Best of Ireland Tour

Experience the real Ireland—where myths, history, and the sea collide. The Best of Ireland tour takes you around the entire “Emerald Isle,” providing local travel experiences and the best sights in Ireland. If you’re looking for things to do in Dublin, we start by exploring the capital city with visits to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Trinity College. Stroll through historic ruins at the Rock of Cashel before journeying to the home of the world-famous Waterford Crystal. Heading south, visit Blarney Castle where legend says if you kiss the Blarney Stone, it will give you the “gift of gab.”

Dramatic mountain passes, rugged coastline, and white-sand beaches will mesmerize you on the Ring of Kerry scenic drive. Learn about the history of a medieval fortress at Bunratty Castle, before stopping at the Cliffs of Moher for views of the North Atlantic. Wrap up your trip with a visit to Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Our charming local driver guides will show you the true spirit of legendary Irish customs and hospitality on this guided tour. Check out our Travel Blog for more tips and ideas for your Best of Ireland Tour!

Add-Ons

Irish Evening at Taylors Three Rock

Enjoy Taylors Irish Cabaret at Taylors Three Rock, a traditional venue dating back to the 16th century.

Walking Tour of Waterford & Dinner

Enjoy a guided walking tour of the historic Waterford city center, known as the Viking Triangle.

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Best of Ireland

Tour Starts:

Dublin, Ireland

Tour Ends:

Dublin, Ireland

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Day 1

Depart for Dublin

Your journey begins on your overnight flight.

Day 2

Arrive in Dublin

Welcome to Dublin, the capital of the “Emerald Isle”. If you purchased airline tickets from YMT, our representative will be at the airport at the prearranged times to welcome you and transport you to the hotel. (Note that rooms are available after 3 pm) Relax at the hotel or take the Luas ( Dublin’s tram system) into the city centre, a 30-minute tram ride. At the Dublin City Centre, we recommend visiting the National Museum, National Art Gallery and the Natural History Museum (free entry to all). The neighborhood has many Irish bars, cafes and shops, so you can spend the afternoon exploring on your own! Return to the hotel in the evening for a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers and learn about the days ahead. (D)

Clayton Hotel Leopardstown or similar

Day 3

Dublin

This morning, enjoy a tour of this richly historical city. Highlights include the Bank of Ireland, which was built in the 18th century to house the parliament, and Leinster House, where the government convenes today. You’ll also visit the famous St. Patrick’s Cathedral, originally built in 450 AD and rebuilt in 1191. The afternoon is at leisure, giving you plenty of time to see Trinity College, or to take a stroll down Grafton Street in the center of Dublin. (B)

Clayton Hotel Leopardstown or similar

Add-On: Irish Evening at Taylors Three Rock

Day 4

Dublin to Waterford

Today we head south to the Rock of Cashel—a cluster of historic ruins towering on a hilltop. We then head to Waterford, the oldest city in Ireland, and home to the famous crystal. Enjoy an illuminating tour of the factory where you’ll learn about the manufacturing process and Waterford’s history. Visit the gift shop, and marvel at the largest Waterford Crystal collection in the world. (B)

 

Fitzwilton Hotel or similar

Add-On: Waterford Walking Tour and Dinner

Day 5

Waterford to Killarney

This morning we continue to Cork for a guided Jameson Experience distillery tour of the Midleton Distillery. Learn about history, heritage, and the whiskey production process before enjoying a tasting of Scotch, American and Jameson whiskey. Also included in today’s visit is a complimentary drink at the bar! Next, we visit Blarney Castle, one of Ireland’s oldest and most historic castles. Our tour ends today in Killarney, our home for the next two nights. (B, D)

Killarney Oaks Hotel or similar

Day 6

Ring of Kerry Excursion

Today, we’ll take one of Europe’s most famous drives, the Ring of Kerry. This long loop journeys through spectacular scenery, with lakes, rivers, and historical landmarks, as well as charming villages on the Iveragh Peninsula. Back in Killarney this evening, you’re free to relax at the hotel or explore the quaint town at your leisure. (B)

Killarney Oaks Hotel or similar

Day 7

Killarney to Galway

At Bunratty Castle & Folk Park today, you’ll see one of the most authentic medieval fortresses in the country. It houses a living history museum that gives you a taste of what country life was really like in turn-of-the-century Ireland. Next, drive through the Burren area, stopping to view the Cliffs of Moher. These sea cliffs with views of the north Atlantic are an incredible sight. We’ll arrive in the Galway area by late afternoon. (B, D)

The Connacht Hotel or similar

Day 8

Galway to Sligo

Today, we travel through the beautiful and rugged landscape of the Connemara region. We’ll visit Kylemore Abbey, nestled at the base of Druchruach Mountain. Our drive continues through Westport into the Sligo area by late afternoon. (B, D)

Sligo Park Hotel or similar

Day 9

Sligo to Belfast

This morning, enjoy a short visit to Belleek Pottery, a porcelain company founded in 1884, for a lesson on its history—with time to buy souvenirs in their store. Next, visit the Ulster American Folk Park and learn about 300 years of Irish emigration to America. Continue to Belfast, your home for the next two nights. (B)

Europa Hotel Belfast or similar

Day 10

Giant’s Causeway

Today, we’ll enjoy an excursion along coastal roads, and take in the seaside cliffs and Atlantic Ocean. We’ll visit the Glenarm, one of the oldest walled gardens in Ireland. Enjoy free time for lunch on your own at the Glenarm Gardens and Estate. Afterwards, you will spend time exploring the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site with rock formations that tower up to 40 feet. The stacks are said to be 50 million years old, and according to myth, were part of a road built by the giant Finn MacCool. (B)

 

Europa Hotel Belfast or similar

Add-On: Musical Tour of Belfast and Dinner

Day 11

Belfast and Dublin

This morning we visit Titanic Belfast, the $150 million Titanic visitor experience in the city where the unsinkable ship was built. You will see full-scale reconstructions and learn about the Titanic’s conception through to her tragic end in 1912. The journey continues to the discovery of the wreck, and into the present day with a live undersea exploration center. We will then enjoy a panoramic motor coach tour of Belfast, taking in the Parliament buildings at Stormont, Belfast City Hall, and the murals of the Falls Road. In the afternoon, we drive south to Dublin for our final evening in Ireland, and a farewell dinner at the hotel. (B, D)

Clayton Hotel Leopardstown or similar

Day 12

Depart Dublin for Home (B)

Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Hotels may differ depending on date. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. By their nature, all tour vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights. Please ask your Travel Consultant for more information.

YMT Vacations itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.

FAQs

Add-Ons

Make your vacation extra special by adding optional excursions to your tour. It’s a great opportunity to enhance your trip, these experiences slot seamlessly into your package, and we’ll take care of all the logistics for you. Remember that adding an optional experience might increase the overall activity level of the tour, so always keep that in mind when planning your trip.

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Irish Evening at Taylors Three Rock

No trip to Ireland is complete without experiencing a spectacular Irish music and dance performance! Enjoy Taylors Irish Cabaret at Taylors Three Rock, a traditional venue dating back to the 16th century with the largest thatched roof in Ireland. The Taylors Irish Cabaret, the oldest running and most popular Irish show, features Ireland’s legendary comedian Noel V Ginnity, Irish Pipers, Irish Sopranos and a full troupe of Irish dancers.

Inclusions

•  3-course dinner with choice of starters (vegetable soup, seafood chowder or salad), main course (beef, chicken or salmon served with creamed potato and vegetables) and lemon cheesecake for dessert. Taxes and gratuities included. Menu subject to change. Includes Irish coffee plus 1 drink choice of beer, wine or soft drink
• Live Entertainment

Duration: Approx. 4 hours (evening)

Activity Level: Easy

Price: $109 USD

Walking Tour of Waterford & Dinner

Enjoy a guided walking tour of the historic Waterford city center, known as the Viking Triangle, followed by a traditional meal at a local pub. Waterford is home to the country’s oldest civic building, Reginald’s Tower, which has been used as a mint, prison and military store since it was built at the beginning of the 13th century. Your guide will explain the medieval history of the city while walking you by National Monuments and Cathedrals. Your tour will end with a traditional Irish meal.

Inclusions

•  1-hour guided walking tour of the Waterford city center
• 3-course traditional dinner. Taxes and gratuities included

Duration: Approx. 2.5-3 hours (evening)

Activity Level: Moderate

Price: $59 USD

Musical Tour of Belfast and Dinner

Join us on a magnificent musical journey through the center of Belfast! With a dancer and two professional musicians as guides, walk through the cobbled alleyways of Belfast’s historical Cathedral Quarter. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of one of Belfast’s friendliest neighborhoods and stop at a few traditional pubs in historic buildings. At the last venue on this memorable tour, enjoy a delicious 3-course dinner at the 18th century McHugh’s Bar.

 Inclusions

• Guided live traditional music experience based over two venues in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter
•  3 course dinner including 1/2 pint of beer OR one soft drink, plus tea and coffee

Duration: Approx. 3 hours (evening)

Activity Level: Moderate

Price: $109 USD