The perfect introduction to the very best of Ireland. A 10-day tour of the Republic of Ireland, visiting its best-loved attractions and its best-kept secrets including the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Ancient East. The rich and rugged scenery. The friendly, welcoming people. The storied, unforgettable history. At a comfortable pace, this all-inclusive tour introduces you to Ireland's iconic locations and its vibrant culture.
Flexible CancellationsThis tour features both of the iconic Irish regions of The Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Ancient East.
Offering guests the chance to explore the quintessential destinations of the Irish landscape, the 10 Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour is the perfect bucket list adventure of Ireland. Click on the days below to find out what adventures you can look forward to on each day of your tour.
On arrival in Dublin Airport reclaim your baggage and enter the Arrivals Hall. Here, you will meet your tour guide (who is also your driver). There will be three group transfers this morning between 0700 am and 1200 noon. Board your luxury coach and transfer to the Dunboyne Castle Hotel.
15:00 Check-in time. Hotel reception will store your luggage prior to Check-in.
At 1900 this evening, all participants will gather for dinner in the Dunboyne Castle Hotel restaurant where you will become acquainted with your fellow travellers and the coming days can be discussed at leisure with your tour guide.
After a hearty full Irish breakfast we will depart for Galway City. Travelling west, your route today will take you through Ballinasloe & Athlone — in the centre of Ireland.
You will visit Clonmacnoise. A medieval monastery on the banks of the River Shannon founded by St. Ciaran in the 6th century. Clonmacnoise lay at a crossroads of medieval Ireland linking all parts of the island. Sacked time and again by the Vikings, it nevertheless flourished for over 600 years.
Journey on towards Galway City. It is known as the "City of the Tribes". On arrival in Galway, you will have a panoramic tour of this ancient city including its famous Eyre Square. Take time for a ramble through Salthill Promenade, a Wild Atlantic Way discovery point, or down Shop Street to Galway's Latin Quarter where stands Lynch's Castle, Galway's grandest 16th-century townhouse. Stroll up the bustling Quay Street with its many great pubs and lively street performers.
Tonight you will dine in the Menlo Park Hotel.
Today you will tour the sights of wild Connemara via the villages of Oughterard and Maam Cross, before travelling up the spectacular Inagh Valley to Kylemore.
You will visit Kylemore Abbey. An historic building nestled at the base of Duchruach Mountain, on the northern shore of Lough Pollacappul — in the heart of the Connemara Mountains. It is regarded as one of Ireland's most romantic buildings.
Continue on via Letterfrack to spend some free time in Clifden. Known as the capital of Connemara. It was founded in 1812 by the High Sheriff of Galway to create a "pocket of respectability" within the lawlessness of the area.
Return east to Galway City.
Tonight you will dine in the Menlo Park Hotel.
This morning, bright and early, we will head down the Atlantic seaboard on the west coast of Clare to Killarney Town. Your route today will be via the famous Galway Bay, Dunguaire Castle and the fishing village of Kinvarra.
You will see The Burren, which is Gaelic for rocky land—an apt name for this vast limestone plateau. In the 1640s, Cromwell's surveyor described it as "a savage land, yielding neither water enough to drown a man, nor tree to hang him, nor soil enough to bury".
On the coast, you will stand on the Cliffs of Moher. Braced against the ocean, on the coast of County Clare. Here you will stand on the dramatic 702ft (214m) high and 9 miles (14km) long cliffs, a Wild Atlantic Way signature discovery point, to gaze out on the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean.
Further south in County Limerick, take time to stroll the main street of the beautiful thatched village of Adare before travelling on to Killarney Town.
Tonight you will overnight & dine in Dromhall Hotel.
For guests who start their tour on the 9th of May, 6th of June or 12th of September, you will overnight & dine in Randles Hotel.
Both of these 4-star hotels are located adjacent to each other on the same street in Killarney Town.
This morning after breakfast, you will set off on the world-famous Ring Of Kerry. It is officially known as the Iveragh Peninsula. You will travel via Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Coomakesta Pass with it magnificent views over Derrynane, home of Daniel O' Connell, known as "The Liberator", to Caherdaniel.
Today, you will have a pub lunch in Blind Piper Pub. Here you will have a traditional Irish Pub Lunch. Located in the village of Caherdaniel, locals and visitors alike have been drinking here since 1865. Who is the Blind Piper you might ask? The Blind Piper is Mici Cumba O'Sullivan, who was born nearby in 1835 and became one of Ireland's most famous pipers.
Continue on Ring Of Kerry via the pretty village of Sneem, Moll’s Gap, Ladies View and along Killarney Lakes to Killarney Town.
Tonight you will overnight & dine in Dromhall Hotel.
For guests who start their tour on the 9th of May, 6th of June or 12th of September, you will overnight & dine in Randles Hotel.
Both of these 4-star hotels are located adjacent to each other on the same street in Killarney Town.
After a hearty Irish breakfast this morning, you will depart for Cork City. Founded on the banks of the River Lee. The rebel city is home of Murphy's Original Irish Stout, and considered by many Corkonians to be the real capital of Ireland!
Your route today will take you over the famous Cork/Kerry Mountains via the Irish speaking villages of Ballymakeery and Ballyvourney to the old market town of Macroom, where you will see Macroom Castle. Once home to Sir William Penn, whose son later founded the state of Pennsylvania. (This is a drive-by only and only noted for historical reasons as the castle is in ruins).
Travel on to the village of Blarney via the valley of the River Lee. Here you will visit Blarney Castle. Built on this site in 1446 by Dermot McCarthy. You will have the chance to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone. You will also have an opportunity to shop at Blarney Woollen Mills, boasting a huge selection of Irish arts, crafts & produce.
Continue onto Midleton Town and visit the Jameson Distillery Midleton. You will experience a fully guided Jameson Experience Tour. Here you will find the world's largest pot still, with a capacity of over 30,000 gallons. Continue onto Cork City.
Dine & Overnight at the Maldron Hotel South Mall.
After breakfast this morning, you'll have free time to wander through some of the small streets of Cork City.
Later this morning, you will travel to Charles Fort. This star-shaped fort was built in the 1670s by the English to protect Kinsale harbour against foreign naval forces.
Take time this afternoon to explore the beautiful town of Kinsale. The Gourmet Capital of Ireland. Originally a medieval fishing port, historic Kinsale is one of the most picturesque towns on the south west coast of Ireland. Boland's Craft Shop is just one of the many unique stores that are well worth a visit.
Dine & Overnight at the Maldron Hotel South Mall.
This morning after breakfast, you will depart for Dublin — Ireland’s capital city. En route, visit The Rock of Cashel. Rising dramatically from the grassy plains of county Tipperary. This was the seat of kings and medieval bishops for 900 years and flourished until the early 17th century. Brian Ború was crowned King of Munster here in 977, before becoming High King of Ireland in 1002.
You will enjoy a unique home-cooked Traditional Farm Lunch. This will be on a family farm outside Kilkenny. You can chat with your hosts and hear about their life and times farming in this rural part of Ireland.
After a hearty lunch, you will visit the Irish National Stud. This is a state–run bloodstock farm, which was founded in 1900 by an eccentric Anglo–Irish man by the name of Colonel William Walker. On finishing the tour of the stud farm, take a walk through the Japanese Gardens—laid out in 1906 to represent the "Life of Man".
This afternoon you will once again be back in Dublin City.
Overnight & dine at the Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge.
After breakfast, your exploration through Dublin City will begin with Trinity College. Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I on the site of an Augustinian monastery. See the Book Of Kells. The book, which is housed in Trinity College, is the most richly decorated of Ireland's medieval illuminated manuscripts. It contains the four gospels in Latin. Some of the dyes used were imported from as far as the Middle East.
From here you will travel to Christ Church Cathedral. Founded by the Viking King Sitric almost 1000 years ago in 1034. The cathedral crypt is one of the largest in the UK and Ireland, dating back to the 12th Century. Here, in the crypt, you can see the mummified remains of the Cat and the Rat which were found in the cathedral organ, and a rare 14th-century copy of the Magna Carta. You will also have a unique opportunity to visit the Belfry and ring the Cathedral bells. Please note: Getting to the Belfry in Christ Church Cathedral involves climbing 86 stone steps in a medieval building and crossing the roof at the South transept – quite the experience!
Visit Guinness Storehouse. With an address at the world-famous St. James's Gate. Here you will tour the world-renowned brewery and enjoy a perfect complimentary pint of Guinness in the Gravity Bar — located at the top of a glass tower that commands spectacular views of Dublin City.
Your farewell dinner and evening entertainment will take the form of a Traditional Music Night at The Merry Ploughboy Pub—one of Dublin's iconic trad music venues.
Overnight at the Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge.
Today marks the end of the 10 Day Iconic Tour of Ireland.
After a final great Irish breakfast this morning there will be 3 group transfers between 0500 and 1100 for you to choose from to get you to Dublin Airport for your return flight home. Turas sàbhailte dhuibh (safe journey).
Peace of Mind Travel Plan For added peace of mind, you can now make unlimited changes to your 2022 tour up to 60 days before it starts — at no extra cost.
- And, should COVID-19 be an issue in 2022 then there's extra flexibility in either of these situations:
- •Your airline cancels or changes your flight dates due to COVID-19.
- •Your government or the Irish government recommend against traveling due to COVID-19.
Find more information on our Peace of Mind Travel Plan.
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We have added extra flexibility to our cancellation timeline.
Meaning you can now make unlimited changes to your chosen tour up to 60 days before your arrival.
Our cancellation timeline is as follows;
The Deposit is non-refundable. However, before 60 days you can make unlimited changes for free, including changing your tour dates (including transferring to a tour in 2023), changing your tour and changing tour participants.
25% of total price
50% of total price
100% of total price
For more details, see our terms and conditions.
The Deposit for the 10 Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour 2022 is €300 per person.
For guests who are travelling alone and are therefore not sharing a room, the single occupancy supplement for the 10 Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour 2022 is €350.
The full balance is due 60 days before your tour.
All payments are in Euros.
We do not charge any fees for paying by credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express.
Children ages 8 yrs - 17 yrs inclusive receive a 10% discount on the prices. Children must share a room with a least 1 adult. Our tours do not cater for children 7 yrs or younger. You must be 18 or over to travel on our adults-only tours.
Perhaps the most vital ingredient of any tour is your tour guide. Acting not only as your guide but also as your driver, their knowledge and experience, their passion and personality form the foundation on which any successful tour is built.
That's why we only work with the very best guides in Ireland. As our past guests know, our tour guides are a big reason why we're Ireland's best-rated tour operator, with 444 five-star reviews out of a possible 451.
On your 10 Day Iconic Scenes Of Ireland tour you will be staying exclusively in four-star hotels. But not all four-star hotels are the same. We know and trust the accommodation providers we use, and we choose them carefully based not only on their star rating, but also on their location, service, value and character. With years of experience in the industry, we have the knowledge, the experience and the local contacts to design the perfect accommodation package for your vacation.
We are very selective in getting just the right accommodation for each specific tour, and we are very proud of the selection of hotels we have put together. Some of these hotels are family-owned, just like ourselves, and we have a long-standing relationship with them all.
On a tour vacation, the journey can be just as important as the destination. That's why our tour buses are all of the highest standards both in terms of luxury and reliability.
We deliberately leave some seats empty. In fact, we use 34-seater coaches, but limit the number of participants to 26. That's because we want all of our guests to be able to spread out, relax and enjoy the journey. This smaller group size is a core principle in our tours.
Please note: the bus shown in the gallery below is one of the 34-seater coaches used on our tours for max. 26 guests. For any reason, should one of these become unavailable for your tour we will endeavour to provide an equally luxurious and comfortable touring bus.
Adare is a small town in Co. Limerick, known for its quaint and colourful thatched cottages. Adare is considered to be one of Ireland's most beautiful towns so stop and take in the view. Don't forget your camera today - the perfect chance to capture the essence of old Ireland.
Adare. In the heart of county Limerick County Limerick we take time to stroll the main street of the beautiful thatched cottages in Adare
Explore Adare Village along the Wild Atlantic Way
Situated five miles north-west of Cork city, Blarney Castle is a solid fixture on almost any tour of Ireland. It is best known for the famous "Blarney Stone" of which visitors are encouraged to kiss, in accordance with a tradition that spans centuries.
Originally built in 1823, Blarney Woollen Mills was mainly used for the spinning and weaving of wool. After it closed in 1973, it reopened in 1975 — as an Irish heritage shop.
A family pub that has become something of a 'must-visit' for anyone travelling through the Ring of Kerry in recent years. Set in the idyllic village of Ballycarnahan, and serving some of the best quality pub food in the country.
This illuminated manuscript Gospel book is more than 1000 years old. An ancient text, it is now housed in Trinity College — right in the heart of Dublin. Famous the world over for its rich illustrations, it is generally considered to be Ireland's most treasured relic.
A limestone plateau covering 250 square kilometres, The Burren takes its name quite aptly from the Gaelic for "rocky land" or "great rock". While in one sense very fitting, the name does not do justice to what experts have more justly termed "one of the world's most stunningly unique natural heritage regions
".
The Burren runs alongside the Wild Atlantic Way.
At the southern-most tip of Summer Cove, on Kinsale Harbour in Co. Cork, awaits the unyielding presence of Charles Fort, a star-shaped stronghold protecting the harbour from sea invaders since its completion in 1682. In recent decades, Irish heritage organizations have restored the fort to the impressive standards it now displays.
Kinsale marks the beginning of the Wild Atlantic Way, if you are starting in the south, and the end if you are starting in the north.
Christ Church Cathedral, founded by the Viking King Sitric almost 1000 years ago in 1034. The cathedral crypt is one of the largest in the UK and Ireland, dating back to the 12th Century. Here in the crypt, you can see the Mummified remains of the Cat and the Rat which were found in the cathedral organ, and a rare 14th-century copy of the Magna Carta.
Clifden is a tranquil coastal town in the rugged and picturesque landscape of Connemara in County Galway. As the area's largest town it is often referred to as the "capital of Connemara". Clifden is home to the famous Sky Road and Clifden Castle.
Clifden also forms a part of the Wild Atlantic Way route. For more information click here.
One of the most popular and most eagerly anticipated attractions on any Ireland Tour, and the views will not disappoint. They rise to a height of 702ft (214m) and 9 miles (14km) long, these sheer vertical cliffs hold a steady, undulating line against the tireless advance of the Atlantic below. A better view of the sea and setting sun you will not find.
The Cliffs of Moher are a Signature Discovery Point on the Wild Atlantic Way. For more information click here.
Perched on the banks of the River Shannon, Clonmacnoise is perhaps the foremost of Ireland's monastic cities. For those interested in early Christianity, it is a must-see destination. Enclosed within the ancient city walls are various ecclesiastical ruins including a cathedral, seven ancient churches, three high crosses, round towers and the largest collection of Early Christian grave slabs in Western Europe — all remarkably well preserved and fascinating to anyone, not just those with a special interest in Ireland's religious history.
Connemara, in western County Galway, is a rugged and scenic landscape. Once described as a place of "savage beauty" by Oscar Wilde, Connemara is an expanse of bogs, mountains and lakes.
Connemara is also home to two Wild Atlantic Way's Signature Discovery Points in Derrigimlagh Bog and Killary Harbour.
It's the second-largest city in the Republic but the locals call Cork "the real capital of Ireland". They might not be the most impartial judges, but many visitors are inclined to agree, leaving this compact and alluring destination with an enduring fondness and a full belly: Cork is known throughout Ireland for its exceptional food.
Dublin is Ireland's capital city. It is known as being a friendly and vibrant place to visit — with an endless list of activities and destinations available to explore and world-famous nightlife.
After seeing a real Irish farm in operation, take time to sit and enjoy the fruits of their labour. You will even learn how they make their delicious home-made scones!
Galway City is seen as the cultural and artistic hub of Ireland. Take time to enjoy the artisanal food and relaxed, Bohemian vibes of this unique city.
Galway City and Salthill Promenade form part of the Wild Atlantic Way. The county of Galway also includes the Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Points of Killary Harbour, Cleggan Harbour and Sky Road. For more information click here.
Guinness is more than just a brand, indeed, more than just a beer. And that's not just for the Irish, but for the many millions of Guinness-drinkers worldwide. The site of the brewery itself is massive, at a staggering 26 hectares, but it will be the old grain storehouse that you visit. Shaped like a giant pint of the black stuff, this most popular of Dublin attractions towers over the surrounding neighbourhoods, with the top-floor Gravity Bar offering a delightful panorama across the Dublin cityscape which can only be enhanced by a well-earned pint to cap-off your visit.
Ireland's Ancient East is a touring region featuring some of the Emerald Isle's best-loved attractions. Running from Co. Monaghan in the north to Co. Cork in the south, it was created by Fáilte Ireland to showcase the top tourist destinations from its broad sweep of 17 eastern counties.
View our tours that feature Ireland's Ancient East...
×The Old Midleton Distillery is home to Ireland's other globally-recognizable tipple, Jameson's Whiskey. While Jameson's is enjoyed by millions worldwide, you don't need to be a whiskey-drinker to enjoy this fascinating visitor experience. There is much to discover here for everyone.
Muckross Estate, in the town of Killarney, County Kerry was donated to the Irish Free State in 1932. Its grounds became Ireland's first national park and, over time, it has expanded to encompass nearly 25,500 acres. The jewel in the crown of the park is its majestic lakes, Lough Leane (the lower lake), Muckross Lake (the middle lake), and the Upper Lake. These lakes make up a quarter of the park's area and continue to draw admirers in huge numbers ever since the park first opened.
Killarney National Parks & Lakes are located a short distance from the town of Kenmare on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Though perhaps offering fewer historical and cultural attractions than its west-coast counterparts, Killarney more than makes up for this with the welcoming bustle of the town itself and the staggering natural beauty of its neighbouring namesake, the Killarney National Park just five minutes' drive away.
Kinsale is found on the southern coast of County Cork. It is a port and fishing town that attracts large numbers of tourists, especially in the summer months. The main activities in Kinsale include yachting, sea angling, and golf. in 1601 a Spanish Armadas landed in the town in the hopes of combining with Irish rebel forces to take on the British. Eventually, The British won and continued to rule over Kinsale and Ireland for another 300 years.
Kinsale marks the beginning of the Wild Atlantic Way if you are starting in the south, and the end if you are starting in the north. Kinsale is also home to the Old Head Golf Links, the world-famous golf course based on the headland where a lighthouse was first established in the 17th century. The Old Head of Kinsale is also the closest point of land to where the RMS Lusitania was sunk in 1915. The Old Head of Kinsale is also a Discovery Point on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Kylemore Abbey is not only one of Ireland's most attractive buildings; since 1920, it has also been home to the Sisters of the Benedictine Order in Ireland. Even today, Kylemore continues to operate as a working Abbey: here, the sisters live, work and pray, as well as welcome visitors from across the globe. Kylemore Abbey's greatest attraction is its location. Nestled at the base of Duchruach Mountain on the northern shore of Lough Pollacappul, in the heart of the Connemara Mountains, it is regarded as one of Ireland's most romantic locations.
Kylemore Abbey can be viewed along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Situated in the old market town of the same name, Macroom Castle was once the home to Sir William Penn, whose son was later to found the state of Pennsylvania.
Just over a mile south of Kildare town, The Irish National stud is perhaps the biggest tourist attraction in this part of Ireland. In her historic 2011 visit to Ireland, Queen Elizabeth II fed her passion for all things equestrian by visiting the stud which is home to some of the world's finest horses. Owned by the Irish government, the stud breeds competition-quality stallions for breeding programs the world over.
While the Pub Lunch is a relatively new phenomenon in the Irish food service industry, the tradition of serving food in an Irish pub has been around for centuries. It usually consisted of the household, connected to the pub, cooking up a huge batch of stew and serving it to its patrons. As the market changed, so too did the menu. For decades, all you could expect for an Irish pub lunch was a toasted cheese sandwich and/or a bowl of soup. Today, most pubs in Ireland will serve an extensive selection of international dishes as well as traditional Irish favourites such as lamb stew and bacon & cabbage.
The Ring of Kerry is located on the Iveragh Peninsula of southwest County Kerry. It is a circular driving route that takes in a number of seaside villages and picturesque coastal landscapes.
The Ring of Kerry towns of Kilorglin, Glenbeigh, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Caherdaniel, Sneem and Kenmare also feature on the Wild Atlantic Way. You can also visit the Wild Atlantic Way Signature Discovery Point of Skellig Michael, an abandoned 7th-century Christian island monastery, from the town of Portmagee during the warmer months of the year.