

The Best of Ireland
Tauck Tour's Best of Ireland is a comprehensive 14 day tour that circumnavigates the entire emerald isle. Beginning and ending in Dublin, some of the highlights include Belfast, Giant's Causeway, Derry, Galway, the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry. and Kilkenny. Experience Titanic Belfast, an Irish dairy farm and tasting at the Jameson Experience.
14 Days • fr. $9,190
Tour Highlights & Offers
Tour Includes
- Visit Belfast's award-winning Titanic Belfast interactive museum & enjoy a sumptuous 9-course Titanic tasting dinner at The Merchant Hotel
- Journey through the Irish wilds of Connemara & along the spectacular coastal scenery of Northern Ireland's Antrim Coast Road
- Accommodations at country estates, lakeside resorts and a historic city-center hotel
- Learning – at an Irish farm, the Belleek Pottery factory & the Ulster American Folk Park
- Learn the secrets of making Irish whiskey during a tour at the Jameson Distillery where centuries of history are chronicled in every sip
- Visits to castles, abbeys, walled cities & a graveyard with stories to tell, history to reveal
- Two nights in Dublin to explore centuries of history found in its parks, streets, & pubs
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as detailed
- All customary gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff and local guides are included.
Not Included
- The customary gratuities for the Tauck Director and local drivers are not included. We ask that gratuities be extended on a voluntary, individual basis and not as a group.
- All items of a personal nature (room service, beverages, telephone charges, laundry, dry cleaning, special food requests, etc.) and meals not specified on the tour itinerary are not included and must be paid by the client.
- Airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, airport arrival and departure taxes, individual airport transfers (when applicable), and other optional or incidental extras are not included.
- All rates exclude airfare unless expressly noted.
Meal Inclusions
- 13 breakfasts
- 7 lunches
- 11 dinners
Hotel Details
- The Fitzwilliam Hotel in Dublin, Ireland (2 nights)
- The Merchant Hotel in Belfast, Northern Ireland (2 nights)
- Lough Erne Resort in Enniskillen, Ireland (2 nights)
- Glenlo Abbey Hotel in Galway, Ireland (2 nights)
- Old Ground Hotel in Ennis, Ireland (1 night)
- Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa in Killarney, Ireland (2 nights)
- Mount Juliet Hotel & Spa in Thomastown, Ireland (2 nights)
Day 1
Arrive Dublin Location Information Description
Dublin, Ireland
The tour begins at 6:00 PM at the Fitzwilliam Hotel. A transfer is included from Dublin Airport to The Fitzwilliam Hotel on Stephens Green in the heart of the city – famed Grafton Street is steps away. This evening enjoy a welcome reception and dinner at your hotel.
Dinner
The Fitzwilliam Hotel
Day 2
Sights of Dublin Location Information Description
Dublin, Ireland
Sightseeing today in Ireland's capital city, accompanied by a local guide, introduces you to landmark sites such as O'Connell Street and a view of the Lord Mayor's residence. Visit Dublin Castle, a major government center that sits on the site of a Viking settlement. The afternoon is free for you to explore Dublin as you please.
Breakfast
The Fitzwilliam Hotel
Day 3
Belfast and Titanic History Location Information Description
Belfast, United Kingdom
Head to Northern Ireland and the vibrant capital of Belfast for a day that begins with a visit to the Titanic Quarter to experience Titanic Belfast, an award-winning interactive museum, followed by a guided city tour.
This evening, a special treat – a nine-course Titanic tasting menu dinner in the sumptuous Great Room of The Merchant Hotel, honoring the ship's grand style.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The Merchant Hotel
Day 4
Location Information Description
Bushmills, United Kingdom
Depart Belfast and travel the spectacular Antrim Coast Road, one of the world's most scenic drives, through the haunting Glens of Antrim. Arrive in the town of Bushmills; lunch is served up with a warm welcome and a "fire that is always lit," a tradition at the Bushmills Inn whose origins date back to 1608.
Location Information Description
Giant's Causeway, United Kingdom
Explore the Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; over 40,000 symmetrical basalt columns lead from coastal cliffs to the sea; return to Belfast for an evening at leisure.
Breakfast, Lunch
The Merchant Hotel
Day 5
On to Derry and the Ulster American Folk Park Location Information Description
Londonderry, United Kingdom
Explore Derry on a walking tour with a local guide. In nearby Omagh, visit the Ulster American Folk Park, where you will hear the stories of three centuries of Irish emigrants who left the Emerald Isle to build new lives in North America. Spend two nights at a lakeside resort.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lough Erne Resort
Day 6
The choice is yours today Location Information Description
Londonderry, United Kingdom
You have a choice today – spend the day in the magnificent Fermanagh Lakelands or, if you wish, enjoy a visit to the market town of Belleek for a tour of the famed porcelain factory where you'll meet craftspeople using techniques handed down from generations past. Midday, visit a town renowned for its medieval heritage, and return to your resort in the afternoon; dine at your leisure this evening.
Breakfast, Dinner
Lough Erne Resort
Day 7
Kylemore Abbey, Connemara & Galway Location Information Description
Pollacappul, Ireland
Depart Northern Ireland for the Republic of Ireland and the foothills of Benbulben Mountain, "Yeats Country." Stop in the village of Drumcliffe to see the final resting place of poet W. B. Yeats, then on to the lakeside Kylemore Abbey; built in the late 19th century as a private residence, the impressive estate is now home to a prestigious boarding school for girls, a Gothic church and Victorian gardens.
Location Information Description
Galway, Ireland
After lunch at Kylemore Abbey, travel through the beautiful, wild scenery of Connemara to Glenlo Abbey Hotel Galway, a luxury lakeside estate hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Glenlo Abbey Hotel
Day 8
A Day in Galway Location Information Description
Galway, Ireland
Your day begins with a guilded walking tour of charming Galway City. The remainder of the day is free to explore the city as you wish; culturally rich, you'll find the pubs, markets, restaurants, antique and craft shops tell the stories of medieval times to the present.
Breakfast, Dinner
Glenlo Abbey Hotel
Day 9
From the Cliffs of Moher to Ennis Location Information Description
Ennis, Ireland
The dramatic Cliffs of Moher soar up to 702 ft. above the ocean along Ireland's "Wild Atlantic Way" – and they are your first visit today. Spend time in the town of Ennis, then it's on to the 18th-century Old Ground Hotel, built as a private mansion.
Breakfast, Dinner
Old Ground Hotel
Day 10
Irish Dairy Farming then on to Killarney Location Information Description
County Limerick, Ireland
Your Ireland tour continues when you discover the importance of farming in the west of Ireland on a visit to a working dairy farm, which has been in the same family for generations; you're invited inside their home for a light Irish lunch and some excellent stories!
Location Information Description
Killarney, Ireland
Then it's on to Killarney and a visit to Muckross House, an Elizabethan-style mansion which was built in 1843. Set in Killarney National Park, the estate features distinguished 19th-century interiors; it is surrounded by magnificent gardens in a palette of sensational colors.
Your accommodations for the next two nights are at one of Ireland's most gracious hotels, Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa, exuding the warmth of a country home.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa
Day 11
A day along the Ring of Kerry Location Information Description
Ring of Kerry, Ireland
Today is devoted to the natural beauty of the Iveragh Peninsula, known as the Ring of Kerry. On a drive 'round the Ring, drink in the scenes of sandy beaches, mountains, lakes and cliffs, old oak forests and bogs. The country's highest peak, Corrán Tuathail, reigns over Killarney National Park, at the peninsula's heart. Along the way, history waxes and wanes in the ruins of ancient monasteries, castles and forts – and small villages, like seaside Waterville, where quiet and warmth are a way of life, bringing the scenery's dramatic scale down to earth. Enjoy legendary Irish hospitality tonight when you dine at the charming, one-of-a kind Rozzer's Restaurant.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa
Day 12
History and Tasting at The Jameson Experience Location Information Description
Midleton, Ireland
The Jameson Experience in County Cork is a journey through Irish whiskey making, past and present – complete with a tasting! Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant that provides a true taste of Ireland.
Location Information Description
Kilkenny, Ireland
Continue on to Mount Juliet Hotel in the heart of Kilkenny. Your two-night stay at Mount Juliet Hotel is special; this five-star hotel was born as a private 18th-century baronial mansion and today maintains traditions that have endured through the centuries. Its modern features include a full-service spa, swimming pool, and the only Jack Nicklaus signature golf course in Ireland. Enjoy dinner tonight at your leisure.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mount Juliet Hotel & Spa
Day 13
Kilkenny tales and more Location Information Description
Kilkenny, Ireland
You'll discover that Ireland's antiquities tell the tales of days gone by and today's visit to the ruins of the Cistercian Jerpoint Abbey introduces some remarkable medieval architectural artifacts. Take a guided walking tour of Kilkenny, world-renowned as a center for craft and design, for insights into the Black Abbey, Rothe House and Kilkenny Castle. Mount Juliet is one of Ireland's finest sporting estates, and you'll have an opportunity to take advantage of some outstanding leisure activities today.
Your two-week Ireland sojourn ends when you join us this evening for a farewell dinner and reception.
Breakfast, Dinner
Mount Juliet Hotel & Spa
Day 14
Journey Home Location Information Description
Kilkenny, Ireland
The tour ends in Kilkenny after breakfast. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Mount Juliet Hotel & Spa to Dublin Airport. Allow at least three hours for flight check-in.
Breakfast
Important information:
Important Information
Cancellation Policy
- 60 days or more before departure: $600.00 per person
- 59-8 days before departure: $900.00 per person
- 7-1 days before departure: $1500.00 per person
- On departure day and later: 100% of total price
- Any changes or cancellations to airline reservations made through Tauck either before or after departure are subject to the cancellation / change policies of the individual airlines. In n some instances these cancellation / change fees may be up to 100% of the ticket price.
- Cancellation fees may also apply to any additional services, including extra night accommodations, independently supplied services, and optional excursions reserved prior to, during, and after the tour. If flight changes, including, but not limited to, flight cancellations or name changes, are requested after full land and air deposits are received, revision fees, change fees, or airline cancellation fees will apply.
- All cancellations must be received in writing prior to tour departure. The cancellation policy will apply according to the date that the cancellation notification is received. The MINIMUM cancellation penalty is the deposit amount.
- The purchase to trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.
Terms and Conditions
- Land only “from price” is per person based on two people sharing a room together and does not include airfare unless expressly stated.
- All prices are in US Dollars.
- A $600 non-refundable, non-transferable, per-person, per-vacation deposit is required to reserve space for you. Payment of the deposit indicates you have read and accepted all Terms & Conditions. Your booking is not confirmed until the deposit payment is processed and you receive a confirmation invoice.
- Final payment is due 75 days prior to departure. Within the final payment date, payment in full is required at time of booking to reserve space. Reservations (land, cruise, and air) are canceled if final payment is not received by the due date.
- Additional deposits or payments are required for international air added to the start and/or end of your vacation.