Ireland: The Emerald Isle
Including a Castle Stay
September 16 - September 26, 2026Ireland 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!
Ireland: The Emerald Isle
September 16 - September 26, 2026Highlights
- Experience Irish Culture from Dublin to the Atlantic
- Stay in a 12th Century Castle
- Visit an Irish farm
- See the dramatic Cliffs of Moher
- Soak in Dublin's history
- Time to explore personal interests
- Suggestions for additional things to see
- And More... See itinerary for details
Activity
Read more about WTT Activity Levels
- 55% Easy
- 40% Moderate (extensive walking) 6-7 miles per day
- 5% Strenuous (distances traveled)
Your Responsibilities as a Solo Traveler
As a solo traveler you are responsible for yourself, your possessions, your physical fitness, and all other aspects related to participation in the WTT tour you have chosen. Be sure to read the itinerary closely to better understand the physical requirements necessary for the tour.
WTT tours are not suitable for anyone whose mobility is challenged or compromised. If you struggle with walking, standing or negotiating stairs or if you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
Itinerary
Wednesday, 16 September 2026: Arrive Dublin; Welcome Reception (R)
Schedule your arrival into Dublin no later than 3:00pm and take local transportation (or purchase an optional transfer) to the hotel. 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 Meeting and Reception. Overnight Dublin - 2 nights
Thursday, 17 September 2026: Trinity College & St. Patrick's Cathedral; Free Afternoon (B)
We begin with an orientation tour of Dublin to get our bearings and learn a bit more about the history of this incredible city. We'll visit Trinity College, which houses the Book of Kells, a 9th-century manuscript considered to be one of the world's most precious medieval artifacts due to its lavish and intricate decoration. We also visit St. Patrick's Cathedral, built in honor of Ireland's patron saint during the 11th century. The remainder of the afternoon is free to explore on your own. You may want to visit The National Museum, browse through shops or simply enjoy a Guinness and a chat in a local pub.
Friday, 18 September 2026: 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. It's then on to the beautiful vale of Avoca to visit its world-famous hand weavers, Ireland's oldest, and learn more about this very old craft. We conclude in Clonmel and after checking into our hotel, we'll gather for dinner together. Overnight Clonmel - 1 night
Saturday, 19 September 2026: Rock of Cashel; Queenstown Story; Kinsale (B,D)
We begin with a visit to the Rock of Cashel, a picturesque complex that was the traditional seat of the kings of Munster for several hundred years prior to the Norman invasion. We continue to Cobh, one of the primary 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 ships as they 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 Clonakilty, a colorful town on the southern coastline of County Cork. Overnight County Cork - 1 night
Sunday, 20 September 2026: 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. Overnight Killarney - 3 nights
Monday, 21 September 2026: Killarney National Park & Muckross House; Falconry Experience (B,L)
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 we'll learn more about the ancient sport of falconry on a hawk walk. This evening is at leisure.
Tuesday, 22 September 2026: Dingle Peninsula (B)
The unspoiled beauty of the Dingle Peninsula was once cited as "the most beautiful place on earth" by National Geographic. Today we travel around Slea Head for breathtaking views of the Atlantic and glimpses of "beehive huts" (early monastic settlements) dating back more than a thousand years. We are headed 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 Islanders. Following a bit of free time to wander around Dingle, we return to Killarney for the night.
Wednesday, 23 September 2026: Shannon Ferry; Cliffs of Moher; Galway (B)
This morning we head to Tarbert to board the Shannon Ferry for a 25-minute crossing to Killimer in County Clare. From here we travel along the stunning coast road to the majestic Cliffs of Moher, rising dramatically from the crashing Atlantic. After time to explore the cliffs, we travel through the lunar landscape of the Burren region and along the shores of Galway Bay to Galway City. Overnight Galway City - 2 nights
Thursday, 24 September 2026: Connemara and Kylemore Abbey (B)
We spend the day in rugged and wild Connemara, a scenic area that has been the location for many films. We'll stop at Kylemore Abbey, home to Benedictine nuns until 2008, to visit the 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 return to Galway City along the banks of Lough Corrib, Ireland's largest lake. We're in for a treat this evening as we enjoy a traditional Irish music performance (schedule permitting).
Friday, 25 September 2026: Galway City; Farm Visit; Farewell Dinner (B,D)
Spend a leisurely morning today and wander through the charming old cobblestone streets of Galway City to appreciate the blend of past and present, with modern day shops housed in century-old buildings. We then head out 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. Overnight Dublin - 1 Night
Saturday, 26 September 2026: Return Home from Dublin (B)
Sadly, it’s time to return home. Schedule your departure at your convenience. Based on the departure time you provide WTT, your Tour Leader will organize travelers into small groups so you can ride-share to the airport if you wish.
Ireland: The Emerald Isle
September 16 - September 26, 2026Pricing
Room Share
$5,394.00Single Room
$6,828.00Non-Members
ADD $100.00Status of this Tour
Trip Full, Accepting Standbys
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
- 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
- Airport Transfers
- Meals and activities not specified in the itinerary
- Beverages other than coffee/tea/still water unless otherwise noted.
- Any personal expenses
- Any gratuities for WTT Tour Leader
- Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance
Payment Dates -and- Cancellation Terms for This Tour
You have 3 days to cancel and receive a refund. Thereafter, the amount required at time of reservation is non-refundable and the following cancellation penalties will be enforced.
Friday, 20 Mar 2026: Last day $500 deposit can be converted to a credit for use on a new reservation; thereafter the deposit is forfeited.
Monday, 8 Jun 2026: Balance Due. Cancellation after this date but before Saturday, 18 Jul 2026 results in a cancellation penalty of 75% of your Total Tour Cost.
Saturday, 18 Jul 2026: Cancellation on or after this date results in a cancellation penalty of 100% of your Total Tour Cost.
Using Parked Credits: If traveler cancels during the 3-day cancel without penalty period, used credits will be re-parked with the original expiration date(s). Thereafter, cancellation will result in forfeiture of the total amount of parked credits used. If applicable, additional cancellation penalties will be assessed based on date of cancellation.
To Cancel: Should you need to cancel after your space on this tour is confirmed, you must use the Cancellation Form. Cancellation penalties are based on the date we receive your cancellation form. No other method of communicating a cancellation will be accepted.
Insurance Reminder
Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance is not included in the cost of the tour. It is your responsibility to determine the amount and type of coverage you require to recoup some or all of your travel investment, whether you cancel, are unable to complete the tour, or the tour cannot operate. Section 4.0 of WTT Terms & Conditions explains what will happen to your payments in the unlikely event that your tour cannot operate.
WTT is not licensed to sell travel insurance. You can purchase travel insurance from any provider you choose. To get an idea of rates, please go to NTA Travel Protection Plan (Enter 206063 for the "Tour Operator Location #") or TravelGuard.
Ireland: The Emerald Isle
September 16 - September 26, 2026Flights, Transfers & Lodging
Documents Required for this Tour
Passport: Travelers are required to have a valid passport. Most countries require your passport to be valid up to six months after your RETURN date, and have at least two consecutive blank pages.
VISAS: US Citizens do not need a Visa to enter Ireland. All other passport holders should check with each Country's Embassy website to determine if they need a VISA. VISA requirements are based on your country of residence.
New Online Registration Requirements: All US and Canadian citizens traveling to the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, and/or Northern Ireland) must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) that grants you permission to travel. Cost is currently set at £10. You MUST register online PRIOR to TRAVEL.
Sometime in late-2026 (exact date not yet set and may vary by country), all US and Canadian citizens traveling to the EU and any Schengen member countries will be required to register online with ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System). Cost is expected to be €7.
Arrival & Departure Information
Travelers will make their own air arrangements as follows:
Arrival Airport: DUB - Dublin, Ireland (Dublin Airport)
Arrival Date: Wednesday, September 16th. Arrive no later than 3:00pm.
Arrival Transfer: Airport Transfer not included. Optional individual private transfer available for purchase.
Departure Airport: DUB - Dublin, Ireland (Dublin Airport)
Departure Date: Saturday, September 26th. Depart at your convenience.
Departure Transfer: Not Included. WTT Tour Leader will help facilitate ride-sharing.
When to Book Your Air
Once you have booked your flights (or other transportation arrangements), use the Travel Arrangements Form to send WTT your flight details -AND- use this same form again to update your information should it change.
Airport Transfer Information
When arrival transfers are not included: WTT will provide suggestions to get to the hotel in your Final Travel Instructions about 2-3 weeks before the start of the tour. You'll also be able to see who else is arriving at the same time if you want to coordinate ride-sharing to the hotel.
This tour offers an Optional Arrival Transfer, listed as a choice on the Reservation Form
Don't Worry. We're Expecting You: One of the reasons we ask for your travel arrangements is so we know when you're arriving and can approximate when you should be at the hotel. Your Final Travel Instructions will have instructions on what to do and who to contact if you flight is delayed.
Lodging / Hotels
Dublin: The Camden Court Hotel
Clonmel, Co. Tipperary: Hotel Minella
Clonakilty, Co. Cork: Clonakilty Park Hotel
Killarney, Co. Kerry: Scotts Hotel Killarney
Galway City: Leonardo Hotel
Dublin: Clontarf Castle Hotel
Whenever possible, we choose hotels that are near the city-center and/or where there are things to do and places to eat within walking distance of the hotel. When the chosen hotel is not walkable public transportation options, at the traveler's expense, are typically available.
International Tours: Please be aware that hotels outside the US may have smaller room sizes, may involve steps to enter the hotel and may not have air conditioning. While WTT strives to find hotels that are similar to US standards, we cannot guarantee it.
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
- Optional activity suggestions prior to tour
- $205.00 Roomshare pp $364.00 Single Occupancy
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.
Early Arrival Hotel: This tour uses the same hotel used on the first night of the tour.
Optional Purchases For This Tour
In addition to the Early Arrival Optional Package - available on all WTT tours - this tour offers the following optional purchases.
- Private Arrival Transfer to the Hotel $98pp
CANCELLATION TERMS: Cancellation of Optional Purchases, which become part of your Total Tour Cost, are subject to the same cancellation terms as the main tour.
Ireland: The Emerald Isle
September 16 - September 26, 2026Destination Information
What do others say about this tour and traveling with WTT?
How Does Room Sharing Work?
On the Reservation Form there are 3 choices regarding room-sharing.
Note: Certain room-types may be unavailable at the time you make your reservation. If a room-type is unavailable the choice will be greyed out.
- Select "Yes, I want to share a room" and WTT will assign you a roommate when Final Travel Instructions are sent.
- You can specify a roommate by entering her name where indicated. If your named roommate is not on the tour, for any reason, WTT will assign you a roommate unless you pay to have your own room, if available.
- Select "No, I do not wish to share a room" if you want to have your own room. Additional costs apply.
- All shared rooms have 2 beds
- All shared rooms are non-smoking
- No special requests about your roommate can be accommodated
- See "Frequently Asked Questions" TAB for more details
How Active is this Tour?
- 55% Easy
- 40% Moderate (extensive walking) 6-7 miles per day
- 5% Strenuous (distances traveled)
Your Responsibilities as a Solo Traveler
As a solo traveler you are responsible for yourself, your possessions, your physical fitness, and all other aspects related to participation in the WTT tour you have chosen. Be sure to read the itinerary closely to better understand the physical requirements necessary for the tour.
WTT tours are not suitable for anyone whose mobility is challenged or compromised. If you struggle with walking, standing or negotiating stairs or if you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
What is the Group Size?
You will be introduced to the WTT Tour Leader when you receive your Final Travel Instructions, about 2-3 weeks before the tour begins.
Learn about your fellow travelers after final payment by visiting MyWTT. Room sharing assignments will be listed in the Final Travel Instructions.
What meals are included and how are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Each day of the itinerary lists the included meals for that day. When a meal is not included, the WTT Tour Leader will have suggestions for where to eat.
You do not have to dine alone unless it is your personal choice. You'll most likely be dining with new acquaintances you've made, or you can join the Tour Leader.
Dietary Restrictions: On international tours WTT has limited to no control over food selections or variety from meal-to-meal, especially at hotels. While we do our best to accommodate dietary requests and ensure variety of options, we cannot guarantee either.
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 this Trip You May Want—
- Clothing that easily layers for warmth
- Packable rain jacket or travel umbrella
- Warm jacket or sweater
- Smart-casual wear if you’d like to dress up a bit for dinners.
- Washcloth or loofah as they may not be available in hotels.
- Earbuds — Many venues now offer audio tours that can be downloaded to your phone
Good Packing Habits—
- Bring what you need to get a good night's sleep, such as ear plugs, white noise generator, sleeping aids, etc. Unfamiliar noises of all types can disrupt your rest.
- 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 the vehicles we use, 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 a carry-on bag.
- We recommend your suitcase be no larger than 26 inches high as measured from the FLOOR to the top of the retracted handle to make it easy for you to handle yourself. The small or medium-size in a 3-piece luggage set easily meets this requirement and should be plenty roomy for this length of trip.
- 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 carry a purse, it should be able to be worn across your body, hands-free.
- 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 phone and internet recommendations for this tour?
Only you can determine your need to stay in contact while traveling.
- You should understand what your current cell phone plan includes in terms of data and minutes. Some, like certain T-Mobile plans, include an international package.
- Contact your cell phone service provider before departing about adding an international calling plan. Most carriers have flat daily rates which will allow your US-based phone to be functional upon arrival in a foreign country.
- Managing data while traveling internationally is important. Using WiFi when available and communicating through apps like What's App help you manage data usage while traveling.
- Learn how to make an international call BEFORE you leave. Consult your cell provider and check out the website www.HowtoCallAbroad.com.
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: whether the country you are visiting is a cash-based society, the number of meals you are responsible for, your individual shopping interests and habits, and tipping expectations.
- The official currency of Ireland is the Euro.
- ATMs are typically the best way of obtaining local currency; they are found in most airports and tourist destinations. ATMS of major banks often give much better exchange rates than currency-exchange kiosks.
- Many travelers feel more comfortable having local currency before they depart for the tour. You can order local currency from your bank or AAA.
- Notify your credit card issuer that you will be traveling and provide dates of travel.
- Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, although many cards charge a foreign transaction fee. Be sure to investigate your card of choice as there are many that do not impose these fees and are better suited for international travel.
- If a merchant gives you the choice between making your transaction in USD or the local currency, always choose the local currency, to avoid dynamic currency conversion which includes a conversion fee.
What are the tipping guidelines for this tour?
Tips to coach drivers and guides who join the tour to lead individual activities will be paid on your behalf.
- We suggest you read up on tipping culture in the various places you will be visiting so you can show your appreciation for any personal service provided with an appropriate gratuity.
- 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 $8-$10 per day.
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?
Ireland: The Emerald Isle
September 16 - September 26, 2026STANDBY REQUEST FORM
1)There is no obligation to take the tour if you submit a standby request. 2)If an opening occurs, WTT will email you based on the room-type available. 3)WTT membership is not required to go on standby, however we do notify our members ahead of non-members.

Our Promise to You
It doesn’t matter which tour you choose.
You’ll find your people and make memories that last a lifetime.

