Day 1 | - Dublin • Galway (D)
Arrive Dublin airport. Your Pub Tour begins! Your guide will be waiting in the arrivals hall with a Further Afield Travel and Tours sign. Your tour begins as we make our way to Galway. Referred to as "The City of Tribes", Galway is a medieval city 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. From trad bars to trendy clubs, Galway’s nightlife scene has it all.
Our first stop is Sean’s Bar, listed as one of the 25 most incredible Bars in the World by Lonely Planet, Sean’s Bar was officially recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as Ireland’s Oldest Pub situated in the heart of Ireland, halfway between Dublin and Galway, Sean’s Bar is part of the life and soul at Athlone, Co. Westmeath. Sláinte Agus Céad Míle Fáilte!
Accommodation: The Jury's Inn, or similar (2 nights)
Included Visits: Sean’s Bar Meals: Welcome Dinner
Day 2 | - Galway (B, L)
Today we take a 45-minute ferry to explore Aran Islands, One of the world’s top Island destinations, according to National Geographic. 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. An island that covers 42 sq km, populated by 800 people yet 2000 km of stone walls. Travel through the island by mini-bus, bike or walk.
Lunch is at Joe Watty’s Bar, a welcoming local Aran island pub with good music and craic. Depending on the weather, you may relax and unwind in front of a warm open fire with an Irish coffee (it’s considered one of the ‘Cosey pubs in Ireland for a drink by the Fire’ by the Journal.ie) or you can enjoy a pint of Guinness in the beer garden and watch the world go by. A wide selection of craft beers, wines and whiskeys are available at the bar where you might also learn a cúpla focal (few words of Irish) from some of the locals. Enjoy the evening in Galway at leisure.
Included Visits: Aran Islands, Joe Watty’s Bar Meals: Full Irish Breakfast, lunch
Day 3 | - Killarney (B)
Today we set our sights on Killarney - a vibrant 'little' town amongst beautiful countryside, full of history, heritage, activities and world-class hospitality.
Depart our hotel today for the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. The Cliffs of Moher, a daunting 700 feet of sheer rock overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and home to thousands of nesting birds is one of Ireland’s natural attractions that is sure to take your break away.
Visit the Burren Region, a lunar landscape recognized worldwide as a botanist garden with an array of flowers from native species to Arctic, Alpine and Mediterranean plants. The Burren National Park is one of six national parks in Ireland, 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.
The day would not be complete without a visit to Gus O’Connor’s Pub, located in one of Ireland’s best loved villages, Doolin, on the North coast of Co. Clare. Sometimes called “The Mecca of Irish Music” or “The Capital of Irish traditional Music”, Doolin is blessed with an ideal location, breathtaking views, rich culture, history and friendly locals.
Accommodation: The Brehon Hotel, Killarney or similiar (2 nights)
Included Visits: Cliffs of Moher, Burren Region, Gus O’Connors Pub, Doolin, Co. Clare
Meals: Full Irish breakfast
Day 4 | - Killarney (B)
Experience the rugged, majestic landscapes of the Ring of Kerry. The road takes you through 10,000 years of dramatic history, from deep forest to the crashing waters of the Atlantic. Our first stop is at the Red Fox Inn, an old traditional pub, located adjacent to the Kerry bog village. A local pub with traditional old-time atmosphere and décor. Enjoy a traditional Irish coffee!
After experiencing the beauty of the Ring of Kerry, we return to Killarney going directly to Murphy’s Bar, a traditional public house of world renown, established in 1955. It’s stone built walls, wooden beams and local historic décor create an atmosphere which attracts locals and visitors alike.
Here’s your opportunity to learn the skill required to pull the ‘perfect pint’ at Murphy’s Bar. The bar manager will take you behind the bar and teach you the correct way to pull a pint of Guinness. We have a Pint-Pulling Competition amongst your group with prizes for the Best Pint Pulled!
Included Visits: Ring of Kerry, Sheep Dog Demonstration, Pint Pulling in Murphy’s Pub
Meals: Full Irish breakfast
Day 5 | - Dingle (B)
We are off to Dingle, considered ‘The most beautiful place on earth’ – National Geographic, and film location for Star Wars Episode VIII, The Last Jedi, Ryan’s Daughter and Far and Away. Bars and pubs in Dingle peninsula are ancient places that carry memories and traditions of a time when bars supplied most of the community’s needs. Household goods, hardware, groceries and even coffins were stocked. An teach tabhairne - The public house was just what it says on the tin - a place for all to gather, do business, gather supplies and mark life’s passing.
The Dingle Peninsula is dominated by the range of mountains that form its spine, running from the Slieve Mish range to the Conor Pass and Mount Brandon, Ireland’s second highest peak. The magnificent coastline, and the Scenic Slea Head drive will certainly take your breath away.
Visit Dingle Distillery for a guided tour that will take you through all aspects of Whiskey, Gin & Vodka production. During the tour, you will get an opportunity to sample their Gin, Vodka and Whiskey.
Accommodation: Dingle Skellig Hotel, Dingle (1 night)
Included Visits: Dingle Peninsula, Slea Head Drive, Dingle Distillery Visit
Meals: Full Irish breakfast
Day 6 | - Kilkenny (B)
Our journey continues to Kilkenny, one of Ireland’s most cosmopolitan cities steeped in brewing tradition. You will partake in the Smithwick’s Experience that will bring you through over 300 years of history. As part of your tour, you’ll have the chance to mill the malt, stir the mash and smell the hops, just as they do in the famous brewery. You will also get to enjoy a pint of Smithwick’s Ale.
Accommodation: The Pembroke Hotel, Kilkenny or similiar (1 night)
Included Visits: Smithwick’s Experience Meals: Full Irish breakfast
Day 7 | - Dublin (B, D)
We are off to Dublin, Ireland's small capital with a huge reputation. Our first stop is the Guinness Storehouse! The story of Guinness is a living one. It is one that started with such optimism that its founder, Arthur Guinness, signed a 9,000 year lease on St. Jame’s Gate Brewery in Dublin. The history is rich and unique. Learn about the story behind the brand, the brewery, the people. Guinness is deeply woven into the fabric of Irish society and is more than just an alcoholic beverage; it is a national icon full of history and heritage. Take in 360 degree views of Dublin City from the Gravity Bar while enjoying a pint of Guinness!
A bit of leisure time in the city before heading for our Farewell Dinner at Taylors Three Rock, a cabaret dinner show in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains. Enjoy an evening of traditional Irish song and dance, accompanied by an authentic taste and great selection of quality Irish food.
Accommodation: The Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport or similar (1 Night)
Included Visits: Guinness Storehouse, Taylors Three Rock
Meals: Full Irish breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Day 8 | - Dublin to Home City (B)
Your tour ends this morning at the hotel. The hotel provides a complimentary shuttle to the airport.
Meals: Full Irish Breakfast
WHATS INCLUDED
Professional Guide/Driver and comfort of a luxury air-conditioned coach
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door
MEALS INCLUDED:
Dining Summary: 7 Full Irish Breakfasts, 2 Dinners, 1 Lunch
Note: Drinks are not included | Minimum age 18
WHATS NOT INCLUDED
No early check in/late check out
International, domestic and internal airfares – we can assist with flights
Travel insurance, visas and items of personal nature
Gratuities to Travel Director, Coach Drivers and local Experts
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: Minimum 18 years of age at start of the tour. 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.
Baggage Allowance & Porterage: Porterage of one suitcase per person is included in the trip price for arrival & departure from hotels in Europe. Due to limited coach capacity, the dimensions must not exceed 30” x 18” x 10” (76x46x25cm) and weight should not exceed 23km (50 Lbs.). Charges may be levied in the event these limits are exceeded & the promise to transport you may be invalidated.
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.