COMING SOON
Explore the small towns and hidden corners of our Celtic Island; steeped in legends, myths and folklore. Travel along the coastal roads through enchanting mountains, lakes and peat bogs. Visit the pubs, a place where the stories and music of the local musicians bring an evening to life.
GEMS OF IRELAND - OUR SIGNATURE SMALL GROUP TOUR
Includes Northern Ireland and The Wild Atlantic Way
Our small group tour to Ireland offers an intimate and personalized experience of the Emerald Isle, exploring the stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture with ease. Journey through picturesque towns, visit iconic sites like the Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry and immerse yourself in local traditions and folklore. This enriching adventure promises to reveal the true charm and beauty of Ireland in a way that’s both unique and unforgettable.
Testimonials
"My husband and I just returned from the Signature Tour of Ireland with Further Afield Travel. Sandy and Joe made sure every day was organized to perfection. The fabulous tour itinerary, outstanding hotels, delicious food, and comfortable safe transportation were all a 10. The addition of extra surprise itinerary inclusions, Joe’s extensive knowledge of Irish history, his entertaining beautiful singing voice, and the fun personalities of both Sandy and Joe raised the rating of our Irish vacation to a 10+++, outstanding! We highly recommend Further Afield Travel and will be using them for future trips." Sally M
"What started as a sightseeing tour to Ireland became so much more. Our group of 23 strangers plus our guides Sandy & Joe, turned into a group of 25 friends. Our days on our journey included poetry, songs, history, literature, folklore, and perhaps a pint or two shared in a castle bar or a Guinness pulling lesson at a corner pub. Joe is a wealth of knowledge and was happy to share his love of the island. There was so much more on this tour than we imagined. Topping it off was the way it all happened so seamlessly. Sandy and Joe treated us as friends they had welcomed into their Irish home.
This was our first tour with them; but it will certainly not be our last. Slainte!" Pat & Frank
"My husband and I travelled to Ireland with Further Afield in September 2024. It was the first time we've taken an organized tour and it exceeded our expectations. It was so nice to have the planning done for us so we could just enjoy our trip. The first day, Joe told us, "there are no strangers here, only friends who've never met." How true this turned out to be! Our group of 23 travellers were such good company who enriched our trip. The places we stayed were magical - especially The Lake House in Killarney, Harvey's Point in Donegal and Dromoland Castle. We appreciated that we stayed 2 nights in all places but one, and our mornings didn't start too early. Excursions and activities were carefully chosen to give us the best of the best. Free time was also added throughout to make things more relaxed. And all the food we had was excellent! Joe and Sandy are so knowledgeable and at home in Ireland, and they shared their love and history of the place through stories, songs, and poetry. We had an unforgettable vacation and will happily travel with Further Afield again in future." Susan C.
Small Group - average size 18 - 22 people.
INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS
· Titanic Museum
· Belfast City Tour
· Giant’s Causeway
· Ulster American Folk Park
· Dingle Peninsula
· Oscar Wilde Walking Tour
· Cliffs of Moher
· Kylemore Abbey
· Marble Arch Caves
· Sheep Dog Demonstration
· Pint Pulling Competition
· Aran Island
DELUXE ACCOMMODATION INCLUDED
v The Lake Hotel, Killarney, 4 Star (2 Nights)
v Dromoland Castle, 5 Star (1 Night)
v Park House Hotel, Galway, 4 Star (2 Nights)
v Harvey’s Point Hotel, Donegal, 4+ Star (2 Nights)
v The Europa Hotel, Belfast, 4 Star (2 Nights)
v Carton House, Maynooth 5 Star (2 Nights)
DINING INCLUDED
11 Full Irish Breakfast, 5 Dinners (all include tea & coffee)
Day 1 – Dublin to Belfast (September 15) (D)
Arrive Dublin and begin your Ireland experience making our way to Belfast, the vibrant capital of Northern Ireland.
We’ll visit Newgrange, a prehistoric monument that dates back to around 3200 BC, making it older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza. This ancient passage tomb is renowned for its sophisticated construction and astronomical alignment. Every winter solstice, the rising sun illuminates its inner chamber, a testament to the advanced understanding of astronomy by its builders. Newgrange is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of Ireland’s rich cultural heritage and engineering prowess.
We make our way to Belfast, the vibrant capital of Northern Ireland. Explore the unique culture during a city tour, which includes visits to the political murals of the Falls and Shankill Road area. A graphic story of what has been called "The Troubles" in Ireland's recent history. See the Peace Wall, built to keep Nationalists and Loyalists apart, dividing the communities
This evening, join your group for a Welcome Dinner.
Accommodation: Europa Hotel (2 nights)
Experiences included: Belfast City Tour, Peace Walls and Newgrange
Meals: Welcome Dinner
Day 2 – Belfast – September 16 (B)
Today, we are off for the Giant's Causeway, a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site. The Giant's Causeway is an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption. Flanked by the wild Atlantic Ocean and a landscape of dramatic cliffs, for centuries the Giant’s Causeway has inspired artists, stirred scientific debate and captured the imagination of all who see it.
This afternoon a visit to the Titanic museum. Here you can explore the shipyard, experience the excitement of launch day and walk the decks of the nine interactive galleries bringing to life the Titanic story.
This evening is at your leisure.
Experiences included: Giant's Causeway, Titanic Museum
Meals: Full Irish Breakfast
Day 3 - Donegal – September 17 (B, D)
In the morning we will visit Ulster American Folk Park, an open-air museum. Follow the footsteps of the brave emigrants who set sail for the New World in the 18th and 19th centuries. Wander through the thatched cottages and log cabins and meet costumed characters that bring to life the remarkable stories of the human drama behind three centuries of Irish emigration. This afternoon we check into Harvey's Point, a luxury hotel set in the idyllic surroundings of Lough Eske with the Bluestack Mountains in the background. Awarded as #1 Hotel in Ireland for 2020.
Join your group this evening for a wonderful Cabaret Dinner show.
Accommodation: Harvey's Point Hotel (2 nights)
Experiences included: Ulster American Folk Park
Meals: Full Irish Breakfast, Cabaret Dinner
Day 4 – Donegal – September 18 (B)
Today we are headed to the caves! The landscape encompassing the Marble Arch Caves was formed over 340 million years ago. Under the vibrant green hills of Fermanagh lies a labyrinth of caves, sinkholes and subterranean rivers. Amongst them is the Marble Arch Caves which is the most active river show-cave in Ireland and the UK.
This afternoon, enjoy leisure time in Donegal town, once home of the powerful O’Donnell Clan, who ruled in the northwest for two centuries as great 15th, 16th and 17th-century chieftains.
Experiences included: Marble Arch Caves
Meals: Full Irish Breakfast
Day 5 – Galway – September 19 (B)
If you ever wondered how sheep dogs are trained, we have a special visit where you will learn the art of sheep dogherding and a demonstration (weather dependent). After learning about the dogs and sheep, we continue making our way to Kylemore Abbey, a Benedictine monastery found on the grounds of Kylemore Castle. Visit the restored rooms of the Abbey and learn about its history of tragedy, romance, education, innovation and spirituality.
Arrive Galway City, renowned for its vibrant culture, rich history and scenic beauty. Upon arrival, wander the cobble-stoned streets and feel yourself step back in medieval times. "The City of Tribes" was originally founded, as a fishing village in the area close to the Spanish Arch. Galway is one of Ireland's most engaging cities where street cafes offer front-row seats for observing buskers and street theatre. Your evening is at leisure – we suggest you make a visit to Tig Coile Pub – where likely a music session will be taking place.
Accommodation: The Park Hotel (2 nights)
Experiences included: Sheep Dog Demonstration, Kylemore Abbey
Meals: Full Irish Breakfast
Day 6 – Galway – September 20 (B)
Today we take a ferry to explore the Aran Islands, One of the world’s top Island destinations, according to National Geographic. The Aran Islands are 3 rocky isles guarding the mouth of Galway Bay, in western Ireland. They’re known for their ancient sites. The largest island, Inishmore, is home to the prehistoric fort of Dún Aonghasa, perched on top of a high cliff. A true Irish experience awaits, where locals speak Irish as well as English in a setting of Celtic churches of historical significance including World's Heritage site Dun Aonghasa.
Experiences included: Aran Islands
Meals: Full Irish Breakfast
Day 7 – Killarney – September 21 (B, D)
We are heading to Killarney, home to Killarney National Park, a jewel of Ireland featuring lakes, mountains and woodlands. Today, you will have an opportunity to explore Ireland’s natural attraction - 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, the Cliffs of Moher which is sure to take your breath away. Then a visit to the Burren Region; an area sculpted over the last two million years by glaciers, through the exposure and submergence of its landscape to ice, ocean and the plate movements of the earth.
Accommodation: The Lake Hotel (2 Nights)
Experiences included: Cliffs of Moher, Burren Region
Meals: Full Irish Breakfast
Day 8 – Killarney – September 22 (B)
Start the day with a jaunting car experience through Killarney National Park. These horse and buggy’s will carry you through the National Park sharing the beauty and jovial humor of the jarvey’s (drivers of the cart). We’ll make our way to Ross Castle where our coach will be waiting to take you to the Dingle Peninsula, a Bohemian, artistic and genuinely friendly town, Dingle is famed for its hardware pubs (where you can buy a pint and some wellies). Beyond the town, you’re faced with an incredible 6,000 years of history, a coastline with pounding waves, dramatic cliffs and haunting views of the Blasket Islands.
We return to Killarney with a stop at Murphy’s Pub for our ‘Pull-your-own-pint’ competition amongst your feller travellers. Prizes for the best pint pulled! Evening is at leisure to relax or an opportunity to visit a pub to hear the music and stories.
Included experiences: Dingle Peninsula, Jaunting Car through Killarney National Park and a Pint Pulling Competition in local pub
Meals: Full Irish Breakfast
Day 9 – Dromoland Castle – September 23 (B, D)
Today is your day to enjoy royalty. Your home tonight is Dromoland Castle, the ancestral home of the O'Briens of Dromoland, whose lineage dates back 1,000 years. From the imposing baronial facade to the starling interiors, you'll find a world of historic grandeur underpinned by the finest modern comforts. Feel like royalty! We plan to arrive at Ireland’s magical address around 2pm | activities can be arranged at the castle for late afternoon. Tonight, join everyone for a special dinner in the Castle!
Optional Activities: Falconry, Archery, Golf, Clay Shooting, Fishing, Horse Riding, Cycling, Hiking and more! (Additional fee for options - book in advance, pay locally)
Accommodation: Dromoland Castle (1 Night)
Meals: Full Irish Breakfast, Dinner in the Castle
Day 10 – Maynooth (Dublin) – September 24 (B)
We are off to Maynooth, a university town just outside of Dublin.
We’ll stop at the National Stud…
Accommodation: Carton House Hotel (2 Nights)
Included experiences included: National Stud
Meals: Full Irish Breakfast
Day 11 – Maynooth (Dublin) – September 25 (B)
Dublin, Ireland's small capital with a huge reputation. A city rich in history, once a handsome Georgian city of the British Empire, it still holds a fine line of sophisticated elegance amongst medieval castles and cathedrals.
Spend the day in Dublin. We’ll begin with a walking tour which follows the footsteps of Oscar Wilde (1853-1900), where this literary legend is brought to life. We make our way to Trinity College, home to the Book of Kells. You’ll have the rest of the day in Dublin to explore at your leisure before we return to Carton House Estate for a group farewell dinner.
Experiences Included: Literary Walking Tour, Trinity College / Book of Kells
Meals: Full Irish Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Day 12 – Dublin – September 26
Today your tour ends with a group transfer to the Dublin airport.
GEMS OF IRELAND - SIGNATURE TOUR
COMING SOON - PRE - REGISTRATION OPEN
11 Night Land Only: September 15 - 26, 2025
Group is limited to 24 people - average group size is 20.
INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS
· Titanic Museum
· Belfast City Tour
· Giant’s Causeway
· Ulster American Folk Park
· Dingle Peninsula
· Oscar Wilde Walking Tour
· Cliffs of Moher
· Kylemore Abbey
· Marble Arch Caves
· Sheep Dog Demonstration
· Pint Pulling Competition
· Aran Island
NOT INCLUDED
· Trip Insurance – available upon request
· International Air
· Driver / Guide Gratuities
Deposit: C$300 per person (credit card accepted)
2nd Deposit: $500 per person (February 14, 2025) e-transfer or cheque.
Balance Due: (June 3, 2025) e-transfer or cheque.
Add Prepaid Gratuities: C$198 per person
Deposit by credit card accepted. Additional deposit and balance payment by e-transfer or cheque. Credit card fees of 2% apply when use of a credit card for secondary deposits and balance payments on all groups. Availability is subject to change.
Personalize your Vacation: There is plenty of opportunity to personalize your travel arrangements. Further Afield Travel and Tours can provide group airfare, additional nights at the beginning or end of your tour and prepaid gratuities. Please inquire.
The advertised price is in Canadian Dollars and includes security & local taxes per the itinerary.
Group price is based on minimum of 20 guests. Groups with less than 20 may be subject to cancellation.
We reserve the right to deviate from the tour itinerary, inclusions or hotels should circumstances dictate. If a hotel is not available, we reserve the right to substitute a hotel of similar rating.
Cancellations: 91 days and over prior to departure – loss of per person deposit, 90 – 61 days prior to departure – 50% per person of the total trip cost, 60 – 45 days prior to departure 75% per person of the total trip cost, 45 – Day of departure/no show – 100% per person of the total trip cost.
Additional supplier penalties may apply depending on the date of cancellation.
Amendments: An administration fee of $125 per person may apply to any changes made to your booking once confirmed, including but not limited to changes in pre/post trip accommodation and transfers. Please note that name changes are not allowed and flight changes are subject to availability and airline policies. Additional change fees may be charged by suppliers.
Refunds: No refund is available if cancellations occur after the trip has commenced or in respect to any trips, accommodation, meals or any other services not utilized.
Itinerary Changes & Trip Cancellation: Further Afield Travel and Tours reserves the right to vary itineraries should circumstances dictate, as well as cancel or reschedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements, or circumstances beyond its control. Hotels listed may be replaced with similar accommodation should the noted hotel not be available at time of confirmation. The advertised tours require minimum numbers to depart. Should these not be met, Further Afield Travel and Tours reserves the right to cancel arrangements.
Trip Membership: Any person less than 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. The Travel Director may at his/her discretion, require any person to withdraw from any trip if he or she deems the person’s acts or conduct offensive or a nuisance to other passengers, and we shall have no further liability.
Air: Airfare is NOT included and is an additional cost.
Complimentary Group Transfer - one group transfer will be provided at the start and end of the tour - those arriving on departing at a different time then others in the group, arrangements can be provided at an additional cost. Inquire.
Baggage Allowance & Porterage: Porterage of one suitcase per person is included in the trip price for arrival & departure from hotels in Europe.
Disclaimer: We do our utmost to ensure that the information is correct at time of publication, however trip details and promotions are subject to change without notice by the suppliers and operators involved. We update the information as soon as possible when changes are advised to us, however we cannot assume responsibility for such changes made by the suppliers and operators. Terms and conditions per supplier(s). Further Afield Travel and Tours is a retail travel agency licensed under the Ontario Government Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations, Travel Industry Act 2002 - Registration No50021919. Funds on deposit are protected by the Compensation Fund, administered by TICO (Travel Industry Council of Ontario) as defined by the Ontario Travel Industry Act 2002 and Ontario Regulations 26/05.
We appreciate your business and look forward to working with you again soon.