The Best of Ireland, Small Group - 14 Days
14 Days
Dublin
Dublin
*****
Tauck
Céad Mile Fáilte, Irish Gaelic for "one hundred thousand welcomes"... from the first dawning of a countryside morning to the setting sun over rolling green hills, an Irish welcome for visitors is genuine, exuding warm hospitality...
This tour's Yellow Roads take you from the Giant's Causeway in the north to the Ring of Kerry in the south – and along the way you'll stay at luxury accommodations including grand hotels and elegant manor houses. Learn the story of three centuries of Irish emigrants building a new life in North America at the Ulster American Folk Park. Get a little taste of the artistic side of Ireland on visits to the Belleek Pottery factory. Experience past and present in Dublin and Belfast and the warmth of small villages. Have lunch with a family who run a working dairy farm. Explore the magnificent Titanic exhibit and enjoy a special 5-course tasting dinner inspired by the great ship's menu in the city where it was built, Belfast. Discover the centuries-old tradition of Irish Whiskey at The Jameson Experience. And explore what castle life is all about when you're a guest at Ashford Castle... All this and more on our new Small Group Ireland journey.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Dublin
A transfer is included from Dublin Airport to The College Green Hotel Dublin, Autograph Collection on College Green, just steps from Trinity College in the heart of the city. Join us for a welcome reception and dinner this evening at the hotel.
Day 2: A day well spent in Ireland's capital, Dublin
A tour of city sights with a local guide includes a visit to Dublin Castle. Originally the site of a Viking settlement and the stronghold of British power in Ireland for more than 700 years, Dublin Castle today is home to a complex of buildings housing government offices and historic ceremonial halls; explore the site's Viking past and include the State Apartments, the 18th-century Treasury, the ornate Chapel Royal, and impressive Bedford Tower – the former repository for the Irish Crown Jewels, which were stolen in 1907 and have yet to be recovered. The rest of the day is free to explore the city on your own. Your landmark hotel is in easy walking distance of Grafton Street's shops and pubs, and the picturesque Liffey River.
Day 3: Belfast and the amazing Titanic Belfast
Drive to Belfast, Northern Ireland, where the Titanic was built in 1911. At the site of the old shipyards visit Titanic Belfast, an interactive, state of the art museum that guides you through the doomed oceanliner's story and allows you to experience what it was like to be a passenger on the ship. Afterward, tour Belfast with a local guide; the city that was plagued by political strife for decades has emerged as a hip, cosmopolitan destination with a vibrant arts culture and food scene, rich in Victorian architecture. Dinner this evening is a Titanic-themed five-course tasting menu at the historic Merchant Hotel, your home for the next two nights.
Day 4: Scenic Antrim Coast to Giant's Causeway
Experience the breathtaking Antrim Coast on one of the world's great scenic drives. Mountains and steep glens dotted with farms and hamlets roll past panoramic views of the shimmering sea and rocky coastline. You'll also visit the Giant's Causeway, a stunning seascape of basalt columns raised by volcanic activity that blanket the rocky shore like thousands of stepping stones. Lunch at Bushmills Inn, a charming 17th century mansion just a stone's throw from Bushmills Distillery, the world's oldest whiskey distiller. Return to Belfast for time on your own; your hotel is only a ten-minute walk from the historic city center.
Day 5: Derry & the Ulster American Folk Park
Today tour Derry with a local guide. Sights include the Peace Bridge, the cathedral, and the city's famed street murals, emblazoned with political messages. In Omagh, the Ulster American Folk Park offers a look at 300 years of Irish emigration to North America; the exhibits in this outdoor museum include costumed interpreters and demonstrations of traditional crafts and everyday skills from times gone by. Your home for the next two nights is a lakeside baronial castle outside Donegal; once the ancestral home of the O'Donnell clan, Lough Eske Castle has been lovingly refurbished with contemporary elegance and is rated by Condé Nast as one of the top luxury hotels in Ireland. Please note: for those wishing to book treatments at the hotel's Spa Solis, reservations may be required in advance; please contact the hotel directly.
Day 6: The choice is yours today
You have a choice today – join us for a visit to the market town of Belleek where Belleek hand-painted porcelain has been made since 1858; at the factory and museum you'll get an inside look at the process and legend behind the delicate, iridescent porcelain art famous around the world. Alternatively, enjoy free time at Lough Eske Castle. Midday, visit a town renowned for its medieval heritage, and return to your five-star accommodations in the afternoon; dine at your leisure this evening.
Day 7: Sligo, Connemara & Ashford Castle
Depart Northern Ireland for the Republic of Ireland and the foothills of Benbulben Mountain, "Yeats Country." Stop in the village of Drumcliffe to see the final resting place of poet W. B. Yeats, then on to the lakeside Kylemore Abbey; built in the late 19th century as a private residence, the impressive estate is now home to a prestigious boarding school for girls, a Gothic church and Victorian gardens. After lunch at Kylemore Abbey, discover what Oscar Wilde called the "savage beauty" of Connemara, a desolate region of bogs, heathland, mountains, and shimmering lakes; seaside hamlets dot the inlets of this rugged landscape along the Wild Atlantic Way. Arrive at your opulent 13th-century castle-hotel, a favourite of royalty and celebrities, and your home for the next two nights.
Day 8: A day as you please at Ashford Castle
Today is yours to enjoy Ashford Castle however you wish. Surrounded by the timeless beauty of the Irish countryside, you might choose to unwind with a book in the drawing room, stroll through the estate's gardens, or simply take in the serenity of Lough Corrib. With the freedom to explore at your own pace, the day invites quiet moments, impromptu discoveries, and the luxury of unhurried time. Whether you seek stillness or gentle adventure, Ashford offers the perfect setting to relax, reflect, and fully savour your stay. Ashford Castle has been rated Number One Best Resort in UK and Ireland by Travel & Leisure.
Day 9: Cliffs of Moher and Ennis
Experience the windswept Cliffs of Moher, towering hundreds of feet above the crashing waves of the Atlantic; the sheer cliffs wander for five miles along the coast, and are home to about 30,000 birds. Explore the medieval town of Ennis, known as a mecca of traditional Irish music, then check into the Old Ground Hotel in the center of town, an ivy-clad 18th-century manor house steeped in traditional and contemporary elegance. Dinner at the hotel tonight includes Irish music and entertainment.
Day 10: Visit a dairy farm and on to Killarney
Get a taste of life at the family-run Molanna Dairy Farm, including lunch; meet the owners, our longtime travel partners, who share insights into the importance of farming in Ireland. Mid-afternoon arrive in Killarney; first up, an opportunity to explore by jaunting cart – horse-drawn carriages; they are a charming and traditional mode of transport offering a unique way to explore. Continue on to your hotel overlooking the Lakes of Killarney.
Day 11: Explore the Ring of Kerry
Stunning views of the Iveragh Peninsula unfold on a scenic drive around the Ring of Kerry that sweeps you past shimmering seascapes, medieval ruins, soaring mountains and plunging valleys, farms and seaside villages. Spend free time in charming Killarney on the shores of Lough Leane, part of Killarney National Park and a scenic landscape that has drawn visitors since the 18th century. This evening you'll dine at Killeen House, a former 19th century rectory, now a cozy inn steeped in golfing lore, with an award-winning restaurant.
Day 12: Midleton and the Jameson Experience
Midleton is home to one of Ireland's premium whiskeys, each bottle numbered and signed by the master distiller. It is also home to The Jameson Experience, a museum located in a 150-year-old distillery where you'll be guided through the history and making of Irish whiskey, tastings included. Lunch at a family-run country restaurant and food emporium, featuring produce from around the region; drive to Kilkenny for two nights at Lyrath Estate Hotel, an elegant manor house set on 170 acres of parkland. Please note: for those wishing to book treatments in the hotel at "The Spa," reservations may be required in advance; please contact the hotel directly.
Day 13: The ruins of Jerpoint Abbey and Kilkenny
Begin the day with a visit to the ruins of Jerpoint Abbey, a 12th-century monastery which is a national monument, featuring cloisters, a tower, and extensive stone carvings. Tour medieval Kilkenny with a local guide; known as The Marble City for the black limestone quarried here, sights include The Black Abbey, the Norman castle, and colourful streets lined with shops, galleries and museums you can enjoy exploring on your own. Join us tonight at your hotel for a farewell reception and dinner.
Day 14: Journey home
Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Lyrath Estate Hotel & Spa to Dublin Airport. Allow at least three hours for flight check-in. You can, of course, extend your stay.
Includes
- 13 nights in handpicked 4 & 5 star hotels
- Comfortable coaches with bathroom facilities (w/c)
- 24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert driver
- Porterage, plus tips and gratuities at hotels and restaurants are included
- Meals as stated in the itinerary
Excludes
- Flights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book flights
- Pre & post nights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book additional nights
- Driver & Tour Director gratuities - these can be pre-paid, please ask your reservations agent when booking your tour
Choose a Group Size / Service or Room Level
Choose Your Departure Date
Prices shown above are per person based on 2 adults sharing. For single, triple, quad and child prices please call us for a quote.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to check the latest up-to-date availability and to book your tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the deposit to secure a tour and when is the balance due?
A deposit of 10% is required when making your booking.
The balance of the holiday cost must be received by us no less than 10 weeks prior to your date of departure. Bookings made within 10 weeks of departure require full payment at the time of booking.
For some tours or if there is a special "Early Booking offer", the balance maybe due sooner than 10 weeks before departure, in this case you will be advised at time of booking when the balance due date would be.
The balance payment date will be shown on your confirmation invoice.
Payments can be made by debit card, credit card or bank transfers.
YOUR PAYMENTS TO US ARE FULLY FINANCIALLY SECURE FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND: Where your confirmed travel arrangements include a flight and you are resident in the UK (or EU) or the flight departs from, arrives in or transits the UK, this is financially protected through our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) number 6874 managed by the Civil Aviation Authority, Gatwick Airport South, West Sussex, RH6 0YR, UK, telephone 0333 103 6350, email claims@caa. co.uk.
CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations t&c's can differ from operator to operator, these will be confirmed to you with your booking confirmation. For our general Terms and conditions and general cancellation details please click here.
What does the tour cost include?
The per person price listed covers all hotel accommodations, taxes, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motor coach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Travel Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling. All tips have been included for services on trip by dining-room staff, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations.
Can we book flights through you ?
Yes, we can offer competitive airfares with all the major airlines. When booking a package with us that includes flights and a tour, your package is then fully ATOL Bonded by the CAA for your full financial peace of mind. You are of course are welcome to book flights independently but we are therefore not responsible should your flights be delayed and you miss any part of your tour or other arrangements booked with us.
Can I add additional hotel nights before or after my tour?
Many of our clients choose to add extra hotel nights to spend a little more time in their chosen destination. You can reserve additional hotel nights before or after your tour.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your additional nights and assist with your requirements.
Can i book twin beds or triple and quad rooms
Yes, We have options for twin (2 beds) and triple/quad room configurations.
If you a travelling in a party of three or four adult guests, please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.
For double rooms (2 guests), 1 Double/Queen or King bed is the normal, Twin beds can be requested at time of booking.
For triple rooms (3 guests) these will normally have 1 Queen/King bed and a fold out bed, or 2 Queen/King beds and a fold out bed.
For Quad rooms (4 Guests) these will normally have 2 Queen/King beds.
How much is the solo/single supplement?
Escorted tours are the perfect option if you're travelling solo, combining the camaraderie of a smaller group with the independence of a solo trip. Many tours offer solo room share options, or a competitive solo supplement.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.
How many guests will be on this tour?
Tauck offer up to 3 different group sizes on some tours.
Classic group departures have an average of 35 - 44 Guests.
For small group departures these average 24 guest and then some tours also offer smaller group departures which average around 15 guests.
How much walking with be on this tour?
With your comfort in mind, Purely Escorted Tours assigns every tour an activity level. The activity level for your chosen tour is displayed in the tour introduction.
Leisurely: Tours will typically have minimal to 1-2 miles of walking per day on primarily flat surfaces and with some stairs.
Balanced: Tours typically have up to 1-3 miles of walking per day, which may include some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones and stairs.
Dynamic: These journeys can feature 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve some steep hills.
Do the coaches have on-board Wi-Fi and bathroom facilities
Tauck coaches are modern, well-appointed buses with comfortable seating, large windows for viewing, and on-board amenities like Wi-Fi and bathrooms.
While the specific coach model may vary by tour and region, guests can expect an upgrade from standard coaches, reflecting Tauck's commitment to luxury and an elevated travel experience.
The coaches are equipped to provide a high level of comfort and convenience, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the scenery during their travels.
The coaches offer onboard Wi-Fi, bathroom facilities (w/c), charging unites, reclining seats, air conditioning, footrests, tray tables, drink holders and seat pockets
Are gratuities included for the driver, tour director and at restaurants etc?
Gratuities are included at hotels and restaurants. And, you have the option to pre-pay your Travel Director and driver gratuities before you travel if you wish.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for you to pre-pay driver and tour director gratuities.
Do you offer/include Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is not included in your tour and we do not offer travel insurance.
Please procure Travel Insurance before travelling. This will protect you and will give you peace of mind before you travel and whilst on your tour.
We suggest that your insurance covers the following:
- Cancellation or curtailment of your vacation due to medical or other reasons
- Loss or damage to your property and baggage
- Loss of cash, credit cards etc
- Medical costs and personal accidents
Certain countries require visitors to have valid medical insurance on entry and in Europe, you may find that doctor's surgeries, dentists and hospitals often require payment in cash prior to providing services. Whilst rare, medical evacuation can be exceptionally expensive.
Do remember to bring a copy of your policy, contact phone numbers and details of how to claim when you travel.
Should you choose to travel on Purely Escorted Tour without the required travel insurance, you will have full responsibility for all expenses (trip interruption, trip delay, medical expenses, quarantine expenses and emergency evacuation/repatriation) that may arise while travelling with us.
What does a guaranteed departure mean?
A guaranteed departure has reached the minimum number of guests for the tour to operate or will depart no matter how many people are booked to travel.
In the slim case that a guaranteed departure has to be withdrawn that you are booked on due to a unforeseen circumstances, you are entitled to a full refund on the funds already paid or if flexible with your time, we can move you onto another departure that suits you.
What do I need to know about border crossings, visas, entry requirements and passports?
Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks and so it is strongly advised that you consult your local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
Note: Purely Escorted Tours is not responsible for obtaining any necessary visas required on your tour.
Information about border crossings and visas, entry requirements varies by destination. Please check the destination you're visiting below for more information:
Europe trips:
Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. Multiple-entry visas may be required if you are entering a country more than once on your holiday.
Guests are advised that only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their specific visa requirements. Guests should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. Please check your itinerary carefully. Remember that requirements vary based on a passport's place of issue and that the process can take time.
Check that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates and destinations before you travel. Please be aware that with some itineraries, you may travel through a country without making an overnight stop. If this happens on your itinerary, you will still need a visa to enter/exit the country for example an ETA when transiting through UK & Ireland.
Please ensure that you carry proper identification with you at all times, as border crossings will need to see your entry documents and passports. Usually crossing borders is a very straightforward process that is managed by your Travel Director. However, be advised that you may be required to open your luggage and answer simple questions about the length of your stay, purpose of travel, etc.
United Kingdom and Northern Ireland trips incl transiting travellers:
From January 8, 2025 UK law requires travelers both entering and transiting through the UK and Northern Ireland to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
UK eTA applications can be made at the UK Governments official website.
USA trips incl transiting travellers:
US law requires travellers both entering and transiting through the United States are required to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
ESTA applications can be made at the U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection website.
Canada trips:
Canadian law requires travellers both entering and transiting through Canada to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
eTA applications can be made at the Government of Canada's website.
Rest of the World trips:
Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas before the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks before your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
What if I have mobility issues?
Please notify us of any disability requiring special assistance prior to travelling. We will try our best to accommodate you throughout the tour and will inform the hotels.
What if I have food allergies?
Please advise us of any dietary requirements. We will make arrangements with our suppliers where possible.
You will also need to talk to your Travel Director at the beginning of your tour and they will do their utmost to arrange an alternative menu at the hotels and restaurants.
How much luggage can I bring?
Travelling on a Purely Escorted Tour entitles each guest to travel with one suitcase not exceeding 23kg (50lbs) in weight, with dimensions not exceeding 77.5cm (30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm (12.5in). Guests may also bring one item of hand luggage that is small and light enough to be carried onto the coach and fit underneath the seat, or in the small overhead compartment above. (Luggage with adjustable handles and wheels will not fit).
Please test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.
Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.