The epic 'Essential Ireland' All-Ireland tour for discerning travellers who wish for a true small-group experience (8-16 pax) and to explore the 4 corners of Ireland.

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SPECIAL DISCOUNTS: 5% OFF and/or No extra single-supplement fee

• Use the promo code 11DAY5 and enjoy a nice 5% off the total tour price. This 5% of your hard-earned money can be then better spent on goodies like gifts, grub or Guinness! :)

• Theres a huge 15% discount on offer on a non-refundable basis, use the promo code nonrefundable15

• no singe-supplement for solo travellers if booked before April 1st 2026! (You won’t have to pay extra for your private hotel room or have to share with a snorer!)
  

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Overnight in Belfast (2 nights) Derry (2 nights) Galway (1 night) Killarney (2 nights) and Dingle (3 nights) 

This gem of a tour is our award-winning 'True North' itinerary and our famous  'Wild Atlantic Way' tour combined with no return to Dublin in the middle.

Tour-Guest Notes:  

·  All breakfasts included. Lunch on own each day 

·  10 nights / 11 days 

- no drinks included on the tour but we will enjoy a welcome Dingle Gin & Tonic, and a whiskey tasting

·  Tour starts in Dublin at 9.30am on Day #1

·  Tour ends in Dublin at 5pm on Day #11

·  Tour pick-point: The Leonardo Hotel, opposite Christchurch Cathedral.

note: In 2026, we will no longer be including lunches and dinners on our tours. Based on tour-guest feedback, it is better to give guests the evenings free to relax and decide their own dining plans and then we can all meet in the pubs afterwards for some fun and music.

Welcome to Ireland!

On Day 1 we will meet at the Leonardo hotel (opposite Christchurch Cathedral) and depart for the North. 

Our first visit will be the historic city of Drogheda to view the preserved head of St. Oliver Plunkett in the historic St. Peters Church (must be before 11am Mass).

Then onwards to the nearby monastic site of Monasterboice and its famed Celtic crosses. 

We’ll cross the border and enjoy the 2 hour drive north to central Belfast. (our home for 2 nights)

Arrive Belfast late afternoon, visit the award-winning and epic Titanic experience.

Check into our city-centre Hotel for 2 nights. 

Begin the day with a tour of the historic and divided neighbourhoods of West Belfast, see the infamous 'Peace Wall' and the political wall-murals and street-art.

Free for lunch.

We'll also enjoy the Ulster museum, Botanic gardens and the majestic Queens University of Belfast.

Late Afternoon and evening is free time for shopping, sightseeing and for dinner

Onwards to the majestic Giants Causeway, epic scenery and Scotland in view across the channel.

Plenty of time to explore the world-famous Giants Causeway.

Photo-stop at Dunluce Castle (our favourite!).

Early evening, arrive into Historic Derry and explore this historic and beautiful city.

Begin the morning by visit the beautiful Guildhall (City Hall) and view the stained-glassed windows.

Onwards to Donegal for a day tour, the highlight will be Glenveagh National Park. 

Return to Derry. Free for dinner.

After a leisurely breakfast in historic Derry, we continue onwards to Galway, stopping at the grave of our national poet WB Yeats en route and also some time to experience the tweed-weaving capital, Donegal town.

Early evening arrival into bustling Galway city.

We’ll unwind after checkin before enjoying a walking tour of the city.

Dinner on own tonight. Evening free in Galway to unwind in the city.

The majestic Cliffs of Moher.Our big pre-lunch blockbuster visit!

Onwards to Killarney. Our drive (2.5 hours) will be broken up with a few comfort stops and pleasant ferry-crossing on the river Shannon.

Evening free to enjoy the sights and sounds of Killarney.

After a relaxing Breakfast, we’ll enjoy some of the famous Ring of Kerry drive. 

Including Kenmare, Molls Gap, Ladies View, Torc Waterfall and Muckross House and Gardens. Evening free for dinner and music in Killarney

We must bid farewell to Killarney and onwards to the magical Dingle Peninsula.

Welcome to Dingle. We'll tour the bustling with an 'Historic Dingle Walking Tour' and meander through the colourful streets. Visit the Dingle Crystal Workshop.

Visit the belt-maker in Dick Macks famous and historic pub (subject to him being available)

Enjoy a complimentary welcome Dingle Gin & Tonic in our ‘Robert Mitchum’ Bar.

Later in the evening, the adults can enjoy a whiskey-tasting experience, with our resident connoisseur.

Checkin to our hotel (2 nights).

After a relaxing breakfast we'll enjoy our Slea Head scenic tour, including holding baby lambs!

We will go ‘back west’ and experience the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’ along Slea Head, taking in the magnificent coastal scenery. Visit the many archaeological sites and a friendly sheep farm to hold baby lambs. Explore some golden sandy beaches and take in the magical scenic drive.

Late Afternoon, return to Dingle and perhaps visit the Master Goldsmith Brian De Staic in his workshop. 

Then enjoy a Private Falconry Experience with our Master Falconers and all our Birds of Prey.

In the late afternoon we'll experience the Kingdom School of Falconry.

You will be guests of our very own and beloved waterfront property on Dingle Harbour. Enjoy our gentle-giant Irish Wolfhounds and School of Falconry including beautiful owls.

Our relaxing free day. Here are some of the amazing optional activities that you can consider enjoying.

·  Possibly visit the excellent Dingle Aquarium. https://www.dingle-oceanworld.ie

·  Consider the award-winning Dingle Sea Safari (see whales, puffins, dolphins). Weather dependent https://dingleseasafari.com

·  Ride along the beach or along the mountain trails above Dingle with some nice Irish horses from the Dingle Stables. https://www.dinglehorseriding.com

·  Go shopping!

Early Evening free for dinner

Private Irish music concert for us all to enjoy together at Milltown House.

After an early breakfast we shall make our way to beautiful Tipperary ("its a long way") and to the majestic Rock of Cashel for a guided tour.

A fitting and fun finale to our Irish adventures.

Back in Dublin’s fair city, early evening.

5pm approx. everyone is safely back at the Leonardo Hotel at Christchurch.

Go n-éirí an bóthar leat / May the road rise to meet you

Do let me know if you have any questions. On behalf at all the team at Essential Ireland Tours (both human & canine!) many thanks for choosing to enjoy our beloved Ireland with us. 

Is mise le meas (‘from me to you with respect’ in Gaelic)

Stephen McPhilemy