(C)Ireland: The Emerald Isle #2
Including a Castle Stay
Ireland is a popular destination and for good reason. The landscape is breathtaking, the people charming, and English is spoken by most. We traverse a lot of the lush country on this trip. You’ll learn about Ireland’s history and culture with visits to ancient monastic sites and medieval castles. See breathtaking and dramatic scenery from Connemara to the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland’s top natural scenic attraction. No visit is complete without a stop in Dublin, the Irish capital, where you can immerse yourself in vibrant culture and history. We never tire of the Emerald Isle and know you won’t either!
(C)Ireland: The Emerald Isle #2
July 8 - July 18, 2020Highlights
- Experience Irish Culture
- Stay in a Castle
- Visit an Irish farm
- See the dramatic Cliffs of Moher
- Time to explore personal interests
- Suggestions for additional things to see
- Small group no larger than 18
- And More... See itinerary for details
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Itinerary
Wednesday, 08 July 2020: Arrive Dublin; Welcome Dinner (D)
On arrival at Dublin airport, clear customs and immigration and transfer (based on arrival time) to your city center hotel. Schedule your arrival no later than 3:00pm. Following hotel check in, the remainder of the afternoon is free to rest. This evening we will meet in the lobby at 6:00PM for our Welcome Dinner and then enjoy a Welcome Dinner. Overnight Dublin - 2 nights
Thursday, 09 July 2020: Trinity College & St. Patrick's Cathedral; Free Time (B)
We begin in Dublin, Ireland’s capital city, with a visit to Trinity College, which houses the Book of Kells, Ireland's most precious medieval artifact, and St. Patrick's Cathedral. The remainder of the afternoon is free to explore on your own. Visit The National Museum, browse through shops or simply enjoy a Guinness and a chat in a local pub.
Friday, 10 July 2020: Powerscourt House & Gardens; Glendalough; Avoca; Clonmel (B,D)
This morning we travel south to County Wicklow, known as the Garden of Ireland. Our first stop is Powerscourt House and Gardens. The outstanding gardens were laid out when the house was rebuilt in 1731. We continue to Glendalough (Valley of Two Lakes) and are transported back in time to the 7th century on a guided tour of this remarkable early monastic settlement. We continue through the beautiful vale of Avoca to the Avoca hand weavers, Ireland's oldest, and learn more about this very old craft on a guided tour. We then travel to Clonmel to check into our hotel and enjoy dinner together this evening. Overnight Clonmel - 1 night
Saturday, 11 July 2020: Rock of Cashel; Queenstown Story; Kinsale (B,D)
This morning we visit the Rock of Cashel, a picturesque complex with a character of its own, that was the traditional seat of the kings of Munster for several hundred years prior to the Norman invasion. We continue to Cobh, which was one of the main points of emigration during the great famine and also the Titanic's last port of call. Here you can visit “The Queenstown Story,” which portrays the hardship of life onboard ship as it sailed to the “New World.” Annie Moore, the first-ever immigrant to be processed on Ellis Island when it officially opened in January of 1892, left from Cobh with her two brothers. Our final stop is Kinsale, a historic fishing town on the southern coastline of County Cork. Overnight Kinsale - 1 night
Sunday, 12 July 2020: West Cork; Mizen Head; Killarney (B,D)
This morning we travel along the southern coast to Skibbereen, onto Ballydehob and then to Mizen Head, Ireland's most southerly point to visit the award-winning Maritime Museum and Heritage Attraction. Take a 10-minute walk along a short path, down 99 steps and cross the arched bridge to the lighthouse. We continue onto Killarney, taking in a 20-mile stretch of the famous Ring of Kerry. Tonight, we will gather for dinner together. Overnight Killarney - 3 nights
Monday, 13 July 2020: Killarney National Park & Muckross House; Afternoon Free Time (B,L)
Today we travel in traditional style in an Irish jaunting car (horse-drawn, two-wheeled carriage) to Killarney National Park and Muckross House and Gardens, one of Ireland’s most stately homes. We'll tour this Victorian mansion built in 1843 and enjoy lunch together. This afternoon you are free to enjoy the town of Killarney.
Tuesday, 14 July 2020: Dingle Peninsula (B)
Today we enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the Dingle Peninsula, once cited as "the most beautiful place on earth" by National Geographic. As we continue around Slea Head there are breathtaking views of the Atlantic and glimpses of "beehive huts" (early monastic settlements) dating back more than a thousand years. Our tour takes us to the most westerly point of Ireland to view the Blasket Islands and visit the Blasket Center to learn about the culture and traditions of the Blasket Islanders. Following free time in Dingle, we return to Killarney for the night.
Wednesday, 15 July 2020: Shannon Ferry; Cliffs of Moher; Galway (B)
We travel to Tarbert this morning and board the Shannon Ferry for a 25-minute crossing to Killimer. From here we take the coast road to the majestic Cliffs of Moher, rising dramatically from the crashing Atlantic. After time to explore the cliffs, our tour continues through the lunar landscape of the Burren region and along the shores of Galway Bay to Galway City. Overnight Galway City - 2 nights
Thursday, 16 July 2020: Connemara and Kylemore Abbey; Pub Dinner (B,D)
Today we tour rugged and wild Connemara, a scenic area that has been the location for many films. We stop at Kylemore Abbey (1866), home to Benedictine nuns until 2008. We visit the abbey’s Victorian Walled Garden, which is completely enclosed by a brick and limestone wall, and the beautiful Gothic church built by Mitchell Henry in memory of his wife who died four years after the castle was constructed. We continue to Cong to see a 14th-century cross and the ruins of Cong Abbey, founded in 1128, and return to Galway City along the banks of Lough Corrib, Ireland's largest lake. This evening we enjoy a pub dinner and entertainment.
Friday, 17 July 2020: Galway City; Farm Visit; Castle Stay in Dublin; Farewell Dinner (B,D)
There is free time to wander through the charming old cobblestone streets of Galway City this morning to appreciate the blend of past and present, with modern day shops housed in century-old buildings. This afternoon we head to Rathbaun Farm to peek into the daily workings of a sheep farm. Farmer Fintan Connelly will demonstrate sheep shearing and herding. Spend time in the thatched cottage, smell the turf fire and enjoy freshly baked scones, soda bread and tea. We return to Dublin where we'll gather this evening for dinner and bid farewell to the Emerald Isle.
Saturday, 18 July 2020: Return Home from Dublin (B)
Sadly, it’s time to return home. Make your return flight home at your convenience, remembering that you will need extra time at the Dublin Airport to clear US Customs. Group transfers will be provided based on departure flight times.
(C)Ireland: The Emerald Isle #2
July 8 - July 18, 2020Pricing
Room Share
$4,327.00Single Room
$5,189.00Non-Members
ADD $100.00Status of this Tour
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Tour Pricing Includes
- All meals and activities expressly listed in the itinerary, PLUS...
- All tipping of local guides
- WTT Tour Leader to enhance the individual & group experience
- Airport transfers
- Experienced driver/guide to give commentary (and perhaps sing!)
- Arranged room sharing with another solo traveler
- Travel Dollar credits (a benefit of WTT membership) toward future travel with WTT
Not Included In The Price
- Airfare or other transportation from your home and return to your home
- Meals and activities not specified in the itinerary
- Any personal expenses
- Any gratuities for WTT Tour Leader
- Travel Insurance
Payment Dates -and- Cancellation Terms for This Tour
At Space Reservation: Initial Deposit is due.
Friday, 10 Jan 2020: Initial deposit cannot be parked and is forfeited if traveler cancels after this date.
Monday, 30 Mar 2020: Payment in full. 50% cancellation penalty after this date.
Saturday, 9 May 2020: 100% forfeited if traveler cancels after this date.
Please review our travel and cancellation policies before making your reservation. You will be asked to confirm you have read and understand WTT's travel polices before we will accept your reservation.
Travel Insurance: We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect you in case you find the need to cancel your tour. WTT will mail you information from 2 reliable travel insurance providers at the time we confirm your reservation.
You can review the insurance information from TravelGuard to get an idea of rates.
(C)Ireland: The Emerald Isle #2
July 8 - July 18, 2020Flights, Transfers & Lodging
Arrival & Departure Information
Travelers will make their own air arrangements as follows:
Arrival Airport: DUB - Dublin, Ireland (Dublin Airport)
Arrival Date: Wednesday, July 8th. Arrive no later than 3:00pm.
Arrival Transfer: Group transfer provided. Details will be provided in your Final Travel Instructions.
Departure Airport: DUB - Dublin, Ireland (Dublin Airport)
Departure Date: Saturday, July 18th. Depart at your convenience.
Departure Transfer: Group transfers provided based on flight departure times.
Lodging / Hotels
Dublin: The Camden Court Hotel
Clonmel: Hotel Minella
Kinsale: The Hotel Kinsale
Killarney: Scotts Hotel Killarney
Galway City: The Salthill Hotel
Dublin: Clontarf Castle Hotel
In the unlikely event WTT is unable to provide the accommodation(s) listed, for whatever reason, WTT will substitute similar quality accommodation(s) at no additional cost to the traveler.
Want to Arrive a Day Early?
- The room (standard check-in times apply)
- Breakfast the following morning
- Transfer from the airport to the hotel
- Optional activity suggestions prior to tour
$277.00 Roomshare $409.00 Single
The pre-tour package is an optional service. Rates are established at time of tour posting. Early check-in is solely at the discretion of the hotel and cannot be arranged in advance.
Additional Reminders About This Tour
Travelers are required to have a valid passport. Most countries require your passport to be valid a minimum of six months after your return home date, and have at least two consecutive blank pages.
(C)Ireland: The Emerald Isle #2
July 8 - July 18, 2020Destination Information
What do others say about this tour and traveling with WTT?
How Does Room Sharing Work?
- If you wish to share with another solo traveler, select this option on the Reservation Form and your tour price will automatically be based on the room share price.
- Or, you may select a single room, when available, on the Reservation Form and your tour price will be automatically based on the single room price.
- These choices are clearly stated on the Reservation Form.
- All shared rooms are non-smoking
- All shared rooms have 2 beds
- No special requests about your roommate can be accommodated
- Most solo travelers elect to share a room.
- See "Frequently Asked Questions" TAB for more details
How Active is this Tour?
Because of this requirement, WTT tours are not suitable for anyone who is physically challenged, walking impaired, or is a slow walker that cannot keep up with the pace of the group.
The activities on this tour are rated as follows:
- 80% Easy
- 15% Moderate (walking)
- 5% Strenuous
If you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
Read more about Activity Levels
What meals are included and how are dietary restrictions accommodated?
- Breakfast daily
- 1 Lunch
- 6 Dinners (Pubs, restaurants and hotel dining)
Selections for the included lunches and dinners will highlight the local cuisine. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dietary requests can be accommodated on this tour with limited selections.
What clothing and items should I pack for this trip?
In general the temperature, rainfall and humidity levels vary based on the time of the year. We suggest you monitor weather apps before you depart for the most current information. For international weather refer to http://www.accuweather.com/en/world-weather.
For this Trip You May Want—
- Rain jacket
- Lightweight but warm jacket or sweater
- One smart-casual outfit if you’d like to dress up a bit for dinners.
- Swimsuit
- Bring what you need to get a good night's sleep, such as ear plugs, white noise generator, sleeping pills, etc. Unfamiliar noises of all types can disrupt your rest.
Good Packing Habits—
- Pack a limited amount of comfortable, casual clothing that layer and coordinate. Your fellow travelers will not mind or even notice – seeing you in the same clothing.
- Bring only two pairs of everyday shoes: one pair of well-broken-in walking shoes, and a second pair that could do double-duty as a walking shoe or a slightly dressy shoe.
- Pare down your beauty regimen to the bare minimum and always pack travel-sized toiletries.
- Pack medication in your carry-on and pack only as much as needed for the duration of your tour plus a few extra days as a precaution.
What are the luggage restrictions for this tour?
On every WTT tour, our policies regarding luggage restrictions are driven by the physical space limitations of our vehicles and the requirement that all travelers be able to manage their own belongings without assistance.
- It is best to travel as lightly as possible. Most travelers regret when they have packed too much.
- You may bring one suitcase plus one carry-on. We strongly suggest your suitcase be no larger than 26 inches high as measured from the FLOOR to the top of the retracted handle. The medium-size in a 3-piece luggage set easily meets this requirement and will be plenty roomy for this length of trip.
- If you carry a purse, it should be worn across your body, hands-free.
- You are responsible for managing your own belongings. We expect you to take your belongings from the coach to your room and to bring it back to the coach on days we change hotels. We do not provide luggage pulls; they are not safe and are inconvenient.
- Steps exist at most hotel entrances. On occasion the coach must unload passengers and luggage some distance from the hotel entrance.
- If you are planning on shopping, have larger items shipped directly to your home. For smaller items you want to carry home, bring a small nylon zippered bag packed in your suitcase to accommodate these purchases.
What are the health recommendations for this tour?
The standards for health and hygiene in Ireland are excellent. You should practice the same hygiene rules as here in the US.
What are the phone and internet recommendations for this tour?
Only you can determine your need to stay in contact while traveling. Internet access is available in most hotels, sometimes for a fee.
- If you are bringing a cell phone, contact your cell phone service provider before departing about adding international calling and/or texting features. Texting internationally is often less expensive than placing a cell phone call.
- Learn how to make an international call BEFORE you leave. Consult your cell provider and check out the web site www.HowtoCallAbroad.com.
What are the electricity requirements for this tour?
Outlets are 230 volts AC, 50 Hz with three square prong outlets. You may need to purchase an adapter. To determine the electric plug configuration needed for your destination, refer to http://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/list_bylocation.html. A universal adapter supports a wide variety of sockets/plugs. You should also check your electronic devices for voltage compatibility. Many countries operate on 220V or 230V, which differs from most of North America. Most of today's electronics (laptops, phone chargers etc.) are multi-voltage and will work worldwide automatically, without a transformer. Consult your owner's manual for further details.
How much money should I bring on this tour?
Only you can determine the optimum amount of cash to take on tour. When budgeting for out-of-pocket expenses, there are several aspects to consider: the number of meals you are responsible for, the amount of money you like to have on-hand for snacks and drinks, and your individual shopping interests and habits.
- Notify your credit card issuer that you will be traveling and provide dates of travel.
- ATMs are typically the best way of obtaining cash; they are found in most towns and cities; you must know your PIN number for your debit and credit cards in order to use the ATMs.
- Ireland's official currency is the Euro.
- Exchange $100 or so into local local currency so you have cash upon arrival.
- Be sure to keep cash on hand for cabs, tips, smaller purchases, etc.
What are the tipping guidelines for this tour?
All tips to local guides during your tour have already been paid on your behalf.
- You are responsible for tipping transfer drivers, wait-staff, porters, or other individuals who provide a personal service to you at the hotel, or other public locations.
- Typically if a restaurant bill lists a service charge or adds “service included” then a tip is not necessary. If nothing is noted, a server will expect a 10% to 15% tip. Tipping personnel in pubs does not happen. Personnel in cafes and bistros typically have a tip jar located by the register. Hotel personnel do not expect tips but will accept them for excellent service.
- You may want to tip your WTT Tour Leader for an outstanding job. The amount is entirely a personal preference. If you'd like a guideline, consider $7-$10 per day.
What other Additional Information do I need to know?
Travelers are required to have a valid passport. Most countries require your passport to be valid a minimum of six months after your return home date, and have at least two consecutive blank pages.
Can I transfer my deposit to another tour?
To get off this tour and register for another tour, you must follow these steps - in the order shown:
2) WAIT before submitting your new reservation! You must receive the Cancellation Confirmation email before submitting your new reservation. This can take up to 2 business days. The Cancellation Confirmation email will list the amount of parked credits from this tour that are now available to use on a new reservation.
3) COMPLETE the new Reservation Form and USE the parked credits towards your deposit on the new tour.
Note: If you used Parked Credits to pay the deposit on this tour, these credits cannot be used a second time and are not eligible to be transferred.
What happens if I need to cancel this tour?

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