12 Day Complete Ireland
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
✓ Incredible Sightseeing! Explore Ireland's natural beauty on scenic drives along the Causeway Coast and Ring of Kerry, and discover its rich history and culture in Dublin, Belfast, Derry, Kilkenny, and Waterford
✓ Visits include The Glyde Inn VR Experience, Hillsborough Castle, Titanic Belfast, Giants Causeway, Derry City Walking tour, Belleek Pottery, Marble Arch Caves, Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, Jaunting Car ride in Killarney National Park, Midleton Distillery Experience, House of Waterford, Dunbrody Famine Ship and EPIC museum Dublin
✓ Limited group size for more convenience - maximum 29 passengers
✓ 11 nights’ in central 3 -4 star accommodation
✓ Daily breakfast and 2 dinners
✓ Fully escorted by a professional English-speaking tour guide
✓ Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout
✓ Porterage x 1 piece of luggage per person in and out of hotels
✓ In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Ireland! After your arrival at the airport, make your own way to the hotel and enjoy your first day at your own leisure. Perhaps visit Trinity College to see the famous book of Kells, or maybe get to know the Guinness Storehouse. Join your fellow tour participants for a welcome drink tonight.
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.
This morning meet your driver and guide at the hotel reception, we will cross the border into Northern Ireland heading for Belfast. Along the way, travel through the Boyne Valley and visit the 5,000-year-old Hill of Tara, the seat of the ancient High Kings of Ireland. At the Glyde Inn, experience a unique VR adventure that transforms you into a Viking. Continue to Hillsborough Castle, the official Royal Palace for Northern Ireland, for a tour of its fascinating history and stunning State Rooms.
This morning we will explore Belfast's rich heritage and vibrant culture on a panoramic city tour, passing by landmarks like City Hall and Queen's University. We then visit Titanic Belfast to learn the story of the world's most famous ship. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, exploring Belfast's many attractions.
Visit a family-owned sheep farm based deep in the beautiful ancient landscape of the Sperrin Mountains. Meet a fourth-generation shepherd who wants to introduce people to sheep farming, particularly his highly trained team of working sheepdogs. See the sheepdogs at work on this immersive experience.
Depart from your hotel this morning and travel along the spectacular North Antrim Coastline, taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Atlantic Ocean and the dramatic cliffs. Upon arrival at the Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marvel at the over 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, formed by a volcanic eruption over 60 million years ago. Explore this unique natural wonder at your own pace, walking along the different paths, admiring the columns from different angles, and learning more about their history and geology at the interpretive centre.
Continue to Derry, Ireland's only fully intact walled city, steeped in rich history and culture. Take a walk along the historic city walls, offering stunning views of the surrounding area, including the River Foyle and the iconic Peace Bridge.
After breakfast we will visit Belleek Pottery, a world-renowned pottery factory in business since 1857. See firsthand how this beautiful pottery is created, and learn about its rich history and heritage.
Travel to the Marble Arch Caves, a fascinating natural underworld of rivers, winding passages, and lofty chambers. These caves, located in the heart of the UNESCO Global Geopark, were formed in limestone rock by water flowing through the rock over millions of years. Join a guided tour to explore the chambers, passages, and systems of these amazing caves.
This morning, we will travel to County Clare and the Burren Region, a UNESCO Global Geopark known for its unique limestone landscape and dramatic coastline. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland's most popular tourist attractions. Rising to over 200 metres in places, the cliffs offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding coastline.
After exploring the Cliffs of Moher, return to Galway to enjoy some time at leisure in the city. You can visit the Galway Cathedral, take a walk through the Spanish Arch, or enjoy a traditional Irish meal at one of the city's many pubs.
This morning we will drive south through the rolling hills of Ireland, passing by the charming town of Limerick, founded by the Vikings in the 9th century. Continue on to Blarney, a picturesque village nestled in the heart of County Cork.
In the afternoon, arrive at Blarney Castle, a majestic medieval fortress perched atop a limestone outcrop. Wander through the castle's ancient halls and chambers, and learn about its rich history, dating back to the 13th century. Don't forget to visit the castle's most famous attraction, the Blarney Stone. Legend has it that kissing the stone will grant you the gift of the gab.
Today we will explore the highlights of the Ring of Kerry, one of the most scenic drives in the world. Take in the breathtaking views of Molls Gap and Ladies' View, two of the most iconic spots on the route.
Finish the day with a relaxing jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park. Jaunting cars are a traditional Irish form of transportation, and your jarvey will be able to tell you all about the area's history and culture.
Today we will visit the Midleton Distillery Experience, founded by the Murphy Brothers in 1825. This world-famous distillery still produces more than 24 million bottles of whiskey yearly. Take a guided tour to learn about the whiskey-making process, from grain to glass, and finish your visit with a tasting of this famous Irish whiskey.
Continue towards Waterford and visit the House of Waterford in the city's Viking Triangle. On this tour, witness how Waterford Crystal masterpieces are crafted, from initial design to final engraving. Learn about the history of this iconic Irish crystal company and see for yourself why Waterford Crystal is prized all over the world.
This morning we will visit the Dunbrody Famine Ship, a full-scale replica of the original ship built in 1845 for the Graves family of New Ross and which carried thousands of emigrants from Ireland to North America over thirty years. As you board the ship, you will be transported back in time. You will see the cramped and squalid conditions in which the emigrants travelled, and you will learn about the hardships they faced, such as disease, hunger, and overcrowding. You will also hear stories of the emigrants' hopes and dreams for a better life in North America.
In the afternoon, enjoy some leisure time in the picturesque medieval city of Kilkenny. Wander through the narrow streets and admire the historic buildings, such as Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice's Cathedral.
Kilkenny Castle has been an important site since the Anglo-Normans built it in the 12th century. Learn about life in the castle over the many centuries of its existence with a self-guided tour which takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete.
This morning we will depart Kilkenny and travel to Dublin, where we will visit the EPIC Museum and find out why over 10 million people emigrated from Ireland. As we uncover the stories of the emigrants, you’ll realise that emigration is not about what people leave behind but what they bring with them.
This afternoon enjoy free time to explore Dublin at your leisure.
Visit a lively pub in Dublin for an excellent dinner with traditional music, songs and step-dancing.
Today marks the end of your magnificent and unforgettable tour through Ireland. We hope you have thoroughly enjoyed your inspiring tour.
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
This is a land only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.
If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.
If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your own arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a”3”
Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. While tipping is not customary, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $1,645.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller’s Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for this tour to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
Group Size
Minimum of 2 and Maximum of 29 people
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.