Country Roads of Ireland
A 13-Day Insight Tours tour starting from $2,575
(5 out of 5, Based on 1 ratings) | Write a review
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| Starting Price: | $2,575 |  |
| Tour Length: | 13 Days | |
| Countries Visited: | Ireland | |
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Cities Visited: This is a well paced tour with two-night stays in Killarney and Galway, as well as in Dublin. The driving days are of a reasonable length, with frequent stops offering splendid photo opportunities. |
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Included Premium Highlights
- Tour the Ring of Kerry, a scenic symphony with stunning views over mountains and sea
- Enjoy a highlight ride with the locals on one of the famous Killarney jaunting cars
- Ireland's rural heritage comes to life on your visit to Bunratty Folk Park
- Admire the breathtaking views of the Clare Coast and the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher
- Visit the spectacular Giant's Causeway
Included Personal Insights
- An equine professional will join you for a behind the scenes look at Ireland's National Stud and its famous Japanese Gardens
- Meet the descendants of the last 12th century High Kings of Ireland at their ancestral home, Clonalis House
Included Additional Excursions & Sights
- See the Customs House, Dublin Castle and O'Connell Street in Dublin
- Stop in medieval Kilkenny and visit Kilkenny Design Center
- See the remains of the old city walls and Reginald's Tower in Waterford
- Visit the Waterford Crystal showrooms
- Climb Blarney Castle and dangle from the ramparts to kiss the famous 'Blarney Stone'
- Scenic tour of Dingle Peninsula to Slea Head Visit the town of Adare
- See King John's Castle and St Mary's Cathedral in Limerick
- See St. Nicholas Cathedral, Spanish Arch and Eyre Square in Galway
- Connemara excursion including a visit to the Connemara Marble factory
- Visit the turreted neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey Visit Belleek Pottery Center
- See 'Derry's Walls' and Gothic guildhall See Carrickfergus Castle
- View the City Hall and Queen's University in Belfast
- Scenic drives - the 'Burren', Antrim coast, Boyne Valley
Included First Class Services
- Escorted by a professional Tour Director
- Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard restroom
- Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
- Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
- Airport Shuttle arrival and departure transfers at scheduled times on Day 2 and Day 13
Included Quality Dining
- Dine-Around evening at your own choice of restaurant from our selection in Kilarney (DA)
- 11 full Breakfasts (B) and 5 three-course Evening Meals with choice, or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
Day 1 - DEPART USA
Overnight flight.
Day 2 - DUBLIN SIGHTSEEING
Welcome to Ireland! On arrival at Dublin Airport, your airport shuttle service leaves for the tour hotel at 08:00, 11:00 & 13:30. Later, your sightseeing tour of Dublin includes the elegant squares of Ireland's 'fair city'. See the famous O'Connell Street, Customs House and Dublin Castle. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Drink with your Tour Director and fellow guests.
Hotel: Burlington.
Day 3 - DUBLIN - KILDARE - KILKENNY - WATERFORD
Drive to Kildare for an informative visit to Ireland's National Stud, one of the country's main racehorse breeding centres. Visit the Japanese Gardens, laid out by Eida, a Japanese landscape artist invited to Ireland at the turn of last century. Move on to the medevial town of Kilkenny with free time to see St.Canice's Cathedral and the Kilkenny Design Centre before continuing to your hotel in historic Waterford.
Hotel: Dooleys. (B)
Day 4 - WATERFORD - BLARNEY
See history unfold before your eyes in Waterford as you view the 9th century Reginald's Tower and the remains of the old city walls. Visit the Waterford Crystal showroom before a coastal drive brings you to Ireland's second city of Cork, then continue to your hotel in Blarney. This afternoon visit the ancient castle of Blarney this morning. Will you dare to hang upside down from the ramparts to kiss the Blarney Stone, and ensure a lifetime of eloquence?
Hotel: Blarney Golf Resort (B,D)
Day 5 - BLARNEY - KILLARNEY
Drive up the valley of the River Lee into the majestic Derrynasaggart Mountains, and continue to the beautiful scenery of the Dingle Peninsula, spectacular setting for the film Ryan's Daughter. From dramatic Slea Head at the peninsula's far end, make your way to the peaceful town of Killarney.
Hotel: Killarney Towers (B,D)
Day 6 - RING OF KERRY EXCURSION
An excursion takes you around the Ring of Kerry on one of the world's greatest scenic tours: see towering cliffs, lush lakelands, remote villages and, above all, Ireland's highest mountain range, and view the three peaceful Lakes of Killarney. Return to Killarney and enjoy a highlight ride with the locals on one of the famous jaunting cars. Tonight your Dine-Around evening offers you the option of dinner at a selection
of local restaurants. (B,DA)
Day 7 - KILLARNEY - LIMERICK - GALWAY
Drive via picturesque Adare to the city of Limerick and see St Mary's Cathedral and medieval King John's Castle. Now visit Bunratty Folk Park, which recreates the homes and lifestyle of rural Ireland over the centuries. Continue to the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher with breathtaking views of the Clare Coast before a delightful drive through the Burren, a strange, rocky landscape rich with wild orchids.
Hotel: Maldron (B,D)
Day 8 - CONNEMARA EXCURSION
In Galway, see St Nicholas Cathedral, the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US president John F Kennedy. The beautiful rugged landscape of Connemara opens up a wonderland of rivers, lakes and silent hills en route to the famous marble factory, where you will tour the workshop. Visit palatial Kylemore Abbey before returning to your hotel. (B)
Day 9 - GALWAY - BELLEEK - LONDONDERRY
Bidding farewell to Galway and Connemara, drive past Tuam to Clonalis House.This estate is the home of the O'Connor family, descendants of the last High Kings of Ireland. Meet the resident family and tour their home before driving through County Sligo to visit the Belleek Pottery Centre. Continue to Donegal County, and head north through the Blue Stack Mountains into Northern Ireland, settling for the night in the ancient city of 'Derry'.
Hotel: City (B,D)
Day 10 - LONDONDERRY - BALLYGALLY
Sightseeing with a local guide takes you inside the well preserved walls, still topped with cannons, and down steep Shipquay Street, with its elegant Georgian houses, to the Gothic Guildhall. Continue along the coast to the spectacular Giant's Causeway, and hear the fantastic legends which surround this geological masterpiece created by the cooling of lava which burst through the Earth's crust millions of years ago. Continue along the scenic Antrim coast to arrive at your hotel, overlooking the sandy beach of Ballygally Bay.
Hotel: Ballygally Castle (B,D)
Day 11 - BALLYGALLY - BELFAST
Continue around the coast, past the huge Norman castle at Carrickfergus, to arrive in Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. Meet your local guide for a panoramic tour of this unique city, with highlights including City Hall, Queen's University and Stormont Castle.
Hotel: Europa (B)
Day 12 - BELFAST - DUBLIN
Travel alongside the Mountains of Mourne to Drogheda, taking a short drive along the historic Boyne Valley, site of the Battle of Boyne where William of Orange defeated the forces of Catholic King James. Return to Ireland's lively capital, Dublin, and spend a leisurely evening relaxing, exploring or perhaps taking in a famous Irish Cabaret show.
Hotel: Burlington (B)
Day 13 - RETURN TO USA
Departure transfers arrive at Dublin Airport at 07:30, 09:30 & 11:30. (B)
Don't miss our current specials: | ||||
Touring Date |
Land Only |
Land + Air |
Single (Land Only) |
Single (Land + Air) |
8/1/2010 - 8/13/2010 |
$2,575 |
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8/8/2010 - 8/20/2010 |
$2,575 |
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8/15/2010 - 8/27/2010 |
$2,575 |
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8/22/2010 - 9/3/2010 |
$2,575 |
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8/29/2010 - 9/10/2010 |
$2,575 |
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9/5/2010 - 9/17/2010 |
$2,575 |
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9/12/2010 - 9/24/2010 |
$2,575 |
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9/19/2010 - 10/1/2010 |
$2,575 |
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9/26/2010 - 10/8/2010 |
$2,575 |
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Airfare Disclaimer Documents |
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Included Premium Highlights
- Tour the Ring of Kerry, a scenic symphony with stunning views over mountains and sea
- Enjoy a highlight ride with the locals on one of the famous Killarney jaunting cars
- Ireland's rural heritage comes to life on your visit to Bunratty Folk Park
- Admire the breathtaking views of the Clare Coast and the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher
- Visit the spectacular Giant's Causeway
Included Personal Insights
- An equine professional will join you for a behind the scenes look at Ireland's National Stud and its famous Japanese Gardens
- Meet the descendants of the last 12th century High Kings of Ireland at their ancestral home, Clonalis House
Included Additional Excursions & Sights
- See the Customs House, Dublin Castle and O'Connell Street in Dublin
- Stop in medieval Kilkenny and visit Kilkenny Design Center
- See the remains of the old city walls and Reginald's Tower in Waterford
- Visit the Waterford Crystal showrooms
- Climb Blarney Castle and dangle from the ramparts to kiss the famous 'Blarney Stone'
- Scenic tour of Dingle Peninsula to Slea Head Visit the town of Adare
- See King John's Castle and St Mary's Cathedral in Limerick
- See St. Nicholas Cathedral, Spanish Arch and Eyre Square in Galway
- Connemara excursion including a visit to the Connemara Marble factory
- Visit the turreted neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey Visit Belleek Pottery Center
- See 'Derry's Walls' and Gothic guildhall See Carrickfergus Castle
- View the City Hall and Queen's University in Belfast
- Scenic drives - the 'Burren', Antrim coast, Boyne Valley
Included First Class Services
- Escorted by a professional Tour Director
- Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard restroom
- Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
- Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
- Airport Shuttle arrival and departure transfers at scheduled times on Day 2 and Day 13
Included Quality Dining
- Dine-Around evening at your own choice of restaurant from our selection in Kilarney (DA)
- 11 full Breakfasts (B) and 5 three-course Evening Meals with choice, or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
Save 7.5% on Europe Winter Travel
November to April is the perfect time to visit Europe. The climate is often surprisingly mild, and the cities belong to their inhabitants and just a few discerning visitors. There is no better, more complete way to enjoy this experience than on an Insight Vacations escorted tour. Best of all prices are substantially lower than in peak summer season!
Save 7.5% on any 2010/11 Winter Europe packaged tour if you book and pay in full by August 13th.
Click to view all Insight Winter Vacations
TERMS: Booking and full payment for land portion must be made by August 13th, 2010. Offer is valid for new bookings made betweenJune 21st, 2010 and August 13th, 2010. Valid for land portion only. Travel must depart between November 1st, 2010 and April 3rd, 2011. Offer NOT valid on Select Choices departures or on Israel, Jordan, Greece, Turkey and Egypt. Offer applies to new bookings only. Normal name change policy applies. Offer is applicable to groups – with availability and collection of travelers’ names at time of booking. Promotion is NOT combinable with Early Payment brochure discount or any current air promotions. Promotion is combinable with all other brochure discounts. Once payment is received, cancellation penalties apply. Offer may be withdrawn at any time and subject to availability. Other restrictions apply. Please call for details. CST No. 20687545-20.
Great Savings and Discounts
FRIENDS & FAMILY DISCOUNTS
SAVE 5% FOR 5 - 8 PASSENGERS
Why not share your Insight tour experience with your friends and family – and save money! If 5-8 passengers book together we offer a discount of 5%. Further savings are available for groups of 9 or more passengers! This discount cannot be combined with Frequent Traveler, Young Traveler or Triple Room Discounts. To qualify, the names of all passengers traveling must be advised to Insight at the time of booking. Does not apply to Oberammergau Passion Play Option, additional accommodation, airfares or fl ight supplements, Select London Week, Select London & Paris, Select London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, and tours with Mediterranean or River cruises.
YOUNG TRAVELER SAVINGS
5 - 17 YEAR OLDS SAVE UP TO 10%
Insight offers you the opportunity of sharing your happy holiday memories with your children or grandchildren. This discount applies only to tours featuring the “Young Traveler Discount” in the price panel. Check the itinerary pages now to see how much you can SAVE! Young Travelers must be under the age of 18 years old on the tour departure date and accompanied by an adult (limit of one Young Traveler Discount per room). Children under 5 years old are not accepted on any escorted tour.
This discount cannot be combined with our “Friends & Family Discount”.
SINGLE TRAVELER SAVING
INSIGHT’S ROOM MATE MATCHING
For people traveling alone on an Insight coach tour, we’ll match you with someone of the same gender, so you don’t have to pay the single room supplement. If we fail to match you, we’ll provide a single room at no extra cost†. There is a no-smoking policy in all shared rooms. Does not apply to additional accommodation, Riad upgrade option, airfares or flight supplements, Select London Week, Select London & Paris, Select London, Paris & Rome, Irish Elegance, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours and tours with Mediterranean or River cruises. †Single rooms are not available for the Oberammergau Passion Play Option.
TRIPLE ROOM DISCOUNT
When three people travel together room, each of the three enjoys a discount off the tour price. See the Triple Room Reductions on the itinerary of your choice. This discount only applies to tours featuring the “Triple
Room Discount” in the price panel. Note the third bed on occasions, will be a foldaway. This discount cannot be combined with our “Friends & Family Discount”. Triple rooms are not available for the Oberammergau Passion
Play Option
FREQUENT TRAVELER SAVING
In recognition of our loyal customers, Insight now extends to all traveled guests automatic membership into our Club Bon Voyage, as well as a 5% Discount off the Land portion of their next Insight trip. You will need to travel within the next two years. So act NOW and take full advantage of this great offer. Enrolment forms and discount vouchers are available
from your Tour Director. Insight’s Club Bon Voyage and 5% Discount is not available retroactively. Only one voucher is available per person, per tour, per year and only one voucher can be redeemed against each further
tour booking. This discount cannot be combined with our “Friends & Family Discount” and “Extra Tour Discount.” Does not apply to Oberammergau Passion Play Option, additional accommodations, Select London Week, Select London & Paris and Select London, Paris & Rome.
EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNT
ON EARLY BOOKINGS
Insight’s most popular tours fi ll very quickly. Don’t be disappointed, book early! You’ll be assured of the tours you want, and the earlier you pay, the more you SAVE! Here’s how...
Pay in full 12 months prior to your tour departure
date and SAVE UP TO 10%
Pay in full 10 months prior to your tour departure
date and SAVE UP TO 7.5%
Pay in full 6 months prior to your tour departure
date and SAVE UP TO 5%
Tours must be paid in full for this discount to apply. This discount only applies to tours that feature the “Early Payment Discount” in the price panel.
Ratings & Reviews:
This tour's average rating:
(5 out of 5, Based on 1 ratings) Write a review.
The most recent reviews for this tour:
Nicky Druyor rated this tour a 5 on 10/18/2009 8:21:19 PM and says:
"My sister and I just returned from the Country Roads of Ireland tour with Maureen, our guide,and Tony, our driver. We had a wonderful time. Maureen is everything you could want in a tour guide and Tony kept us safe over some pretty harrowing turns and roads. Thanks to both. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone."
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