Irish Discovery
Irish Discovery
Irish Discovery
9 Days Starting and ending in Dublin, Ireland
Visiting: Arrive In Dublin, Ireland, Dublin, Downpatrick, Northern Ireland, Belfast, Giant’S Causeway, Derry, Donegal, Sligo, Galway, Cliffs Of Moher, Limerick, Adare, Dingle Peninsula, Killarney, Killarney. Ring Of Kerry Excursion, Blarney, Waterford, Tramore, Kilkenny
Tour Overview
Breathtaking, lush landscapes combined with vibrant cities and historic attractions—all of this and more await you on this guided Ireland tour, including Northern Ireland. Starting and ending in Dublin, explore Ireland in depth and hear exciting stories of its rich history, legends, and myths. On an Ireland tour, you expect to see amazing scenery, and this tour does not disappoint. See the 668-foot Cliffs of Moher on Ireland’s west coast, offering breathtaking views of rugged cliffs dropping into the ocean. Join the Ring of Kerry, a 100-mile drive with sparkling seascapes and mountains dotted with brightly painted farmhouses. In Northern Ireland, visit awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway, basalt columns formed millions of years ago by volcanic eruptions. On the amazingly green Dingle Peninsula—perched on Ireland’s westernmost tip and dominated by the range of mountains—enjoy one of Europe’s most dramatic drives passing seaside villages, ancient monuments, and views of the Blasket Islands. On this tour of Ireland, you’ll also visit some of its vibrant cities—including Dublin, Belfast, and Galway—and charming towns, including Killarney. Stop in Adare, founded in medieval times and known today as one of Ireland’s friendliest and prettiest villages and in Waterford, enjoy a guided tour of the House of Waterford Crystal, where you’ll see the highly skilled artisans at work in the production of this famous crystal. Visit Kilkenny, famous for its medieval architecture and Norman castle. In Northern Ireland, visit Derry, one of Ireland’s best-preserved fortified cities, and Downpatrick, burial place of Ireland’s Patron Saint. This value-minded tour through Ireland is a dream vacation!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Dublin,Ireland
Location: Arrive In Dublin, Ireland
Check into your hotel. At 3 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for an afternoon orientation drive through statue-lined O’Connell Street and elegant Georgian squares to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Trinity College. Raise a glass this evening with an optional excursion to learn about the history, traditions, and brewing techniques behind one of the world's most popular beers on this fascinating tour, tasting and dinner at Dublin's legendary Guinness Storehouse.ARRIVE IN DUBLIN, IRELAND Check into your hotel. At 3 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for an afternoon orientation drive through statue-lined O’Connell Street and elegant Georgian squares to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Trinity College. Raise a glass this evening with an optional excursion to learn about the history, traditions, and brewing techniques behind one of the world's most popular beers on this fascinating tour, tasting and dinner at Dublin's legendary Guinness Storehouse.
Day 2: Dublin,Downpatrick,Northern Ireland,Belfast
Location: Dublin, Downpatrick, Northern Ireland, Belfast
Meals Included: Breakfast
On your northbound route today, pass Drogheda, scene of the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, then through the fertile landscape of the Boyne Valley, known for its prehistoric passage graves. Cross the border into Northern Ireland, and drive past the Mountains of Mourne to Downpatrick, the burial place of Patrick, Ireland’s Patron Saint, and on to the vibrant city of Belfast, where the Titanic was built. Later, why not join a Local Guide on a “living history” tour, including a visit to the fascinating Titanic Belfast Experience? Get to know the real Belfast with a Local Guide on a “living history” tour that ends at the award-winning Titanic Belfast Experience. Today’s Distance: 125 mi/ 202 kmDUBLIN–DOWNPATRICK, NORTHERN IRELAND–BELFAST On your northbound route today, pass Drogheda, scene of the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, then through the fertile landscape of the Boyne Valley, known for its prehistoric passage graves. Cross the border into Northern Ireland, and drive past the Mountains of Mourne to Downpatrick, the burial place of Patrick, Ireland’s Patron Saint, and on to the vibrant city of Belfast, where the Titanic was built. Later, why not join a Local Guide on a “living history” tour, including a visit to the fascinating Titanic Belfast Experience? Get to know the real Belfast with a Local Guide on a “living history” tour that ends at the award-winning Titanic Belfast Experience. Today’s Distance: 125 mi/ 202 km (B)
Day 3: Belfast,Giant’S Causeway,Derry,Donegal,Ireland,Sligo
Location: Belfast, Giant’S Causeway, Derry, Donegal, Ireland, Sligo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
First stop this morning is awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, let the province’s story unfold as you head for the city of Derry before returning to the Republic to visit Donegal, the ancient town founded by Danish Vikings and home of the O’Donnell Clan. Drive along Donegal Bay with its small fishing ports and hidden beaches before arriving in Sligo.Today’s Distance: 197 mi/ 316 kmBELFAST–GIANT’S CAUSEWAY–DERRY–DONEGAL, IRELAND–SLIGO First stop this morning is awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, let the province’s story unfold as you head for the city of Derry before returning to the Republic to visit Donegal, the ancient town founded by Danish Vikings and home of the O’Donnell Clan. Drive along Donegal Bay with its small fishing ports and hidden beaches before arriving in Sligo.Today’s Distance: 197 mi/ 316 km (B,D)
Day 4: Sligo,Galway,Cliffs Of Moher,Limerick
Location: Sligo, Galway, Cliffs Of Moher, Limerick
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel farther south to Galway, a popular seaside destination and a buzzing cosmopolitan district with vibrant shops, and a busy café and bar culture. Cross the limestone plateau of The Burren to visit the spectacular 668-foot Cliffs of Moher. Go medieval with an optional outing in an original Irish castle to enjoy a medieval banquet. Enjoy a 4-course feast with wine, then relax as your medieval hosts dazzle you with unforgettable music and storytelling.Today’s Distance: 181 mi/ 290 kmSLIGO–GALWAY–CLIFFS OF MOHER–LIMERICK Travel farther south to Galway, a popular seaside destination and a buzzing cosmopolitan district with vibrant shops, and a busy café and bar culture. Cross the limestone plateau of The Burren to visit the spectacular 668-foot Cliffs of Moher. Go medieval with an optional outing in an original Irish castle to enjoy a medieval banquet. Enjoy a 4-course feast with wine, then relax as your medieval hosts dazzle you with unforgettable music and storytelling.Today’s Distance: 181 mi/ 290 km (B)
Day 5: Limerick,Adare,Dingle Peninsula,Killarney
Location: Limerick, Adare, Dingle Peninsula, Killarney
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start your day with a stroll through Adare, a village known for its prize-winning thatched cottages. Then, take in the breathtaking scenery of the Dingle Peninsula, where the 32-mile Slea Head drive affords magnificent vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. See the Blasket Islands and hear about the way of life and unique literary achievements of its inhabitants prior to their evacuation in 1953. The next two nights are spent in the popular resort of Killarney. Today’s Distance: 156 mi/ 253 kmLIMERICK–ADARE–DINGLE PENINSULA–KILLARNEY Start your day with a stroll through Adare, a village known for its prize-winning thatched cottages. Then, take in the breathtaking scenery of the Dingle Peninsula, where the 32-mile Slea Head drive affords magnificent vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. See the Blasket Islands and hear about the way of life and unique literary achievements of its inhabitants prior to their evacuation in 1953. The next two nights are spent in the popular resort of Killarney. Today’s Distance: 156 mi/ 253 km (B)
Day 6: Killarney. Ring Of Kerry Excursion
Location: Killarney. Ring Of Kerry Excursion
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
At Killorglin, join the Ring of Kerry for a 100-mile coastal panoramic drive featuring sparkling seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly painted farmhouses, winding lanes bordered with subtropical vegetation, and spectacular views of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View. Back in Killarney, climb aboard a delightful horse-drawn jaunting car ride for an optional through Killarney National Park to legendary Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Leane.Today’s Distance: 100 mi/ 160 kmKILLARNEY. RING OF KERRY EXCURSION At Killorglin, join the Ring of Kerry for a 100-mile coastal panoramic drive featuring sparkling seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly painted farmhouses, winding lanes bordered with subtropical vegetation, and spectacular views of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View. Back in Killarney, climb aboard a delightful horse-drawn jaunting car ride for an optional through Killarney National Park to legendary Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Leane.Today’s Distance: 100 mi/ 160 km (B,D)
Day 7: Killarney,Blarney,Waterford,Tramore
Location: Killarney, Blarney, Waterford, Tramore
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
More scenic beauty as you head over the Kerry Mountains into County Cork. Stop in Blarney, famous for its Stone of Eloquence, with time at your leisure to see the castle and shop for Irish crafts and handmade crystal. After lunch, drive past Cork, the country’s second-largest city on the way to Waterford, where a guided tour of the House of Waterford Crystal is included. Spend the night at the nearby seaside resort of Tramore. Enjoy a bit of craic (conversation) with an early evening optional of authentic Irish local favor. Take a scenic drive to a traditional pub with a local musician ready to entertain you and give you wonderful memories of this beautiful country. Two drinks of your choice are included.Today’s Distance: 142 mi/ 229 kmKILLARNEY–BLARNEY–WATERFORD–TRAMORE More scenic beauty as you head over the Kerry Mountains into County Cork. Stop in Blarney, famous for its Stone of Eloquence, with time at your leisure to see the castle and shop for Irish crafts and handmade crystal. After lunch, drive past Cork, the country’s second-largest city on the way to Waterford, where a guided tour of the House of Waterford Crystal is included. Spend the night at the nearby seaside resort of Tramore. Enjoy a bit of craic (conversation) with an early evening optional of authentic Irish local favor. Take a scenic drive to a traditional pub with a local musician ready to entertain you and give you wonderful memories of this beautiful country. Two drinks of your choice are included.Today’s Distance: 142 mi/ 229 km (B,D)
Day 8: Tramore,Kilkenny,Dublin
Location: Tramore, Kilkenny, Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast
On the last leg of your journey on the way to Dublin, visit Kilkenny to wander the Medieval Mile and learn about its Norman heritage. An optional Irish cabaret evening, including dinner, dance, song, and laughter would be an exciting finale to your vacation. Toast your last night in Ireland at the legendary Taylors Irish Cabaret, featuring a delicious dinner, drinks, and outstanding Irish music, dance, and comedy.Today’s Distance: 120 mi/ 193 kmTRAMORE–KILKENNY–DUBLIN On the last leg of your journey on the way to Dublin, visit Kilkenny to wander the Medieval Mile and learn about its Norman heritage. An optional Irish cabaret evening, including dinner, dance, song, and laughter would be an exciting finale to your vacation. Toast your last night in Ireland at the legendary Taylors Irish Cabaret, featuring a delicious dinner, drinks, and outstanding Irish music, dance, and comedy.Today’s Distance: 120 mi/ 193 km (B)
Day 9: Dublin
Location: Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.DUBLIN Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Fully Guided
Cosmos Tour Director.
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Meals
As detailed in the itinerary
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Guided Sightseeing
As detailed in the itinerary
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Transport
Private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi
What's Not Included
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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International Travel
Flights/travel to/from the UK for start & end of tour
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Optional
Any sightseeing noted as being an optional excursion
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TIpping & Gratuities
Meals
Full Irish breakfast daily; 3 three-course dinners with choice of menus
UNESCO Sites
Giant?s Causeway and Causeway Coast
Accommodation
Dublin:The Bonnington Dublin HotelBelfast:Leonardo Hotel BelfastSligo:Southern Hotel SligoLimerick:Greenhills HotelKillarney:The Parkavon HotelKillarney:Killarney Court HotelTramore:Majestic Hotel
Check out our Q&As
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What is the maximum group size?
Usually max 43 people
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes, 5 years or above
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Due to limited coach capacity, we only allow one suitcase per person. Your bag should have dimensions not exceeding 30"x21"x11" (62" linear dimensions) or weight exceeding 50 lbs. Carry-on bags should not exceed the dimensions of 12"x11"x6
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Low
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes.
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes.
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Are flights included in this tour?
Intra-vacation flights & Taxes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.