.00
Wed 08/21/24 $4,775.00
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