Irish Castles, Coasts and Cathedrals
Tours / Irish Castles, Coasts and Cathedrals
Marvel at the lush landscapes, serene lakes and rugged coastal views of the Emerald Isle. Explore castles, cathedrals, and ancient dwellings. Enjoy Celtic song and dance.
DATE
July 29–Aug 9, 2023
TRANSPORT
Cars, Buses
GROUP SIZE
8 People
ACTIVITY
Leisure
BOARD
3-star hotels
DURATION
12 Days
Tour Itinerary
DAY 1: TRAVEL DAY
International flights should be arranged to depart from the US on or before July 29th in order to arrive in Dublin prior to the tour start date of July 30th.
DAY 2: ARRIVAL
You’ll have time to store your luggage in your hotel room before heading out for afternoon sightseeing in Dublin. Have dinner at the oldest pub in Dublin, opened in 1198. Overnight in Dublin
DAY 3: DUBLIN
Explore Dublin’s highlights including visits to Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin Castle, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Temple Bar and Grafton Street. View the incredible 9th century illuminated manuscript, the Book of Kells, at Trinity College. Overnight in Dublin
DAY 4: IRISH COUNTRYSIDE
Travel across Ireland’s lush countryside, stopping in scenic towns and villages. Have lunch in Sean’s Bar, the oldest in all of Ireland. Visit the grounds of Clonmacnoise with its intricate stone carvings and high crosses surrounded by a beautiful landscape. Overnight in Bunratty
DAY 5: CLIFFS OF MOHER
Wander along the seashore footpath above the Cliffs of Moher, which rise to 700 feet and stretch majestically along Ireland’s Atlantic coast. Experience a living reconstruction of an 1800s Irish village at Bunratty Folk Park and Castle. End the day with a festive medieval banquet. Overnight in Bunratty
DAY 6: LIMERICK AND ADARE
Discover stories of the ruthless King John, noble knights and rebellious natives at King John’s Castle in Limerick. Travel to folksy Adare with its thatched roof cottages and tree-lined riverwalks. Spend the evening looking out over the water of Tralee Bay. Overnight near Tralee
DAY 7: DINGLE PENINSULA
Spend the day taking the circuitous drive around the Dingle Peninsula. The peninsula, on Ireland’s southwest Atlantic coast, is ringed by sandy beaches and craggy cliffs. Inland are views of rolling hills and rugged mountains. Tour prehistoric ruins, ring forts and famine houses. Overnight near Tralee
DAY 8: KILLARNEY NATIONAL PARK
Enjoy the beauty and serenity of Killarney National Park at your own pace. The park is accessible by jaunting car (horse-drawn carriage), bicycle or foot and there is plenty to see. Visit Ross Castle, Muckross Abbey, Muckross House, Torc Waterfall and the Gap of Dunloe. Overnight in Blarney
DAY 9: BLARNEY AND COBH
Prepare for the “gift of gab” promised to all who kiss the Blarney Stone and spend the morning exploring the grounds and gardens of Blarney Castle. Travel to coastal Cobh for its stunning cathedral and lively port town. Overnight in Blarney
DAY 10: CASTLES
Start the day in the bustling market town of Cahir enjoying its castle, natural wonders and architecture. After lunch, hike the mound to the Rock of Cashel for an amazing view of the Irish countryside and for the chance to explore these impressive castle ruins. Overnight in Kildare
DAY 11: PREHISTORIC BURIAL MOUNDS
Discover a complex of Neolithic mounds, chamber tombs, standing stones, henges and other prehistoric relics with visits to Knowth and Newgrange. These burial mounds were built over 5,000 years ago and pre-date the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge. Overnight in Malahide
DAY 12: RETURN HOME
The tour concludes with hotel check-out by 11 a.m. Arrangements to the airport will be made for those leaving prior to 9 a.m. Early departures or later departures should plan their own transportation to the airport.
Tour Pricing and Payment Schedule
The Irish Castles, Coasts and Cathedrals tour scheduled for July 2023 will be $2,650 per person, based on double occupancy. A $50 discount is given for payment in full at initial deposit; otherwise, the following payment schedule applies, per person:
Non-refundable deposit of $250 reserves spot
Payment of $300 due on Nov 1st, 2022
Payment of $300 due on Dec 1st, 2022
Payment of $300 due on Jan 1st, 2023
Payment of $300 due on Feb 1st, 2023
Payment of $300 due on Mar 1st, 2023
Payment of $300 due on Apr 1st, 2023
Payment of $300 due on May 1st, 2023
Payment of $300 due on Jun 1st, 2023
If signing up after any deposit deadline, payment for any previous deposits will be due upon sign-up. Prompt payment is appreciated. Late payments are assessed a $25 late fee.
Tour Inclusions and Exclusions
Included in the tour cost:
Pre-tour information, such as what to pack and how to exchange currency
Expertise of a tour guide throughout the tour
All sight-seeing and visits, as noted in the itinerary (unless otherwise specified)
All on-tour transportation, including trains, local flights, rental vehicles, and buses
One carry-on suitcase and one personal item due to car size restraints
All accommodations, based on double occupancy; typically, 3-star hotels and bed & breakfasts
Not included in the tour cost:
Travel insurance
International airfare, including any taxes and fees
Expenses due to flight delays, strikes, inclement weather or other irregularities
Passport fees, visas and visa photos as required
Personal items such as souvenirs, laundry services, beverages, snacks, and healthcare
Optional excursions as indicated in the itinerary
Meals as indicated in the tour itinerary
Checked baggage fees and excess baggage charges
Seat requests and seat upgrades
Single traveler supplement
Refunds for tour services not utilized
Other items not specifically mentioned as included
Tour Information
Terms and Conditions
Please thoroughly review the Terms and Conditions on our website. Submitting a deposit for services constitutes a contractual agreement with Aticus Travel and represents your acceptance of the Aticus Travel, LLC Terms & Conditions.
Liability Waiver and Release Form
Please sign and return the Liability Waiver and Release Form for each tour participant. A parent or guardian must sign the form for any minor participants. A tour request is officially submitted when both the tour deposit and the Waiver and Release form are received by Aticus Travel, LLC for each tour participant.
Travel Insurance
Due to the strict cancellation policy, in order to protect your investment, and to provide you with peace of mind, we strongly recommend you purchase travel insurance. Many reputable companies exist and you can look into any of them, but here are a few recommendations to consider: Allianz Global Assistance, TravelEx, World Nomads and Travel Guard.
Packing Checklist and Tips
Please review the packing list for suggestions and tips on what to pack, how much you can take and what to leave at home.
View / Download Packing Checklist and Tips >