14 DAYS DISCOVER IRELAND FROM $4499PP
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE CITIES & CASTLES OF IRELAND
EXPLORE DUBLIN, BELFAST, GALWAY & MORE
INCLUDES RETURN INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
The rumours are true: Ireland is absolutely stunning. Discover the wonders of the Emerald Isle with this 14-day highlights package, which showcases the best of what this unique destination has to offer, from the Blarney Castle to the Cliffs of Moher.
Discover the historical landmarks of Dublin, such as Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Trinity College and, of course, the iconic Guinness storehouse; enjoy a guided tour in Belfast; take in the mind-boggling natural beauty of Giant's Causeway, a World Heritage site; discover the vibrant cities of Londonderry, Galway and Killarney; explore the historical towns of Donegal and Cork; embrace the wonder of the UNESCO-listed Cliffs of Moher in County Clare; see the astonishing King John Castle, Lynch Castle, the Church of St Nicholas and much more. Plus, if you'd like the chance to gain the gift of eloquence, take the opportunity to hang upside down at Blarney Castle and give the famous Blarney Stone a kiss!
Package includes return international flights with premium airlines, 11 nights quality accommodation, daily breakfast, return airport transfers and more.
ITINERARY
DAY 1 NEW ZEALAND TO DUBLIN, IRELAND
Today depart from Auckland or *Christchurch for Dublin, Ireland. Fly with airlines such as Etihad Airways, Emirates or Qatar Airways to name a few (subject to availability).
Meals included: In-Flight
DAY 2 WELCOME TO DUBLIN!
Upon arrival be greeted and transferred to your hotel in Dublin.
Overnight: Clayton Hotel Leopardstown, Dublin or similar
Meals included: None
DAY 3 DUBLIN CITY TOUR
This morning, enjoy a traditional Irish breakfast, before embarking on a full-day guided tour of Dublin. This includes a visit to the medieval Saint Patrick's Cathedral (entrance included), the largest cathedral in Ireland. The Cathedral of St. Patrick was built next to a well in which, according to legend, St. Patrick baptised those who converted from Paganism to Christianity.
The tour continues on to Trinity College and its library (view from outside), which houses one of the world's most precious books, the Kells, followed by a visit to Georgian squares and buildings, such as Merrion and Fitzwilliam. This afternoon, enjoy a walk to the shopping areas of Grafton Street and see the Guinness Storehouse (entrance not included). The remainder of the day can be taken at leisure or perhaps take part in a typical dinner, accompanied by music and traditional dances or a taste of beer at the famous Temple Bar (not included).
Overnight: Clayton Hotel Leopardstown, Dublin or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 4 DUBLIN - BELFAST - LONDONDERRY (APPROX. 280 KM)
The journey continues today to Londonderry. On the way stop in at Belfast, Northern Ireland’s capital. Enjoy a half day guided tour which involves a pleasant walk through the heart of Belfast. As you walk the River Lagan, pass by the Titanic Belfast, home to Titanic Studios, famous for Game of Thrones production.
Afterwards, drive along the famous Causeway Coast where one stunning site leads to another, from the craggy castle ruins of Dunluce Castle to the pale cream sands of Whiterocks Beach. As you weave along this great driving route, one sight jumps out as truly spectacular: the Giant’s Causeway. The UNESCO world listed heritage site provides both mind-boggling beauty and a portal into Earth’s most ancient past.
In the afternoon, arrive in Londonderry and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Maldron Hotel, Londonderry or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 5 LONDONDERRY FREE DAY
Today, enjoy a free day at leisure in Londonderry, also known as Derry, a city on the River Foyle. Enjoy the opportunity to walk the 17th-century walls, Londonderry is the only completely walled city in Ireland and renowned as one of the finest in Europe. Perhaps finish today off by crossing the Peace Bridge to Ebrington Square and the Walled City Brewery, where you can raise a glass to this unique city.
Overnight: Maldron Hotel, Londonderry or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 6 LONDONDERRY - DONEGAL - GALWAY (APPROX. 280 KM)
This morning enjoy breakfast before your journey continues to Galway. Make a stop on the way to Donegal, a town at the mouth of the River Eske. The town was invaded by the Vikings in the 8th century, hence the Gaelic name, Dun na nGall, which means ’Fort of the Foreigners’. The Vikings built a garrison in the town, thought to have been in the grounds where O'Donnells Castle/Donegal Castle now stands.
In the afternoon arrive in Galway (in Gaillimh Gaelic: “rocky river”), which owes its name to the bed of stones of the Corrib, the river that crosses it. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Flannery’s Hotel, Galway or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 7 GALWAY CITY TOUR
After breakfast, enjoy a half day guided tour with a local guide. See the Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas, founded in 1320 in honour of St. Nicholas of Myra (patron saint of sailors). Head onwards to the Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption and St. Nicholas, the Lynch Castle, Court of Justice and the Old Town Hall. This afternoon take the time to discover the city at your own pace.
Overnight: Flannery’s Hotel, Galway or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 8 GALWAY - CLIFFS OF MOHER - LIMERICK (APPROX. 155 KM)
Following breakfast, start the day early with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Cliffs of Moher, which rise to a height of 214m before abruptly falling away into the vast Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy views that stretch to the Aran Islands and the hills of Connemara. Afterwards, arrive in Limerick, the third most populated city in the country, where King John Castle, one of its main attractions stands out.
Overnight: Clayton Hotel, Limerick or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 9 LIMERICK - RING OF KERRY - KILLARNEY (APPROX. 200 KM)
Enjoy breakfast before departing to Killarney via Ring of Kerry, a scenic drive around the Iveragh Peninsula in southwest Ireland’s County Kerry. This 179km-long circular route takes in rugged and verdant coastal landscapes and rural seaside villages. See Skellig Michael, a rocky island housing an abandoned 7th-century Christian monastery and is now a major destination point, with several boats from Portmagee making the 12km crossing during the warmer months. Above all, The Ring of Kerry is a photographers paradise; wildlife, river, coastal and forest set stunning scenery that changes as the light dances to the tune of the incoming Atlantic weather.
Today's final stop is Killarney, a town on the shores of Lough Leane. Situated on the Ring of Kerry scenic drive, this vibrant ‘little’ town is enveloped in beautiful countryside which makes Killarney a very special place indeed. Killarney is populated with enthusiastic and welcoming people. Across the bridge from St Mary's Cathedral is Killarney National Park, the Victorian mansion Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farms reside here.
Overnight: Holiday Inn, Killarney or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 10 KILLARNEY - BLARNEY - CORK (APPROX. 85 KM)
Today continue your Irish journey to Cork via Blarney, a village just outside the city of Cork. Its 15th-century Blarney Castle is home to the legendary Blarney Stone. Over the last few hundred years, millions have flocked to Blarney, making it a world landmark and one of Ireland's greatest treasures. Now that might have something to do with the Blarney Stone, the legendary Stone of Eloquence, found at the top of the tower; “Kiss it and you'll never again be lost for words”.
This afternoon, arrive in Cork, a university city with its centre on an island in the River Lee. Enjoy a walking tour with your Tour Leader though one of the most buzzing cities on the island. With riverside walks and great pubs, Cork provides super memorable, off-beat experiences.
Overnight: Clayton Hotel, Cork or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 11 CORK - DUBLIN (APPROX. 260 KM)
This morning enjoy some free time in Cork before heading back to Dublin.
Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure in Dublin, soaking in the heritage and hedonism of Ireland's capital.
Overnight: Clayton Hotel Leopardstown, Dublin or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 12 DUBLIN FREE DAY
Today enjoy your last day free at leisure in Dublin. Take some time to enjoy the city’s sensational dining, music and pub scenes!
Overnight: Clayton Hotel Leopardstown, Dublin or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 13 DUBLIN, IRELAND - NEW ZEALAND
Enjoy your final morning in Ireland before being transferred to the airport for your return flight back to New Zealand!
Please note: if your flight departs early, breakfast will be arranged for pick up from the hotel reception the night before.
Meals included: Breakfast;In-Flight
DAY 14 ARRIVE IN NEW ZEALAND
Please note, some flights may arrive in New Zealand +1 day later.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
*Prices are per person (pp) in NZD, twin share based on lead in season. All care is taken to promote correct pricing at time of publication but is dependent upon availability and will be confirmed at time of reservation. Valid for sale until sold out. Airfares not included unless specified. Offers are subject to availability and can change without notification due to fluctuations in charges and currency. Credit card surcharges apply. For full terms and conditions please contact a World Travellers consultant.