Insight > Country Roads of Ireland

Country Roads of Ireland
13 Days starting from $2,425

Countries Visited:
Ireland

 

Length: 13 Days
Type: First Class Tour
Category: Britain and Ireland
Operator: Insight
Tour Code: B909
   
 
About This Tour


This is a well paced tour with two-night stays in Killarney and Galway, as well as in Dublin. The driving days are of a reasonable length, with frequent stops offering splendid photo opportunities.

 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing
  • SPECIALS

Insight's First Class Services

  • Escorted by a professional Tour Director
  • Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
  • Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
  • Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
  • Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 13

Quality Dining

  • Dine-Around evening at your own choice of restaurant in Dublin (DA)
  • 11 full Breakfasts (B) and 5 three-course Evening Meals with choice, or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

13 Days ~ Ireland

Tour Pace
This is a well paced tour with two-night stays in Killarney and Galway, as well as in Dublin. The driving days are of a reasonable length, with frequent stops offering splendid photo opportunities.

DAY 1 – SUN – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Dublin.

DAY 2 – MON – DUBLIN SIGHTSEEING
Welcome to Ireland! On arrival there are complimentary transfers to your tour hotel from Dublin Airport. A sightseeing tour of Dublin includes the elegant squares of Ireland’s ‘fair city’ and a visit to the impressive castle (when open). See also the famous O’Connell Street and Customs House. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Drink, followed by a Dine-Around option that offers dinner from a selection of restaurants.
Hotel: Quality. (DA)

DAY 3 – TUE – DUBLIN – WATERFORD
Drive to Kildare and visit Ireland’s National Stud, one of the country’s main racehorse breeding centres. Visit the Japanese Gardens, laid out by Eida, a Japanese landscape artist invited to Ireland at the turn of last century. Move on to the architectural gem of Kilkenny and visit the 13th century Kilkenny Castle, with its splendid picture gallery. See also the Kilkenny Design Centre before continuing on to your hotel in historic Waterford.
Hotel: Dooleys. (B)

DAY 4 – WED – WATERFORD – BLARNEY
See history unfold before your eyes in Waterford as you view the 9th century Reginald’s Tower and the remains of the old city walls. Tour the famous Waterford Crystal Factory before a coastal drive brings you to Ireland’s second city of Cork. See St Finbar’s Cathedral, Cork’s most exuberant church building then continue to your hotel in Blarney.
Hotel: Ramada Hotel & Suites. (B,D)

DAY 5 – THU – BLARNEY – KILLARNEY
Visit the ancient castle of Blarney this morning. Will you dare to hang upside down from the ramparts to kiss the Blarney Stone, and ensure a lifetime of eloquence? Admire displays of Waterford Crystal at Blarney Mill before driving up the valley of the River Lee into the majestic Derrynasaggart Mountains. Now to the beautiful scenery of the Dingle Peninsula, spectacular setting for the film Ryan’s Daughter. From dramatic Slea Head at the peninsula’s far end, make your way to the peaceful town of Killarney.
Hotel: Killarney Avenue & Towers. (B,D)

DAY 6 – FRI – RING OF KERRY EXCURSION
An excursion takes you around the Ring of Kerry on one of the world’s greatest scenic tours: see towering cliffs, lush lakelands, remote villages and, above all, Ireland’s highest mountain range, and view the three peaceful Lakes of Killarney.Return to Killarney and enjoy a highlight ride with the locals on one of the famous jaunting cars. (B)

DAY 7 – SAT – KILLARNEY – GALWAY
Drive via picturesque Adare to the city of Limerick and see 12th century St Mary’s Cathedral and medieval King John’s Castle. Now visit Bunratty Folk Park, a living museum before a delightful drive takes you through the Burren, a strange, rocky landscape rich with wild orchids, to Galway.
Hotel: Clarinbridge Court. (B,D)

DAY 8 – SUN – CONNEMARA EXCURSION
In Galway, see St Nicholas Cathedral, the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US president John F Kennedy. The beautiful rugged landscape of Connemara opens up a wonderland of rivers, lakes and silent hills en route to the famous marble factory, where you will tour the workshop. Visit palatial Kylemore Abbey before returning to your hotel. (B)

DAY 9 – MON – GALWAY – LONDONDERRY
Bidding farewell to Galway and Connemara, drive past Tuam to Clonalis House. This estate is the home of the O’Connor family, descendants of the last High Kings of Ireland. Meet the resident family and tour their home before driving through County Sligo to visit the Belleek Pottery Centre. Continue to Donegal town, with its stronghold of the great O’Donnells, and head north through the Blue Stack Mountains into Northern Ireland, settling for the night in the ancient city of ‘Derry’.
Hotel: City. (B,D)

DAY 10 – TUE – LONDONDERRY – BALLYGALLY
Sightseeing with a local guide takes you inside the well preserved walls, still topped with cannons, and down steep Shipquay Street, with its elegant Georgian houses, to the Gothic Guildhall. Continue along the coast to the spectacular Giant’s Causeway, and hear the fantastic legends which surround this geological masterpiece created by the cooling of lava which burst through the Earth’s crust millions of years ago. Continue along the scenic Antrim coast to arrive in Ballygally for an overnight stay.
Hotel: Ballygally Castle. (B,D)

DAY 11 – WED – BALLYGALLY – BELFAST
Continue around the coast, past the huge Norman castle at Carrickfergus, to arrive in Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. Meet your local guide for a panoramic tour of this unique city, with highlights including City Hall, Queen’s University and Stormont Castle.
Hotel: Europa. (B)

DAY 12 – THU – BELFAST – DUBLIN
Travel alongside the Mountains of Mourne to Drogheda, taking a short drive along the historic Boyne Valley, site of the Battle of Boyne where William of Orange defeated the forces of Catholic King James. Return to Ireland’s lively capital, Dublin, and spend a leisurely evening relaxing, exploring or perhaps taking in a famous Irish Cabaret show.
Hotel: Quality. (B)

DAY 13 – FRI – RETURN TO USA
The tour ends after breakfast, with complimentary transfers to the airport. (B)


To speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
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Single
(Land + Air)
4/27/2008 - 5/9/2008
$2,425
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5/4/2008 - 5/16/2008
$2,435
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5/11/2008 - 5/23/2008
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5/18/2008 - 5/30/2008
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5/25/2008 - 6/6/2008
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6/1/2008 - 6/13/2008
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6/8/2008 - 6/20/2008
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6/15/2008 - 6/27/2008
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6/22/2008 - 7/4/2008
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6/29/2008 - 7/11/2008
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7/6/2008 - 7/18/2008
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7/13/2008 - 7/25/2008
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7/20/2008 - 8/1/2008
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7/27/2008 - 8/8/2008
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8/3/2008 - 8/15/2008
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8/10/2008 - 8/22/2008
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8/17/2008 - 8/29/2008
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8/24/2008 - 9/5/2008
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8/31/2008 - 9/12/2008
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9/7/2008 - 9/19/2008
$2,450
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9/14/2008 - 9/26/2008
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9/21/2008 - 10/3/2008
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9/28/2008 - 10/10/2008
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Hotels
Our selection of modern hotels like the Europa in Belfast and the Ramada Hotel & Suites in Blarney, contrast with the historic charm of the Ballygally Castle Hotel with its original beamed ceilings and antique furniture.

Fellow Passengers
This tour attracts both experienced and first-time travelers who wish to explore the Emerald Isle. The comprehensive itinerary is also perfect for those with Irish heritage or those fascinated by the Irish way of life.

Highlights
Exploring the history of Ireland at the ancestral Clonalis House or the living museum of Bunratty Folk Park are highlights, as are the the rides on the Killarney jaunting cars and the delightful Highlight Dinner.

Enjoy our Premium Highlights plus these extra tour features

Excursions & Sights

  • See the Customs House & O’Connell Street in Dublin
  • Tour the 13th century Kilkenny Castle and Kilkenny Design Centre
  • See the old city walls, Reginald’s Tower and visit the Waterford Crystal Factory
  • Climb Blarney Castle and dangle from the ramparts to kiss the famous ‘Blarney Stone’See St Finbar’s Cathedral in Cork
  • Scenic tour of Dingle Peninsula to Slea Head
  • Visit the town of Adare
  • See King John’s Castle & St Mary’s Cathedral in Limerick
  • See St. Nicholas Cathedral, Spanish Arch & Eyre Square in Galway
  • Connemara excursion including a visit to the Connemara Marble factory
  • Visit the turreted neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey
  • Visit Belleek Pottery Centre
  • See O’Donnell’s Castle in Donegal
  • See ‘Derry’s Walls’ and Gothic guildhallSee Carrickfergus Castle
  • View the City Hall and Queen’s University in Belfast
  • Scenic drives – the ‘Burren’, Antrim coast, Boyne Valley

Guided City Tours

  • In-depth sightseeing tours in Dublin, Londonderry & Belfast
  • Orientation tours in Waterford, Cork, Killarney, Limerick, & Galway

Insight's First Class Services

  • Escorted by a professional Tour Director
  • Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
  • Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
  • Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
  • Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 13

Quality Dining

  • Dine-Around evening at your own choice of restaurant in Dublin (DA)
  • 11 full Breakfasts (B) and 5 three-course Evening Meals with choice, or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

CURRENT SPECIALS:

Great Savings and Discounts

EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNTS

SAVE UP TO 10%: Insight sells its tours in many countries worldwide so the most popular tours fill very quickly. Don’t be disappointed, book early! You’ll be assured of the tours you want, andthe earlier you pay, the more you SAVE!

Here’s how...

Pay 4 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 2.5%

Pay 7 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 5%

Pay 10 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 7.5%

Pay 12 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 10%

Tours must be paid in full for this discount to apply. Discounts apply to the land-only portion of your tour. Tour prices may change in future brochures. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.

FAMILY SAVINGS

YOUNG TRAVELLERS SAVE 10% AGED 5-17 YEARS :Travel broadens the mind and enhances those special relationships. Insight offers you the opportunity of

sharing your happy holiday memories with your children or grandchildren. This discount applies to the Land Only portion of your tour. Young Travellers must be under the age of 18 years old on the tour departure date, and MUST be accompanied by an adult (limit of one Young Traveller Discount per room). On all escorted tours, children under 5 years old are NOT accepted. The Young Traveller must be the specified age at the time of travel to be eligible for this discount. This discount cannot be combined with our Groups Discount. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension,

and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.

GROUP DISCOUNTS

5 OR MORE – SAVE 5%: If a group of 5 to 8 people travel together a discount of 5% per person applies to the Land Only portion of your tour. So it pays to get together with your family and friends!

SAVE $$$ FOR 9 OR MORE : If you have a group of 9 or more people travelling together on the same scheduled tour, then you automatically qualify for big savings! Your savings will be determined by the number of people travelling so ask call for details. You may also reserve a tour departure exclusively for your group! Some restrictions apply. Please contact our Groups Department 1-866-475-7023.

These discounts cannot be combined with Frequent Traveller, Family Savings or Triple Room Discounts. To qualify, names of all passengers travelling must be advised to Insight at the time of booking. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension,

and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.  

SINGLE TRAVELLER SAVING

SAVE UP TO $2850 PER PERSON with Insight’s Room Mate Matching service Insight believes travelling solo should not cost you more! That’s why for people travelling alone on an Insight coach tour, we'll match you with someone of the same gender, so you don't have to pay the single room supplement. If we fail to match you, we'll provide a single room at no extra cost. Please note there is a no-smoking policy in all shared rooms. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises. 3. Does not apply to Irish Elegance.

TRIPLE ROOM DISCOUNTS: When three people travel together and share one room,

each of the three enjoys a discount off the tour price. See the Triple Room Reductions on the itinerary of your choice. This discount only applies to tours featuring the “Share a Triple Room” reduction on the itinerary pages. Note the third bed will, on occasions, be a foldaway.

FREQUENT TRAVELLER SAVING

SAVE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TOUR: Most first-time travellers go on vacation with Insight again and again. In recognition of our loyal customers, Insight now extends to all clients automatic membership into our Premier Plus Club, as well as a 5% Discount off the Land portion of their next Insight trip. Insight’s Premier Plus Club & 5% Discount is not available retroactively. Only one voucher is available per person, per tour, per year and only one voucher can be redeemed against each further tour

booking. This discount cannot be combined with our Groups Discount.  Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise.

EXTRA TOUR DISCOUNTS

SAVE $$$ON YOUR 2ND TOUR: Book two Insight vacations, each 7 days or longer and you will receive a reduction of 5%off the cheaper of the two tours. Both tours must be booked at the same time. This discount is per person.

COMPLIMENTARY TRANSFERS: Save up to $135 per couple on LONDON taxi fares

FREE LONDON RETURN : Passengers taking the 'Land only' option on our Discovery

tours may return to London by Insight motorcoach at NO EXTRA CHARGE, instead of departing from Paris. Offer applies to the final day of the following Discovery tours:  E920, E910, E933, E914, E912, E913, E916 & G916. Accommodations will be

required, as arrival in London is late afternoon/early evening.

SMALL GROUPS ADVANTAGE : Many tour operators fill their tours with up to 53 passengers. This means more congestion and less leg room on the coach as seats are configured more closely. At Insight we have a

maximum of only 40 guests per tour.

INSIGHT'S GUARANTEES

PRICE GUARANTEE: With Insight, you don’t need to worry about currency fluctuations. Once we receive your full deposit, your land tour price is guaranteed and protected against any increases. (Excludes pre-registration for tours in future brochures and any imposed fuel surcharges or Government Taxes.

TOUR GUARANTEE FOR LAND TRAVEL: To assist you when booking our airline offers and taking our great early payment savings, Insight has designated a large number of tours which we guarantee will operate on the scheduled date, unless circumstances occur beyond our control. Look for Tour Guarantee (TG symbol) on the itinerary of your choice indicating applicable dates. All other featured departures are planned to operate however, for operational reasons, may be subject to re- scheduling with at least 50 days notice (between May 1st & September 30th).


   
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