Country Roads of Ireland - End Belfast, Small Group, Summer
Country Roads of Ireland - End Belfast, Small Group, Summer
Country Roads of Ireland - End Belfast, Small Group, Summer
12 Days Starting in Dublin, Ireland and ending in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Visiting: Dublin, Cork, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Galway, Londonderry, Giant's Causeway, Belfast
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SB909ZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 23
Age range:
6-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Ireland and Northern Ireland with the "Country Roads of Ireland - End Belfast, Small Group, Summer" tour. This immersive experience begins in Dublin, where you'll enjoy a warm welcome dinner and explore iconic landmarks like Trinity College and the Book of Kells. Travel through the picturesque landscapes of Kilkenny, Killarney, and the Ring of Kerry, and visit the dramatic Cliffs of Moher and the ancient city of Derry. Highlights include a horse-drawn jaunting car ride in Killarney National Park, a visit to the Giant's Causeway, and a grand finale celebration dinner in Ballygalley. With 11 nights of comfortable accommodation, expert guidance, and seamless transportation, this tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and natural beauty.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Dublin
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Clayton Burlington Road, Dublin
Accommodation Name: Clayton Burlington Road
Meals Included: Dinner
Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner, with the opportunity to mingle and get to know your fellow travelers.
Day 2: In Dublin’S Fair City Relaxed Start
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Clayton Burlington Road, Dublin
Accommodation Name: Clayton Burlington Road
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accompanied by a Local Expert, become acquainted with Dublin’s elegant squares during an orientation of the city. Discover Custom House, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Enjoy entrance to the 9th century Book of Kells and a walk through the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College.
Day 3: A Journey From Dublin To Cork
Location: Cork
Accommodation: The Kingsley, Cork
Accommodation Name: The Kingsley
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, visit one of the country’s main racehorse breeding centers. Continue to the acclaimed 100 year old Japanese Gardens where you can ‘journey through life’ during a walk through the beautiful surrounds. Travel to the medieval city of Kilkenny to visit the majestic Kilkenny Castle. With a Local Expert, learn how the castle was built in 1195 after the Norman Conquest of Ireland and admire its beautifully restored Victorian era rooms. Continue through Cahir and see its imposing 13th-century castle, featured in the film 'Excalibur', on the way to Cork. On arrival, your Travel Director will show you around the compact university city, with its vibrant waterfront and grand Georgian parades.
Day 4: Across The Mountains To Killarney Relaxed Start
Location: Killarney
Accommodation: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
Accommodation Name: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel to the ruined Blarney Castle. Will you hang upside down from the ramparts to kiss the stone and ensure a lifetime of eloquence? Travel across the majestic Derrynasaggart Mountains to the lively town of Killarney. For your Farm-to-Table dining experience, enjoy some Irish home cooking in the kitchens of chef John Sheehan. Join John and Freda, your hosts at the 19th Green Guesthouse, and savor the delicious flavors of fresh local cuisine on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Gather together at a Farm-to-Table dinner, using responsibly sourced ingredients from the local community, and gain personal insight into classic Irish recipes that are loved throughout the world.
Day 5: Ring Of Kerry Experience Relaxed Start
Location: Ring of Kerry
Accommodation: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
Accommodation Name: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start your day with Brendan Choice. Choose a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys. Alternatively, join a gentle hike with a Local Expert along the lake shore and past the grounds of Ross Castle, admiring the incredible scenery of the National Park. While there aren't any mountains to climb, walkers should be fit, have good walking shoes or boots, sunscreen and rain gear. Then explore around the magnificent Ring of Kerry. Here, mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is breathtaking beyond words. Journey past lush lakelands and around towering cliffs as you appreciate sweeping sea views. Continue through delightful villages like Sneem and cross the peat bogs of the Black Mountains to Moll’s Gap to admire Queen Victoria’s Ladies View. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Maybe take the opportunity to hire a bicycle and enjoy one of the many scenic trails around the lake or through the National Park.
Day 6: Around The Dingle Peninsula Relaxed Start
Location: Dingle Peninsula
Accommodation: Falls Hotel & Spa, Ennistymon.
Accommodation Name: Falls Hotel & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continue driving with views of wide skies, peaceful towns and coastal scenery of the Dingle Peninsula — the setting for the film Ryan’s Daughter. Drive to dramatic Slea Head at the peninsula’s far end, before journeying back to reach your hotel.
Day 7: The Cliffs Of Moher And Galway Relaxed Start
Location: Galway
Accommodation: Connemara Coast, Galway
Accommodation Name: Connemara Coast
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey to the Visitor Center at the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Clare Coast before a delightful drive through the strange, rocky landscape of the Burren to Galway Bay. On arrival, see the Lynch Memorial and Church of St. Nicholas, where Christopher Columbus reputedly prayed before his voyages to America. See the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President, John F. Kennedy.
Day 8: Free Day Galway Or Aran Islands Relaxed Start
Location: Galway
Accommodation: Connemara Coast, Galway
Accommodation Name: Connemara Coast
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend a day at leisure to relax and enjoy Galway. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to the Aran Islands? A genuine highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way. With their cliffs and spectacular coastal views, the islands are a true Irish experience.
Day 9: Derry Londonderry
Location: Londonderry
Accommodation: Maldron, Derry/Londonderry
Accommodation Name: Maldron
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Admire the Blue Stack Mountains of Donegal as you cross into Northern Ireland, bound for the ancient walled city of 'Derry.' What better way to experience sightseeing than with one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers, Ronan, as he takes you on a tour inside the city walls, still topped with cannons. Walk down steep Shipquay Street, with its elegant Georgian houses, to the Gothic Guildhall.
Day 10: Walk In The Giant’S Steps Relaxed Start
Location: Giant's Causeway
Accommodation: Ballygally Castle, Co. Antrim
Accommodation Name: Ballygally Castle
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey to the iconic Giant's Causeway for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Learn how the National Trust is enabling farming and biodiversity to work together, supporting both wildlife and quality food production. Next, prepare yourself for miles of breathtaking beauty as you travel along the road clinging to the Antrim Coast. Continue onto your hotel, overlooking Ballygally Bay. For those who are brave enough, perhaps check out The Ghost Room, in one of the castle’s turrets? In the evening, please join us for a finale Celebration Dinner, where old-fashioned hospitality is blended with good food and wine for an experience that delights the senses.
Day 11: The Antrim Coast To Belfast Relaxed Start
Location: Belfast
Accommodation: Titanic, Belfast
Accommodation Name: Titanic
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continue around the Antrim Coast, past the huge Norman castle at Carrickfergus, to arrive in the Northern Ireland capital of Belfast. Meet your Local Expert for a passionate city tour including views of the City Hall, Queen's University, the Parliament Building at Stormont and murals in different locations indicating political sentiments of local residents.
Day 12: Depart Belfast
Location: Belfast
Meals Included: Breakfast
Departure transfers arrive at Belfast George Best City Airport and Belfast International Airport.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Enjoy 11 nights' accommodation in a variety of comfortable hotels, including the Clayton Hotel Burlington Road in Dublin, The Kingsley Hotel in Cork, and the Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa.
-
Meals
16 meals are included in the tour, comprising 11 breakfasts and 5 dinners.
-
Sightseeing and Transportation
Sightseeing and transportation are provided as detailed, ensuring a seamless travel experience throughout the tour.
-
Fully Guided Experience
The tour includes a fully guided experience with a highly-skilled Travel Director.
-
Hotel and Restaurant Tips
Hotel and restaurant tips are included, so you won't have to worry about how much to give or search for foreign currency.
-
Porterage
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
-
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
-
Airport Transfers
If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times.
-
Personal Radio Headsets
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
-
Luxury Coach
Enjoy the comfort of the luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
What's Not Included
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
-
International Flights
International flights to and from the tour starting point are not included.
Mode of Transport
Sightseeing and transportation are provided as detailed, ensuring a seamless travel experience throughout the tour.
Check out our Q&As
-
What kind of dining experiences can I expect on this tour?
You will enjoy a variety of dining experiences, including a welcome dinner in Dublin, a farm-to-table dinner in Killarney with fresh local cuisine, and a grand finale Celebration Dinner in Ballygalley. Additionally, 5 dinners and 11 breakfasts are included throughout the tour.
-
What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several unique experiences such as a visit to the 9th century Book of Kells at Trinity College, a horse-drawn jaunting car ride or a gentle hike in Killarney National Park, a tour of Kilkenny Castle, and a visit to the Giant's Causeway where you will learn about biodiversity efforts. You will also have the opportunity to kiss the Blarney Stone and explore the Cliffs of Moher.
-
What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in a luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. The coaches are sanitized before the start of the tour and maintained to high standards, with physical distancing measures implemented. Hand sanitizer is also freely available on board.
-
Are there any guided tours included in the itinerary?
Yes, the tour includes several guided tours. You will have a Local Expert guide you through Dublin, Kilkenny Castle, and the city of Derry. Additionally, a Travel Director will accompany you throughout the tour, ensuring a seamless experience and providing expert commentary.
-
What kind of accommodations are provided during the tour?
The tour includes 11 nights' accommodation in a variety of comfortable hotels, such as the Clayton Hotel Burlington Road in Dublin, The Kingsley Hotel in Cork, and the Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa.
-
Is there any free time during the tour?
Yes, there is some free time included in the itinerary. For example, on Day 8, you have a free day in Galway where you can relax or join an optional experience to the Aran Islands.
-
What kind of physical activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of physical activities such as a gentle hike in Killarney National Park, a walk through the Japanese Gardens, and exploring the Cliffs of Moher. While these activities are not overly strenuous, it is recommended to have good walking shoes or boots, sunscreen, and rain gear.
-
Are airport transfers included in the tour?
If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights' accommodation with the tour provider, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
-
Is there seat rotation on the coach?
Yes, your Travel Director will implement a seat rotation system, whereby all guests will rotate their seats on the coach daily. This allows for everyone to experience the spectacular views from different seats, and you’ll have a better opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers.
-
Is luggage handling provided?
On Guided Vacations and Private Chauffeur Vacations, all luggage handling is provided at no extra charge. One suitcase per person will be brought to your hotel room.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes! Our hotels are personally selected by Managing Director Catherine Reilly and personally known for their quality, impeccable service and comfort, with the majority of them having air-conditioning. Note: A few hotels may not have air conditioning due to the colder climate.
-
What are the coaches like?
We pride ourselves on having the finest fleet of fuel-efficient, fully air-conditioned coaches – all with reclining seats and on-board restrooms. The high vantage point from your coach’s window means you can take in all the glorious scenery, whether it’s a vast rural landscape or an urban city center. We also have on board WiFi.
-
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Brendan Vacations is an active supporter of the Treadright® Foundation, a not-for-profit organization established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than $2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
-
How many people will be on my trip?
You’ll find an average of 40 to 45 guests on trips throughout Europe.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided vacation with us is you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
-
Will I have free time?
Each itinerary offers the perfect balance of downtime and discoveries. We also give you the opportunity to tailor your trip with Optional Experiences.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. If you are travelling solo but would be happy to share your rook with another traveller of the same gender, we offer 'Twin-share' pricing on our trips. However, if you prefer the privacy of your own room, you can opt for our single supplement. The cost will depend on your trip and can be found in the pricing section of the itinerary.
-
How much luggage can I bring?
On Guided Vacations, you can bring one suitcase per person with the dimensions of 76cm x 46cm x 25cm (30" x 18" x 10") and weight not exceeding 23kg (50 lbs) due to the limited space on the coach. You can also bring one piece of hand luggage, provided it is small enough to take on the coach and does not have telescopic handles.
-
What is a Travel Director?
Our Travel Directors come from a variety of backgrounds, but they all share a passion for travel and their homelands. These experienced professionals show you what the guidebooks can't - a true insider's perspective of Ireland and Scotland. Each Travel Director has been through a bespoke training program, and many have at least five years' experience under their belt.
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents (important information, itinerary and any relevant vouchers) will be provided 7-10 days prior to your trip's departure.
-
What if I have special dietary requirements?
We can accommodate guests who are vegetarian and can assist with diabetic, gluten-free and other medically-recommended diets. Please advise us at time of booking. Unfortunately, we're unable to supply meals in accordance with strict religious requirements. We cannot provide salt-free, Kosher, Halal, requests for specific dietary supplements such as soy milk, and high protein or low-carb meals.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Monday - Friday
Jul 28, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Brendan Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brendan vacations charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.