Introduction to Ireland

(waitlisted)

7 days from Dublin to Dublin
Personally escorted by Lori Curtis, May 28 - June 3, 2023

Vacation overview

Like a classic Irish coffee made with hot java, Irish whiskey, brown sugar, and fresh whipped cream, this introductory tour of Ireland blends the most stimulating sights, soothing scenery, and sweet accents of the Emerald Isle. Journeying on a loop from Dublin to the west coast and back, first-time visitors will be awakened by the revelry of the lively capital city, jolted by the dramatic scenery along the storied coast, and calmed by the verdant rolling hills throughout the lush green countryside. Don’t be surprised if you’re suddenly inspired to craft limericks as you try your hand at baking scones on an Irish sheep farm in Galway. With authentic local experiences and visits to the sights you’ve always dreamed of—including the stunning Cliffs of Moher, the spectacular Ring of Kerry, and the famous House of Waterford Crystal—this tour of Ireland is the perfect break from the daily grind.

Itinerary: 

Day 1   ARRIVE IN DUBLIN, IRELAND

Céad mile fáilte—a hundred-thousand welcomes! At 3pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for an afternoon orientation drive to see O’Connell Street, Georgian squares, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Trinity College. 

Day 2   DUBLIN–KILDARE–CASHEL–LIMERICK–ENNIS

KILDARE Visit the Irish National Stud.
CASHEL See the Rock of Cashel, where St. Patrick preached.
LIMERICK Orientation drive includes St. Mary’s Cathedral, King John’s Castle, and the Treaty Stone. Free time this evening. 
165 mi / 266 km 

Day 3   ENNIS. EXCURSION TO WEST COAST

CLARE COAST Visit the Cliffs of Moher and the plateau of The Burren.
GALWAY Free time.
RATHBAUN  Try your hand at scone baking, learn about sheep herding, and enjoy coffee and your scones at an Irish farm. 
122 mi / 198 km 

Day 4   ENNIS–RING OF KERRY–KILLARNEY

Short drive via Clonderlaw Bay to Killimer; cross the Shannon estuary by ferry.
RING OF KERRY Panoramic drive around the island’s southwestern tip.
KILLARNEY Free time the remainder of the day. 
174 mi / 281 km 

Day 5   KILLARNEY–BLARNEY–WATERFORD

Drive across the Kerry Mountains and through County Cork.
BLARNEY Visit the village renowned for its magical Kissing Stone with free time to explore.
WATERFORD Guided tour of the House of Waterford Crystal. Dinner followed by  an Irish coffee demonstration. 
131 mi / 210 km 

Day 6   WATERFORD–AVOCA–DUBLIN

AVOCA Watch the weavers at work in Ireland’s oldest handweaving mill.
DUBLIN Free time this afternoon. 
114 mi / 183 km

ENHANCE YOUR FREE TIME in Dublin with an evening of cabaret with dinner, followed by dance, song, and laughter. This and many more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app. 

Day 7   DUBLIN

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

All payments are made directly to wholesale suppliers and any cancellations or changes are subject to their fee schedule and policies. Please be aware that deposits are non-refundable. If insurance has been purchased you may be entitled to a credit up to the full amount paid, minus the cost of the insurance. Exceptions may be made for medical reasons, but it is at the sole discretion of the insurance company. The Joy of Travel, LLC does not have any control over insurance claims or payments.