One of our best-value trips, Irish Spirit brings travelers a great balance of Irish heritage, culture, and scenery. Enjoy time in in Waterford, Killarney, Galway, and Dublin, complete with activities signature to the Emerald Isle. Between traditional nights on the town, inspiring walking tours, the chance to see classic sheepdog herding, and once-in-a-lifetime photo opps at the Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, and Connemara, Irish Spirit practically guarantees you’ll fall in love with Ireland!

2023 Irish Spirit- 8 Days/7 Nights

Duration: 8 Days

Price: Starts from $0 USD

Itineraries

Day 1: Dublin City Tour | EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
Your tour departs at 2:00 PM from your hotel. Head out for a panoramic tour of Dublin with a local guide, seeing its grand Georgian buildings and squares, the River Liffey, and historic O'Connell Street. Visit EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, an award-winning, high-tech museum that chronicles the journeys made by Irish emigrants around the globe, and details the stories of the new lives made by the Irish abroad. Head back to your hotel for a welcome drink with your group, and then you'll be free to discover the city and dine at your leisure.

Day 2: Glendalough | Johnstown Castle
Set off for Glendalough, a valley in the beautiful Wicklow Mountains. Tour the picturesque ruins of the ancient monastery there; it thrived for centuries after being established by St Kevin in the sixth century. See several stone churches, large carved Celtic crosses, and an iconic round tower. Then, head to Wexford and visit Johnstown Castle, a romantic Gothic Revival castle in an idyllic setting. Tour the luxurious castle and its splendid gardens, both designed by one of the leading architects of the 19th century. Then head on to your hotel for dinner with your group.
(B, D)


Day 3: House of Waterford Crystal | Blarney Castle
Depart Wexford and head to Waterford, where you'll visit the House of Waterford Crystal, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. Watch superb artisans create sparkling masterpieces on a factory tour. Next, visit Blarney Castle, where you can climb the steep, winding staircase to kiss the famous Blarney Stone for the legendary gift of the gab, or enjoy the tranquil gardens. Head to Killarney, where you'll dine with your group in your hotel tonight.
(B, D)


Day 4: Jaunting Car Ride | Ring of Kerry Highlights | Kenmare
Take a jaunting car ride through the Killarney National Park to Ross Castle for views of Lough Leane and the Macgillycuddy's Reeks. Head out to see the highlights of the Ring of Kerry, Ireland's famed scenic drive. Stop in the beautiful Gap of Dunloe to visit our CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, Moriarty's. Stop for lunch in the charming town of Kenmare, before returning to Killarney where you will enjoy the rest of the day and evening at your leisure.
(B, L)


Day 5: Cliffs of Moher | Galway
Depart Killarney today and head north to the Cliffs of Moher. Visit the cliffs, taking in the glorious views from 700 feet above the churning Atlantic below. Arrive in the vibrant city of Galway, where you'll have dinner with your group this evening.
(B,D)

Day 6: Connemara | Kylemore Abbey | Sheepdog Demonstration
Take a scenic drive through the breathtakingly beautiful region of Connemara, with its mountains, lakes, and boglands. Visit Kylemore Abbey, a glorious Victorian castle built on the lakeside as a romantic gift. Next, immerse yourself in farm life as you visit a traditional farm and watch highly trained sheepdogs display their skills. Return to Galway for a free evening.
(B)

Day 7: Clonmacnoise | Irish Night
Drive to Shannon Bridge, where you'll board the Lir Cat Catamaran to travel up the river to arrive at Clonmacnoise, the spectacular ruins of a monastery founded in the sixth century. See the splendid ruins of the cathedral, nine churches, two round towers, and three high crosses as you approach the way the Vikings would have over a thousand years ago. Tour the area and imagine it all as it once was, as a flourishing center of learning that attracted students from all over Europe. Head to Dublin, where you will delight in a lively evening of traditional Irish music, song, and dance with dinner at the Abbey Tavern.
(B, D)

Day 8: Tour ends in Dublin
Your tour ends after breakfast.
(B)


B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

Highlights

Authentic Local Experiences:

  • Take a fun catamaran ride on the River Shannon to explore the picturesque monastic ruins at Clonmacnoise..
  • Trip Highlights:

    • EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
    • Glendalough
    • Kylemore Abbey
    • Johnstown Castle
    • Blarney Castle
    • Ring of Kerry Highlights
    • Cliffs of Moher
    • Sheepdog Demonstration
    • Clonmacnoise
    • Irish Night in Dublin

    Dining Experiences:

    • 7 Breakfasts (B), 1 Lunch (L) and 4 Dinners (D)

    Hotels:

    • Ashling Hotel | Dublin (1)
    • Clayton Whites Hotel | Wexford (1)
    • Killarney Towers Hotel | Killarney (2)
    • Clayton Hotel Galway | Galway (2)
    • Grand Canal Hotel | Dublin (1)

Irish Spirit- 8 Days/7 Nights

Not included

Hotels

Irish Spirit - 8 days/7 Nights land tour
SupplierNameSupplierRating DescriptionImage
SupplierName Ashling HotelSupplierRating **** This contemporary property offers 225 spacious and well-equipped guest rooms as well as stylish, modern restaurants, bar and public spaces. Located on the north bank of the River Liffey near Phoenix Park, the hotel is conveniently located for exploring Dublin. City center and Temple Bar are just a 20-minute walk away, and both sites, as well as many other attractions, are accessible via the Luas tram, which stops near the hotel.
SupplierName Whites of Wexford HotelSupplierRating **** Whites of Wexford is one of Ireland’s leading 4-star hotels. The hotel is a 6-story glass and stone building facing the town on one side and with views out over the sea on the other. The modern property offers guests every luxury, including state-of-the-art spa and leisure facilities, to make for a comfortable and elegant stay.

HOTEL LOCATION: Located in the very heart of historic Wexford. Just a two hour drive from Dublin, the hotel is within easy access of Rosslare Europort and Wexford Train and Bus Station.
SupplierName Killarney Towers HotelSupplierRating **** This modern hotel provides guests with 182 rooms that are comfortable and include satellite TV and video facilities. An excellent restaurant serves great Irish breakfasts and carvery dinners while the choice of bars offer live music most nights. Enjoy a strenuous workout or leisurely dip in the pool in the extensive leisure center. Located in the center of Killarney town within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants, pubs and the Killarney National Park. Hotel parking.
SupplierName Killarney Towers HotelSupplierRating **** This modern hotel provides guests with 182 rooms that are comfortable and include satellite TV and video facilities. An excellent restaurant serves great Irish breakfasts and carvery dinners while the choice of bars offer live music most nights. Enjoy a strenuous workout or leisurely dip in the pool in the extensive leisure center. Located in the center of Killarney town within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants, pubs and the Killarney National Park. Hotel parking.
SupplierName Clayton Hotel GalwaySupplierRating **** This modern hotel offers a great base for touring Galway and the Connemara region. Relax in one of the 200 contemporary bedrooms and enjoy plenty of comforts and amenities. Tribes Restaurant is where guests will enjoy a sumptuous breakfast. In the evening, guests will enjoy a memorable dining experience with superb dishes prepared by the excellent team of chefs using fresh local ingredients. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi and use of the leisure centre with 20m swimming pool, steam room and sauna. It is located approximately 1 ½ miles from the city center. Free parking.
SupplierName Clayton Hotel GalwaySupplierRating **** This modern hotel offers a great base for touring Galway and the Connemara region. Relax in one of the 200 contemporary bedrooms and enjoy plenty of comforts and amenities. Tribes Restaurant is where guests will enjoy a sumptuous breakfast. In the evening, guests will enjoy a memorable dining experience with superb dishes prepared by the excellent team of chefs using fresh local ingredients. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi and use of the leisure centre with 20m swimming pool, steam room and sauna. It is located approximately 1 ½ miles from the city center. Free parking.
SupplierName Grand Canal HotelSupplierRating *** This modern hotel offers comfort, convenience, service and value in 142 tastefully decorated rooms. The Epic Restaurant serves international dishes, and the Gasworks Bar is a great venue for a drink or food service. Located to the south of the city center near the Grand Canal, this property is just a 15-minute walk to Grafton Street, Trinity College, the National Gallery of Art and many other attractions.