If you can't find a date that suits you on this tour, be sure to check out the rest of our 2023 shared tour series and our 2024 shared tour series.
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.
This 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.
Time | Arrival Transfer details |
---|---|
Between 07:00 and 12 (noon) | Dublin Airport There are 3 group airport transfers this morning, between 7am and 12 noon, from Dublin Airport to Dunboyne Castle Hotel. |
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 Moycullen, Oughterard, Maam Cross and Recess, before travelling up the spectacular Inagh Valley with the 12 Bens of Connemara on your left and the Maumturks Mountains on your right as you travel 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.
Travel on via the shores of Killary Fjord. This is Ireland's only fjord and is a Wild Atlantic Way signature discovery point, on the Mayo - Galway border, Ireland's only fjord, before crossing into Mayo and continuing on to the village of Cong, the film location of "The Quiet Man" for a brief stop.
Return to Galway City via the shores of Lough Corrib, the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland and is considered by many as the best fishing lake in Europe.
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.
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 its magnificent views over Derrynane, home of Daniel O' Connell, known as "The Liberator", to Caherdaniel. Travel on via the hamlet of Castlecove, the colourful village of Sneem and on via Moll’s Gap, Ladies View, Killarney National Park and along the Lakes of Killarney to Killarney town.
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 may 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.
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 is considered by many Corkonians to be the real capital of Ireland!
Your route today will take you west to the "county bounds" under the wild Derrynasaggart Mountains, sometimes referred to as the Cork/Kerry Mountains and made famous in the ballad – "Whiskey in the Jar". Travel through 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 is 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 and 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 southwest 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 Farmhouse 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 EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum. Voted, recently, as "Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction", this museum tour tells the story behind the millions of people who fled, or were forced from, Ireland over the past three centuries. Located in Dublin's Docklands.
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.
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 airport transfers between 0500 and 1100 to get you to Dublin Airport for your return flight home. Turas sàbhailte dhuibh (safe journey).
Time | Departure Transfer details |
---|---|
Between 05:00 and 11:00 | Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge There are 3 group airport transfers this morning, between 5am and 11am, from Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge to Dublin Airport. |
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Arrival | Departure | Price Per Person | Availability |
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Mon 13 Mar 2023 | Wed 22 Mar 2023 | - | fully booked |
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Mon 26 Jun 2023 | Wed 05 Jul 2023 | - 4th July Special | fully booked |
Mon 03 Jul 2023 | Wed 12 Jul 2023 | - 4th July Special | fully booked |
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Wed 02 Aug 2023 | Fri 11 Aug 2023 | € 1990 | 2 Spaces Left - Book Now! |
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Mon 28 Aug 2023 | Wed 06 Sep 2023 | - Labor Day Special | fully booked |
Wed 30 Aug 2023 | Fri 08 Sep 2023 | - Labor Day Special | fully booked |
Mon 04 Sep 2023 | Wed 13 Sep 2023 | - Labor Day Special | fully booked |
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Mon 09 Oct 2023 | Wed 18 Oct 2023 | - | fully booked |
Mon 23 Oct 2023 | Wed 01 Nov 2023 | - | fully booked |
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 2024), 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.
If you would like to join this tour next year, take a look at our 10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour 2024.
The Deposit for the 10 Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour 2023 is €350 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 2023 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.
Once a partial or full payment has been made, cancellations will only be accepted in writing (either by email or standard mail) to My Ireland Tour. Cancellation terms will be applied based on the date that the written cancellation is received and based on the following dates prior to tour commencement. Cancellation fees apply as indicated below. All cancellation fees include the initial deposit.
Cancellation Date | Cancellation Fee |
---|---|
Up to 60 days before the start of tour: | 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 2024), changing your tour and changing tour participants. |
59 to 40 days before start of tour: | 25% of Tour Cost |
39 to 14 days before start of tour: | 50% of Tour Cost |
Less than 14 days before start of tour: | 100% of Tour Cost |
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 910 five-star reviews out of a possible 926.
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.
Explore Adare Village along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Time | Arrival Transfer details |
---|---|
Between 07:00 and 12 (noon) | Dublin Airport There are 3 group airport transfers, between 7am and 12 noon, from Dublin Airport to Dunboyne Castle Hotel. |
Time | Departure Transfer details |
---|---|
Between 05:00 and 11:00 | Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge There are 3 group airport transfers, between 5am and 11am, from Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge to Dublin Airport. |
Take a journey through this once troubled city. See the murals of the Loyalist Shankill Road & Nationalist Falls Road. The Troubles took their toll on the economic life of Belfast, but the past ten years of peace have returned much prosperity while the genuine friendliness of the city never left.
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 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.
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.
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.
One of the most popular and most eagerly anticipated attractions on any vacation in Ireland, 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.
The Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre commemorates the last pitched battle fought on British soil, in April 1746. Learn more about the Jacobite intent to overthrow the House of Hanover and return the House of Stuart to the British throne.
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.
EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum, tracks the harrowing history of the 10 million Irish people left the island, for a variety of reasons, over the past 300 years.
After seeing a real Irish farm in operation, take time to sit and enjoy the fruits of their labour.
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.
Located within Glenveagh National Park, Glenveagh Castle was built by Captain John George Adair between 1870 and 1873. Having made his fortune through land speculation in America, Adair return to Ireland and began large amounts of land in County Donegal. The castle was built in the Scottish Baronial style and is surrounded by a garden and commands stunning views of the nearby mountains, lakes, woodlands and valleys.
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.
About Highland Folk Museum is a museum and open-air attraction located in the Scottish Highlands. It is designed to showcase the domestic and working lives of the early highland people.
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...
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