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Dublin, Irish Evening, Choices on Tour, Kilkenny, Waterford, Blarney Castle, Killarney, Jaunting Car Ride, Ring of Kerry, Farm Visit, Limerick, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Castle Stay
Shades of Ireland 2027
Van Galder Tour & Travel / Collette
May 9-18, 2027
From history-filled Dublin to the rolling green hills and dramatic coast, experience Irelands charms on a journey through the Emerald Isle.
Day 1
Overnight Flight
Anticipation mounts as you make your way toward the Emerald Isle and its many wonders. Rich history, rolling hills, and warm smilles lie ahead in Dublin, Waterford, Killarney, and Limerick. With tomorrow comes quintessential Ireland.
Day 2
Dublin, Ireland
Get a taste of old Dublin. With no scheduled activities through the afternoon, take your time to wander the city streets and soak up that Irish charm. Tonight, you and your fellow travelers revel in a traditional Irish evening, including regional cuisine.
Day 3
Dublin
Today, ride with a local guide to see St. Patrick's Cathedral, O'Connell Street, and the historic Phoenix Park. What follows is an afternoon to discover Dublin's charms on your own. Later, you may join an optional tour to the Guinness Storehouse, followed by dinner at a contemporary restaurant showcasing Irish cuisine.
Day 4
Dublin - Kilkenny - Waterford
Step back in time and begin the day in the medieval splendor of 12th-century Kilkenny on the River Nore. Then, in Waterford, embark on a leisurely paced walking tour of Ireland's oldest city. It's your choice! Tour the Waterford Crystal factory and learn how exquisite crystal has been made for centuries - OR- visit the Medieval Museum for a guided tour and a glass of wine in the 15th-century Mayor's Wine Vault.
Day 5
Waterford - Blarney Stone - Killarney
The legend goes that those who kiss the Blarney Stone gain the gift of eloquence - give it a try if you wish at historic Blarney Castle, by navigating the 128 narrow steps to the top. Cross into County Kerry and continue on to charming Killarney. Tonight, it's Diner's Choice...choose your included dinner from a "menu" of Killarney's great restaurants.
Day 6
Ring of Kerry - Killarney
Take in the rugged coastline as you loop your way around the picturesque Ring of Kerry, past pristine beaches, quaint villages, and majestic landscapes. At the Gap of Dunloe, shop for local artisan-made crafts. Meet the local McGill family at their roadside artisan brewery and enjoy a taste of their finest beers. Continue around the Ring of Kerry and top off the day back in Killarney with a ride in a traditional jaunting car.* The night is free for reminiscing about the day as you find your own authentic taste of Irish culture.
*Jaunting car ride is weather permitting.
Day 7
Killarney - Cliffs of Moher - Limerick
Today brings you to the dramatic, 700-foot-high Cliffs of Moher for cinematic views of the mighty Atlantic. Continue to Limerick, where a panoramic city tour showcases King John's Castle and the Treaty Stone. Delve into the fascinating history of the "city of the violated treaty." This evening you may join an optional medieval banquet dinner, hosted in a castle.
Day 8
Limerick - Galway - Limerick
Pass through the windswept, limestone landscape of the Burren, known for its stark beauty and Neolithic tombs. See border collies in action during a traditional sheepdog demonstration. Continue on to Galway for some free time to explore this pretty and vibrant city. Return to Limerick to relax over dinner.
Day 9
Limerick - Kilbeggan - Kingscourt
You don't have to be a connoisseur to appreciate the old-world heritage of Ireland's whiskey territory. Your journey brings you to Kilbeggan in the heart of Ireland, where a superb distillery brings whiskey craftsmanship to life and gives you a taste of the final product. Top your day off with an overnight stay on the stately grounds of Cabra Castle, where you toast the end of a memorable trip during an elegant dinner.
Day 10
Kingscourt - Tour Ends
Your journey ends in Kingscourt.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
DEPOSIT: $698 per person due at time of reservation; final payment due January 25, 2027. Once payments have been received, stringent cancellation penalties apply. Current rates guaranteed if booked prior to November 3, 2026.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Overnight flight (1 night); Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham, Dublin (2 nights); Granville Hotel, Waterford (1 night); Brehon Hotel, Killarney (2 nights); The George Hotel, Limerick (2 nights); Cabra Castle, Kingscourt (1 night).
TOUR INCLUSIONS: Collette tour director, roundtrip motorcoach/airport/resort transfers, roundtrip air, accommodations, luggage handling at hotels, admissions/attractions, and 13 meals, including 8 breakfasts and 5 dinners.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: Optional, but highly recommended. Available at booking only for $549 per person.
PASSPORT REQUIRED: Passport must be valid for 6 months upon departure from Kingscourt, Ireland. You are strongly encouraged to visit www.travel.state.gov for the latest details on passport requirements.
ACTIVITY LEVEL 3 / HEAVY WALKING: Physical stamina required. Stair climbing, longer periods of walking and/or standing may be involved, along with higher elevations and longer days. Participants must be able to keep up with the group.
ADDITIONAL FEES: Airline luggage fees and fuel surcharges (if applicable) are additional and vary by airline.
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS:
Dublin, Ireland - Guinness Storehouse & Dinner (Day 3) - $109 USD per person. Call for details.
Limerick, Ireland - Medieval Banquet (Day 7) - $119 USD per person. Call for details.
5 Days 3-Night London Pre Tour Extension - $1599 USD per person, double, land & air inclusive. Call for details.
4 Days 3-Night Edinburgh Post Tour Extension - $1899 USD per person, double, land & air inclusive. Call for details.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Janesville, WI | Van Galder Terminal 3120 N. Pontiac Dr., Janesville WI |
| Madison, WI | Dutch Mill Park & Ride 4545 East Broadway, Madison WI |
| Rockford, IL | Van Galder Terminal 7559 Walton St., Rockford IL |
| South Beloit, IL | Fas Mart/McDonald's ($3 per day) Hwy 75 and I90, South Beloit IL |