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
Tour Summary
Embark on a 10-day journey through Ireland 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.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
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
Exclusions
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
Daily Itinerary
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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): Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner , an opportunity to get to know each other over dinnner in an iconic Irish pub, where traditional music and Irish dancing will lift your spirits.
Overnight: Overnight stay in Dublin
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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
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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
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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
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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 Clare
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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 Clare
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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 Galway
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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 Galway
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8am - Breakfast in the morning at the hotel
Depart: 9:00 AM - Departure: Return south to the capital city (80 km / ~1 hr 20 mins)
Activities:
Scenic drive through the midlands and stop at Clonmacnoise, a stunning 6th-century monastic settlement on the banks of the River Shannon.
Enjoy a final afternoon of sightseeing in Dublin.
Dinner (6:30 PM): In Dublin.
Overnight: Overnight stay in Dublin
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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
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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)
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
FAQ’s
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“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.
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“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”.
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“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”.
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“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”.
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“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”.
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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.
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