Southern Ireland

Southern Ireland

See the Emerald Isle at its very best in this trip around Southern Ireland. From the capital Dublin through Galway, Killarney, Cork, Kilkenny and back to Dublin, there's no shortage of rolling green hills and free flowing Guinness. Make sure you stop in at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, shop for a traditional Claddagh ring in Galway, visit the amazing Cliffs of Moher, kiss the Blarney Stone, sample Irish whisky and soak up the atmosphere at a local pub where Irish eyes are always smiling! Why not enjoy the best of Britain too and join the Great Britain and Southern Ireland tour and extend your stay?

Length: 9 days
Accommodations: n/a
Meals: Dinner, Breakfast
as per itinerary
Sightseeing: Ireland
Transportation: Coach
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Itinerary

  1. Day Icon-day1 Arrive Dublin

    Make your own way to the hotel in Dublin. This evening meet your Tour Manager and fellow travellers.

  2. Day Icon-day2 Dublin to Galway

    We'll start the day with an included visit to Kilmainham Gaol, covering some of the most heroic and tragic events in Ireland's emergence as a modern country. Then maybe visit the Guinness Storehouse to see how the "black stuff" is made and sample a pint or two at the Gravity Bar. Later, we head for the lively sea-side town of Galway.

  3. Day Icon-day3 Galway

    A full day to spend relaxing in a picture-perfect and quintessentially Irish town.

  4. Day Icon-day4 Galway to Killarney

    This morning we make a stop at the awesome 210m (700 ft) sheer cliffs of Moher before continuing to the quaint town of Killarney. Take the opportunity to ride in a jaunting car through Killarney National Park and up to Muckross House. Then perhaps enjoy some Celtic music at a local pub after dinner.

  5. Day Icon-day5 Killarney to Cork

    Enjoy a scenic drive along the Ring of Kerry this morning before a chance to get the gift of the gab at Blarney Castle. This afternoon enjoy time to explore the cosmopolitan city of Cork.

  6. Day Icon-day6 Cork to Kilkenny

    Our first stop today is Cobh, the last port of call for the ill-fated Titanic. We stop at Midleton, for a guided tour of the Jamesons Whiskey distillery before driving past the Rock of Cashel. Arriving at Kilkenny, why not take a guided tour of the medieval town including Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice's Cathedral.

  7. Day Icon-day7 Kilkenny to Dublin

    Arriving into Dublin around lunchtime, you have the chance to take a guided tour of Trinity College during which you will see the Book of Kells. Enjoy free time this afternoon to soak up Dublin's unique atmosphere before revving things up tonight with an opportunity to sample a traditional Irish meal and Irish dancing at one of Dublin's best pubs.

  8. Day Icon-day8 Depart Dublin

    Time to swap addresses and say farewell to your new-found friends as your tour ends after breakfast.

Tour Map

Highlights

All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price!

Included
  • Dublin: Visit to Kilmainham Gaol; See Trinity College, the Monument of Light, Parnell Square and St. Stephen's Green
  • Galway: See this old fishing town
  • Cliffs of Moher: See the Cliffs
  • Killarney: See Killarney National Park; Scenic drive on the Ring of Kerry
  • Blarney: Visit Blarney, home of the Blarney Stone
  • Cobh: Entrance to the Port Heritage Centre, last port of call for the ill-fated Titanic
  • Midleton: Guided tour of Jameson's Whisky distillery
  • Cashel: See the Rock of Cashel
  • Kilkenny: See Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice's Cathedral
Accomodations
  • 7 nights twin or triple share hotel accommodation
  • 7 continental breakfasts (B) & 4 three-course dinners (D) as per itinerary
  • Hotel tips, local taxes & service charges
Contiki Difference
  • Experienced, professional Tour Manager & Driver
  • Modern, air-conditioned coach
  • Free Contiki Travellers Guide
  • Free Contiki document wallet
  • Sightseeing tours of all major cities

Optional Excursions

Please Note

Europe Optional Excursions (prices vary)
The optional excursions below are a guide of what may be available on this tour in 2009. Complete details will be updated in early 2009.

Dublin

Guinness Storehouse Visit (Euro 13.00)
A chance to visit the original home of Ireland's famous "black stuff" and hear about the brewing process, as well as the drinking process of course. Improve your Guinness knowledge during the "Guinness Experience" - hear how Arthur Guinness developed the distinctive dark hue, learn how to pull the perfect pint and quench your thirst at the end of the tour with a complementary pint of this unique national brew.
Trinity College Guided Tour (Euro 10.00)
Wander through the grounds of Ireland's oldest University and learn about it's foundation in the 1500s, the Library and of course the Book of Kells. A local guide, often one of the students at Trinity College, and entrance to the Book of Kells are included in your tour.
Farewell Evening at The Merry Ploughboy Pub (Euro 49.00)
An evening of the best in Irish food, music and dance at this great venue. Enjoy a delicious three-course meal and be entertained by a famous Irish ballad band, then get involved with the Irish dancers and learn a traditional Irish "feis" or step dance. A night of authentic Irish entertainment to farewell your tour!

Killarney

Jaunting Cars (Euro 10.00)
In a horse-drawn car, we enter the magnificent National Park which offers one of the finest views of Killarney. We visit the ruins of 15th Century Muckross Abbey, then continue along the shore to the beautifully landscaped Muckross Gardens.
Souvenir Group Photo (Euro 8.00)
A scenic photo of your tour group to take home with you. A great way to remember your fellow travellers and your Irish experiences.

Kilkenny

Guided Walking Tour of Kilkenny (Euro 5.50)
Take a stroll through this beautiful medieval city with a local guide and see sights such as Kilkenny Castle and St Canice's Cathedral. Learn how the city grew from a compact monastic settlement to a Norman trading town and present-day creative centre.