The Extravelgance Team is Visiting the Emerald Isle!
Join Us On The Adventure!
Dates:
September 27-October 5, 2026
Cost:
$4,800 per person based on double occupancy. Single supplements are $1,225.
If you wish to arrive prior to September 27 or stay after October 5, pre- and post-nights can be booked on a space available basis. Cost TBD.
To register, complete this registration form.
Details:
Visiting Ireland and Northern Ireland is like stepping into a storybook filled with stunning landscapes, rich history, a lively culture, and warm welcoming people. The Emerald Isle features everything from windswept cliffs to emerald-green hills to dramatic coastlines. Everywhere you look, you’ll see jaw-dropping beauty. If you love history, these islands offer plenty of it – ancient stone circles, medieval castles, Iron Age ruins, and so much more! And there’s no shortage of opportunities to soak in the local culture and interact with friendly locals.
Join us on this exciting journey around the Emerald Isle! This small-group tour will include the best Ireland and Northern Ireland sites and activities. We will start in Dublin, then make our way into Northern Ireland. Then we will follow the Wild Atlantic Way to see all the glorious sites along the coast. Along the way, we’ll see quaint villages, stunning cliffs, wooly sheep, castles, ancient ruins, and so much more!
This tour is coordinated by Amanda Drum & Deidra Stephens and is intended to be for friends, family and readers of our blog. All money collected will be spent on trip expenses.
What's Included:
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8 nights lodging (3 & 4-star, double occupancy)
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Breakfast at hotel each morning
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3 dinners: welcome dinner with Irish entertainment & medieval banquet & closing dinner
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Tour Transportation in a private, air-conditioned coach to all locations mentioned in itinerary
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Admission to Down Cathedral, Titanic Belfast, Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, Giant's Causeway, Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Blarney Castle, & Killarney Jaunting Cars
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Gratuities for tour guide
What's Not Included:
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Flights to and from Dublin
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Airport transfers (see FAQs below for transfers you can book directly)
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Special transfers outside of tour parameters
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Meals & beverages outside of tour parameters
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Travel Insurance; we strongly advise you purchase travel insurance (see FAQs below for insurance you can book directly)
Itinerary:
Sunday, September 27 - Arrive Dublin
Our Emerald Isle adventure begins upon arrival in the capital city of Dublin. Most flights from the US arrive in the early morning hours. Upon arrival, you will make your way to our hotel where you can store your luggage until check-in. Then you can start exploring!
Known as the gateway to Ireland, Dublin is a magnificent place with many delightful sites to visit. You will enjoy the city’s historical sites, lively pub scene, delicious food, stunning green spaces, and friendly locals. You will have no problem filling your time with all of our recommended sites to see while in the city.
This evening we enjoy dinner and entertainment at Taylor’s Three Rock (or similar). Taylors Irish Night is a rip-roaring night of traditional Irish song and dance, accompanied by a great selection of quality Irish food to delight the palate. The resident band and professional Irish dancers provide breath-taking performances for their audience and never fail to entertain. The night will begin with a delicious traditional four course Irish dinner, including an Irish coffee, followed by the traditional Irish band accompanied by a cast of professional Irish dancers.
Overnight: Hampton by Hilton Dublin (or similar)
Check out our post All the Sites You Must See in Dublin to start planning your day!
Monday, September 28 - Dublin to Belfast
Today we make our way to Northern Ireland. Along the way, we will see the glorious Mourne Mountains.
We will make a stop to visit Down Cathedral. This historic church is believe to be the burial place of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. This Gothic Revival cathedral dates to the 12th century and still retains preserved medieval elements.
For lunch we stop in at a cute local restaurant (not included). Then it is a short drive to Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland. Once we arrive, our guide will give us a panoramic tour of all of the key sites in the city.
Then we will visit Titanic Belfast . This museum recreates the story of the world’s most famous ship in an iconic, six floor building right beside the historic site of the original ship’s construction. Your self-guided journey begins on entering the building’s giant atrium, where you are surrounded by the four ‘ship’s hull’ shaped wings which house the Titanic Experience. As you journey through the nine large galleries of the interactive exhibition, you will uncover the true story of the Titanic, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900’s, through her construction and launch, to her famous maiden voyage and subsequent place in history.
After checking into our hotel, enjoy a free evening and dinner on your own. Look no further than Cathedral Quarter for cozy pubs, live music, great restaurants, boutiques and art galleries.
Overnight: Ibis Belfast City Centre (or similar)
Check out our post Terrific Reasons to Visit Northern Ireland
Tuesday, September 29 - Causeway Coastal Route to Derry
Today we travel towards Derry on the Causeway Coastal Route. It hugs the coastline and is known as one of the most beautiful road trips in the world.
Our first stop is the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. First erected by salmon fishermen in 1755, the bridge is suspended almost 100 feet above sea level connects the mainland to Carrick-a-Rede island.
Next, we visit Giant’s Causeway. Formed by ancient lava flows, the area features 40,000+ hexagonal basalt columns jutting up from the ground. Legend has it that this UNESCO World Heritage Site was created by the mythical Irish giant, Finn McCool. Start your visit at the Visitor Centre to learn about the scientific explanation for the terrain as well as more about the legend of its creation. Then take an easy Blue Trail or hop on a shuttle bus to go down to the coastline. You can walk on the stones, hopping from column to column. If you like to hike, there’s a moderate Red Trail cliff-top walk offering panoramic sea views. While you are there, make sure to keep an eye open for wildlife such as seabirds and dolphins.
We will have lunch (on your own) at the Giant’s Causeway cafe. Then we continue to Dunluce Castle to take a quick photo of the roofless ruins which was once the home of the clans McQuillan.
We continue onto Derry and check into our hotel. Then you can enjoy a free evening and dinner on your own in this amazingly preserved walled city.
Overnight: Maldron Hotel (or similar)
Check out our post Terrific Reasons to Visit Northern Ireland
Wednesday, September 30 - Connemara Loop to Galway
This morning our guide will take us on a walking tour. Derry has Europe’s best-preserved medieval walls completely encircling the historical city center. You can walk around the 400 year old walls from moat level or at the top of the ramparts. As we explore town, you will see iconic landmarks like the Guildhall, the Peace Bridge, and St. Columb’s Cathedral.
Then we will say goodbye to Derry and make our way to Galway via Connemara National Park. We will stop for lunch on your own in Sligo, one of the most picturesque towns in Ireland. Then we will continue our drive into Connemara, stopping to take a photo of the stunning Kylemore Abbey & Gardens.
When we arrive in Galway, we’ll enjoy a walking tour with a local guide. During the tour, you will see Lynch Castle, Saint Nicholas Church, and the famous Spanish Arch.
Next we’ll check into our hotel and you will have the evening free for dinner on your own and to experience the great Galway nightlife!
Thursday, October 1 - Galway to Limerick
Today we travel through The Burren as we make our way from Galway to Limerick. This is area is quite a contrast to the rest of the Emerald Isle – it looks like you are driving through the surface of the moon! The green goodness of Ireland still shows through, though.
Our first stop is the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most spectacular sights. Standing 755 feet above the ground at their highest point and almost 5 miles long, the cliffs boast one of the most amazing views in Ireland. On a clear day, the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay as well as the valleys and hills of Connemara.
Lunch will be on your own along the road. Then we visit Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. The castle was built in the 15th century, and the folk park includes 30 buildings showcasing life at all levels of society. As you wander through thatched cottages, old houses, schoolhouses, village stores, and more, you see how people in 19th century Ireland lived, from the poorest to the richest.
For dinner, we enjoy the Bunratty Medieval Banquet (included). We will dine on a four course meal and enjoy entertainment from the Bunratty Castle Singers. You’ll sip mead while feasting on spiced parsnip soup, Irish soda bread, spare ribs, pan-fried chicken, baby roasted potatoes, and rastin (apple cinnamon crunch with Chantilly cream).
Stuffed and satisfied, we’ll drive to nearby Limerick to check into our hotel.
Overnight: Maldron Hotel(or similar)
Check out our post on Tourist Traps in Ireland You’ll Absolutely Love
Friday, October 2 - Dingle Peninsula
From Limerick we drive to the Dingle Peninsula. Jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, this area is located on Ireland’s westernmost point and offers tremendous views, prehistoric sites, and Gaelic culture. Lunch will be on your own in the town of Dingle where you can also enjoy an assortment of galleries and artisan shops. And don’t forget to stop at Murphy’s Ice Cream for dessert!
We will explore the peninsula on Slea Head Drive from the town of Dingle. This 24 mile circular route is part of the Wild Atlantic Way and is one of Ireland’s most scenic drives. Every minute of the journey has awe-inspiring scenery, and we will make a few stops to see glorious views, Iron Age stone structures, and ancient churches.
We will also visit the Blasket Center, an award winning cultural center describes the lives of the Blasket Islanders. These people lived on the remote Blasket Islands from the late 16th century until the last citizens left in 1953. You will walk away with a greater understanding of their work, what their homes looked like, and how they lived day-to-day.
We continue to Killarney where we will check into our hotel. Then you can enjoy a free evening and dinner on your own.
Overnight: Killarney Court Hotel (or similar)
Check out our posts Things to See & Do in the Dingle Peninsula & Which is Better: Ring of Kerry vs. Dingle Peninsula?
Saturday, October 3 - Ring of Kerry
Today we explore the Ring of Kerry. This scenic 111 mile circular route offers incredible scenic views of cliffs, beaches, mountains, lakes, the ocean, and charming villages. In a nutshell, the Ring of Kerry offers travelers what they came to Ireland to see. There is stunning emerald landscapes, seaside vistas, adorable little villages, fields dotted with wooly sheep, pubs filled with friendly locals, ancient ruins, and so much more.
On our journey, we’ll pass through Killarney National Park and we will see the scenic mountain pass called Moll’s Gap and the famous viewpoint Ladies View. We will also see an assortment of charming towns, ancient stone structures, castle ruins, natural wonders, and much much more. We will have lunch (on your own) at one of the many delightful villages we pass along the way.
We we arrive back in Killarney, we’ll enjoy a jaunting car ride to Ross Castle. This century old tradition is a staple of tourism in the city. A jaunting car is a horse-drawn carriage typically with side facing seats. The carriage driver AKA jarvey is a friendly local. As you trot down the streets of Killarney and into Killarney National Park, your jarvey will regale you with entertaining stories, jokes, the names of plants and animals you see, and local history.
Once we trot back to our hotel in Killarney, you will be free to explore the town and have dinner on your own.
Overnight: Killarney Court Hotel (or similar)
Check out our posts Things to See & Do on the Ring of Kerry & Which is Better: Ring of Kerry vs. Dingle Peninsula? & Tourist Traps in Ireland You’ll Absolutely Love
Sunday, October 4 - Killarney to Dublin
During our final day together, we’ll travel from Killarney to Dublin. Along the way, we stop to kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle. The castle is in ruins, but it’s still fun to climb the narrow circular staircases and explore the old rooms. Interpretive signs are in the various castle rooms to give you an idea of what the castle might have looked like before falling into ruin. There’s a chapel, banqueting hall, family room, great hall, kitchen, young ladies’ bedroom, priest’s room, and even a dungeon. And Blarney Gardens are extensive and gorgeous, no matter what season you visit.
We’ll stop at the nearby Blarney Woolen Mills to enjoy a quick lunch (on your own) and shopping. Established in 1823, Blarney Woolen Mill was Mahony’s Mills. It produced tweeds and woolens using a water-powered mill. It closed in the early 1970s. In 1975, an entrepreneur transformed it into the store it is today. You’ll find all kinds of Irish products there, like sweaters, scarves, throws, crystal, china, Celtic jewelry, souvenirs, and a whole lot more.
Our final stop on the journey is at the Rock of Cashel for photos. This stunning castle was the location where in the 5th century, St. Patrick met and converted to Christianity Aenghus the King of Munster. You can take some absolutely fabulous shots of these gorgeous ruins.
Once back in Dublin, we’ll gather for a our closing dinner (included) and drink a toast to our 8 enchanting days on the Emerald Isle!
Overnight: Hampton by Hilton Dublin (or similar)
Check out our posts Tourist Traps in Ireland You’ll Absolutely Love & All the Sites You Must See in Dublin
Monday, October 5 - Farewell
If you have time before your flight, soak up as much of Dublin as possible before you depart. You will have plenty of time to sleep on the plane!
Register:
To register for the trip, please complete this form. Immediately upon registration, you will pay a $400 per person deposit to reserve your spot on the trip. Additional payments are due on September 1, December 1, March 1, and June 1. We only have room for up to 14 participants, so reserve your space ASAP!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is planning this trip?
This trip is being planned by Amanda Drum and Deidra Stephens. We are coordinating this as individuals, not as a business so we can travel with our friends, family and blog readers. We are working in conjunction with an tour provider called GoWay Tours.
Can I take my children on this trip?
This trip itinerary is designed for adults, so only ages 18 and up are allowed.
What is the group size?
The group size is limited to 18 or fewer travelers. We need a minimum of 12 people to sign up to go (in addition to Amanda and Deidra). If we do not have 12 people sign up by December 1, 2025, we will cancel the trip and return your deposit.
I’ve signed up for the trip, but now I can’t go. Now what?
How do I get from the airport to the hotel when I arrive in Ireland?
You can use the Uber or FreeNow apps to request a taxi in Dublin. You can also simply go to the taxi line outside of the airport’s terminals 1 and 2.
You suggest purchasing trip insurance. What type do you recommend?
We are definitely not insurance experts, but if there is anything we’ve learned over the past few years, travel insurance is super important! At minimum, purchase travel insurance that will cover the following:
- Medical expenses and emergency evacuation – most U.S. based health insurance does not provide coverage abroad and Medicare is not accepted. You should make sure your policy includes both medical expenses coverage as well as emergency evacuation coverage.
- Trip delay – with the travel industry being in such a turmoil lately, it’s smart to insure against travel delays. This insurance typically reimburses for food, lodging, rebooking flights, and other expenses as a result of weather, airline maintenance issues, civil unrest, and illness. Look for a policy that covers COVID-19.
- Trip interruption – sometimes you are delayed in departing for a planned trip, or you have to cut a trip short due to illness, injury, or a family emergency. Make sure your policy includes coverage for trip interruption in the amount you spent on the trip.
- Baggage loss – unfortunately, losing your luggage is a real problem these days. Make sure you have some sort of coverage in case you have to replace all of your clothes and toiletries if the airline loses your luggage. Yes, the airline will usually give you some money for this, but it’s a hassle to collect! And this coverage is in most insurance you will buy anyway.
- Trip cancellation – you want to make sure that you have a policy that will pay the costs of your trip if you cancel for a covered reason such as illness, injury, death of traveler or a close family member or traveling companion, military deployment, civil unrest, family emergencies, and jury duty. Read the fine print to make sure you understand what the policy covers and what it does not.
- Optional: Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) – this coverage will increase the price of your insurance substantially and will only reimburse you 50-75% of trip costs (depending on the policy). But if you want the luxury of being able to back out of the trip at any time for any reason (not just covered reasons as stated above), this coverage is ideal.
The itinerary is subject to change at any time before and during travel. We will not cut any included activities unless weather conditions prohibit them, but the order in which we visit things may change due to hotel availability, traffic conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Continue checking back for more FAQ’s – we will add answers to any questions we receive over the coming months!2
