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Kilkenny @Brian Morrison - Tourism Ireland

Wonders of Ireland

(8 days / 7 nights)

4.6
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10-15% OFF IN 2024

Let a local guide take you across Ireland

This 8-day guided tour will give you a fantastic taste of Ireland, its scenery and history. With a local driver-guide and a small group of like-minded world travellers, you’ll tour the countryside to take in the top sights as well as lesser-known spots. The carefully crafted itinerary takes you from Dublin to Galway on the west coast, passing by the famous Ring of Kerry before returning to the Irish capital. Learn about Irish history and folklore and be treated to true Irish hospitality, flavours and natural gems.

4.6
10-15% OFF IN 2024

8 days / 7 nights

Price p.p. from

3624EUR

You save: 544 EUR per person

The amount will be charged in EUR

Approx 3080 EUR

See special offers terms

— Why book with Nordic Visitor

  • Groups limited to 15 travellers
  • Seamless travel experience
  • Experienced driver & friendly guide
  • Quality & value for your money
  • Service from trusted Ireland travel experts
  • 100% guaranteed departures
  • 24/7 helpline during your tour
  • Great customer reviews
  • Carbon offsetting included

Read more

— Book With Confidence

  • Optional cancellation insurance
  • Affordable deposits from 10%

Terms and conditions apply

Tour Highlights

  • Explore the historic and vibrant Irish capital Dublin
  • Take in the grand scenery of the renowned Cliffs of Moher
  • Experience Ireland’s most iconic peninsula, the Ring of Kerry
  • Immerse yourself in traditional Irish culture and music in Galway
  • Discover ancient castles and medieval sites such as Bunratty Castle and Blarney Castle
  • Enjoy some quiet time in nature at the Killarney National Park
  • Taste the flavour of the country at a local whiskey distillery
  • Wander along the lavish grounds of stately homes such as Powerscourt Estate
  • Stay at unique properties & enjoy gourmet local cuisine
  • Hassle-free travel experience with a local tour driver-guide

Travel style

Guided Small Groups i

Interest

Best Seller i, Castles and Royalty i, Classic i, Countryside and natural scenery i, Culture and History i, Heritage i

Pace level

Level 2 (Classic) i

Activity level

Level 2 (Moderate) i

Season

Apr - Oct

Max group size

15

Departure

See calendar

Interest

Best Seller i, Castles and Royalty i, Classic i, Countryside and natural scenery i, Culture and History i, Heritage i

Itinerary

A day-by-day plan to guide your journey.

  • Day 1: ARRIVAL IN IRELAND

    Upon your arrival in Dublin, make your way to your accommodation in the city centre. You may choose to take a taxi or use public transport, but for a more direct and comfortable ride, we will be happy to organise a private airport transfer for you.

    Then immerse yourself in the eclectic mixture of heritage sites, museums and historic pubs of the Irish capital. Take a stroll along the cobbled streets of the Temple Bar district, grab a pint at the Guinness Storehouse for a taste of the world-famous beer or visit the historic Trinity College to see the ancient Book of Kells.

    You could enjoy an afternoon tea sightseeing tour of the city on a vintage bus or stroll along the characterful O’Connell Street filled with interesting shops and landmark buildings.

    Spend the night at Dylan Hotel or similar.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Accommodation details See Activities for this day
  • Day 2: INTO THE IRISH COUNTRYSIDE

    Today, your guide will pick you up to start your adventure around Ireland. The tour will start with a drive across the beautiful midlands and towards the west coast. Take in the rolling hills and lush countryside during the journey.

    On the way to Galway, we’ll have the opportunity to learn about Irish history at Trim Castle, the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland. You will also visit a local whiskey distillery for a tour and tasting.

    Finally, we’ll arrive in Galway, a lively city by the Atlantic Ocean, where we’ll enjoy dinner as a group.

    Spend the night at Park House Hotel or similar.

    Included:
    • Entrance to Trim Castle
    • Tour and tasting at local distillery
    • Breakfast at your hotel
    • Dinner at the hotel restaurant

    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 8-9 Hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Accommodation details
  • Day 3: EXCURSION TO THE ARAN ISLANDS

    Today we’ll head out on an island excursion. We’ll start the day by taking the ferry to Inis Mór (Inishmore), the largest of the western Aran Islands. These three windswept islands are one of the few places where the Gaelic language, culture and music still truly thrive.

    On the island, we’ll enjoy a guided bus tour so you can learn more about the history and culture of the local community. You’ll also have some free time to explore at your leisure before returning to the mainland.

    Spend another night at Park House Hotel or similar.       

    Included:
    • Aran Islands excursion
    • Breakfast at your hotel

    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 8-9 Hours

    Attractions Accommodation details
  • Day 4: IRELAND’S JEWEL, THE CLIFFS OF MOHER

    Today we’ll continue south along the Galway Bay. The first stop of the day will be Dunguaire Castle, where you’ll have the opportunity to take some scenic photos. Sitting on a rocky outcrop overlooking the bay, it is one of the most photographed castles in Ireland. Then we’ll pass by Pounabrone Dolmen, one of Ireland’s oldest megalithic monuments.

    Finally, we’ll reach the west coast to visit Ireland’s top attraction, the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. This is a true showcase of the country’s iconic coastal scenery. Walk along the paths, try to spot some seabirds and take in the views of the fierce Atlantic Ocean.

    Later, we’ll make a stop at the 15th-century Bunratty Castle. We’ll take some time to visit the castle and learn about its history before arriving in Killarney.

    Spend the night at Randles Hotel or similar.

    Included:
    • Entrance to Cliffs of Moher visitor centre
    • Entrance to Bunratty Castle
    • Breakfast at your hotel
    • Dinner at the hotel restaurant

    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 8-9 Hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Accommodation details
  • Day 5: THE RING OF KERRY

    Today, we’ll take in the magic of the Ring of Kerry. This is one of Ireland’s most famous routes and a must-see when visiting its countryside. Along the way there’ll be plenty of stops for you to take photos and admire the striking landscape.

    We’ll first take some time to wander around the grounds of Kells Bay House to see its primeval forest of planted giant ferns. Then, if the weather allows, we’ll stop by the charming Derrynane Bay with its striking white sands.  Later, we’ll complete the circular tour ending back inside the Killarney National Park, where we’ll visit the picturesque Torc Waterfall.

    Spend another night at Randles Hotel or similar.

    Included:
    • Entrance to Kells Bay House
    • Breakfast at your hotel

    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 8-9 Hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Accommodation details
  • Day 6: BLARNEY CASTLE AND IRISH HERITAGE

    Today, we’ll drive south to explore Blarney Castle, a legendary medieval stronghold. It is well worth visiting because it is home to the Blarney Stone, surrounded by many myths and tales.

    We’ll then spend some time in Cork, Ireland’s second largest city, before driving north to stop for a photo opportunity at the Rock of Cashel. This historic site is a fantastic collection of medieval buildings that span over 1000 years of history. Later, we’ll arrive in Kilkenny. This is a beautiful medieval town nestled around a majestic 12th-century castle.

    Spend the night at Butler House Hotel or similar.

    Included:
    • Entrance to Blarney Castle
    • Breakfast at your hotel
    • Dinner at the hotel restaurant

    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 8-9 Hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Accommodation details
  • Day 7: RETURN TO DUBLIN

    Today, we have our final day of driving through the majestic Irish countryside.  We’ll pass through the scenic Wicklow Mountains to take in the beautiful views.

    The next stop is at Powerscourt Estate, the home of the restored mansion Powerscourt House. We’ll have time to wander through the beautiful gardens and even catch sight of Ireland’s highest waterfall, which sits on these grounds.

    Later, your guide will then drop you off at your accommodation in Dublin. You can enjoy the rest of the day and evening at your leisure in Ireland’s capital.

    Spend the night at Dylan Hotel or similar.

    Included:
    • Entrance to Powerscourt Gardens and Waterfall
    • Breakfast at your hotel

    Average Travel & Exploring Duration: 8-9 Hours

    Attractions Attractions Accommodation details
  • Day 8: DEPARTURE FROM IRELAND

    On your day of departure, make your way back to the airport. If you would like to add any additional nights to your trip or to arrange a private transfer, you can add the option below. If your flight is in the afternoon, you can use the morning to enjoy some last-minute shopping, visit one of the many attractions or simply relax and take in the atmosphere of the city one last time.

    Included:
    • Breakfast at your hotel

    See Activities for this day

Map

Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.

Essential information

We recommend that you read carefully through the following information before booking this small guided group tour in Ireland. We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions here so you know what to expect. You’ll also find more practical advice and attraction recommendations in our online Ireland Travel Guide.

On a small guided group tour with Nordic Visitor, you can sit back and enjoy an immersive itinerary alongside a group of like-minded travellers. There will be no more than 16 in a group, so your guide can get to know you all personally.

Your guide will be an expert in Irish history and culture. They’ll share their local knowledge and stories with you, and take you to hidden gems across each country. They will also act as the logistical organiser for the group. They’ll ensure everything is running smoothly and that you’re having a good time in Ireland.

You’ll also enjoy the service of an experienced driver. They know the roads well and will make sure you’re always comfortable throughout your journey.

Due to the nature of this tour and activities included, it’s not recommended for families with young children. That said, it is suitable for well-travelled, active children of 13 years or older. If in doubt, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Please note that the local legal drinking age is 18. It means that those aged 17 and under will not take part in distillery tours.

To make sure you and your fellow travellers have a comfortable journey, we need to limit the size and amount of luggage in the bus.

Each guest can bring one suitcase or large bag that can be stored in the back of the minibus. The guidance size for the larger luggage is that it should not exceed 158 cm (62 in) when adding the length, width and height. It should not weigh more than 20 kg.

You can also bring one smaller item (like a small backpack) inside the van for daily essentials like camera, wallet, medications and so forth. Unfortunately carry-on suitcases (cabin bags) are too large to store in the van’s overhead racks.

If you have more luggage, we ask that you please make arrangements to store it during the guided portion of the tour.

Please note that you should be able to carry your own suitcase at accommodation and between transport.

If you have any questions about luggage your Nordic Visitor travel consultant will be able to assist you.

During your Ireland tour, you’ll stay in accommodation hand-picked by our travel experts. We’ve partnered with local businesses and selected hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses based on excellent ratings, comfort and our personal experience.

You can view the detailed list of hotels for this trip under the accommodation tab.

In Ireland, you can choose from single or double rooms. Twin, triple and family rooms are not commonly available. Please contact your travel consultant if your group contains 3 or more people.

Please also note that in Ireland room types are based on European standard sizes, which means they are smaller than in North America. For example, a double room often consists of 2 single beds pushed together. And single rooms are often smaller than the standard double.

Due to the historic nature of the properties we usually select, most of the rooms are only accessible by stairs. Lifts are not common in Irish hotels. Please let us know as soon as possible if you are not able to walk up stairs.

This tour includes a few guided walks along the itinerary. This means you must be prepared and able to walk between 1-3 kilometres (0.6–2 miles) daily. You also need to be able to carry your own luggage when boarding the vehicle and at each accommodation.

While Ireland isn’t known for its heat, summers on the Emerald Isle usually feature plenty of warm days. It’s also the driest time of year to visit.

Between May and September, you can expect temperatures of around 13°C–18°C (55°F–65°F). Due to humidity, this can feel a lot warmer, especially in cities like Dublin.

That said, the weather is also very changeable, so you’ll want to come prepared for anything. Rain is always a possibility, and when the sun sets you might need a warm jumper or jacket. We’ve prepared a useful packing guide to help you decide what to bring with you.

Please note that sightseeing is dependent on weather and road conditions. This means that your itinerary might need to be altered if these conditions are not favourable during your visit. If something unexpected occurs, you can call our 24/7 helpline to speak directly with a Nordic Visitor staff member.

Whatever time of year you’re in Ireland, you’re likely to see lots of different types of weather. As you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors it’s a good idea to come prepared for a combination of weather conditions.

Here is a recommended packing list for a summer trip:

  • A warm jumper or fleece
  • A waterproof jacket
  • Good walking shoes or boots (especially if you intend to hike and go on nature walks)
  • Light scarf or thin sweater
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen and a sunhat

For more information, check this packing list suggestion.

On your tour of Ireland, breakfast at your accommodation is included each day. You will also enjoy some group dinners, included in your package. These meals will usually either be a set dinner menu or a dinner buffet with a good variety of local fresh ingredients (drinks not included).

Please notify your travel consultant at the time of booking of any dietary restrictions or allergies.

Other meals are not included and are at your own expense. Your driver and guide will make sure to stop along the way for you to pick up snacks, drinks and lunch.

The amount of spending money you’ll need will depend on the standard of restaurants you decide to go to.

Budget between €15–€20 per person for each day’s lunch. Dinners at casual restaurants might cost between €20–€25. Meanwhile at upscale restaurants, you can expect to pay €40–€50 or more. This does not include the cost of alcoholic beverages.

If you enjoy your experience with your guide, it’s a nice idea to give them a tip.

By booking with Nordic Visitor, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that there’s always someone there for you throughout your trip.

For support and advice during the day, you can ask your guide or call our office. And if anything unexpected happens outside working hours, you can reach us on our 24/7 helpline.

The Edinburgh-based travel expert on call will handle any unforeseen situations for you, such as unusual weather or events.

If you’re arriving from the UK, Canada, the United States, Australia or the European Union, you won’t need a visa to visit Ireland.

Visiting from another country? You can find the complete list of countries whose nationals require a visa to enter Ireland on the website of Ireland’s Citizens Information Board.

If you are not an EU citizen, your passport will need to be valid for at least 6 months after the date of your departure from Ireland. It’s a good idea to check your passport expiry date early in case you need to renew it.

As you’ll be travelling as part of a guided group tour, your itinerary for this portion of your trip is set. But you can still customise other parts of your package.

For instance, you could add extra nights in Dublin before or after the guided portion of your trip. This will give you more time to explore the Irish capital city at your own pace. You can add these additional days while booking your package online.

It’s best to book as soon as you can to secure your preferred travel dates. Once you have picked your tour, check the availability calendar to see which months are open for booking. Then, select the date you want and complete your booking. 

Nordic Visitor offers 10–20% deposits so you can reserve your trip as early as it’s convenient for you. The remaining balance is due 30 days before you travel. 

Many tours are also open for the following year if you like to plan well ahead. And if you have any questions or need advice, you can always contact us

After booking your tour package online, you will be contacted within 2 business days by your own dedicated travel consultant. They will be your point of contact for all your travel needs before, during and even after your trip. 

At that time, they’ll confirm the availability of your tour. Then the booking process starts, which may take a few weeks. Once this is done, your travel consultant will provide you with all the details of your trip. You will also receive more information about what to expect during your trip.

No need! Nordic Visitor is already working on offsetting the estimated carbon footprint of your package. We’ve partnered with an environmental fund in Iceland to carbon offset all our tours.

Carbon offsetting your international flights is not included, but we highly recommend you look into possibilities with your airline or directly through a local environment fund. 

You can get in touch with our Ireland travel experts ahead of your trip if you have any questions. The live chat option is useful for getting a quick reply as someone answers live every day during office opening hours.

Once you’ve booked, we’ll provide you with a travel guide packed full of local tips and top attractions for your visit. You can also check out our online Ireland Travel Guide where we’ve compiled useful information about topics, including:

After you have booked your tour, it will only take a few days to confirm its availability. But it may take a few weeks to create your itinerary and book everything. Once your trip details are finalised, we’ll send you e-copies of your travel documents.

Upon your arrival in Ireland, you’ll receive a welcome bag with hard copies of your itinerary, attraction and tour vouchers, the Nordic Visitor Ireland Travel Guide and more.

So when do you check in? And what can you expect upon landing in Ireland?

After picking up your luggage, make your way to your accommodation in the Dublin city centre. We recommend one of the airport buses or to hop in a taxi directly to your hotel.

Check-in times vary between hotels and guesthouses, but it normally starts between 2–4 PM.

You are welcome to request an early check-in for an additional fee. Although this isn’t always available, you’ll be able to store your luggage at the hotel if you have to wait. Please contact your travel consultant well in advance of your arrival if you’d like an early check-in.

When you depart may depend on the time of your return flight. Check out early if you’re heading to the airport for a morning flight. On the other hand, if you’re flying home later in the day, you might like to enjoy a leisurely day or visit one more attraction.

You will need to check out from your room, but will be able to store your luggage at the hotel reception. Simply return later to collect your bags before catching public transport or a taxi to the airport.

All bookings are billed in Euros (EUR), the local currency in Ireland.

Prices displayed in other currencies are indicative only and based on the daily exchange rate. This means conversions from EUR to other currencies will fluctuate from day to day.

Reviews

We don’t like to brag, so we’ll let our happy customers do it for us.

Friendly and knowledgeable guide

Very happy with tour guide Brian. He was friendly and knowledgeable. He was always ready to help.

Great guide and driver

The guide and driver were great. I think we should have had more time to visit certain sites. I think that the tour should have included certain sites in Dublin. I have been on quite a number of tours and this one seemed more like we raced through the sites. Given that it was a small tour, I was hoping for something more in depth.

Outstanding

The guide and driver (Brian and Melissa) were outstanding. Really loved their stories and sense of humour.

We would recommend this tour

We loved our tour in Ireland. Our tour guide Brian, and driver Melissa were just awesome! They conveyed their love of the country, language, and food every day. On top of providing lots of information, they took us to many beautiful and fun places, safely and on-time. We also felt more connected to everything because we sang Irish songs in the van, made crosses with straws, wrote limericks, and had many wonderful meals together. I called Kristen in Edinburgh when my husband misplaced his phone, and she found our driver who returned the phone which had been left in the van. The Dylan in Dublin was a wonderful experience. The property is beautiful, the location is great, and everyone there was so nice! We would recommend this tour to everyone we know! The tour in Scotland was very different. Our driver, Tim, was great. And he cleared up a lot of misconceptions over the days. We also loved hearing his Scottish language. Our experience with Nordic Visitor was wonderful overall. I would highly recommend your tours.

Wonderful

The tour director and tour bus driver were wonderful. They were very attentive to the needs of others while staying on time for the tour.

Very good guide

We had a very good guide(Brian) and driver (Seamus). The group was quite compatible and we believe this is the way to tour a country.

Accommodation

Sleep soundly, in the accommodation type of your choice, and wake up ready to enjoy another day of exploration.

The Dylan is a 5-star boutique hotel located near the city centre of Dublin. The hotel sits in a leafy neighbourhood by the Grand Canal in the south of the capital. Stay at the Dylan Hotel...

Park House Hotel is located near the leafy Eyre Square and within the vibrant city centre of Galway. It will remind you of classic hotels with its modern style and luxury bedrooms. In-ro...

Park House Hotel is located near the leafy Eyre Square and within the vibrant city centre of Galway. It will remind you of classic hotels with its modern style and luxury bedrooms. In-ro...

Randles is a 4-star, family-owned hotel located in Killarney. This scenic town borders the lush national park of the same name. Here you can expect to experience all the charms of the Iris...

Randles is a 4-star, family-owned hotel located in Killarney. This scenic town borders the lush national park of the same name. Here you can expect to experience all the charms of the Iris...

Butler House is a unique hotel located in the centre of Kilkenny. You’ll find it just south of the majestic Kilkenny Castle and its lush grounds.  This Georgian home was built...

The Dylan is a 5-star boutique hotel located near the city centre of Dublin. The hotel sits in a leafy neighbourhood by the Grand Canal in the south of the capital. Stay at the Dylan Hotel...

Sleep soundly, in the accommodation type of your choice, and wake up ready to enjoy another day of exploration.

Guaranteed departures

Group size: Maximum group size is 15 participants.

Price p.p. from

Approx 3080 EUR

The amount will be charged in EUR

  • Arrival
    Price
    Availability
  • Tuesday 23 April 2024
    3624 EUR 3262 EUR
    4 spaces left
  • Tuesday 14 May 2024
    3624 EUR 3262 EUR
    3 spaces left
  • Tuesday 21 May 2024
    3624 EUR 3080 EUR
    Available
  • Tuesday 28 May 2024
    Sold out
  • Tuesday 4 June 2024
    Sold out
  • Tuesday 18 June 2024
    Sold out
  • Tuesday 25 June 2024
    Sold out
  • Tuesday 2 July 2024
    3855 EUR 3470 EUR
    2 spaces left
  • Tuesday 9 July 2024
    3855 EUR 3470 EUR
    5 spaces left
  • Tuesday 23 July 2024
    Sold out
  • Tuesday 27 August 2024
    3883 EUR 3301 EUR
    Available
  • Tuesday 3 September 2024
    3855 EUR 3277 EUR
    Available
  • Tuesday 17 September 2024
    3855 EUR 3470 EUR
    5 spaces left
  • Tuesday 24 September 2024
    3855 EUR 3277 EUR
    Available
  • Tuesday 22 April 2025
    3624 EUR
    Available
  • Tuesday 29 April 2025
    3624 EUR
    Available
  • Tuesday 6 May 2025
    3624 EUR
    Available
  • Tuesday 20 May 2025
    3624 EUR
    Available
  • Tuesday 10 June 2025
    3855 EUR
    Available
  • Tuesday 15 July 2025
    3855 EUR
    Available
  • Tuesday 2 September 2025
    3855 EUR
    Available
  • Tuesday 23 September 2025
    3855 EUR
    Available

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