Ireland Group Tour

Fly into Dublin, the nation's capital, to start your Ireland group tour. Its streets overflow with cozy pubs and the pints overflow with Guinness. Here, you’ll find must-see tourist attractions like St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Book of Kells, and the Jameson Distillery mixed in with Georgian architecture and trendy coffee shops. This port town is also known for its oysters, so why not order a dozen for dinner tonight with a glass of white wine?

From one capital to another, Northern Ireland’s capital, Belfast wears its history on its sleeve. Hop on the Black Cab tour of this once industrial town to see the political murals for which the town is famous, then onto the Titanic Museum where the tragic story comes alive. In the afternoon, you’ll head into nature to see the basalt columns of Giant’s Causeway. Legend has it that warring giant’s built these pillars as a bridge between Ireland and Scotland.

Enjoy a morning stroll along 17th-century walls of Londonderry before a day’s exploration of the north Irish coast. You’ll walk the rugged peninsula of the Isle of Doagh, and visit the historic Famine Village to learn more about life during the Great Famine of 1845-49. Delve further into Irish history at the Ulster American Folk Park, where you’ll learn about the Irish diaspora in the United States.

Next, you’ll venture into the wilds of Connemara National Park. See Kylemore Abbey, the elegant Victorian monastery that rises like a fairy palace from its wooded environs, then join a local family on a tour of the Dan O’Hara homestead and learn about the flora and fauna of the region, including the adorable Connemara pony you’re likely to see grazing in the fields.

Return to city life in the bohemian charm of Galway. Here, you’ll see the famous Spanish Arch, Galway Cathedral and Eyre Square—and that’s just the morning.  In the afternoon you’ll have the freedom to explore the bustling pubs, tasty lager goes well with the local catch of the day. Ask your Tourlane Travel Expert for personalized restaurant recommendations.

On your way to the small port town of Dingle, you’ll see some of Ireland’s top sights. First head to Burren to the 10th century Caherconnell Stone Fort built by Vikings. This is also the site of the local sheepdog trials and you’ll get a chance to see these adorable creatures in action. From there you’ll cruise west to the dazzling heights of the Cliffs of Moher overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Get a perfect photo of the view, before setting into Dingle for the night.

Ask the locals and they’ll say Cork is the “real capital of Ireland,” and after an enchanting morning in one of the third-wave coffee shops, you may agree. Renergized, make your way east to Blarney Castle, home of the Blarney Stone. Legend has it that anyone who kisses the mystical rock will be gifted with eloquence. 

Travel through rural Tipperary on the way to Kilkenny. Built in 1195 by the Normans, this city is Ireland’s best-preserved medieval hub. Take a walking tour through the well-trod lanes to see epic spots like the Cistercian Abbey. These 12th and century stone cloisters are thoughtfully embellished with carvings and statues. You’ll close the day with a lively group dinner - Irish stew anyone?