Éamonn de Cógáin Tour of Ireland April 19 - 27, 2024
Wild Atlantic Wonders: Galway & Beyond
March 9-18
Land Only: $2905 Double Occupancy, $3550 Single Occupancy
NON-STOP Group Air from from Cleveland: $950
Book your own air and meet us in Dublin. Insider Tip: You may save by booking your own air, but be aware most tickets are non-refundable if you cannot go on the tour or the tour changes. More reason to buy travel insurance!
Payment and Cancellation Policy:
Deposit due upon registration: $400 (you can choose to make full payment at any time)
Final balance due: December 10, 2025 All payments are refundable through Dec. 10, 2025, after which the tour is non-refundable.
Itinerary (See the hotel link for a description of each hotel)
March 9
Non-stop flight departs at 9:45pm from Cleveland for overnight flight with dinner and light breakfast service.
March 10
9 a.m.: We arrive in Dublin, collect our luggage, then meet our driver/guide. Tour the historic Malahide Castle and Gardens. Head to Howth for and explore the quaint town on the Irish Sea. Drive to Killashee Hotel for check in and a brief tour of the historic monastery and gardens. Welcome Dinner at Killashee. (D)
March 11
Explore the historic heart of Kildare with a visit to the beautiful St. Brigid’s Cathedral, a tribute to Ireland’s beloved patroness saint. Discover the elegance of Irish craftsmanship at Newbridge Silverware, then delve into fashion history at the captivating Icons of Style Museum. End the day with dinner at Killashee Hotel. (B, D)
March 12
Head toward the Wild Atlantic Way, pass through Limerick. Onward to the unique moonscape of the Burren and then the famous Cliffs of Moher. Arrive in Galway to check in at the central Hyde Hotel. The rest of the day and evening are yours to explore the shops, restaurants and pubs with live music sessions. (B)
March 13
Depart Galway and head north through the Connemara Peninsula. Watch for those Connemara ponies. We will visit Glen Keen Farm with an amazing sheepdog demonstration, turf cutting, some history about this amazing farm, plus some lovely tea and scones. Then we see Croagh Patrick, where St. Patrick spent 40 days and nights, plus the Irish National Famine Memorial. Along the way is Killary Harbor, Ireland's only fjord, a rest and photo stop at Kylemore Abbey. Arrive back in Galway this afternoon and the evening is at your leisure. Overnight in Galway. (B)
March 14
We head east to the heart of Ireland with a stop in Athlone to board our replica Viking ship for a fun and enriching cruise on the River Shannon, ending at Clonmacnois monastic settlement where we learn about Viking invasions and the monastic life. This was also once home to Ireland’s High King Brian Boru. We take the coach back to Athlone for lunch at Sean's Bar, the oldest pub in Ireland, or you can choose another nearby place to eat. This afternoon we'll stop at Birr Castle, then check into the lovely and historic Kinnitty Castle Hotel in the Slieve Bloom Mountains. Dinner is a royal feast in the castle. (B,D)
March 15
Drive from Kinnitty Castle to Dublin, where we’ll do a panoramic city tour. Check in to Iveagh Garden Hotel, built in Dublin's classic Georgian homes, and then the evening is at your leisure. You're free to dine at the hotel or go to one of many great restaurants in central Dublin. (B)
March 16
Breakfast at the hotel, then we take a day trip to Kilkenny to visit the imposing Kilkenny Castle. The Ohio State Band is planning to perform at the castle today. Time for lunch on your own and exploring medieval Kilkenny. We return to Iveagh Garden, and the evening is at your leisure. (B)
March 17 Happy Saint Patrick's Day!
The parade begins at noon and lasts around 2 hours. The end of the parade route is a very short walk from our Hotel. You are free to explore the city and watch the parade from wherever you like.
If you want grandstand seating, tickets are approximately $160 while supplies last, and the seats are some distance from our hotel. More than 95% of the people watching the parade are not paying for seats.
Tonight will be our St. Patrick’s Farewell to Ireland Dinner at the hotel restaurant. You are then free to explore and celebrate the holiday on our final evening. (B,D)
March 18
We’ll check out of our hotel and spend a half day in Dublin. Arrive at the airport at 1pm for our 4pm flight, then do security and US Passport Control, so we don’t have to do that when we land in Cleveland this evening at 8:15pm. The flight includes dinner. (B)
Itinerary Subject to Adjustment