Northern & Southern Ireland
Northern & Southern Ireland
Northern & Southern Ireland
8 Days Starting in Belfast and ending in Dublin
Visiting: Belfast, Giant's Causeway / Belfast, Galway, Aran Islands / Galway, Cliffs of Moher / Adare / Killarney, Ring of Kerry / Killarney, Dublin / Cork, Dublin
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BMSA
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
The northern nooks and the regal Republic – see it all on an eight-day adventure on both sides of the Irish border. Travel past green pastures, stunning lakes, striking cliff faces and, in the evening, head straight to the pub for a Guinness (or two). Visit medieval castles and ancient sites filled with folklore and whimsy, and marvel at the views of Ireland's rugged coastline, including the Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher and the Giant's Causeway. Hitting the cities of Belfast and Dublin, don't forget to gather your travel crew together for some pub grub and live music to cap off a tour that hits all the hotspots of Ireland. ‘To be sure?’, you say? Why yes, we’re sure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Belfast
Location: Belfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Welcome to Belfast and the Emerald Isle! Your Irish adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6 pm. As you don't spend much time in Belfast as part of the trip, we recommend you arrive a few days early to make the most of it. If you happen to do so, spend some time wandering the streets of the bohemian Cathedral Quarter, or perhaps visit the leafy suburbs of South Belfast or the stately City Hall in Donegal Square. Make sure you also visit the revitalised waterfront area where you will find the Titanic Belfast monument on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard where the legendary RMS Titanic was built. The monument tells the story of the ship's ill-fated maiden voyage in 1912.
Optional Activities:
-
-
-
-
-
-
Day 2: Giant's Causeway / Belfast
Location: Giant's Causeway / Belfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Take a private transfer to the renowned natural wonder known as The Giant's Causeway (approximately 2.5 hours), travelling along the scenic and rugged wild coast north of Belfast. Giant's Causeway is home to roughly 40,000 basalt columns. The landmark has inspired artists and storytellers for centuries. Depending on the school of thought you wish to believe, they are either the result of an ancient volcanic eruption or a rather big argument between rival giants! Upon return to Belfast in the evening, why not visit the areas that have a connection to the Troubles, such as Shankill Road, the unionist Protestant area, the nationalist and Catholic area, as well as the 'Peace Wall'. Explore the local neighbourhoods to get more of a feel of this regenerated city, perhaps with a visit to a local pub for a meal with your travel crew.
Included Activities:
-
Day 3: Galway
Location: Galway
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning, travel by public bus to the harbour city of Galway – capital of the county of the same name. You will be crossing the border from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland, so you may need to switch your Pounds for some Euros at this point. While you're in Galway, you could visit the impressive Galway Cathedral. Its full name, the Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, is far more elaborate than the simplicity of its building.
Optional Activities:
-
Day 4: Aran Islands / Galway
Location: Aran Islands / Galway
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Enjoy a day trip by ferry to the Aran islands, which have been crafted by centuries of wild winds and smashing waves. The islands are one of the few places where the Irish language is still spoken on an everyday basis. You’ll travel by minibus and on foot to explore the native flora and fauna, with visits to the ruins of a church and a lighthouse. There are also some remains from Bronze and Iron Age fortresses to be found. If you're lucky you may even spot a seal lounging on the rocky shore! Return to Galway for a free evening and time for more exploration. The best way to take in the spirit of this city is by attending a live performance in one of the many pubs, accompanied by a pint of Guinness, of course.
Included Activities:
-
Day 5: Cliffs Of Moher / Adare / Killarney
Location: Cliffs of Moher / Adare / Killarney
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
The magnificent Cliffs of Moher will leave you in awe with their striking look over the Irish coastline. The daring can walk to the edge and watch puffins nesting along the cliff face (from April to late July). Learn about the history of the famous site and its feathered inhabitants at the Cliffs Exhibition. Next stop is the quaint village of Adare. Arrival into Killarney is in the late afternoon. You'll learn quickly that pubs are the heartbeat of Ireland, whether you're interested in guzzling beer or simply getting to know more about Irish culture, pubs are definitely an important part of any Irish adventure – the place for infectiously cheerful music, tall tales and making friends over a pint or two. The Irish take their beer seriously, so this is a great chance to taste a variety of rich 'real ales'. Get to know classic pub fare such as Irish stew, chowders and fish and chips, while also sampling less familiar dishes such as coddle, boxty and champ.
Included Activities:
-
Day 6: Ring Of Kerry / Killarney
Location: Ring of Kerry / Killarney
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Prepare for picturesque rolling green hills and breathe in the salty coastal air as you travel along the Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the Ring of Kerry – a mystical and unspoilt region of Ireland. You'll pass through bucolic villages and enjoy views across some of Ireland's greatest beaches, beautiful lakes and rivers as well as a bit of dramatic coastal scenery. It's the perfect place for a small town crime drama to be set. Travelling by private vehicle will allow you to stop frequently at any of the numerous outlooks along the way for photos. You’ll visit a sheep farm and will see a demonstration of sheep herding – with skilled border collie dogs at work rounding up the sheep, and following commands from the shepherd, they’re no doubt full of practice. Arrive back into Killarney in the early afternoon. If there is enough time perhaps head out to Ross Castle, picturesquely sitting on the shores of Lough Leane.
Included Activities:
-
-
Optional Activities:
-
Day 7: Dublin / Cork
Location: Dublin / Cork
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Travel by train to Cork and take a city tour led by your leader. Cork is known as the culinary capital of Ireland, so grab a bite before boarding another train this time bound for the real, proud capital of the Republic of Ireland - Dublin. Spend the evening exploring the cobbled streets of this humming city or drop into the pub for a pint and a yarn. Dublin has much to offer, so make sure you go out and maximise your time here. In the evening, perhaps get your group together and cosy up at a local pub or head into town to find a cool restaurant or bar in Dublin’s Creative Quarter, also known as the city’s 'hipster triangle'.
Included Activities:
-
Optional Activities:
-
-
Day 8: Dublin
Location: Dublin
Meals Included: breaksfast
As there are no activities planned for today, you are free to head on your way at any time, providing you comply with the accommodation’s internal check-out policy. You might want to return to Belfast by train or further explore Dublin and surrounding area. Your leader can be of assistance in organising train tickets back to Belfast. If you’d like, additional accommodation can be booked in both locations (subject to availability).
What's Included
-
Killarney - Sheep Dog Trials (seasonal)
-
Aran Islands - Guided Day Trip by Ferry
-
Giant's Causeway - Day Trip
-
Cliffs of Moher
-
Killarney - Ring of Kerry Day Trip
-
Meals
7 breakfasts
-
Accommodation
Hotel (5 nights), Hostel (2 nights)
-
Transport
Train, Public bus, Private vehicle, Ferry
-
Cork - leader led city tour
What's Not Included
-
Tipping and Gratuities
-
International Travel
Included Activities
- Giant's Causeway - Day Trip
- Aran Islands - Guided Day Trip by Ferry
- Cliffs of Moher
- Killarney - Ring of Kerry Day Trip
- Killarney - Sheep Dog Trials (seasonal)
Accommodation
- OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
- TWIN SHARE BASIS
- Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
- CHECK-IN TIME
- Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
- PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
- If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
- FACILITIES
- Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.
Transport
- TRANSPORT IN EUROPE
- Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself, that's why we like to travel the local way – whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each city's public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action.
- LONG TRAVEL DAYS
- As we cover lots of ground on this trip, expect some long travel days on local trains and buses. This is an opportunity to mix with the locals and enjoy the scenery out the window. Travel schedules are known to change with little notice. Not all transport may have air conditioning.
Important Information
- 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 2. You don't have a lot of time in Belfast and Dublin at the start and the end of the trip respectively, so if you're keen to explore these spectacular cities in depth we recommend you arrive a day or two before the start of the trip and/or extend your stay at the end.
Check out our Q&As
-
Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
-
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
-
Is this trip right for you
Ireland can be cold at night throughout the year, especially at the start and end of the season. Please bring appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions, including base layers, hat, gloves, scarf, waterproof clothes/umbrella and anything else that you think may be applicable.
As accommodation on this trip is twin share, single travellers will share a room with another traveller of the same gender. This trip is a great opportunity to get to know other like-minded people, so embrace it while you can. However, if you’d prefer not to share, a single room supplement is available at an additional charge (some exceptions may apply). Please ask your travel consultant for more details. Also, hotels in Europe can seem small by Australian or American standards, and often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together/apart.
This trip is quite fast paced to make the most of your time in Ireland. We will take you on regular orientation walks, so you'll be on your feet quite a lot. While this may be tiring for some, it’s the best way to get your head around a place and to set yourself up for further discoveries. Please remember that on this trip you don't have a lot of time in Belfast and Dublin at the start and the end of the trip respectively, so if you're keen to explore these spectacular cities in depth we recommend you arrive a day or two before the start of the trip and/or extend your stay at the end. -
Are international flights included in this tour?
No
-
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes if aged 15+ and accompanied by an adult
-
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
-
Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
2024 Aug
2024 Sep
2024 Oct
2024 Nov
2024 Dec
2024 Mar
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025
Monday - Monday
Jul 15, 2024 - Jul 22, 2024Friday - Friday
Aug 02, 2024 - Aug 09, 2024Monday - Monday
Aug 12, 2024 - Aug 19, 2024Monday - Monday
Aug 19, 2024 - Aug 26, 2024Monday - Monday
Aug 26, 2024 - Sep 02, 2024Friday - Friday
Sep 06, 2024 - Sep 13, 2024Friday - Friday
Sep 13, 2024 - Sep 20, 2024Friday - Friday
Sep 20, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024Friday - Friday
Sep 27, 2024 - Oct 04, 2024Friday - Friday
Oct 04, 2024 - Oct 11, 2024Friday - Friday
Oct 18, 2024 - Oct 25, 2024Monday - Monday
Nov 11, 2024 - Nov 18, 2024Friday - Friday
Dec 13, 2024 - Dec 20, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Mar 20, 2025 - Mar 27, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Apr 03, 2025 - Apr 10, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Apr 17, 2025 - Apr 24, 2025Thursday - Thursday
May 01, 2025 - May 08, 2025Thursday - Thursday
May 08, 2025 - May 15, 2025Thursday - Thursday
May 15, 2025 - May 22, 2025Thursday - Thursday
May 22, 2025 - May 29, 2025Thursday - Thursday
May 29, 2025 - Jun 05, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Jun 05, 2025 - Jun 12, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Jun 12, 2025 - Jun 19, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Jun 19, 2025 - Jun 26, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Jun 26, 2025 - Jul 03, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Jul 03, 2025 - Jul 10, 2025Monday - Monday
Jul 14, 2025 - Jul 21, 2025Monday - Monday
Jul 21, 2025 - Jul 28, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Jul 31, 2025 - Aug 07, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Aug 07, 2025 - Aug 14, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Aug 14, 2025 - Aug 21, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Aug 21, 2025 - Aug 28, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Aug 28, 2025 - Sep 04, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Sep 04, 2025 - Sep 11, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Sep 11, 2025 - Sep 18, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Sep 18, 2025 - Sep 25, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Sep 25, 2025 - Oct 02, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions