A journey through the Emerald Isle - Featuring Waterford Crystal, the Blarney Castle, the Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Cliffs of Moher, Connemara and more... The Republic of Ireland is the land of breathtaking landscapes, friendly people, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and we'll tour the best of Ireland with you! Universal Travel’s exclusive land program will certainly exceed your expectations of the Emerald Isle, whether you’re raising a pint with new Irish friends at a lively pub, following in the footsteps of your ancestors among the rolling hills and picturesque castles, or enjoying the best of Irish culture through authentic experiences. Thrill at the amazing Cliffs of Moher and the gorgeous Ring of Kerry & Dingle Peninsula on this perfect introduction to the Emerald Isle, including the mountainous beauty of Connemara.
June 9 – 18, 2025 | 9 Days / 8 Nights
Itinerary
June 9 | US | Ireland
Today transfer to the airport and board your overnight flight bound for Dublin, Ireland.
June 10 | Dublin | Waterford Crystal Factory
This morning you arrive in Dublin, where you are met by your private driver/guide. Your journey begins as you board your private motor coach and travel to Waterford. Your first stop is the world-famous Waterford Crystal factory. On your guided tour watch craftsman transform glowing balls of molten crystal into elegant shapes with skills that have made two hundred years of perfection clearly visible in every piece. Learn how the Master Sculptor works 3-dimensionally, using his skill to sculpt the desired piece from a solid block of crystal. Days, weeks, and even months can pass before a sculpted piece is completed. This afternoon enjoy a walking tour with a local guide in the country’s oldest city. Waterford was founded by Vikings in 914 A.D., and parts of its ancient walled core remain. Tonight’s dinner will be served in the hotel’s dining room.
Overnight: Waterford (B,D)
June 11 | Cobh Heritage Center | Blarney Castle
Travel south to Cobh today, the last port of call of the Titanic. An included tour at the Cobh Heritage Centre will reveal many of the places that still remain over a century after travelers embarked on that fateful voyage. Next, visit Blarney Castle to kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence” or explore the tranquil gardens. Treat yourself to quality Irish made goods at Blarney Woolen Mills. After free time for lunch on your own, journey to Killarney and check into your hotel for the next two nights. This evening, dinner is served in the hotel’s dining room.
Overnight: Killarney (B,D)
June 12 | Ring of Kerry | Traditional Sheep Farm
Today after breakfast, discover the natural beauty of the Emerald Isle on Ireland’s most popular scenic drive, the Ring of Kerry, with plenty of photo stops along the rugged coastline. This afternoon watch border collies in action during a traditional sheepdog demonstration at a family-run farm before you return to the hotel. Enjoy the evening in Killarney for dinner on your own.
Overnight: Killarney (B)
June 13 | Dingle Peninsula | Adare
After a leisurely breakfast and checking out of your hotel, depart for the famous Dingle Peninsula loop. Discover the glorious Dingle Peninsula, made famous in the movies “Ryan’s Daughter”, “Far & Away”, and “The Last Jedi”, which showcased the wonderful scenery found here. The Peninsula is 10 miles wide and runs 40 miles from Tralee to Slea Head. The top of its mountainous spine is Mount Brandon, at 3,130 feet, the second tallest mountain in Ireland. While only tiny villages lie west of Dingle town, the Peninsula is home to 500,000 sheep. After some free time for lunch and shopping in Dingle, travel northeast and arrive in one of Ireland’s prettiest villages, Adare. With its picture postcard main street of thatched cottages and medieval buildings, Adare village is rich in ancient and archaeological remains with a history dating back to 1200 A.D. Tonight’s dinner will be served at the hotel’s dining room.
Overnight: Adare (B,D)
June 14 | Cliffs of Moher | Galway | Westport
After a full Irish breakfast, head to the famous Cliffs of Moher, stunning rock formations that soar 700 feet above the churning Atlantic Ocean and extend for 9 miles. The Cliffs are home to thousands of seabirds, including puffins. On a clear day you can see the Aran Islands and Galway Bay. At the visitor center, enjoy free time for lunch and shopping. Next, travel on to Galway, through the austere beauty of the Burren, a distinctive limestone landscape formed by glaciers. It’s like no other place in Ireland with its karst landscape of bedrocks incorporating a vast cracked pavement of glacial-era limestone. From here you enter Galway and after a brief city tour you continue on to the town of Westport for a comfortable two-night stay! Westport is known for its seaside location and lively town center, and home to many restaurants, pubs, hotels, and shops. Tonight’s dinner is served at the hotels dining room.
Overnight: Westport (B,D)
June 15 | Connemara, Kylemore Abbey & Gardens
After breakfast you are off to Connemara, a place of contrasts, colors, wilderness, and warm welcomes on the west coast of Ireland. There is no doubt that there are many beautiful and eye-catching places worth visiting in Ireland. Connemara, however, is undeniably one of the most beautiful! From the bogs and lakes of the Gaelic speaking South Connemara, to the mountain vistas of North and West Connemara, the diversity of the landscape and the people who populate it offers much to the visitor. Here, you will visit the Kylemore Abbey, a Benedictine Monastery founded in 1920 on the grounds of Kylemore Castle. Nestled in the heart of Connemara, on the Wild Atlantic Way, Kylemore Abbey is a haven of history, beauty and serenity. Home to a Benedictine order of Nuns for the past 100 years, Kylemore Abbey welcomes visitors from all over the world each year to embrace the magic of the magnificent 1,000-acre estate. On your guided tour, you will see the Abbey’s beautifully restored period rooms and fascinating Visitor Experience and learn about its history of tragedy, romance, education, and spirituality. Explore the 6-acre Victorian Walled Garden with its delightfully restored garden buildings, formal flower, vegetable and herb gardens.
Overnight: Westport (B)
June 16 | Clonmacnoise, Sean’s Bar & Castle Hotel
Today your journey continues as you travel eastbound for Dublin. Visit one of the most famous monastic sites in Ireland, Clonmacnoise, located along the River Shannon. A walk amongst the peaceful stone ruins of this famous place will conjure images of the saints and scholars of Ireland’s renowned golden age of learning during the 9th century. Several books of annals were compiled there. Next, stop at the oldest pub in Europe, Sean’s Bar, which has been quenching thirsts since 900 AD. Later this afternoon you’ll check in at your castle hotel for another two-night stay!
Overnight: Clontarf/ Dublin (B)
June 17 | Dublin City tour , Guinness Store House
This morning, you are off to a panoramic city tour of Dublin. You pass by iconic sites like Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the General Post Office, Phoenix Park, Victorian St. Stephen’s Green and more. Next, enjoy a visit to the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, and savor the sights, sounds, tastes, and aromas of Guinness. This afternoon you’ll have free time for shopping on Grafton street. This evening features a fun filled farewell dinner accompanied by songs and music from an Irish harpist.
Overnight: Clontarf/ Dublin (B,D)
June 18 | Flight back Home
After breakfast this morning you depart for the airport and your flight home to the United States with fond memories of the Emerald Island. (B)
INCLUSIONS:
- Round trip airfare to Dublin & back home
- Luxury motor coach transportation while in Ireland
- Eight night’s accommodations in Waterford, Killarney (two nights), Adare, Westport (two nights), and a Castle Hotel near Dublin (two nights)
- 14 meals including Daily breakfasts & 5 dinners
(including a farewell dinner with entertainment) - All sightseeing, attractions, and admissions as per detailed itinerary
- Local step on guide in Waterford & Kylemore Abbey
- Guinness experience includes a pint of Guinness
- Professional Irish Driver/Guide while in Ireland
- Hotel taxes; meal taxes and gratuities
- Porterage of one bag per person
(excludes airline baggage fees)
- All resort, service, and government fees
- Service of a professional Tour Director
- ETIAS (European entry fee)
- All gratuities for drivers, guides, step-on guides
Payment
$800.00 deposit due at reservation
Final payment due Jan 21, 2025 (No penalties until Jan 25, 2025)
Cancellation
50% non-refundable Jan 26, 2025
100% non-refundable Feb 28, 2025
An optional Travel Protection plan is available with coverage for trip cancellation/interruption, see enclosed product flyer for more information.
A valid passport is required on this itinerary and must be valid for at least 6 month after returning back to the USA.