Focus on Ireland - Small Group
From the dizzying 700-foot-high Cliffs of Moher near Galway Bay to the grandiose Georgian architecture of Cork, this experience of Ireland is unlike any other. Take a stroll through the grounds of Trinity College with access to the famous Book of Kells in Dublin, see the Titanic’s last port of call in Cobh and feast on a Farm-to-Table meal in a Killarney guesthouse. This family-run kitchen is the domain of chef John Sheehan and his wife Freda, who serve up nothing but authentic Irish recipes-guaranteed to inspire and delight. The once kissed, never forgotten Stone of Eloquence at Blarney Castle enthralls visitors from far and wide, while historic Galway delights the imagination.
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 6 Breakfast (B)
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Killarney: Explore the scenery of Killarney National Park on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.
- Killarney: Join a gentle hike with a nature guide in Killarney National Park and admire stunning mountains, lakes, woods and waterfalls. Stroll along the lake shore and past the impressive 15th Century Ross Castle and the famous Muckross Estate, a charming 19th Century mansion and grounds. Alternatively, enjoy a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.
- Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with us, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
- Dublin: Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner, an opportunity to get to know each other over a meal.
- Cork: Join in the 'craic' over dinner with fabulous local flavors in a city famed for its food.
- Killarney: Explore the scenery of Killarney National Park on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.
- Killarney: Join a gentle hike with a nature guide in Killarney National Park and admire stunning mountains, lakes, woods and waterfalls. Stroll along the lake shore and past the impressive 15th Century Ross Castle and the famous Muckross Estate, a charming 19th Century mansion and grounds. Alternatively, enjoy a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.
- Dublin: A stunning combination of cobblestone walkways, emerald-green lawns and 18th-century architectural gems, Trinity College is one of Europe’s elite universities and counts poet Oscar Wilde among its alumni. Tour the enchanting college campus with a Local Expert and discover insights into its impressive history. Enjoy access to view the famous Book of Kells, an exquisite manuscript of the four gospels of the Christian New Testament, renowned for the intricacy, detail and majesty of the illustrations.
- Cliffs of Moher: Towering cliffs and the dramatic sea, the Cliffs of Moher has inspired countless travelers. Visit the Exhibition Center and look out over the Wild Atlantic Way from these majestic cliffs that rise over 700 feet high. Gain insights from your Travel Director into the cliffs’ geology, history and the species that find sanctuary in its nooks and crannies.
- Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone, the famous stone of eloquence, are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. Take your turn at giving it a peck knowing that the stone was sourced from 330-million-year-old limestone.
- Killarney: Meet passionate guesthouse owners John and Freda at their beautiful home in Killarney, where you'll hear more about their farm-to-table concept, while enjoying a delicious meal made from fresh ingredients sourced within a five mile radius. John and Freda have a policy that all food is sourced locally from farms and the coast of the Emerald Isle. They educate their visitors about sustainable consumption and the benefits of eating fresh homegrown produce. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption & Production.
- Dublin: See Custom House and travel along the River Liffey. See the Guinness Storehouse, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral.
- Galway: Fascinating stories and interesting locals take center stage on your orientation of the historic heart of Galway. Visit the Lynch Memorial Window. Then make your way to the Church of St. Nicholas - the largest medieval parish church in Ireland in continuous use, Spanish Arch and Eyre Square.
- Adare: Experience a village walk through the main street lined with thatched cottages.
- Killarney: Enjoy hearing of the history of Killarney during your city orientation.
- Ring of Kerry: Venture into a world of towering cliffs, lush lakelands, beaches, fields dotted with sheep, rocky coastline, remote villages and historical sites, as you journey the magical Ring of Kerry. This 111-mile circular route is the best place to admire Ireland's scenic beauty and truly one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
- Cobh: The Queenstown Story at Cobh retraces the steps of Irish emigration from the famine of 1845 to the great ocean liner era of the 1950s. This is a must for those with Irish ancestors who crossed the Atlantic during this time.
- Cork: Your Travel Director will show you the Grand Parade and South Mall, along with City Hall and the Opera House.
- Kilkenny: Take in the sights of the medieval city of Kilkenny with its majestic castle and river walk.
- Enjoy the comfort of the luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
- Small Group
About Brendan Vacations
In our Celtic world when we say Cead Mile Failte, every one of those one hundred thousand welcomes means something. That’s why when you travel with Brendan Vacations, you’ll experience a uniquely tailored trip that is planned, managed and personally delivered by our passionate team of Celtic Experts. With more than 55 years of experience, no one knows Ireland and Scotland quite like Brendan Vacations. We are your personal connection to our Celtic homelands.
Guided Vacations
On our Guided Vacations, we handle all the driving, organization and everything else, taking away the hassles of trip planning and igniting the wonder of travel in Ireland and Scotland. You get escorted travel, iconic sightseeing and frequent VIP access, making Guided Vacations the perfect choice for families, groups, couples or when you’re flying solo. Your Travel Director is there every step of the way, connecting you with locals and Celtic culture at every turn through exclusive activities and stays in the best hotels, castles and manors.
Private Chauffeur
Combining their navigation with your relaxation, our Private Chauffeur Vacations in Ireland and Scotland are fully customizable and include exclusive access to experiences and activities, as well as stays at incredible accommodations. Enjoy your ride at your own pace, while in the comfort of a luxurious, private car. This is the ideal way to explore the Celtic Isles, learning the history, legends and local culture that defines every stretch, bend and turn on the way.
Rail Vacations
Rail Vacations blends an independent travel style with local support. We’ll help you select your must-see cities in Ireland and Scotland, favorite accommodations and incredible experiences, and when you arrive at your destination, an expert Local Host will greet you with a treasure trove of ideas on what to do, where to eat, drink, shop and what not-to-miss.
Self-Drive
Your Celtic road trip, our Celtic expertise. If you want total independence (but still need support from the experts), look no further than a custom Self-Drive trip. With Brendan’s local connections and expertise, you get access to the best places to stay, the right activities and the top experiences that will make the road to your Self-Drive vacation in Ireland and Scotland smooth, seamless and tailored specifically for you. Just bring your driver’s license…your Celtic roadtrip starts here.
Lux Self Drive
Privacy, luxury and freedom are top of the list on our Lux Self-Drive trips in Ireland. All you need to do is pick up the keys to your pre-reserved luxury vehicle and go. Start with an existing itinerary to build on or craft a trip entirely unique to you. Our Celtic Experts will guide you and help arrange exclusive activities like private tastings, connoisseur tours, ancestry tracing, outdoor activities and more. The best part? You have complete independence to travel at your own pace.
About Brendan Vacations
In our Celtic world when we say Cead Mile Failte, every one of those one hundred thousand welcomes means something. That’s why when you travel with Brendan Vacations, you’ll experience a uniquely tailored trip that is planned, managed and personally delivered by our passionate team of Celtic Experts. With more than 55 years of experience, no one knows Ireland and Scotland quite like Brendan Vacations. We are your personal connection to our Celtic homelands.
Guided Vacations
On our Guided Vacations, we handle all the driving, organization and everything else, taking away the hassles of trip planning and igniting the wonder of travel in Ireland and Scotland. You get escorted travel, iconic sightseeing and frequent VIP access, making Guided Vacations the perfect choice for families, groups, couples or when you’re flying solo. Your Travel Director is there every step of the way, connecting you with locals and Celtic culture at every turn through exclusive activities and stays in the best hotels, castles and manors.
Private Chauffeur
Combining their navigation with your relaxation, our Private Chauffeur Vacations in Ireland and Scotland are fully customizable and include exclusive access to experiences and activities, as well as stays at incredible accommodations. Enjoy your ride at your own pace, while in the comfort of a luxurious, private car. This is the ideal way to explore the Celtic Isles, learning the history, legends and local culture that defines every stretch, bend and turn on the way.
Rail Vacations
Rail Vacations blends an independent travel style with local support. We’ll help you select your must-see cities in Ireland and Scotland, favorite accommodations and incredible experiences, and when you arrive at your destination, an expert Local Host will greet you with a treasure trove of ideas on what to do, where to eat, drink, shop and what not-to-miss.
Self-Drive
Your Celtic road trip, our Celtic expertise. If you want total independence (but still need support from the experts), look no further than a custom Self-Drive trip. With Brendan’s local connections and expertise, you get access to the best places to stay, the right activities and the top experiences that will make the road to your Self-Drive vacation in Ireland and Scotland smooth, seamless and tailored specifically for you. Just bring your driver’s license…your Celtic roadtrip starts here.
Lux Self Drive
Privacy, luxury and freedom are top of the list on our Lux Self-Drive trips in Ireland. All you need to do is pick up the keys to your pre-reserved luxury vehicle and go. Start with an existing itinerary to build on or craft a trip entirely unique to you. Our Celtic Experts will guide you and help arrange exclusive activities like private tastings, connoisseur tours, ancestry tracing, outdoor activities and more. The best part? You have complete independence to travel at your own pace.
