There’s something about Ireland that stirs the soul and beckons travelers. If you find yourself raising a pint of Guinness on St Patrick’s day and sighing ‘someday’, maybe it’s time to fulfil your Irish wanderlust and make someday today.
As part of our special Collette travel series, now we travel to Ireland with the Shades of Ireland tour. Beginning in vibrant and history-filled Dublin, roam the countryside across rolling green hills to the dramatic coast, experiencing Ireland’s charm to the full on this magical tour of the Emerald Isle.
Live like royalty during an overnight stay on the grounds of a castle. Visit Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit the House of Waterford Crystal or tour the renowned Medieval Museum. See the Atlantic from the stunning 700-foot Cliffs of Moher, kiss the famous Blarney stone and much more.
The Collette difference
When you travel with Collette you can kick back, relax and enjoy the ride, knowing that all the important details are taken care of, because that’s what they do best. From transfers to the best quality accommodation and skip-the-line tickets, it’s all sorted for you.
Your itinerary
Pre-night.
Your tour of Ireland begins in Dublin at the Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin.
A landmark on Dublin’s main thoroughfare, the Gresham Hotel is provides a classic Dublin experience in the heart of its City Center. Enjoy easy access many of Dublin’s main attractions. While at the Gresham Hotel Dublin, enjoy luxurious modern rooms within this historic hotel building. Take in the views of Dublin’s city center. Explore Dublin. Enjoy a stay at the beautiful, historic Gresham Hotel Dublin.
Day 1 – Dublin
Awake refreshed and begin your tour. Today you’ll get a taste of old Dublin. Tonight, you and your fellow travellers revel in a traditional Irish evening, including regional cuisine. Tonight, dinner is included.
Day 2 – Dublin
Today, it’s your choice to see what you want to see in Dublin! Choose to ride with a local guide to see St. Patrick’s Cathedral, O’Connell Street, the General Post Office, and the historic Phoenix Park -OR- choose a walking tour of the city’s historic centre, exploring St. Stephen’s Green, Grafton Street, and the River Liffey. The afternoon is yours to discover Dublin’s charms on your own. Today, breakfast is included.
Day 3 – Dublin – Kilkenny – Waterford
Step back in time. Begin the day in the medieval splendour of 12th century Kilkenny on the River Nore. Then, in Waterford, embark on a leisurely walking tour of Ireland’s oldest city. It’s your choice! Tour the Waterford Crystal factory and learn how exquisite crystal has been made for centuries -OR- visit the Medieval Museum for a guided tour and glass of wine in the 15th-century Mayor’s Wine Vault. Today, breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 4 – Waterford – Blarney Stone – Killarney
As legend has it, those who kiss the Blarney Stone gain the gift of eloquence. This morning, give it a shot at historic Blarney Castle. Cross into County Kerry and on to charming Killarney where you’ll board a traditional boat* and sail through the breathtaking lakes in the company of an expert boatman. This evening, it’s Diner’s Choice… tonight’s dinner is included, and you’ll choose the perfect spot from a “menu” of Killarney’s great restaurants. Today, breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 5 – Killarney – Ring of Kerry – Killarney
Marvel at the rugged coastline. Loop around the picturesque Ring of Kerry, past pristine beaches, quaint villages and majestic landscapes. At the Gap of Dunloe, shop for local artisan-made crafts. See border collies in action during a sheepdog demonstration at a family-run farm. The night is free for reminiscing about the day as you find your own authentic taste of Irish culture. Today, breakfast is included.
Day 6 – Killarney – Adare – Limerick
Start your day with a traditional jaunting car ride* through Killarney National Park. Travel to Adare, Ireland’s prettiest village, for some time at leisure. Continue to Limerick where a panoramic city tour showcases King John’s Castle and the Treaty Stone. Delve into the fascinating history of the “city of the violated treaty.” Today, breakfast is included.
Day 7 – Limerick – Cliffs of Moher – Galway – Limerick
Discover the dramatic, 700-foot-high Cliffs of Moher for cinematic views of the mighty Atlantic. Pass through the windswept, limestone landscape of the Burren, known for its stark beauty and Neolithic tombs. Continue on to Galway where a brief tour showcases “The City of Tribes” before relaxing over dinner in a local restaurant. Today, breakfast and lunch are included.
Day 8 – Limerick – Tullamore/Kilbeggan – Kingscourt
You don’t have to be a connoisseur to appreciate the old-world heritage of Ireland’s whiskey territory. Visit Tullamore and Kilbeggan in the heart of Ireland, where a superb distillery brings whiskey craftsmanship to life and gives you a taste of the final product. Top your day off with an overnight stay on the regal grounds of Cabra Castle where you toast the end of a fabulous trip during your farewell dinner. Today, breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 9 – Kingscourt – tour ends
Your journey ends in Kingscourt. Today, breakfast is included.
Post-night – Cabra Castle
Cabra Castle stands on 88 acres of gardens and parkland. This property boasts a proud history dating as far back as 1760. Cabra’s long history lends a mature, cultured air to the castle which can be felt by one and all as you stroll along the castle’s impressive hallways and stairwells.
Collette gives you more
When you travel with Collette, you get so much more. More inclusions, more meals, 4-star+ centrally-located accommodation and the opportunity to personalise your tour. Their experienced tour managers are people who also genuinely love to travel. They bring their own local knowledge, and local contacts, to every tour to ensure your holiday ticks all the boxes and also includes a few wonderfully unexpected surprises, too. They know where the hidden gems are, so you’ll experience the most authentic Ireland, to be sure.
Want to know more? Discover more about the wonders of beautiful Ireland and its people here.
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