Explore the Best of Ireland

‘Best of Ireland & Northern Ireland’ 15-Day Heritage Tour!

Rich in history and culture, this tour will take you on an in-depth journey into the heartland of this beautiful country, suited best for people interested in meaningful and purposeful travel that connects to the history and culture of this stunningly beautiful country through its people.

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Trip length:
15 Days

Trip starts: Dublin
Trip ends: Dublin

Depart
24th April - 7th May 2026
1st July – 15th July 2026
2nd - 16th Sept 2026

From
$9,850 AUD

Inclusions & Exclusions
Tour Highlights
Itinerary
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Tour Summary

Embark on a 15-day journey through Ireland and Northern Ireland, exploring rich history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Start in Dublin, visit Galway, Clifden, and Connemara National Park, and discover Kylemore Abbey and Westport. Experience Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, Cashel, and Kilkenny before returning to Dublin via Kildare.

Continue north to Belfast, Armagh, Donegal, and Derry, walk the historic Derry walls and Causeway Coast. Conclude your journey in Coleraine, before returning to Belfast, where your unforgettable Celtic adventure ends.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

  • Breakfast daily

  • All transportation throughout the tour

  • 3-4 star accommodations

  • Guaranteed 2 nights minimum per location

  • Local expert guides

Exclusions

  • International Flights

  • Single Supplement Fees (applies to solo travellers opting for their own room)

  • Airport Transfers at the start and end of the tour

  • Pre- or Post-Tour Accommodation, unless otherwise specified

Daily Itinerary

    • Arrive in Dublin and check into your accommodation.

    • 4PM: Walking tour of Dublin: Meander through Ireland’s lively capital, soaking in the history of Trinity College, the musical charm of Grafton Street, and the Victorian elegance of St. Stephen’s Green.

    • Free time to explore the city centre at your own pace.

    • Dinner (6:30 PM): Kick off the tour with a welcome dinner at an iconic Irish pub, where traditional music and Irish dancing will lift your spirits.

    • Overnight: Overnight stay in Dublin

    • 8am - Breakfast in the morning at the hotel before departing.

    • Depart: 9:00 AM | 🚌 125 km (~1hr 30 mins)

    • Activities:

    • Guided walking tour of Kilkenny, Ireland’s medieval gem with winding streets, ancient churches, and a vibrant arts scene.

    • Free time to explore the majestic Kilkenny Castle and the artisan stalls at the Makers Market.

    • Lunch: At leisure

    • Dinner (6:30 PM): Dine at The Left Bank, followed by an evening at the intimate Hole in the Wall Pub, alive with traditional Irish music.

    • Overnight: Overnight stay in Kilkenny

    • 8am - Breakfast in the morning.

    • Depart: 9:00 AM | 🚌 150 km (~1hr 50 mins)

    • Activities:

    • Guided walking tour of Cork, a city buzzing with culture, and a visit to the iconic English Market, a food lover's paradise since 1788.

    • Visit the picturesque seaside town of Cobh, last port of call of the Titanic.

    • Explore the moving Cobh Heritage Centre & Migration Museum, telling stories of emigration and resilience.

    • Optional: Titanic Experience or a private genealogy session.

    • Lunch: At leisure

    • Dinner (6:30 PM): In town, with an optional stop at a local pub for Irish music.

    • Overnight: Overnight stay in Cork

    • 8am - Breakfast in the morning at the hotel before departing.

    • Activities:

    • Scenic drive on the legendary Ring of Kerry, where dramatic coastlines, green hills, and folklore meet.

    • Enjoy a warm Irish coffee stop at the Red Fox Inn, a local favorite.

    • Free time in the lively town of Killarney.

    • Lunch: En route

    • Dinner (6:30 PM): At J M McNeill’s, followed by live Irish music in a nearby pub where locals and travelers mingle.

    • Overnight: Overnight stay in Killarney

    • 8am - Breakfast in the morning.

    • Depart: 9:00 AM | 🚌 92 km (~1 hr 11 mins)

    • Activities:

    • Enjoy a morning tea break in Adare, one of Ireland’s prettiest villages with thatched cottages and rich Norman history.

    • Lunch at Dirty Nelly’s (12:30 PM), near the legendary castle walls.

    • Visit the impressive Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, a living history museum capturing rural life through the centuries.

    • Optional: Step back in time at the unforgettable Bunratty Medieval Banquet.

    • Dinner (6:30 PM): Attend the banquet or enjoy a relaxed meal in town.

    • Overnight: Overnight stay in Ennis, County Galway

    • Breakfast

    • Depart: 9:00 AM | 🚌 40 km (~40 mins)

    • Activities:

    • Scenic drive along the Wild Atlantic Way, filled with windswept views and crashing waves.

    • Visit the unique limestone landscape of The Burren, steeped in ancient mysticism.

    • Gaze over the Atlantic from the soaring Cliffs of Moher, a must-see natural wonder.

    • Explore the surf town of Lahinch and stop for lunch.

    • Optional: Visit Caherconnell Stone Fort and watch a live sheepdog demonstration, an age-old Irish tradition.

    • Visit the music-filled village of Doolin, where every pub echoes with Irish song.

    • Dinner (6:30 PM): In a welcoming Doolin pub with traditional music.

    • Overnight: Overnight stay in Ennis, County Galway

    • 8am - Breakfast in the morning.

    • Depart: 9:00 AM | 🚌 120 km (~1 hr 30 mins)

    • Activities:

    • Discover the peaceful village of Glenmask, tucked in Ireland’s remote west.

    • Visit the tranquil and sacred Ballintubber Abbey, where pilgrims have walked since 1216.

    • Arrive in Galway, known for its arts, music, and vibrant street life.

    • Visit the Claddagh Ring Exhibition and browse local heritage shops.

    • Lunch: At Corley’s Pub, where traditional charm meets hearty fare.

    • Dinner (6:30 PM): In Galway, with an option to enjoy more live music.

    • Overnight: Overnight stay in Ennis, County Galway

    • 8am - Breakfast in the morning at the hotel before departing.

    • Depart: 9:00 AM | 🚌 40 km (~40 mins)

    • Activities:

    • Visit the quaint village of Cong, film site of The Quiet Man, and explore Cong Abbey.

    • Take a peaceful 2-hour boat cruise from Ashford Castle to Inchagoill Island, rich in monastic history.

    • Afternoon Tea (4:30 PM): Scones, jam, and cream at the elegant Mrs. T’s Tearoom in Ashford Castle.

    • Lunch: In Cong at leisure

    • Dinner (6:30 PM): In Galway

    • Overnight: Overnight stay in Ennis, County Galway

    • 8am - Breakfast in the morning at the hotel before departing.

    • Depart: 9:00 AM | 🚌 80 km (~1 hr 20 mins)

    • Activities:

    • Scenic drive through Connemara, a land of lakes, stone walls, and timeless beauty.

    • Full-day visit to the romantic Kylemore Abbey, with its Victorian walled gardens, Gothic chapel, woodland trails, and famed Connemara ponies.

    • Lunch: At leisure on site

    • Dinner (6:30 PM): In Westport, a town known for its charm and community spirit.

    • Overnight: Overnight stay in Westport

    • 8am - Breakfast in the morning at the hotel before departing.

    • Depart: 9:00 AM | 🚌 104 km (~1 hr 20 mins total)

    • Activities:

    • Scenic drive through Sligo, land of myth, poetry, and majestic hills.

    • Visit Drumcliff, burial site of W.B. Yeats, and admire Benbulbin, the mountain that inspired many of his works.

    • Optional: Explore Sliabh Liag, some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe.

    • Dinner (6:30 PM): At hotel with live Irish music.

    • Overnight: Overnight stay in Letterkenny, Donegal

    • 8am - Breakfast in the morning at the hotel before departing.

    • Depart: 9:00 AM | 🚌 30 km (~30 mins)

    • Activities:

    • Visit the mystical Grianán of Aileach Ring Fort, with panoramic views across the North.

    • Enjoy tea and light lunch in a private local home—a unique and heartfelt cultural experience.

    • Explore the powerful living history of the Doagh Famine Village.

    • Return: 5:00 PM to Letterkenny

    • Dinner (6:30 PM): In town

    • Overnight: Overnight stay in Letterkenny

    • 8am - Breakfast in the morning at the hotel before departing.

    • Depart: 9:00 AM | 🚌 34 km (~30 mins)

    • Activities:

    • Optional tour of Derry City Walls and the Town Hall Museum, steeped in conflict and culture.

    • In Belfast, take the emotional Peace Walls tour to learn about Northern Ireland’s complex past and its hopeful future.

    • Visit the impressive Belfast City Hall and its beautiful stained-glass windows.

    • Optional: Visit the Titanic Museum or enjoy Afternoon Tea at the Titanic Hotel.

    • Lunch: At leisure

    • Dinner (6:30 PM): In Belfast

    • Overnight: Overnight stay in Dunadry

    • 8am - Breakfast in the morning at the hotel before departing.

    • Depart: 9:00 AM | 🚌 37 km (~40 mins)

    • Activities:

    • Visit Down Cathedral and pay your respects at St. Patrick’s Grave.

    • •   Explore Armagh, Ireland’s ecclesiastical capital.

    • Tour both St. Patrick’s Cathedrals and visit the Cultural Centre.

    • Lunch: At leisure

    • Dinner (6:30 PM): In Armagh

    • Overnight: Overnight stay in Armagh

    • 8am - Breakfast in the morning at the hotel before departing.

    • Depart: 9:00 AM | 🚌 135 km (~1 hr 40 mins)

    • Activities:

    • Final day of sightseeing in Dublin – choose from:

    • Guinness Storehouse

    • Book of Kells at Trinity College

    • EPIC Museum

    • Jeanie Johnston Famine Ship

    • Valuation Office (ancestry)

    • Optional: Parliament Tour

    • Lunch: At leisure

    • Dinner (6:30 PM): Farewell celebration in Temple Bar, with music, laughter, and lasting memories.

    • Overnight: Overnight stay in Dublin

  • 8am - Share a final group breakfast. Fond farewells and departures, hearts full of stories and new friendships.

    Farewell
    As your time with us comes to an end, we wish you a safe and pleasant journey home. We hope you enjoyed your Irish experience with The Celtic Way and look forward to welcoming you on a future adventure!

Highlights

  • Trinity College & the Book of Kells (Dublin)

    Grafton Street buskers & St. Stephen’s Green (Dublin)

    Kilkenny Castle and Medieval Mile walking tour

    Cobh Heritage Centre – emigration stories and Titanic history

    Bunratty Castle & Folk Park – immersive living history

    Claddagh Ring Exhibition (Galway)

    Ballintubber Abbey – 13th-century sacred pilgrimage site

    Doagh Famine Village – powerful portrayal of Irish hardship

    Peace Walls Tour (Belfast)

    St. Patrick’s Grave & Cathedrals (Downpatrick & Armagh)

    EPIC Irish Emigration Museum (Dublin)

    Jeanie Johnston Famine Ship (Dublin)

    Optional Parliament or Valuation Office visit (genealogy interest)

  • Ring of Kerry drive – coastal vistas, mountains, and local folklore

    The Burren – mystical limestone landscape

    Cliffs of Moher – iconic sea cliffs of the Wild Atlantic Way

    Inchagoill Island boat cruise from Ashford Castle

    Connemara – stone walls, lakes, ponies, and mountain views

    Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Gardens

    Benbulbin – Sligo’s iconic flat-topped mountain

    Optional visit to Sliabh Liag – Europe's highest accessible sea cliffs

    Grianán of Aileach – ancient ring fort with sweeping views

  • Thatched cottages of Adare

    Walking the colorful streets of Galway

    Tea & light lunch in a private Donegal home

    The Quiet Man village of Cong

    Shopping at Kilkenny’s Makers Market

    English Market (Cork) – historic covered food market

    Exploring charming Westport and its community charm

    Exploring Doolin, Ireland’s capital of trad music

  • Welcome dinner at a traditional Dublin pub

    Titanic-themed dining or afternoon tea (Belfast option)

    Dinner in the historic Left Bank (Kilkenny)

    Afternoon Tea at Ashford Castle’s Mrs. T’s Tearoom

    Dirty Nelly’s pub lunch beside Bunratty Castle

    Farewell dinner in Temple Bar with live music

    Doolin pub dinner with renowned Irish cuisine and music

    Dining in The Chieftains' pub in Westport

  • Traditional music and Irish dancing on your first evening in Dublin

    Evening trad music in Kilkenny’s intimate Hole in the Wall Pub

    Optional folk music in Cork – songs with stories and soul

    Set dancing session with live music in Killarney (optional)

    Live Irish session in a legendary Doolin pub

    Optional trad session in Galway’s lively pubs

    Pub owned by The Chieftains in Westport – live music evening

    Gentle musical evening with Irish speaker in Letterkenny

    Optional heartfelt trad tunes in Armagh’s welcoming pubs

    Farewell music session in Dublin – a joyful final send-off

  • Dublin – Capital city; arrival, farewell, and multiple sightseeing stops

    Kilkenny – Medieval town known for its castle and arts scene

    Cork – Vibrant southern city with markets and maritime history

    Killarney – Scenic gateway to the Ring of Kerry

    Ennis – Historic market town in County Clare

    Galway – Artistic, lively city on the west coast

    Westport – Charming town in County Mayo

    Letterkenny – Largest town in Donegal

    Belfast – Capital of Northern Ireland

    Armagh – Ecclesiastical capital of Ireland

  • Cobh – Seaside town, last port of call for the Titanic

    Adare – Quaint village with thatched cottages

    Lahinch – Surf town along the Wild Atlantic Way

    Doolin – Famous for traditional Irish music and cozy pubs

    Cong – Picturesque village, filming location for The Quiet Man

    Buncrana – Seaside town on the Inishowen Peninsula

    Doagh – Site of the Doagh Famine Village

    Downpatrick – Home of St. Patrick’s grave and Down Cathedral

  • Ring of Kerry – Iconic driving route through County Kerry

    The Burren – Unique karst landscape in County Clare

    Cliffs of Moher – Spectacular sea cliffs overlooking the Atlantic

    Glenmask – Peaceful townland in County Mayo

    Ballintubber – Location of historic Ballintubber Abbey

    Connemara – Rugged region of lakes, stone walls, and mountains

    Kylemore – Site of Kylemore Abbey and gardens

    Drumcliff – Village with the grave of poet W.B. Yeats

    Benbulbin – Striking mountain in Sligo, visible from surrounding areas

    Sliabh Liag (optional) – Remote area with towering sea cliffs

    Grianán of Aileach – Ancient ring fort with panoramic views

Brochure

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Testimonials

"Stephanie is a master of building community and her tours bring you fully into the fold. Every activity she facilitated on my last adventure with her was engaging, connecting, and authentic. I jumped at the chance to participate in her tours with The Celtic Way to Ireland & the UK, and would encourage those interested in making meaningful connections in a new land to do the same.”

Theresa Cashman

“Travelling with Steph Woollard on one of her organised tours is educational, informative, authentic and loads of fun. I would highly recommend her tours to anyone who is interested. She ensures there is a blend of various local experiences, access to subject matter experts and enough ‘down’ time so that one does not feel rushed. You will be taken care of and feel like part of the community rather than a tourist.”

Mikaela Stafrace

“I have travelled overseas with Stephanie Woollard on a guided and organise tour. I found it to be very professional, very interesting and the activities struck a lovely balance between informative and challenging as well as fun and locally interesting. I left the country feeling like my life was enriched from having had the experience. We also met some incredible people and came back inspired.”

Prof Simon Stafrace

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If you have any questions feel free to call on +61 0401 288 056