Dublin and the Gems of Ireland Small Group Tour

• Explore Ireland from Dublin to Belfast, Donegal, Westport, Dingle, Cobh and Kilkenny on an ambitious 14-day journey through both Ireland and Northern Ireland.
• Experience the Giant’s Causeway, Cliffs of Moher, Wild Atlantic Way, Connemara and some of Ireland’s most spectacular coastal scenery.
• Stay in carefully selected city hotels, country inns and locally owned accommodations that bring you closer to the places you visit.
• Travel with a small group of just 12–16 travelers in a comfortable Mercedes Sprinter rather than a large tour bus.
• Enjoy professional local guides, included sightseeing and admissions, daily Irish breakfasts and plenty of independent free time.
• Designed for solo travelers, couples and friends who want to experience Ireland with a smaller group and greater personal attention than a traditional big-bus tour.
• Starts and Ends in Dublin.

See more of Ireland on a thoughtfully planned 14-day small group tour traveling from Dublin to Belfast and the Giant’s Causeway, then through Donegal, Westport, Connemara, the Cliffs of Moher, Dingle, Cobh and Kilkenny before returning to Dublin.

With just 12–16 travelers, we travel in a comfortable Mercedes Sprinter rather than a large motorcoach. The smaller vehicle gives us greater flexibility as we explore Ireland’s cities, villages, countryside and spectacular coastal landscapes.

Along the way, enjoy historic cities, lively Irish towns, dramatic scenery, expert local guiding and scheduled free time to explore on your own. It is a more personal way to experience Ireland—with a small group, carefully selected accommodations and an itinerary designed to show you far more than just the headline attractions.

Dublin

Begin with two nights in Dublin, staying in the heart of the city. A guided walking tour provides an introduction to Ireland’s capital and its history, neighborhoods and major sights, followed by free time to explore on your own. Visit the EPIC Irish Emigration Museum, tour the Guinness Storehouse, browse the shops or settle into a traditional Dublin pub.

Belfast, Giant’s Causeway & Derry

Travel north into Northern Ireland for an insightful Belfast tour focusing on the history of The Troubles, followed by a visit to Titanic Belfast, where the famous ship was designed and built. Continue along the spectacular Antrim Coast to the Giant’s Causeway, stop at the ruins of Dunluce Castle and explore the historic murals of Derry before continuing to Donegal.

Donegal, the Wild Atlantic Way & Westport

Spend two nights in Donegal, with time to experience one of Ireland’s most scenic and less-traveled regions. Weather permitting, cruise beneath the dramatic Slieve League Cliffs, visit the heritage village of Ardara and learn about Donegal’s traditional weaving. Continue south along the Wild Atlantic Way, passing Benbulben and Glencar Waterfall before arriving in colorful Westport for a two-night stay.

Connemara, Galway & the Cliffs of Moher

Explore the rugged landscapes of Connemara, including Kylemore Abbey, Killary Fjord, Aasleagh Falls and the Doo Lough Valley. Continue through Cong to lively Galway, with free time to explore its historic streets, shops and cafés. Travel around Galway Bay through the Burren to Doolin, then visit the magnificent Cliffs of Moher before continuing south toward the Dingle Peninsula.

Dingle & Killarney

Spend two nights in Dingle, one of Ireland’s most enjoyable small towns, with time to explore independently and experience its shops, pubs, traditional music and waterfront. Take in the extraordinary coastal scenery of Slea Head Drive before continuing to Killarney National Park, where the itinerary includes a traditional jaunting-cart ride and visits to Muckross Abbey, Torc Waterfall and Muckross House.

Cobh, Kilkenny & Glendalough

Continue to the colorful harbor town of Cobh for an overnight stay overlooking the water. The journey then turns north through County Tipperary for visits to Cahir Castle and the dramatic Rock of Cashel before reaching medieval Kilkenny. On the return toward Dublin, visit the ancient Brownshill Dolmen and Glendalough, a remarkable early Christian monastic site set among the mountains and lakes of County Wicklow.

A Truly Small Group

Travel with just 12–16 guests rather than a full-size motorcoach of 40 or more travelers. A smaller group makes it easier to travel together, get to know your fellow travelers, and experience Ireland on a more personal scale.

Travel by Mercedes Sprinter

Explore Ireland in a comfortable Mercedes Sprinter rather than a large tour bus. Its smaller size is especially well suited for Ireland’s towns, countryside and scenic roads.

Carefully Selected Hotels and Inns

Stay in a variety of well-located hotels and inns throughout the journey, from central Dublin to Donegal, Westport, Doolin, Dingle, Cobh and Kilkenny.

Guided Touring Plus Free Time

The itinerary combines professionally guided sightseeing with scheduled time to explore independently. Visit a pub, browse the shops, take a walk or simply enjoy the town at your own pace.

Solo Travelers Are Welcome

You do not need a travel partner to join us. Solo travelers are an important part of our groups, and the small-group format makes it easy to meet and travel with others.

An Experienced Irish Guide

Travel with an experienced and licensed Irish guide, who brings Ireland’s history, culture, traditions and landscapes to life throughout the journey.

Personal Service Before You Travel

Have questions about flights, packing, money, passports or preparing for the trip? Our team is available before departure to help you get ready for your Ireland adventure.

• 13 nights of carefully selected accommodations throughout Ireland, including:
  • 2 nights at the Brooks Hotel in central Dublin
  • 1 night at the Strangford Arms Hotel near Belfast
  • 2 nights at the Central Hotel in Donegal, with bay-view rooms
  • 2 nights at the Wyatt Hotel in Westport
  • 1 night at the Doolin Inn in Doolin
  • 2 nights at Dingle Benners Hotel in Dingle
  • 1 night in a sea-view room at the WatersEdge Hotel in Cobh
  • 1 night at the Pembroke Hotel in Kilkenny
  • 1 final night at the Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport
• Full Irish breakfast every morning
• Transportation throughout the tour in a comfortable Mercedes Sprinter
• Walking and sightseeing tours in Dublin
• Tours, sightseeing and admissions listed in the itinerary, except where specifically noted
• Professional guide services with an experienced and licensed Irish guide
• A thoughtfully planned 14-day itinerary covering Ireland and Northern Ireland

This tour is designed for active and mobile travelers who are comfortable walking as part of the daily sightseeing experience.

Travelers should be prepared for uneven pavement, gravel walkways, cobblestones, hills and occasional stairs at historic sites, towns and attractions. At some accommodations, guests may need to walk up one or two flights of stairs to reach their rooms.

Outside of Dublin, many of the hotels and inns used on this tour do not have air conditioning, which is common in Ireland. Travelers should be comfortable with this style of accommodation.

Guests should also be able to enter and exit the Mercedes Sprinter independently and manage the normal physical demands of a multi-stop touring itinerary.

If you have significant mobility limitations or difficulty walking on uneven surfaces or climbing stairs, this tour may not be the right fit.

July 2025

May 2022