The Heart of Ireland (GP)

10 Day Tour from Dublin to Dublin

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This relaxed 10-day tour combines many lesser visited parts of Ireland with some of the must-see iconic locations. The delights of Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford, Killarney, and Galway are combined with more remote and unique experiences. Hear from an expert about the ancient Gaelic sport of hurling and take the chance to hit a few “sliotars” yourself; take a boat ride over to the tiny island of Cape Clear, where one of its 110 inhabitants will tell all about their life; make (and eat) your own scones and watch a sheep dog at work at a typical Irish farm; have lunch in an Irish pub; hear about the ancient art of whiskey distilling at a modern distillery at the cutting edge of 21st century sustainability; and visit one of the world’s premier horse studs. You’ll leave with your Irish Heart filled!

PLUS, your tour includes your choice of an excursion in Waterford so you can plan your day your way.

Special Features Included in this Tour:
• Orientation drive in Dublin, passing the city's elegant Georgian squares and celebrated historic landmarks
• Hurling demonstration in Freshford, discovering Ireland's ancient Gaelic sport through a lively introduction to its skills and traditions
• Globus Choice excursion in Waterford – included on your tour with your choice of a walking tour of Waterford, exploring Ireland's oldest city, or a visit to the House of Waterford Crystal to see master craftsmen at work
• Excursion to Cape Clear Island, experiencing breathtaking Atlantic scenery, traditional island life, and Ireland's southernmost inhabited island
• Horse-drawn jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park, taking in the park's scenic lakes, woodlands, and mountain landscapes
• Visit to the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland's spectacular Atlantic sea cliffs rising more than 700 feet above the ocean
• Rathbaun Farm visit with scone baking, coffee and sheep herding demonstration, enjoying authentic Irish farm life and time-honored rural traditions
• Visit to Ahascragh Whiskey distillery, discovering the craftsmanship behind Ireland's celebrated whiskey-making traditions
• Pub lunch in Shannonbridge, enjoying traditional Irish hospitality and regional flavors in a charming riverside village
• Visit to the Irish National Stud in Kildare, discovering Ireland's world-renowned thoroughbred breeding tradition and beautiful gardens
• Panoramic drive around the Ring of Kerry, admiring Ireland's dramatic coastal scenery, mountain vistas, and picturesque villages
• Visit to Blarney village, gateway to the legendary Blarney Castle and its famous Stone of Eloquence

Dates & Prices Book Online

800.268.3636

Photo Highlights

Meals

Meals & Itinerary

9 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinner

Notes:

This tour includes some walking on rough terrain on Cape Clear Island.

Itinerary

Day 1 ARRIVE IN DUBLIN, IRELAND

Céad míle fáilte—a hundred-thousand welcomes! Free time. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel.

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Dinner

Day 2 DUBLIN

Ireland’s Capital City The morning’s orientation drive in the “Fair City” includes statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Trinity College, where Oscar Wilde studied. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy this vibrant city.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
“In Dublin’s fair city where girls are so pretty,” you’ll also find great personality and charm. The charisma of Dubliners and the bounty of pubs here is matched only by the gorgeous Georgian Squares, 12th-century St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Trinity College.

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Breakfast

Day 3 DUBLIN–FRESHFORD–KILKENNY–WATERFORD

Hit the Sliotar! A unique start to the day! Learn about hurling, one of Ireland’s native Gaelic games, and maybe take a shot at the goalposts yourself. Relax with a coffee after this fun experience. On to the “Marble City” of Kilkenny to enjoy one of Ireland’s most quaint towns. Consider a visit to its 800-year-old castle or enjoy its active arts and crafts scene. Overnight is in Waterford, a stronghold founded by Danish Vikings.

LOCAL FAVORITE
Hurling is a game of stick (caman) and ball (sliotar), recognized as being the oldest and fastest field sport in the world, going back 3,000 years. Today it is played around the world but is an integral part of Irish life and culture. Hear all about it from an expert and take the opportunity to give it a go!

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Breakfast

Dinner

Day 4 WATERFORD–BLARNEY–ROSSCARBERY

Spend Your Day Your Way in Waterford Explore Waterford with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions.

CRYSTAL CLEAR

The city of Waterford is synonymous with the luxury crystal manufacture that bears its name. Visit the House of Waterford Crystal for a fascinating tour featuring the molding room, and glass-blowing, cutting, and engraving departments to witness the highly skilled master craftsmen creating exquisite Waterford Crystal.

THE VIKING TRIANGLE

Join a Local Guide in Waterford for a walk through Ireland's oldest city where two cathedrals, four national monuments, and eleven centuries of rogues and rascals add up to a trifecta of tales in the Viking Triangle. Hear engaging stories of extraordinary characters, delivered in witty, entertaining style by a master storyteller.

Afterwards, visit Blarney, renowned for its magical Kissing Stone. Take the opportunity to walk up to the castle or shop for traditional Irish handicrafts. You’ll have some free time upon arriving in Rosscarbery.

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Breakfast

Dinner

Day 5 ROSSCARBERY. EXCURSION TO CAPE CLEAR ISLAND

Island Life An exciting excursion awaits today! Visit the village of Baltimore, whose heritage revolves around sailing and fishing. From there, board your ferry to Cape Clear Island. In the company of one of the islanders, learn about the lives of its approximate 110 inhabitants.

LOCAL FAVORITE
Cape Clear Island is just 3 miles long by 1 mile wide. Situated 8 miles off the coast of West Cork, it is the southernmost inhabited part of Ireland with its own distinct culture and history. An islander guide will talk about life on the island as you take a stroll from North to South Harbour. On the ferry journey to and from Cape Clear, watch for whales, leatherback turtles, dolphins, and even sharks. A truly memorable experience!

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Breakfast

Dinner

Day 6 ROSSCARBERY–KILLARNEY–ADARE–LIMERICK

A Jaunting Good Time The breathtaking beauty of Ireland awaits with a panoramic drive around part of Ireland’s spectacular southwestern peninsula, the Ring of Kerry. In Killarney, experience a horse-drawn jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park, before discovering more of this popular town. Stop in quaint Adare to view its pretty thatched cottages, before arriving in Limerick.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
County Kerry is home to the exquisite natural beauty of a rugged and mountainous expanse in Killarney National Park. A horse-drawn jaunting car ride is a great way to experience this natural wonderland, including the 3,300-foot MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland. Nestled at the foot of these mountains, the Lakes of Killarney’s shores and woodlands share this magical place with waterfalls and dramatic skies above Ross Castle.

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Breakfast

Day 7 LIMERICK–CLIFFS OF MOHER–RATHBAUN FARM–GALWAY–BIRR

Sheep and Scones At the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, rising over 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, step on to the edge of the world to admire awe-inspiring views. Visit Rathbaun Farm and try your hand at scone baking, learn from the farmer about sheep shearing and herding before enjoying coffee and your homemade scones. Continue to Galway, a popular seaside destination with a buzzing center of colorful shops and a busy café culture.

LOCAL FAVORITE
Someone’s in the kitchen in Rathbaun Farm, near Ardrahan, County Galway. You can don an apron and whip up your own delicious homemade scones, served with fresh preserves and whipped cream. Learn about the long time tradition of sheep farming in this beautiful Irish landscape.

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Breakfast

Dinner

Day 8 BIRR

Whiskey and Waters First today is a visit to Ahascragh Distillery, Ireland’s first zero emissions distillery. Enjoy lunch at a local pub in the picturesque village of Shannonbridge. Return to Birr this afternoon where you’ll have plenty of free time to experience this designated Irish Heritage town.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Ahascragh Distillery is a historic old mill building that has been brought back to life by careful restoration to become Ireland’s first zero emissions distillery, powered completely by renewable energy and cutting-edge technology. On your guided tour you’ll hear all about their award-winning passion for sustainability, from the heat pump technology to sustainable packaging, heritage preservation and community engagement. And the whiskey’s good too!

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Breakfast

Lunch

Day 9 BIRR–KILDARE–DUBLIN

The Winner’s Circle Hit your stride this morning with a trip to Ireland’s horse-racing country! Enjoy a visit to the Irish National Stud in Kildare, whose thoroughbreds command respect on the racecourses of the world. Return to Dublin to enjoy free time in the fair city.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
The Irish National Stud is home to the long tradition of Ireland’s love of horses. This horse-breeding facility in County Kildare, considered the beating heart of Ireland's thoroughbred industry, continues to inspire all who visit. Hear about some of the world’s most magnificent champion stallions that have made racing history since the turn of the 20th century.

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Breakfast

Day 10 DUBLIN

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

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Breakfast

Tour Director

With GLOBUS, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of a Tour Director. We’d like you to meet one of our Tour Directors, who average over a decade of experience and are representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

HELEN LEE

Escorting tours for more than 20 years

“It's hardly a secret...Irish people love to talk, and I'm certainly no exception to that rule. So, guiding visitors around the scenic and historically rich British Isles is a natural fit for me, and has to be the best job for an Irish girl with a love of history and stories. In all reality, it's not like a job at all, but don't tell anyone!”

Accommodations

Optional Excursions

No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else, we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.

When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination, so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities. Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value. Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences. We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.

The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyGlobus site 90 days prior to the tour start date.

Price Ranges

$ ($50 CAD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 CAD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 CAD)
$$$$ (Over $150)

Dublin

Waterford

Rosscarbery

Limerick

Birr

Dublin

Taylors Irish Cabaret

You won't want to miss this popular outing to the legendary Taylors Irish Cabaret, featuring a delicious dinner, drinks, and outstanding Irish music, dance, and comedy.

Price Range: $$$$

Guinness Storehouse Visit and Supper

Discover the history, traditions, and brewing techniques behind one of the world's most popular beer on this fascinating tour, tasting and dinner at Dublin's legendary Guinness Storehouse.

Price Range: $$$$

Waterford

Waterford Pub Evening

Get a real taste of everyday life in Ireland on this memorable evening at a Waterford pub, featuring live music, two drinks of your choice, and the chance to rub elbows with the friendly locals!

Price Range: $$

Rosscarbery

THE VIKING TRIANGLE

Price Range: $

CRYSTAL CLEAR

Price Range: $

Limerick

Medieval Castle Banquet

Step back in time at an original Irish medieval banquet. Enjoy a 4-course feast with wine, then relax as your medieval hosts dazzle you with unforgettable music and storytelling.

Price Range: $$$$

Birr

Birr Castle and Pub Dinner

A local guide will take you on a tour of magnificent Birr Castle , later enjoy dinner with a drink at a local pub.

Price Range: $$$

Private Touring

Private Touring: Globus European Private Touring enables you to experience all of the attractions, sights and highlights of your selected Globus tour as a private experience - delivered just for you and your traveling party. With Private Touring, you'll have your own dedicated Tour Director, your own private transportation and driver, and your own professional local guides. All with greater flexibility in pace and your experience.

For your selected tour, there will be additional per-person cost for the size of your party - from 1 to 24. This additional supplement is reduced with each traveler you add to your party.

Here's a sample of the additional cost:

6 guests in a party: $4,356*
18 guests in a party: $909*

Contact Globus or your preferred travel agent for pricing for your specific party size as well as any other information on Globus Private Touring.

* Supplement pricing is per person (CA) and will be added to the standard published price for your given departure date and is based on availability. Supplement price is valid for 2020 and 2021 travel years. Occasionally some included and optional activities & excursions may be operated with other guests. Additional restrictions may apply. Not applicable for custom groups. No Group allowances or promotions are available on Private Touring. Published itineraries only. Note that blackout dates may exist where the Private Touring option is not available.

The “Starting at” or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on twin occupancy and any applicable port charges, non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes a limited time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.

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