- Visit Waterford and the Waterford Crystal factory
- Kiss the Blarney Stone and acquire the “gift of the gab” at Blarney Castle
- Guided sightseeing tour of Dublin
- Take one of Europe’s most famous drives, the Ring of Kerry, with its spectacular scenery of lakes and rivers
- See the incredible Cliffs of Moher and Giant’s Causeway
- Visit Titanic Belfast—the world’s largest Titanic experience
Best of Ireland Tour
Highlights
Experience the real Ireland—where myths, history, and the sea collide. The Best of Ireland tour takes you around the entire “Emerald Isle,” providing local travel experiences and the best sights in Ireland. Stroll through historic ruins at the Rock of Cashel before journeying to the home of the world-famous Waterford Crystal. Heading south, visit Blarney Castle where legend says if you kiss the Blarney Stone, it will give you the “gift of gab.”
Dramatic mountain passes, rugged coastline, and white-sand beaches will mesmerize you on the Ring of Kerry scenic drive. Make a stop at the Cliffs of Moher for views of the North Atlantic. Wrap up your trip with a visit to Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Our charming local driver guides will show you the true spirit of legendary Irish customs and hospitality on this guided tour. Check out our Travel Blog for more tips and ideas for your Best of Ireland Tour!
What Guests are Saying
Moderate
Designed for travelers comfortable with a mix of walking and sightseeing.
Walking distances average 1 mile per day, with some extended periods on foot.
May involve stairs, moderate inclines, and occasional uneven surfaces.
Travel days may vary, with some early departures or longer sightseeing excursions.
Suitable for those looking for a balanced blend of activity and relaxation.
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Tour Includes
1 Country
- Ireland
Locations Visited
- Dublin
- Waterford
- Cork
- Killarney
- Ring of Kerry
- Galway
- Cliffs of Moher
- Sligo
- Belfast
- Giant’s Causeway
Hotel Accommodations
- 10 nights
- Moderate hotels based on twin/double occupancy
Meals
- 10 breakfasts and 5 dinners
Service
- A professionally trained English-speaking local driver-guide in Ireland who is knowledgeable about the area will provide you with a wealth of information. Their friendly service will make your trip a memorable experience.
Baggage Handling
- Baggage Handling to and from your hotel room throughout your land tour for one piece of checked baggage per person (note – please ensure that checked luggage does not weigh more than 50lbs)
Tour Starts:
Dublin, Ireland
Tour Ends:
Dublin, Ireland
Day 1
Depart for Dublin
Your journey begins on your overnight flight
Day 2
Arrive in Dublin
Welcome to Dublin, the capital of the “Emerald Isle”. If you purchased airline tickets from YMT, our representative will be at the airport at the prearranged times to welcome you and transport you to the hotel. (Note that rooms are available after 3 pm)Relax at the hotel or take the Luas ( Dublin’s tram system) into the city centre, a 30-minute tram ride. At the Dublin City Centre, we recommend visiting the National Museum, National Art Gallery and the Natural History Museum ( free entry to all). The neighborhood has many Irish bars, cafes and shops, so you can spend the afternoon exploring on your own! Return to the hotel in the evening for a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers and learn about the days ahead.
Meals: Dinner
Clayton Hotel Leopardstown or similar
Day 3
Dublin
This morning, enjoy a tour of this richly historical city. Highlights include the Bank of Ireland, which was built in the 18th century to house the parliament, and Leinster House, where the government convenes today. The afternoon is at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Clayton Hotel Leopardstown or similar
Add-On: Irish Evening at Taylors Three Rock
Day 4
Dublin to Waterford
Today we head south to the Rock of Cashel, a cluster of historic ruins towering on a hilltop. We then head to Waterford, the oldest city in Ireland, and home to the famous crystal. Enjoy an illuminating tour of the factory where you’ll learn about the manufacturing process and Waterford’s history. Visit the gift shop, and marvel at the largest Waterford Crystal collection in the world.
Meals: Breakfast
Tower Hotel or similar
Add-On: Waterford Walking Tour and Dinner
Day 5
Waterford to Killarney
This morning we continue to Cork for a guided tour of Jameson Midleton Distillery. Learn about history, heritage, and the whiskey production process before tasting a range of Scotch, American and Jameson whiskeys. Also included in today’s visit is a complimentary drink at the bar! Next, we visit Blarney Castle, one of Ireland’s oldest and most historic castles. We’ll end the day in Killarney, our home for the next two nights.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Killarney Oaks Hotel or similar
Day 6
Ring of Kerry Excursion
Today, we’ll take one of Europe’s most famous drives, the Ring of Kerry. This long loop journeys through spectacular scenery, with lakes, rivers, and historical landmarks, as well as charming villages on the Iveragh Peninsula. Back in Killarney this evening, you’re free to relax at the hotel or explore the quaint town at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Killarney Oaks Hotel or similar
Day 7
Killarney to Galway
Take the ferry from Tarbet to Killimer today. Then, drive through the Burren area, to see the Cliffs of Moher. These sea cliffs with views of the north Atlantic are an incredible sight. We’ll arrive in Galway for a guided tour of the city.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
The Connacht Hotel or similar
Day 8
Galway to Sligo
Today, we travel through the beautiful and rugged landscape of the Connemara region. We’ll visit Kylemore Abbey (Tourism Cares Meaningful Travel location), nestled at the base of Druchruach Mountain. Our drive continues through Westport into the Sligo area by late afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Sligo Park Hotel or similar
Day 9
Sligo to Belfast
This morning, enjoy a short visit to Belleek Pottery (Tourism Cares Meaningful Travel location), a porcelain company founded in 1884, for a lesson on its history—with time to buy souvenirs in their store. Next, visit the Ulster American Folk Park (Tourism Cares Meaningful Travel location) and learn about 300 years of Irish emigration to America. Continue to Belfast, your home for the next two nights.
Meals: Breakfast
Europa Hotel Belfast or similar
Day 10
Giant's Causeway
Today, we’ll enjoy an excursion along coastal roads, and take in the seaside cliffs and the North Channel. Spend time exploring the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site with rock formations that tower up to 40 feet. The stacks are said to be 50 million years old, and according to myth, were part of a road built by the giant Finn MacCool.
Meals: Breakfast
Europa Hotel Belfast or similar
Add-On: Musical Tour of Belfast and Dinner
Day 11
Belfast and Dublin
This morning we visit Titanic Belfast, the $150 million Titanic visitor experience in the city where the “”unsinkable”” ship was built. You will see full-scale reconstructions and learn about the Titanic’s conception through to her tragic end in 1912. The journey continues to the discovery of the wreck, and into the present day with a live undersea exploration center. We will then enjoy a panoramic motor coach tour of Belfast, taking in the Parliament buildings at Stormont, Belfast City Hall, and the murals of the Falls Road. In the afternoon, we drive south to Dublin for our final evening in Ireland, and a farewell dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Clayton Hotel Leopardstown or similar
Day 12
Depart Dublin for Home
Meals: Breakfast
Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Hotels may differ depending on date. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. By their nature, all tour vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights. Please ask your Travel Consultant for more information.
YMT Vacations itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.
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Reviews
Excellent customer service from the very beginning and excellent tour guide
Excellent customer service from the very beginning and excellent tour guide. Saw so many wonderful sights. Really enjoyed the whole experience.
You take care of everything. From scheduling the flight to the itinerary
You take care of everything. From scheduling the flight to the itinerary and I love that I don't have to worry about anything. I just go and enjoy myself!
Your best of Ireland tour was fantastic
Your best of Ireland tour was fantastic. Our tour guide JJ (John Joe) was very informative, professional, funny, and went out of his way to make each and everyone of us feel part of the entire experience. From Connor meeting us at the airport to the very end was terrific. The day tour guides in Dublin and Belfast were a great addition.
The Ireland tour included all the top sites plus a few extras
The Ireland tour included all the top sites plus a few extras. Our tour director/bus driver was very knowledgeable about the area and had a few extra stories that made the drive interesting. Also, I believe the price for 12 days was exceptional.
Itinerary was wonderful - lots of variety. We have already booked another tour this year at YMT!
Itinerary was wonderful - lots of variety. Our bus driver/tour guide (JJ) was absolutely wonderful. He gave us so much additional information and background. He was funny, polite, personable, and it was a joy to be in his company. Accomodations were all very nice. Meals were good. I really have no complaints. We have already booked another tour this year at YMT!
This was my 9th YMT tour
This was my 9th YMT tour. Apart from Ireland being an incredible country to visit, the Ireland YMT team is without a doubt, the best team I ever experienced. A very, very well oiled machine!
Well planned, excellent accommodations
Well planned, excellent accommodations, very knowledgeable tour director, in fact superb.
Great hotels, good meals, good excursions.
Very well planned. John Joe Grace our tour director did an amazing job, very knowledgeable, very professional, very proud of his work and his country. Great hotels, good meals, good excursions.
Pleased with YMT's responsiveness
My booking rep, Bea P. was extremely helpful. I had to change the booking and was very pleased with YMT's responsiveness.
Add-Ons
Make your vacation extra special by adding optional excursions to your tour. It’s a great opportunity to enhance your trip, these experiences slot seamlessly into your package, and we’ll take care of all the logistics for you. Remember that adding an optional experience might increase the overall activity level of the tour, so always keep that in mind when planning your trip.
Irish Evening at Taylors Three Rock
No trip to Ireland is complete without experiencing a spectacular Irish music and dance performance! Enjoy Taylors Irish Cabaret at Taylors Three Rock, a traditional venue dating back to the 16th century with the largest thatched roof in Ireland. The Taylors Irish Cabaret, the oldest running and most popular Irish show, features Ireland’s legendary comedian Noel V Ginnity, Irish Pipers, Irish Sopranos and a full troupe of Irish dancers.
Inclusions
- 3-course dinner included: choice of starters (mixed root vegetable soup, mixed seafood salad), choice of main course (beef and Guinness stew, traditional turkey and ham with herb stuffing and rich gravy, or baked fillet of Atlantic salmon, or vegetable quiche) and for dessert, apple slice and traditional Irish coffee. Taxes and gratuities included. Menu subject to change
- Included Irish coffee plus 1 drink choice of beer, wine or soft drink
- Live Entertainment
Duration: Approx. 4 hours (evening)
Activity Level: Easy
Price: $109 USD
Musical Tour of Belfast and Dinner
Join us on a magnificent musical journey through the center of Belfast! With a dancer and two professional musicians as guides, walk through the cobbled alleyways of Belfast’s historical Cathedral Quarter. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of one of Belfast’s friendliest neighborhoods and stop at a few traditional pubs in historic buildings. At the last venue on this memorable tour, enjoy a delicious 3-course dinner.
Inclusions
- Guided live traditional music experience: live traditional music, dance and stories with 2 local professional musicians and a dancer, as well as a short walk, passing by the city’s important musical landmarks in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter.
- 3 course dinner including 1/2 pint of beer OR one soft drink, plus tea and coffee
Duration: Approx. 3 hours (evening)
Activity Level: Moderate
Price: $139 USD
Walking Tour of Waterford & Dinner
Enjoy a guided walking tour of the historic Waterford city center, known as the Viking Triangle, followed by a traditional meal at a local pub. Waterford is home to the country’s oldest civic building, Reginald’s Tower, which has been used as a mint, prison and military store since it was built at the beginning of the 13th century. Your guide will explain the medieval history of the city while walking you by National Monuments and Cathedrals. Your tour will end with a traditional Irish meal.
Inclusions
- 1-hour guided walking tour of the Waterford city center
- 3-course traditional dinner. Taxes and gratuities included
Duration: Approx. 2.5-3 hours (evening)
Activity Level: Moderate
Price: $89 USD
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