Explore the Best of Ireland

‘Best of Ireland’ 10-Day Heritage Tour!

From
$7,750 AUD

Trip length:
10 Days

Trip starts: Dublin
Trip ends: Dublin

Depart
17th - 26th August 2027

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Inclusions & Exclusions
Tour Highlights
Itinerary
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Tour Summary

Embark on a 10-day journey through Ireland, discovering its rich history, Celtic heritage and breathtaking landscapes. Begin in Dublin before exploring medieval Kilkenny, Cork and Cobh, followed by the scenic beauty of Killarney and the Dingle Peninsula. Journey through Bunratty and Ennis to experience the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, The Burren and Doolin.

Continue to vibrant Galway, the picturesque village of Cong, magnificent Ashford Castle and charming Westport. Conclude your journey by returning to Dublin, bringing ten unforgettable days of Irish culture, history and natural beauty to a close.

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • Meals: 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 4 Dinners

  • Transportation: All transportation throughout the tour

  • Accommodation: 9 nights in 3-4 star Hotels

  • Tour Guides: Tour Director and locally based expert tour guides

  • Entry fees and experiences: All included on the itinerary

Inclusions

  • Flights: 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

Exclusions

Daily Itinerary

  • Welcome to Ireland • Dublin City • Irish Music & Dancing

    Morning

    Arrive in Dublin and settle into your accommodation. Take some time to relax before beginning your first taste of Ireland’s vibrant capital.

    Activities:

    • 4:00 PM — Dublin Walking Tour: Enjoy a guided walking tour through the heart of Dublin, passing Trinity College and discovering the history and atmosphere of the city.

    • Grafton Street: Explore Dublin’s famous pedestrian shopping street, known for its lively atmosphere, street performers and musical character.

    • St Stephen’s Green: Visit this elegant Victorian park in the heart of the city.

    • Enjoy some free time to explore Dublin independently, browse the shops, enjoy a coffee or soak up the atmosphere.

    Dinner

    6:30 PM — Welcome Dinner: Enjoy dinner at an iconic traditional Irish pub, accompanied by traditional Irish music and dancing.

    Hotel

    Dublin

  • Medieval Ireland • Kilkenny Castle • Arts & Crafts

    Morning

    After breakfast at the hotel, depart Dublin at approximately 9:00 AM and travel south through the Irish countryside towards Kilkenny.

    Distance: Approximately 125 km
    Travel time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

    Activities:

    • Kilkenny — Ireland’s Medieval Gem: Explore one of Ireland’s most atmospheric historic towns, known for its medieval architecture, winding streets and lively arts scene.

    • Guided Kilkenny Walking Tour: Discover the town’s medieval lanes, historic churches and important landmarks.

    • Kilkenny Castle: Enjoy free time to explore this historic castle and its surrounding parkland.

    • Browse local artisan stalls and the Makers Market for Irish crafts, artwork and locally produced goods.

    • Lunch: At leisure.

    Dinner

    Hotel

    Cobh

  • Food • Maritime Heritage • The Story of Irish Emigration

    Morning

    Explore Cork’s famous English Market and discover its selection of local produce, fresh foods and Irish culinary specialities.

    Activities:

    • The English Market: Take time to explore one of Ireland’s best-known food markets.

    • Lunch: At leisure.

    • Cobh — Ireland’s Maritime Gateway: Explore the colourful harbour town and learn about its deep connection with Irish emigration and maritime history.

    • Discover Cobh’s connection to the Titanic, which made its final port of call here before crossing the Atlantic.

    • Cobh Heritage Centre & Migration Museum: Learn about generations of Irish emigrants and their journeys overseas.

    • Optional Private Genealogy Session: Available for guests particularly interested in tracing their family history.

    • Optional Titanic Experience: Discover more about Cobh’s connection with the famous ship.

    • Enjoy the evening in Cobh.

    Dinner

    6:30 PM — Dinner at leisure

    Hotel

    Cobh

  • The Kingdom of Kerry • Waterfalls • Muckross House & Gardens

    Morning

    After breakfast, depart Cobh and travel west towards Killarney and the spectacular landscapes of County Kerry.

    Activities:

    • Muckross House & Killarney National Park: Enjoy lunch at Muckross House before exploring the historic estate, gardens and surrounding national park.

    • Discover the magnificent nineteenth-century Muckross House and Ireland’s country-house heritage.

    • Torc Waterfall: Visit one of Killarney National Park’s best-known natural attractions, surrounded by lush woodland.

    • Optional Jaunting Cart Ride: Take a traditional jaunting cart ride towards Muckross Abbey.

    • Killarney: Enjoy free time to explore the town’s welcoming pubs, cafés, restaurants and shops.

    Dinner

    Hotel

    Tralee

  • Dingle Peninsula • Thatched Villages • Medieval Castles • Living History

    Morning

    After breakfast, depart Tralee at approximately 9:00 AM and travel towards the Dingle Peninsula, enjoying scenic viewpoints along the way.

    Activities:

    • Explore the spectacular landscapes and viewpoints of the Dingle Peninsula.

    • Spend time in the seaside town of Dingle.

    • 12:30 PM — Lunch at Dirty Nelly’s: Enjoy lunch near Bunratty Castle.

    • Bunratty Castle & Folk Park: Explore the impressive medieval castle and discover Ireland’s rural past through traditional buildings, cottages, farms and village scenes.

    • Continue to Ennis, County Clare, and settle into your accommodation.

    Dinner

    6:30 PM — Town Hall Bistro

    Hotel

    Ennis, County Clare

  • Wild Atlantic Way • Ancient Landscapes • Traditional Irish Music

    Morning

    Begin the day at Ennis Library before travelling towards Ireland’s spectacular Atlantic coastline.

    Activities:

    • Ennis Library — Family History & Archives: Meet Executive Librarian Michael Talty and explore historical archives and Ireland’s documentary heritage.

    • Wild Atlantic Way: Depart Ennis at approximately 9:00 AM and travel through the dramatic landscapes of the Atlantic coast.

    • Cliffs of Moher: Experience one of Ireland’s great natural landmarks and enjoy spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean.

    • The Burren: Enjoy lunch at the Burren Heritage Centre before exploring its extraordinary limestone landscape.

    • Poulnabrone Dolmen: Visit one of Ireland’s most recognisable prehistoric monuments.

    • Doolin: Discover this small coastal village renowned for traditional Irish music.

    Dinner

    6:30 PM — Traditional Irish Music Dinner: Enjoy dinner in a welcoming Doolin pub accompanied by traditional Irish music.

    Hotel

    Galway

  • Cathedral Heritage • Galway City • Music & Culture

    Morning

    Begin the day with a visit to Galway Cathedral, followed by morning tea or coffee at the historic Hardiman Hotel.

    Activities:

    • Galway Cathedral: Visit one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.

    • The Hardiman Hotel: Enjoy morning tea or coffee overlooking Galway’s main square.

    • Guided Galway City Tour: Explore Galway’s historic centre, colourful streets and strong connection to Irish culture.

    • Enjoy free time to browse local heritage shops, visit the Galway City Museum or wander through the city.

    • Optional Tig Cóilí Visit: Experience a live traditional Irish music session at one of Galway’s best-known traditional pubs.

    Dinner

    6:30 PM — Dinner in Galway, with the option to continue the evening with live Irish music.

    Hotel

    Galway

  • Irish Film Heritage • Medieval Abbeys • Lough Corrib & Island History

    Morning

    After breakfast, depart Galway at approximately 9:00 AM and travel towards the picturesque village of Cong.

    Distance: Approximately 40 km
    Travel time: Approximately 40 minutes

    Activities:

    • Cong — The Quiet Man: Explore the village famous as a filming location for the classic film The Quiet Man.

    • Cong Abbey: Discover the remarkable medieval ruins and their fascinating history.

    • Enjoy lunch at Pat Cohan’s Pub, associated with The Quiet Man.

    • Ashford Castle & Lough Corrib: Continue to the magnificent surroundings of Ashford Castle.

    • Lough Corrib Boat Cruise: Enjoy a peaceful two-hour boat cruise from Ashford Castle to Inchagoill Island.

    • Explore Inchagoill Island and discover its rich monastic history.

    • Return to Ashford Castle and enjoy time to relax.

    • Optional Mrs T’s Tearoom: Enjoy scones with jam and cream, subject to availability and timing.

    Dinner

    6:30 PM — Dinner

    Hotel

  • Irish Countryside • Clonmacnoise Monastery • Ancient Irish Heritage • Dublin

    Morning

    After breakfast, depart Westport and travel east towards Dublin, enjoying the scenic Irish countryside and discovering more of Ireland’s rich history along the way.

    Activities:

    • Scenic Drive Through Ireland: Enjoy the changing landscapes as you travel from the west coast towards Dublin.

    • Clonmacnoise Monastic Site: Visit one of Ireland’s most important early Christian settlements, situated along the River Shannon.

    • Explore the ancient monastery ruins, historic churches, round towers and beautifully carved Celtic crosses.

    • Lunch: At leisure along the journey.

    • Dublin: Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy free time to explore the capital, shop for Irish souvenirs or relax before the evening.

    Dinner

    6:30 PM — Farewell Dinner: Celebrate the journey with a special farewell dinner in Dublin, sharing memories and experiences from the tour.

    Hotel

    Dublin

  • Final Morning in Dublin • Fond Farewells • Departure

    Morning

    Enjoy your final breakfast in Dublin and reflect on the wonderful memories, friendships and experiences shared throughout your 10-day journey across Ireland.

    Activities:

    • Breakfast at the Hotel: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before checking out.

    • Free Time in Dublin: Depending on departure schedules, enjoy a final stroll through the city, pick up last-minute souvenirs or relax at a local café.

    • Hotel Check-Out: Check out of your accommodation and prepare for your onward journey.

    • Departure: Make your way to Dublin Airport or continue with your independent travel arrangements.

    As your Celtic Way journey comes to an end, take home treasured memories of Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes, rich heritage, warm hospitality and the special connections made along the way.

    End of Tour — Dublin

*Itineraries subject to change

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

  • 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

  • “Health symptoms + condition” / “senior-friendly travel” / “travel for seniors”

    For seniors concerned about physical demands on tours:

    • The Celtic Way tours are designed for seniors, retirees, and older Australians with minimum fitness requirements.

    • There is no heavy exercise, making it a perfect gentle walking tour and senior-friendly holiday.

    • Tours are at your leisure, with short walks through towns, easy sightseeing, and comfortable coach transfers.

    • • Ideal for those searching for stress-free holidays for older adults, relaxed travel itineraries, or leisurely Ireland tours for seniors.

  • “Irish ancestry Australia” / “Irish genealogy” / “family history Ireland” / “heritage travel Ireland”

    For those interested in Irish ancestry, family history, and heritage:

    • Family history and genealogy are a major focus of The Celtic Way tours.

    • Tours are accompanied by a professional genealogist, providing genealogy support for seniors and assistance tracing Irish ancestry.

    • You’ll visit heritage centres and museums including:

      • Titanic Museum, Belfast – exploring maritime history and Irish connections.

      • Cobh Heritage Centre, Cork – learn about emigration and ancestors’ journeys.

      • EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, Dublin – discover the broader Irish diaspora.

    • Opportunities to meet one-on-one with a genealogist ensure you can trace Irish family roots effectively.

    • Each county’s history and heritage will be highlighted, enriching your heritage travel experience in Ireland.

    • Keywords incorporated naturally for searches like “heritage tours for seniors”, “Irish ancestry travel”, and “genealogy tours Australia to Ireland”.

  • “Ireland weather” / “best time to visit Ireland” / “Ireland climate for seniors”

    For planning the best months to travel:

    • April – early spring, mild temperatures, fewer crowds, ideal for gentle sightseeing and cultural tours.

    • July – peak summer, warm weather, long daylight hours, perfect for senior-friendly sightseeing tours.

    • September – late summer, mild climate, fewer tourists, excellent for heritage and ancestry trips.

    • The tour schedule is designed so weather won’t impede enjoyment, with comfortable transport and easy walking tours throughout Ireland.

    • Keywords included for “senior travel to Ireland in summer”, “best time for older adults to visit Ireland”, “Ireland spring tours for seniors”.

FAQ’s

  • “senior travel deals” / “flights to Ireland” / “Irish tours for seniors” / “Ireland holiday packages”

    For seniors planning flights and travel logistics:

    • The Celtic Way team can help book flights, extra nights’ accommodation, and airport transfers.

    • Optional extra nights are available for those wishing to arrive early or extend their stay.

    • Transfers and luggage assistance make tours easy and stress-free.

    • Designed for comfortable, convenient travel for older adults, ideal for senior holiday packages, Ireland coach tours for seniors, and heritage-focused holidays.

    • Keywords included for “easy travel for seniors”, “stress-free Ireland tours”, and “Ireland tours with comfortable travel”.

  • “visa Ireland Australia” / “ETA Ireland” / “senior travel requirements” / “travel insurance for seniors”

    For travel requirements and entry into Ireland:

    • Australians require a valid passport to enter Ireland.

    • Visa-exempt for short-term tourist visits (generally up to 90 days), but ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) may be required.

    • The Celtic Way team provides up-to-date ETA and visa guidance, helping you plan hassle-free travel to Ireland.

    • Keywords included for “Ireland visa for Australian seniors”, “travel requirements Ireland for older adults”, “ETA Ireland 2026”, and “senior-friendly travel advice”.

  • Absolutely! The Celtic Way tours are carefully curated for both solo travellers and couples, ensuring everyone feels welcome and comfortable.

    For solo travellers, our tours provide a friendly, social environment, making it easy to meet like-minded participants who share an interest in Irish heritage, genealogy, and cultural travel. You can participate in group meals, excursions, and heritage site visits, or enjoy independent exploration at your own pace.

    We also offer single occupancy rooms for those who prefer private accommodation, giving you the flexibility and comfort you need while travelling alone.

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Join us for a Zoom Call

We have regular info calls with our tour guides for them to get to know you and you to get to know them! Please let us know by filling in your details that you are interested to join one of our upcoming calls and we will send you the invite with dates and times.

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