13-Day tour across All Ireland
Skirt the coastline from north to west to the south and back to Dublin. Traveling June 4-16, 2023.
All Ireland Itinerary
DAY 1 - Sunday 4th June
Arrive in Dublin Airport, to be greeted by Nigel and Jessica O’Connor. Stay one night in the center of Dublin, within easy reach of Dublin’s busy tourism, shopping, and dining areas.
DAY 2 - Monday 5th June
Depart Dublin for Northern Ireland. A nice morning drive through the historic Boyne Valley, visiting the Hill of Tara, the ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland, the Hill of Slane, where the legend and history of St.Patrick meet, and Monasterboice, the ruins of a 6th century early Christian monastery. In the afternoon, drive to Belfast in Northern Ireland, with a short tour around the Falls and Shankill roads, and a visit to the Peace Wall. Stay two nights in a top hotel in Belfast, within easy reach of the city center.
DAY 3 - Tuesday 6th June
A day on the North Antrim Coast, one of the most scenic drives in the whole of Europe. Visit the basalt rocks of the Giant’s Causeway and the cliff top ruins of Dunluce Castle.
DAY 4 - Wednesday 7th June
Depart Belfast for County Donegal. Visit the fascinating Ulster American Folk Park. In the afternoon, drive to Derry city, and walk the Derry Walls. Stay two nights in a luxurious hotel in Donegal.
DAY 5 - Thursday 8th June
A leisurely day in Donegal, with options for a morning trip to the stunning Slieve League cliffs, followed by a leisurely afternoon shopping in Triona Donegal Tweed Visitors Center in Donegal town.
DAY 6 - Friday 9th June
Depart Donegal for County Galway. Travel down the north west coast of Ireland, crossing counties Leitrim, Sligo and Mayo. Spend an hour in the pretty town of Westport. Drive through scenic Connemara. Visit Kylemore Abbey and Gardens. Stay two nights in a luxury hotel in Galway, very close to the city center.
DAY 7 - Saturday 10th June
Depart Galway for a day on the Aran Islands. Sail from Rossaveal to Inishmore, the largest of the islands. Visit the ancient fort and cliffs of Dun Aonghus, and the Seven Churches.
DAY 8 - Sunday 11th June
Depart Galway for Killarney. Drive through County Clare, and visit the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher. Take the ferry across the River Shannon to County Kerry in Ireland’s south west. Drive through spectacular mountain scenery to arrive in the lively town of Killarney. Stay three nights in a luxury hotel.
DAY 9 - Monday 12th June
Depart Killarney for a morning in Kenmare. In the afternoon, visit a sheep farm, and enjoy sightseeing at Molls Gap and Ladies View.
DAY 10 - Tuesday 13th June
Depart Killarney for a day on the Dingle Peninsula. Visit the golden strand at Inch. Drive the spectacular Dingle Peninsula. See the Skellig Islands and Blasket Islands, and the unique Beehive Huts. Spend the afternoon shopping and exploring in Dingle town.
DAY 11 - Wednesday 14th June
Depart Killarney for Dublin. Visit Jamesons Whiskey Distillery. Finish your tour with a magical night at the Irish trad show at the Merry Ploughboy Pub in the Dublin Mountains. Stay two nights in a central Dublin hotel.
DAY 12 - Thursday 15th June
Free day in Dublin. Explore Dublin at your leisure with the Dublin Pass.
DAY 13 - Friday 16th June
Depart Dublin Airport for home.
Is this trip for you?
You need to be flexible.
No matter how well you plan, something always happens. Traveling is a great opportunity to adopt the mantra, that it’ll all work out. Somehow it always does! Remember to practice joy in the moment; smiling through the unknown, and embracing the opportunity for something new!
It is Ireland, and the weather is changeable. Plan for sun, rain, wind – and temps that range from the upper 50s to low 70s (yes, in summer!).
If you are easy-going and excited to travel, even with some uncertainties mixed in, this could be the trip for you!
You should be in good physical shape.
We will do walking, most of it outside, some of it on uneven ground. Please do consider this before signing up.
You need to be able to carry your own luggage.
You are responsible for your luggage. The 16th-century tower house (castle) we stay in for 2 nights does not have an elevator.
Price
$3,000 per person – ground only.
$500 deposit secures your spot. Deposit is refundable for two weeks. Deposit may be transferred to another trip.
Final payment of $2,500 is due May 1st, 2023. Final payment is nonrefundable.
The cost is per person, in double occupancy, meaning two people to a room.
Preference for a single room? You can request a single room for an additional $800. Single rooms are limited.
Included in the price
Accommodations for 12 nights in 3 & 4-star hotels.
Breakfast daily plus 6 additional meals.
All group ground transportation
We’ll be traveling in a private coach.
Full time service of a tour director
We’ll be with you at all times.
No hidden costs
If we do it as a group, it’s included in the price! You are responsible only for the meals you have on your own, souvenirs you wish to buy, and anything you want to do in your free time.
Guaranteed price
Once I receive your deposit, your tour price will not go up!
Entry fees and tours
All entry fees and tours to our included group activities.
You time
We have a lot planned, but time on your own is important. We also include free time for you to explore, shop, and relax on your own.
Not Included
Your flights & travel to Dublin airport for departure
You should arrive in Dublin no later than Monday, June 4 by noon. If arriving after 12pm, you will be responsible for transportation to Jurys Inn Christchurch in Dublin.
You should depart no earlier than Friday, June 16; our last group activity will be dinner on the June 14. The remaining two days are at your leisure in Dublin. If you want to stay longer and have us arrange extra nights in Dublin, let us know.
Most airlines offer a no-fee for ticket changes – though costs may be incurred if the changed ticket prices differ from the original price. Most airlines are not offering refunds, but rather a credit.
If you need to cancel your trip for any reason, and we need to cancel or postpone the trip, it’s your responsibility to work with your airline to cancel, reschedule, or request refunds.
Cancellations
If for any reason we need to cancel or postpone the trip, you will be refunded 100% of the cost of the trip.
If Ireland changes their requirements for entry, and you decide that doesn’t work for you, you will be refunded 100% of the cost of the trip.
If you need to cancel for any reason at all up to 60 days before the start of the trip, you will be refunded 100% of the cost.
If you need to cancel for any reason at all within 60 days of departure, you’ll get everything back minus the deposit.
Trip insurance is a wise investment in case something comes up while traveling. If you think there is any chance you may need to cancel, we recommend you purchase travel insurance. A “Cancel for Any Reason” plan will let you, well, cancel for ‘most’ any reason. Most plans should allow for at least a 75% refund should you need to cancel at any time before departure.
Entry & Exit Requirements
Ireland does not require a proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or a negative PCR test result upon arrival. There are no post-arrival testing or quarantine requirements for travelers to Ireland.
There are no testing requirements for US citizens to return to the US. Non-US citizens do need to show proof of vaccination to enter the US.
Masks
As of this writing, masks are not required anywhere. Mask-wearing is still a practice in some churches, but not required. If the situation were to change, we will let you know.
Sign up
Use this link to sign up. Email irishoaktours@gmail.com to inquire further. Spots are officially held upon the receipt of a $500 deposit.
You’ll be able to pay by credit card or check. Payment info will be emailed to you once you sign up.