The Emerald Isle in Ireland

TravelIreland
Written By Felicity Santiago

Blarney Castle Square

13 Days | Dublin, Ireland Roundtrip Small Group Tour

Rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, Ireland is a destination best experienced beyond the well-trodden path. This small group journey invites travellers to explore the Emerald Isle through its stories, landscapes, and traditions, from windswept coastlines and charming villages to historic castles and warm local hospitality. With a thoughtfully paced itinerary and like-minded companions, it's an opportunity to experience Ireland in a way that feels both personal and rewarding.

Galway Square, Emerald Isle

Tour Itinerary

  • Kick off your Irish adventure in vibrant Dublin, raising a glass to the unforgettable journey ahead.

    Where better to begin our 12-day journey through legendary battle sites, candy-colored fishing villages, and windswept coastlines than Dublin? Gather with your small group and meet your expert Tour Leader for a warm welcome dinner. It's the perfect opportunity to swap stories, connect with your fellow travelers, and savor your first velvety sip of local Guinness as we toast sláinte to the incredible road ahead.

    Accommodation: Ashling Hotel (or similar)

    Meals: Dinner

  • Journey through historic battlegrounds into Northern Ireland, capping the day with the moving history of the Titanic.

    Say goodbye to Dublin as we venture north for a day steeped in captivating history. Our first destination is the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre, where we will uncover the dramatic stories and key figures behind Ireland's largest military conflict. After walking the historic battlefield in the footsteps of Jacobite and Williamite forces, settle back into our comfortable minicoach to cross the border into Northern Ireland.

    Our final stop is Belfast, a vibrant cosmopolitan city that has masterfully redefined itself after decades of political unrest. Here, we'll visit the world-renowned Titanic Museum to delve into the deeply moving personal stories of survival and sorrow from the ill-fated ocean liner. The evening is yours to explore the city's modern charms or duck into a cozy local pub for a hearty Irish stew and fresh homemade soda bread.

    Accommodation: Malone Lodge (or similar)

    Experiences: Visit Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre, Entrance to Titanic Museum

    Meals: Breakfast

  • Trace Northern Ireland's captivating history and marvel at the geological wonders of the coast before crossing back into the Republic.

    Start your morning with a hearty Irish breakfast before diving into Belfast's recent history on a guided driving tour. Riding in a local cab with your fellow travelers, you'll spot vibrant street art and powerful political murals along the city's most iconic streets. Afterward, grab some lunch and perhaps a splash of local Irish whiskey on your Tour Leader's recommendation.

    Next, we board our minicoach and head north along a spectacular coastal route. Our primary destination is the awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway. Take time to explore these dramatic basalt columns, which legend says were built 60 million years ago by the fierce giant Finn MacCool to cross the sea and challenge his Scottish rival. After filling your camera roll, we cross the border back into the Republic of Ireland. Settle into our waterfront hotel overlooking the peaceful waters of Lough Foyle before gathering for a delicious group dinner featuring fresh, seasonal dishes.

    Accommodation: Redcastle Hotel (or similar)

    Experiences: Cab driving tour in Belfast with local guide, Visit Giant’s Causeway

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Walk the historic, unbroken walls of Derry and uncover traditional rural life on the stunning Inishowen Peninsula.

    Discover Derry this morning, the oldest continuously inhabited city in Ireland. We will explore its remarkably intact 17th-century old city walls alongside a friendly local guide, tracking the fascinating stories and history that seep from every stone.

    Afterward, we spend the rest of the day discovering the spectacular landscapes of the far north coast. We will meander along a portion of the Wild Atlantic Way toward the Isle of Doagh, passing through miles of awe-inspiring coastal scenery. Upon reaching Doagh, we will step back in time at the fascinating Famine Village and Visitor Centre. Here, you'll experience life in a preserved 19th-century thatched cottage, watch a traditional fishing demonstration, and even learn the secrets of making your own batch of poitín (traditional Irish moonshine) before returning to our hotel for a relaxing evening.

    Accommodation: Redcastle Hotel (or similar)

    Experiences: Walking tour of Derry with local guide, Visit Doagh Famine Village

    Meals: Breakfast

  • Immerse yourself in emigration history and fine local craftsmanship before checking into a majestic castle estate.

    Begin your morning at the Ulster American Folk Park, a sprawling open-air museum nestled in the rolling hills of County Tyrone. Explore more than 30 heritage buildings—including rustic farmhouses, pioneer cabins, and a replica passenger ship—that paint a vivid picture of the brave spirits who emigrated from Ulster to North America during the 18th and 19th centuries.

    Next, we head to the Belleek Pottery Centre to discover traditional Irish craftsmanship. Watch expert artisans meticulously shape world-famous Belleek China, and enjoy some free time for a bite to eat in the on-site tearoom. From there, our journey leads into the emerald countryside of County Roscommon to our home for the night: the spectacular Kilronan Castle. Spend your afternoon wandering the sun-dappled trails of the castle's ancient woodlands or relaxing in the thermal waters of the luxury spa. Tonight, our small group will gather to dine like royalty at the castle’s award-winning restaurant.

    Accommodation: Kilronan Castle (or similar)

    Experiences: Entrance to Ulster American Folk Park, Visit Belleek Pottery Centre

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Savor a castle breakfast, visit a charming seaside village, and shuck fresh Atlantic oysters before arriving in vibrant Galway.

    Start your day with a traditional full Irish breakfast in Kilronan Castle's wood-paneled dining room before we head west. Our first stop is the idyllic town of Westport, where you can wander across cobblestone bridges along the Carrowbeg River and spot the town's famous "Four-Faced Liar" Art Deco clock.

    Next, we taste the fresh bounty of the Atlantic at a working oyster farm. Tour the shoreline to see how they are cultivated, then enjoy a hands-on masterclass in shucking and tasting these local delicacies. We wrap up the day in the lively harbor city of Galway, where the streets echo with traditional fiddle music and colorful pubs beckon. Our modern hotel is right in the heart of the action, leaving your evening free to explore.

    Accommodation: The Dean (or similar)

    Experiences: Visit a local oyster farm

    Meals: Breakfast

  • Explore the bohemian soul of Galway on a morning orientation walk, followed by a fully open afternoon to explore at your own pace.

    Join your Tour Leader this morning for a guided walk through Galway's lively streets. You'll pass under the historic medieval Spanish Arch and take in the grand architecture of Galway Cathedral.

    Afterward, the rest of the day is yours. Stroll down the Salthill Promenade, listen to incredible street musicians on Quay Street, or shop for an authentic Claddagh ring. If you are feeling adventurous, ask your Tour Leader to help you arrange a side trip to the rugged, windswept Aran Islands.

    Accommodation: The Dean (or similar)

    Experiences: Welcome walk of Galway with Tour Leader

    Meals: Breakfast

  • Marvel at the moon-like Burren and the dramatic Cliffs of Moher before crossing the Shannon Estuary to the vibrant Dingle Peninsula.

    Board the minicoach this morning to explore the Burren National Park, a striking rocky karst landscape shaped by thousands of years of erosion. Next, stand in awe at the iconic Cliffs of Moher, watching the Atlantic waves crash against the jagged, vertical cliffs below.

    We will continue our scenic drive down the coast, boarding a local ferry to cross the Shannon Estuary. Our destination is the charming town of Dingle, where we will gather for a hearty group dinner. Afterward, feel free to visit a welcoming local pub for a traditional whiskey nightcap.

    Accommodation: Dingle Benners Hotel or Dingle Skellig Hotel (or similar)

    Experiences: Visit Cliffs of Moher

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Explore the historic mysteries and rugged coastal beauty of the Dingle Peninsula along the spectacular Slea Head Drive.

    Begin your morning at the Gallarus Oratory, a centuries-old stone chapel with unique architecture and mysterious origins, before visiting the Blasket Centre to uncover the fascinating fishing heritage and literary history of Europe’s most westerly islands. We will return to Dingle via the iconic Slea Head Drive, a photogenic coastal route clinging to dramatic cliffs and hidden coves, leaving your evening free to sample the fresh local catch along Dingle's charming harborside.

    Accommodation: Dingle Benners Hotel or Dingle Skellig Hotel (or similar)

    Experiences: Visit Gallarus Oratory, Visit The Blasket Centre

    Meals: Breakfast

  • Kiss the legendary Blarney Stone and settle into a beautiful country house nestled in the scenic hills of County Cork.

    Bid farewell to the Dingle Peninsula this morning as we journey toward spectacular County Cork, stopping briefly to stretch our legs in Killarney along the way. Next, we visit Blarney Castle to meet a true Irish icon: the legendary Blarney Stone, a famous block of limestone that supposedly gives those who kiss it the "gift of the gab." Put your newfound eloquence to the test later this evening during our group dinner at a family-run country house, beautifully enveloped by the dramatic Glanmire Peaks.

    Accommodation: Vienna Woods (or similar)

    Experiences: Visit Blarney Castle

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Explore the rainbow-hued streets of Ireland's seafood capital and savor a premium whiskey tasting at the historic Jameson Distillery.

    We begin our day in the picture-perfect port town of Kinsale, famed for its bright, rainbow-hued buildings and incredible culinary scene. After a guided walking tour through its storybook streets, enjoy some free time to hunt down a fresh lobster roll or a rich seafood bisque for lunch. This afternoon, we shift from seafood to spirits with a visit to the Jameson Midleton Distillery for an authentic Irish whiskey tasting. Sip and savor the smooth, sweet notes of this local delicacy before heading back to our hotel to relax and unwind on the terrace overlooking the peaceful Glashaboy River.

    Accommodation: Vienna Woods (or similar)

    Experiences: Walking tour of Kinsale with local guide, Whiskey tasting at Jameson Midleton Distillery

    Meals: Breakfast

  • Step back in time at a romantic Regency retreat, discover a mighty medieval fortress, and toast your final evening in historic Kilkenny.

    We begin the penultimate day of our tour with a journey back to the early 1800s at the Swiss Cottage, an eclectic cottage orné designed to resemble a fairytale alpine lodge. Next, we swap Regency elegance for medieval power in the town of Cahir, home to an immense 12th-century castle where you can explore the stone battlements or enjoy a picnic along the serene River Suir for lunch. We wrap up the day in Kilkenny, Ireland's most intact medieval city, where your Tour Leader will guide you through narrow, twisting lanes lined with historic limestone buildings. Tonight, we will gather for a final, bittersweet group feast to toast the incredible memories and legends we've shared along the way.

    Accommodation: The Hibernian (or similar)

    Experiences: Visit Swiss Cottage

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Tour a historic, family-run craft brewery before returning to Dublin for the conclusion of your memorable Irish journey.

    Soak up every last drop of Kilkenny’s charm this morning—from its fairytale castle to its treasure-packed Medieval Mile—before we board the minicoach for Ballykilcavan Farm and Brewery. During a guided tour, you'll learn all about this 13-generation-run family farm and sample the exceptional artisan ales, lagers, and stouts they brew on-site. We then return to Dublin, arriving in the afternoon, where it's time to bid your fellow travelers a fond goodbye and say slán go fóill (goodbye for now) to the Emerald Isle.

    Experiences: Visit Ballykilcavan Farm and Brewery

    Meals: Breakfast

Highlights

  • Soak up stories of Northern Ireland's history on a tour of Belfast’s street art

  • Feel the solid basalt columns of the legendary Giant’s Causeway beneath your feet

  • Be blessed with the ‘gift of the gab’ while visiting the iconic Blarney Castle

  • Uncover the magnificent Cliffs of Moher – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Inclusions

  • 12 nights in thoughtfully selected luxury 4-star hotel accommodations

  • Meals included: 12 breakfasts and 6 dinners.

  • Travel in a premium, luxury minicoach equipped with air conditioning. A local ferry crossing over the Shannon Estuary is also included.

  • Services of an expert Tour Leader and a Driver.

Book by 18 November 2026 and save $350 per person on selected 2027 departures

From $7,899 per person share twin

Cliffs of Moher Hero, Emerald Isle

Terms & Conditions Pricing is based on departure date 29 September 2027. Tours are subject to availability and exclude international airfares from New Zealand along with any other exclusions as stated above. Offered discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Travel agent service & credit card fees are additional. All tours subject to availability at time of booking. For full terms & conditions, contact your Wanderlust Travel Experts.

 

Interested in this experience? Mention this Deal Code: 1210 when speaking with your travel agent. Don't have an agent? Click here to connect with one of our experts.

Felicity Santiago
Previous

Italian Indulgence
Next

Adriatic Discovery