Ireland Women-only Tour Spring 2023

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* JUST ANNOUNCED! Don’t miss this fantastic five-star tour through the Emerald Isle!

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Secure your spot by registering with a deposit via PayPal by clicking on the Register Now button. You can sign in as a guest and do not need a PayPal account.

Note: Cancellation fees apply. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before registering.

Ireland Women-only Tour Itinerary

The tour begins with your arrival into Dublin Airport.

NOTE: This tour starts in Dublin and ends in Shannon. You can either schedule your flights as such or you can fly roundtrip Dublin and join the group for the drive back to Dublin at the end of the trip. Please check the Ireland FAQs for additional information.

If you’d like additional hotel nights prior to or after the tour dates, let us know and we’d be happy to book them for you.

Day 1 – Dublin
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Meals: N/A

Today is your arrival day into Dublin! You can either make your own way to the hotel via taxi, shuttle or bus (the hotel is conveniently located at a bus stop!) or we can arrange a driver to meet and pick you up.

No meals have been included on this day as arrivals will vary, but we will provide you with a list of nearby restaurants should you want to venture out for some beef stew and soda bread. 🙂

Overnight in Dublin at the Camden Court Hotel or similar.

Day 2 – Dublin
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After a wonderful breakfast at the hotel, this first day on the Emerald Isle will be spent touring the country’s capital, Dublin!

We’ll start the morning with a visit to Trinity College Library and the Book of Kells exhibition. Book lover or not, you’ll be astounded by the amazing collection here of ancient manuscripts.

Afterward, we’ll visit the iconic Guinness Storehouse where you can take either a guided tour or a self-guided trip through this seven-story building and sample some of the dark stuff while enjoy sweeping 360º views from the Gravity Bar. You’ll have time to have lunch (on your own) at one of the many eateries here.

We’ll finish the day’s touring at the Kilmainham Gaol (jail), one of the largest unoccupied gaols in Europe. We’ll have a guided tour that explains its role in virtually every act of Ireland’s painful path to independence.

It’s then back to the hotel to relax, shake off jet-lag or shop prior to our welcome dinner.

Overnight in Dublin at the Camden Court Hotel or similar.

HIGHLIGHT! Today we’ll get an excellent overview of Dublin and experience the highlights of this very sophisticated, yet historic city.

Day 3 – Dublin
Thursday, April 27, 2023
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we’ll visit Christ Church Cathedral–including the crypts and belfry. This church is officially known as the seat of both the Church of Ireland and the Roman Catholic archbishops of Dublin.

We’ll then travel a bit north to the fishing village of Howth, where we’ll take part in a cooking class at the Howth Castle Cookery School! Here, we’ll learn how to make (and eat!) a few traditional Irish dishes.

We’ll then head back to Dublin where you can explore and then enjoy dinner (on your own) at one of Dublin’s many wonderful pubs or fine eateries.

Overnight in Dublin at the Camden Court Hotel or similar.

HIGHLIGHT! One of the best ways to get to know a culture is through food and with locals who can teach the finer points of how to cook regional dishes. Today we’ll have a hands-on cooking class where we’ll get to enjoy the fruits (as it were) of our labor.

Day 4 – Dublin Area
Friday, April 28, 2023
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, we’ll travel to County Wicklow and to the country estate of Powerscourt House and Gardens, home to what is considered one of the top gardens in the world. We’ll have time to wander around this beautiful area before we continue to the village of Avoca to see the famous traditional handweavers at work at the Avoca Mill. It’s here that we’ll have lunch (on your own).

On our way back to Dublin, we’ll visit Glendalough, a 6th century monastic site that’s nestled in a valley in the Wicklow Mountains. We’ll have a guided tour here and then time to wander on our own.

Upon returning to Dublin, the remainder of the day will be free for sightseeing, shopping and dinner (on your own).

Overnight in Dublin at the Camden Court Hotel or similar.

HIGHLIGHT! Today is all about Ireland’s countryside with its traditions, charms and beautiful landscape.

Day 5 –Dublin – Galway
Saturday, April 29, 2023
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning after breakfast, we’ll check out of our hotel and make our way west toward the dynamic city of Galway. Along the way, we’ll stop at Clonmacnoise, an early Christian site founded by St. Ciarán in the mid-6th century. Located on the eastern bank of the River Shannon, we’ll find the ruins of a cathedral, churches from the 10th – 13th centuries and the largest collection of early Christian grave slabs in Western Europe. We’ll stop for lunch at a nearby restaurant.

We’ll then continue onward to Galway where we’ll check in to the hotel. We may have a bit of time to explore before dinner. With so many pubs, you may even want to head out after dinner to enjoy some trad music.

Dinner and overnight in Galway at the Park House Hotel or similar.

Day 6 – Galway
Sunday, April 30, 2023
Meals: Breakfast

After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll take a walking tour of Galway with a local guide who will help bring the city (and Ireland) alive with stories! You’ll then have the rest of the day free to wander the narrow pedestrian-only streets and alleys of this magic City of the Tribes!

Once a city of merchants (tribes), Galway is now an artistic and contemporary destination, known as one of Ireland’s most Irish of cities.

There’s so much to enjoy here, including the Galway Cathedral, Spanish Arch, Lynch’s Castle and the Galway Museum.

Lunch and dinner will be on your own to give you plenty of time to explore the options here.

Overnight in Galway at the Park House Hotel or similar.

HIGHLIGHT! What’s not to love about Galway?! This very manageable city has lots of things to do but somehow maintains a small town feel and attracts some of the best buskers in the world who perform in the streets.

Day 7 – Galway – Inis Oirr
Monday, May 1, 2023
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we’ll take the ferry to Inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands. With thatch-roofed stone cottages and stone walls dotting the rugged land, this island is a splendid example of Celtic and early Christian heritage.

We’ll meet up with our local guide who’ll take us to the island’s main attraction, the stone fort, Dun Aengus. We’ll be making a short hike to the cliffs here, so walking shoes are highly recommended.

We’ll have lunch at a local restaurant and then tour Aran Islands Goat Cheese, a working goat cheese farm, complete with a yummy tasting!

After dinner at the hotel, we’ll be treated to an Irish dancing workshop!

Overnight in Inis Mor at Aran Islands Hotel or similar.

NOTE – On this day, we’ll only be carrying a small overnight bag for our two nights on Inis Mor. We’ll leave the majority of our things secured with our driver who will meet us in two days. The ferry ride might be a bit rough. Those prone to motion sickness might want to bring medication or a natural remedy.

HIGHLIGHT! Today we’ll get to experience the Wild Atlantic Way from the water when we take the ferry to Inis Mor. We’ll instantly be transported back in time once we set foot on the Aran Islands.

Day 8 – Inis Mor and Inis Oirr
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we’ll take the local island ferry and venture to the smallest Aran Island, Inis Oirr. We’ll meet up with our guide once again who’ll tour us around the island before we have lunch at her charming cafe.

We’ll then have a soda bread, scone and butter-making class and enjoy these treats before heading back to Inis Mor for our final night on the islands.

Dinner and overnight on Inis Mor at Aran Islands Hotel or similar.

Day 9 – Inis Oirr – Dingle
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we’ll take the ferry to Doolin where we’ll meet back up with our bus and driver.

We’ll then drive to one of Ireland’s natural wonders and most popular destinations in the country: the Cliffs of Moher. The cliffs rise to over 700 feet and provide magnificent 360 degree views. We’ll have time to walk around and photograph the area. There are a number of restaurants here where we can grab a bite to eat.

After our visit at the Cliffs, we’ll head to Bunratty Castle. Dating back to the 1400s, this is one of the most well-restored and authentic castles in Ireland. We’ll tour this beautiful and ancient fortress with a guided tour as well as having some time on our own.

Afterward, we’ll drive to the charming fishing village and artistic community of Dingle.

Dinner and overnight in Dingle at Dingle Skellig Hotel or similar.

HIGHLIGHT! You’ve seen them in countless photos, but the Cliffs of Moher are far more beautiful and dramatic in person. This will definitely be one of many highlights of the tour.

Day 10 – Dingle
Thursday, May 4, 2023
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, we’ll journey west for a tour of the breathtaking Dingle Peninsula. Perhaps not as well-known as the Iveragh Peninsula where the Ring of Kerry is located, the Dingle Peninsula is less touristy but every bit as beautiful.

While on the peninsula, we can try our hand at making pottery at Louis Mulcahy’s studio. Everyone will have the chance for a short one-on-one lesson.

We’ll have lunch at a local restaurant and then return to Dingle where we’ll have a chance to explore the many pubs and restaurants the town has to offer. Dinner will be on your own and reservations are recommended.

Overnight in Dingle at Dingle Skellig Hotel or similar.

HIGHLIGHT! It’s difficult to say which you’ll love more: the drive around the Dingle Peninsula or the truly charming town itself. Either way, this will be another incredible day on Ireland’s west coast.

Day 11 – Dingle – Killarney
Friday, May 5, 2023
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we’ll travel to Killarney where we’ll have lunch in town before checking in to the hotel. We’ll then have the afternoon free to explore, relax or enjoy our beautiful hotel on the lake.

Tonight, we’ll have a wonderful dinner at the hotel and overnight in Killarney at The Lake Hotel or similar.

Day 12 – Killarney
Saturday, May 6, 2023
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today after breakfast, we’ll visit Jameson’s Old Midleton Distillery and learn how their whiskey is made and how it differs from whiskeys made elsewhere. After a fabulous tour and tasting, we’ll drive to Blarney Castle where the famous Blarney Stone can be found. There we’ll have lunch at Blarney Woollen Mills, walk the grounds, tour the gardens and kiss the Blarney Stone (optional 💋) to receive the luck!

Tonight we’ll have dinner on our own so you can explore Killarney’s many restaurant options.

Overnight in Killarney at The Lake Hotel or similar.

Day 13 – Killarney
Sunday, May 7, 2023
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we’re going to experience more of Ireland’s legendary scenery as we drive the Ring of Kerry. The road winds around Ireland’s highest mountains, the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, and the Atlantic coast. This is called the Wild Atlantic Way for a reason and you’ll soon see why.

At the most dramatic scenery, we’ll stop for photos and to take in the breathtaking views. including the Skellig Islands. (By the way, Skellig Michael was a location for the filming of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Watch it before the trip!)

We’ll continue through the remote villages of Cahirciveen and Waterville–one of Charlie Chaplin’s favorite places–and pass through the colorful village of Sneem (where we’ll have lunch). If there’s time, we may stop and stroll around the Muckross Gardens located on the shores of Muckross Lake.

Dinner will be on your own again so you can choose your preference. Perhaps light bar fare or a full dinner at the hotel or something in town suits your fancy?

Overnight in Killarney at The Lake Hotel or similar.

HIGHLIGHT! Today will be a full day with lots of eye candy as you take in sights that you may have only previously seen in dramatic photographs of the Ring of Kerry.

Day 14 – Killarney – Shannon
Monday, May 8, 2023
Meals: Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, Dinner

Today, our last full day in Ireland, we’ll leave Killarney and travel to the spectacular Dromoland Castle. Shortly after arrival, we’ll have afternoon tea (which will be quite filling!) and have some time to enjoy the castle and grounds.

In the afternoon, we’ll wander the castle grounds and have a guided falconry experience where you’ll get to learn about and see the hawks and owls that live in the nearby woods.

Our final dinner will be on the castle grounds at the Inn at Dromoland, where we’ll wrap up our two weeks of wonderful experiences!

Overnight in Shannon at Dromoland Castle.

HIGHLIGHT! This will be a wonderful final day in Ireland as we experience all that Dromoland has to offer.

Day 15 – Shannon – Departure Home
Tuesday, May 9, 2023
Meals: Breakfast

Today we’ll have breakfast at the castle before saying goodbye. Note that there won’t be a set time for this meal but it WILL be wonderful and not-to-be-missed. You can depart via nearby Shannon Airport for home (or your next destination) or return to Dublin (via our bus) for your onward flight. Transportation to both Shannon Airport and to Dublin (whether to the airport or to a hotel) is included.

** Itinerary subject to change without notice.

__________________________________________________________________
* JUST ANNOUNCED! Don’t miss this fantastic five-star tour through the Emerald Isle!

Secure your spot by registering with a deposit via PayPal by clicking on the Register Now button. You can sign in as a guest and do not need a PayPal account.

Costs:
Land costs: $7,480
Single supplement: $1,475

Interested in sharing the cost with another traveler? We do our best to pair up travelers so as to avoid the single supplement. However, priority is given to the first deposits received. If you’re interested in sharing, please send in your deposit as soon as possible in order to take advantage of this benefit. (Why a single supplement charge? See this FAQ page for an explanation.)

Booking and Payment Details

Tour price includes: 14 nights accommodation in lovely 4- to-5-star hotels, sightseeing entrance fees, activities as outlined in itinerary, 30 meals, comfy transportation via coach, an excellent English-speaking driver/guide and all tips for driver/guide(s).

Tour price does not include: International flights, Irish visa (if required), travel insurance, Covid-19 testing (if required), some meals, souvenirs, personal purchases (such as books and snacks) and beverages. Bottled water is not included at our request – we encourage you to bring your own reusable bottle for the tour.

This trip is limited to 16 women and requires an $800 deposit to secure your spot.

Minimum bookings required: this tour will likely “go” even if it’s a small group!

Final payment is due no later than February 9, 2023.

Here’s our mailing address:

WanderTours
PO Box 16102
Seattle, WA 98116

Note: Cancellation fees apply. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before registering.

The fine print

Ireland Spring 2023 Registration Form (online)

Ireland Women-only Tour Spring Itinerary 2023 (PDF)

We have now partnered with Travel Insured International so that you have ability to purchase “cancel for any reason” insurance. We HIGHLY recommend travel insurance (no matter who your provider is) to protect your travel investment from any future issues.

For questions, contact Beth at:
beth (at) wandertours (dot) com
206-317-1860

Tour Leader: TBD