BEST OF IRELAND in 12 days
reland is the land of forty shades of green, all the sheep you’ll ever want to count, and a warm welcome on every doorstep! It is a mystical place, full of fairy forts, stone circles, ancient passage tombs, and superstitions that run deep. This tour is the perfect twelve days of sightseeing and cultural experiences, offering a worry-free journey of Ireland’s history, culture, music, and cuisine.
Beginning in Belfast and ending in Dublin, you are sure to experience seven distinct regions and cultures. Along the way, learn and experience Ireland’s history, culture, and charm. Visit ancient monastic sites, fairy forts, geological wonders, charming villages, and two capital cities.
Your Adventure Starts Here!
| PRICE FROM | DATES | |
|---|---|---|
| $4259 + air | Apr 30-May 11, 2025 |  |
| $4259 + air | Jun 7-18, 2025 | |
| $4459 + air | Jul 5-16, 2025 | |
| $4459 + air | Aug 16-27, 2025 | |
| $4259 + air | Sep 13-24, 2025 | |
| $4459 + air | Oct 11-22, 2025 | |
Belfast – 2 nights
Country Antrim – 1 night
Westport – 1 night
Galway – 2 nights
Dingle – 2 nights
Kilkenny – 1 night
Dublin – 2 nights
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Single Room Additional Cost ~$1030
ITINERARY
DAY 1: Welcome to Belfast – Let’s plan to meet today at 2:00 p.m. in our hotel lobby for introductions and a tour overview. Then, join your Exploring Europe guide for a scenic walking and bus tour through Belfast, reminiscing its English heritage and “troubled” past. En route, we’ll ride past the Harland and Wolff Docklands, home of the Titanic, and see the political murals in the Shankill and Falls Road neighborhoods. Then we’ll get acquainted over dinner at a favorite Belfast pub. Sleep in Belfast. Walking: moderate. Driving: 90 minutes. Dinner.
DAY 2: The Titanic and Belfast—This morning, join a local guide for a walk around Belfast City, visiting City Hall, the gentrified shopping district, and Harland and Wolff’s Shipyards, home of the ill-fated Titanic. After the tour, explore the Titanic Belfast Visitor’s Experience, nine galleries of exhibits detailing the doomed ship’s history. You’ll have the remainder of the afternoon and evening to explore more of Belfast on your own. Sleep in Belfast. Walking: moderate.
DAY 3: The Giant’s Causeway and the Antrim Coast – Today, we will explore Northern Ireland’s scenic Antrim Coast. The Giant’s Causeway, a collection of unusual octagonal basalt columns jutting out of the North Atlantic, has long been the source of local legend and geological conjecture. Then, enjoy a tour of the crumbling Dunluce Castle, perched high on a hill on the North Atlantic. We will set up tonight in an Antrim Coast village where you’ll have a free evening. Sleep on the Antrim Coast. Walking: moderate to strenuous, your choice. Driving: 4 hours.
DAY 4: Derry and the Republic of Ireland – Londonderry, or Derry, as it’s known in The Republic, sits on the Foyle River, straddling the border of the two nations. We’ll meet a local guide who shares stories about “the troubles” and decades-old political and religious struggles. Tonight, we will settle in or around Westport for a quiet evening on your own. Sleep in or near Westport. Walking: moderate. Driving: 4 hours.
DAY 5: Connemara and Kylemore Abbey – Connemara National Park has scenic mountains, woodlands, and blanket bogs. It is home to the Twelve Bens mountain range, some of the tallest in Ireland. We will make a stop at the neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey. Built in the 1860s by Mitchell Henry, the manor house, chapel, and gardens reflect the era of English domination. Later, we will arrive in Galway, where we will stroll down its famous High Street entertainment district and have dinner together. Sleep in Galway. Walking: light. Driving: 3 hours. Dinner.
DAY 6: The Aran Islands – Today, enjoy an excursion by boat to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands (weather permitting). Once on the island, experience a driving tour of its natural and historical sites and an opportunity to look around in the craft shops. Return in the late afternoon to Galway for an evening on your own. Sleep in Galway. Walking: moderate to strenuous, depending on your activity level in the Inishmor countryside. Boat: 3 hours roundtrip.
DAY 7: The Cliffs of Moher and Kerry – Enjoy a scenic drive along the Atlantic coast around Galway Bay and through the rocky terrain known as the Burren. Then, experience the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, where you’ll find yourself teetering on the edge of a series of 700-foot cliffs perched on the North Atlantic. Later, enjoy a ferry crossing on the Shannon River and a drive through the coastal mountains of County Kerry. At the far southwest tip of Ireland is Dingle, our home for the next two nights. Tonight’s menu features a selection of fresh and sumptuous locally sourced products. After dinner, join the fun at a pub for a traditional or folk music session. Sleep in Dingle. Walking: moderate. Driving: 4 hours. Dinner.
DAY 8: The Dingle Peninsula—Today, experience some of Ireland’s wildest natural beauty and oldest prehistoric settlements on our driving tour of the Slea Head. Enjoy endless fields of “40 shades of green,” rock-crashing waves, and all the sheep you’ll ever want to count. Back in Dingle, you’ll have the afternoon and evening to shop, dine, and hear music on your own. Sleep in Dingle. Walking: light. Driving: 3 hours.
DAY 9: A Bit of Blarney and Kilkenny – Today, we will drive through some of the most beautiful countryside in Ireland. The castle, known for its famous “Blarney Stone,” is one of Ireland’s most popular tourist destinations. After an opportunity to “kiss the Blarney Stone,” you will enjoy a visit to the Blarney Woolen Mills. This shopping complex is your one-stop spot for authentic Irish arts, crafts, textiles, and apparel. In Kilkenny, you will have free time to experience the town, castle, cathedral, and shops. Then, experience a tastebud-tingling dinner at my favorite Italian restaurant this side of Tuscany. Sleep in Kilkenny. Walking: light. Driving: 4 hours. Dinner.
DAY 10: Glendalough and Dublin—This morning, visit the ancient monastic site of Glendalough, located in the Wicklow Mountains. We’ll take a peaceful walk along the lakes and the forest while learning about the monastery’s role in religion, history, and society. Then, it’s on to the Guinness Brewery to learn about the famous stout and visit the panoramic Gravity Bar to taste an authentic pint. Tonight, enjoy Dublin’s fair city on your own. Sleep in Dublin. Walking: moderate. Driving: 3 hours.
DAY 11: Dublin City—After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of Dublin City and a visit to Trinity College, followed by a look at the “illuminated” Book of Kells. The afternoon is event-free so that you can experience more of Dublin. Let’s get together for dinner tonight to share our memories of the Emerald Isle. Sleep in Dublin. Walking: moderate. Dinner.
DAY 12: Your tour is over after breakfast – Breakfast is included today, but there are no plans beyond that. Your guide can help with any post-tour plans and travel connections if needed. Sláinte!
Itinerary specifics are subject to change.
Your tour begins in Belfast City on Day 1. Some fly into Belfast to begin the tour and depart from Dublin. However, most people fly roundtrip to Dublin. Airlink private airport coach runs 24/7 from the Dublin Airport to Belfast City Bus Station, around the corner from our hotel. These coaches are WIFI-equipped, modern, heated, and air-conditioned. A professional driver will zip you from Dublin Airport to Belfast in about two hours. Prices range from €14-18, one way.
https://www.aircoach.ie/ Bus 705X from Dublin Airport
https://www.dublinexpress.ie/ from Dublin Airport
Itinerary specifics are subject to change.
INCLUSIONS
Transportation by coach and/or minibus from your Belfast hotel to your final Dublin hotel.
11 nights’ accommodation in traditional hotels, guesthouses, and B&B’s. All rooms have private en-suite baths.
All tips and gratuities to guides, drivers, restaurants, and hotel staff.
A guaranteed Small Group consisting of 6-18 participants.
All breakfasts and six of your dinners.
Traditional dining experiences at some of David’s personal favorite restaurants. Eating well is a priority, and you’ll enjoy fine regional fare featuring the best the locale has to offer.
Water is included with all meals. Soda, beer, wine, spirits, coffee, and tea are your responsibility.
All tours and admissions at no extra cost: Comprehensive Dublin walking and driving tour covering all the essential sights in the city ▪ a visit to the Guinness Storehouse and Gravity Bar ▪ The Book of Kells and Trinity College ▪ Glendalough Monastic site and the Wicklow mountains ▪ entrance to Blarney Castle and its famous kissing stone ▪ Dingle Peninsula Driving Tour ▪ The Blasket Centre when open ▪The Cliffs of Moher experience ▪ Galway City orientation tour ▪ Inishmoor Aran Island ▪ Connemara National Park driving tour ▪ Kylemore Abbey entrance and tour ▪ Derry walking tour ▪ Antrim orientation ▪ The Giant’s Causeway experience ▪ Dunluce Castle entrance ▪ Carrick-a-Rede rope footbridge admission (weather permitting) ▪ Titanic Belfast Experience ▪ Belfast driving and walking tour ▪ and much more! (Itinerary specifics are subject to change).
A full-time Exploring Europe guide and local experts dedicated to bringing to life the art, history, and culture of the tour destinations.
David’s tour handouts are delivered electronically and detail each day’s historical and cultural experiences.
Free luggage tags and David’s custom-designed drawstring backpacks.
Our Unconditional Tour Price Guarantee, once locked in, will never change.
$50 Tour Alumni discount for each David McGuffin tour you’ve taken prior to this travel year.
EXCLUSIONS
Comprehensive Trip insurance. We strongly recommend comprehensive insurance for tour.
Fee for passports.
Beer, wine, spirits, and soda during the tour.
Laundry, phone, internet, and personal items
Extras and optional activities.
Anything not mentioned in the itinerary.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
CANCELLATION POLICY
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS:
Deposits- Deposits for tours are fully refundable for 30 days from your initial application and deposit date, unless otherwise noted. If you book a tour less than 90 days before its departure date, full payment is due immediately, and the entire tour cost becomes non-refundable after seven days. After these dates, deposits are not refundable and will be forfeited if you cancel your tour reservation.
Payments- Tour payments are due in full 90 days before your tour departure date. If you find you must cancel between 90-0 days before your tour departure, please contact us immediately. We will work with you to transfer your payments to another tour departing within 18 months. We strongly recommend that everyone purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers tour cancellations, emergency medical, and other unexpected events.
Cancellations will be effective when the written notification is received at David McGuffin›s Exploring Europe by mail, e-mail, or fax.
SIGN UP BY EMAIL OR POST
If you do not want to sign up online:
You may download a tour application and send it to us with payment.
-OR-
You may return it by:
- FAX 1-800-570-1351
- Email – info@davidmcguffin.com
- email – take a photo of the form with your smartphone and attach it to an email
- TXT – take a photo with your smartphone and TXT to 904-612-8149
KEY TO WALKING & ACTIVITY
Walking and Physical Activity: We have planned this trip to provide maximum tour experiences. The basic nature of Europe does require some degree of physical activity to get out and see the sights, especially in the big cities. To help you plan, we’ve included a daily projection of physical activity. Here is the key for our walking activity ratings:
Light – Walking done on level surfaces with some hills and elevation gains. Two miles or less of required walking during the day.
Moderate – Walking done on paved and gravel paths and cobbled city sidewalks. To enjoy the full tour experience, some uphill and downhill walking is expected, as is standing while viewing sights or museums. Four to six miles of walking per day.
Strenuous – Walking done on rugged and rocky paths and city-cobbled sidewalks. There will be steps and stairs. Up to three hours standing in museums or experience sites. Up to eight miles of walking per day.
Your Choice – No matter what your walking ability, we will help you find alternative ways to enjoy and experience all Europe has to offer. To get the most out of our tours, you should be able to operate at the light level every day with spurts of moderate and strenuous.
PRE-TOUR RESOURCES
Now that you’ve decided to join this tour, we are sure you’ll have some questions. Don’t worry. We are here to help you through each aspect of your tour from start to finish.
DAVID’S VIDEO: IRELAND: THE DAVID MCGUFFIN TOUR EXPERIENCE
To truly understand a David McGuffin tour, you have to see it to believe it. This film documents the journey of four travelers on David’s “Taste of Ireland” tours. Filmed on location in Ireland, we hope it will give you a sample of what to expect on a David McGuffin tour to Europe. IRELAND: The David McGuffin Tour Experience
DAVID’S AUDIO & PDF DESTINATION GUIDES TO IRELAND
Education and cultural immersion are essential to fully engaging in the David McGuffin tour experience. We believe you’ll experience and appreciate more around the Emerald Isles if you know a little about the sites, the history, and the experiences. David’s downloadable and printable Destination Guides are designed to provide historical background and practical information about our destinations in Ireland.
Additionally, you can put DAVID IN YOUR EARS by downloading his Audio Destination Guides and listening to them before and while visiting locations in Ireland.
All resources can be downloaded, printed, and installed on your audio or mobile device from here. https://davidmcguffin.com/dg-ireland/
DAVID’S TRAVEL TALK TUESDAY BROADCASTS AND VIDEO SERIES BLOG.
David began weekly episodes of Travel Talk Tuesday in December 2020, when we were deep in the pandemic lockdowns and had no hope of travel. He has been rolling out episodes ever since! When David is not traveling in Europe, he presents a LIVE broadcast on Zoom and Facebook. Check it out on Tuesdays at 7:30 PM Eastern Time. Or look up an episode and watch the recording here: Watch them here.
DAVID’S 60 SECONDS DESTINATION VIDEOS
Join David as he shares impromptu moments from his travels in Ireland. Watching these short 60-second segments are a great way to experience David’s travel style and adventures. Watch David’s Explore Ireland and Scotland.
DAVID’S BLOG ARTICLES
David and his team have answered many travel-related questions, and they are all tucked away on his blog. But, no need to go there. Type in a keyword in the search box at the top or bottom of this page (find the small magnifying glass icon), and you will get results for your query.
PLEASE SEND US AN EMAIL OR GIVE US A CALL.
We are happy to answer your travel questions and give advice and suggestions. tours@davidmcguffin.com or 800-570-1351.
Testimonials & Reviews of our IRELAND Tours
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Our whole family went on the trip including four of us who had never been before. We are planning another trip soon.
We traveled to Scottland & Ireland on a McGuffin tour. The tour group was small making it easy to navigate the two countries as compared to larger tour groups. He included tours to many “off the beaten path” towns which differentiated this tour from others we have done. Having a half-day to explore stops on your own every day also made this tour a wonderful experience.
The Best of Ireland - September 2023
My wife and I just completed the Best of Ireland Tour and it changed our whole attitude about doing a tour. We loved being in a small tour group where everyone gets to know one another. We had a fantastic group and it was by far, one of the best and most informative trips we've ever been on.
From day one, each trip was carefully planned with an abundance of daily tours as well as needed downtime and though I have a hearing loss, David spoke louder to accommodate. We NEVER waited in lines for ANYTHING. Anytime we showed up for a reserved tour, we were immediately escorted thru.
Our dinner locations were chosen by David because of the charm, the history and the personality and DID NOT disappoint. The food was always outstanding with great selections available because of varying tastes, and we never expected wine and spirits to be included as part of the dining experience.
David also picked some out of-the-way locations to stop where the town was not overrun with tourists and where the larger buses were too big to travel. We had to endure some rainy days that required walking in the rain but that's just part of it. Unless we stopped to check into a hotel, the bags always stayed on the bus and if we couldn't check into the rooms early, the hotel had no problem storing our bags for us...at no charge.
We can't say enough about the quality of our tour guide and the entire tour itself. It has totally changed our opinion about tour groups and well never visit another city in Europe unless it's a small group tour!!!!!!!
The Best of Ireland - September 2023
My husband and I just traveled to Ireland with David for 12 days along with our friends and we had the best time. Every detail is streamlined in advance so you have no surprises. You receive an email or WhatsApp update every evening with your detailed schedule for the next day, so easy. Breakfast is included every morning, lunch on your own with plenty of options and fun group dinners half the time. David always listened to our opinions about what we wanted and didn't. We loved how he didn't bog us down with nonstop activity and gave us free time to explore on our own. We were so impressed with his company we immediately booked another tour with him. This is a no brainer for us because all you have to do is pack your bags, book a flight and he does everything else simple as that. If you can't have fun with EE,Inc you're not trying.
This was our first trip to Europe. David made us feel very safe and confident to do some exploring on our own. The small group atmosphere was wonderful, and we met wonderful people, shared meals together, and enjoyed local music. The hotels were clean, the restaurant choices were fabulous, as was the food. David gave us a good overview of the land and its history and culture. Our bus drivers were excellent and added a local's view of the differences and conflicts between The Republic and Northern Ireland.
We look forward to exploring more of Europe with David McGuffin!
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