16 GUESTS OR FEWER
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Grand Ireland Adventure
Grand IrelandAdventure
From Galway’s bright streets to Dublin’s literary heart, Ireland unfolds without the hurry.
Galway → Connemara → Cliffs of Moher → Limerick → Killarney → Dublin
Duration10 Days / 9 Nights
Group SizeTypically 8–12 · Maximum 16
Thoughtful PaceFour Overnight Bases
Personal HostingHosted by a Now Journey Tour Captain
Your Journey at a Glance
Your Journey Ahead
Six Irish Stops. One Seamless Journey.
From the western coast to Dublin, one beautifully paced journey.
Hotel baseDay exploration
Scroll through destinationsSwipe through destinations
Galway → Connemara → Cliffs of Moher → Limerick → Killarney → Dublin
Journey Story
Ireland unfolds in three acts.
Medieval streets open toward the wild Atlantic, the journey settles into Limerick and Killarney, then crosses the island for a Dublin finale.
Begin in Galway and Connemara, follow the Atlantic through the Burren and Cliffs of Moher, then slow down in Limerick and Killarney before the road turns east to Dublin.
Chapter one
The west welcomes you.
Galway is an easy beginning: a Discovery Walk, a welcome dinner and time to settle into the City of Tribes. From here, Connemara opens into mountains, fjord and quiet gardens.
Chapter two
At the Atlantic edge.
The Burren's pale limestone gives way to the sheer Cliffs of Moher. Then the journey pauses for two nights in the Limerick area before turning toward Killarney.
Chapter three
Gardens, castles and the capital.
Muckross House and Blarney Castle lead into a day shaped by you. The journey then crosses to Dublin through the Rock of Cashel for two final nights in the capital.
The Only No-Rush Ireland Journey
Hosted, not herded.
Personal attention, thoughtful pacing and the confidence of a Tour Captain—without the machinery of a big-coach tour.
Typical Touring
The schedule leads.
- Larger coach groups
- Rigid daily timetables
- One-size-fits-all pacing
- Constant packing and logistics
- Paid extras and sales pressure
Now Journey
You experience more.
- Typically 8–12 guests; maximum 16
- Comfortable smaller vehicles instead of a big coach
- Major touring balanced with meaningful independent time
- Tour Captain hosting and destination Discovery Walks
- More included upfront; no on-tour sales pressure
Day by Day
The Complete Itinerary
Ten unhurried days from Shannon arrival to Dublin departure, organized as four destination chapters.
Itinerary is expanded — all 10 days are open.
Chapter one · Days 1–2
Galway & Connemara
Two nights in the City of Tribes, with Connemara's mountain valleys and Atlantic coast ahead.Day 1Welcome to Galway
After clearing customs at Shannon Airport, meet the Journey Meet & Greet team and enjoy the included transfer to your Galway hotel. Early arrivals may leave their bags and begin wandering Galway’s cobblestone streets.
The City of Tribes feels immediately welcoming: medieval lanes, lively shops and the easy energy of Ireland’s western coast. A Tour Captain-led Discovery Walk makes the city feel legible before everyone gathers for a welcome dinner.
- Shannon arrival transfer
- Galway Discovery Walk
- Welcome dinner
- First of two Galway nights
Day 2Exploring Connemara
After a full Irish breakfast, set out through Connemara. Mountains rise around the open Maam Valley before the route descends through Leenane to Killary Fjord, Ireland’s only fjord.
The day’s highlight is Kylemore Abbey & Gardens, where there is time to absorb one of Ireland’s most peaceful settings. Return to Galway for the balance of the afternoon at leisure. Dinner this evening is optional.
- Breakfast
- Connemara touring
- Kylemore Abbey & Gardens
Chapter two · Days 3–4
The Atlantic Edge & Limerick
The Burren and Cliffs of Moher lead into a two-night Limerick-area stay, including a full day to make your own.Day 3The Burren, Cliffs of Moher & Limerick
Journey into the Burren, an otherworldly landscape of pale limestone, crags and crevices where a surprising range of wildlife thrives. Its stillness and scale are unlike anywhere else on the journey.
Continue to the Cliffs of Moher, weather permitting. The cliffs stretch for nearly five miles along the Wild Atlantic Way and rise as high as 668 feet above the ocean. Later, continue to the Limerick area, check in for two nights and join a Tour Captain-led Discovery Walk followed by a hosted evening together.
- Breakfast
- The Burren
- Cliffs of Moher
- Discovery Walk
- Hosted evening
Day 4My Ireland: A Day at Leisure
Shape this day around what matters to you. Read, write, explore Limerick independently or reserve one of the nearby outdoor and cultural experiences that must be arranged in advance.
Your Tour Captain may invite you to an optional dinner this evening, or the night is yours to explore at leisure.
- Breakfast
- Full independent day
Chapter three · Days 5–7
Killarney, Muckross & Blarney
Three settled nights bring together gardens, castle lore, a Discovery Walk and a complete day shaped by you.Day 5Onward to Killarney via Muckross House
Travel toward Killarney with a visit to Muckross House, a 19th-century Victorian mansion beside Muckross Lake and surrounded by gardens in Killarney National Park.
Upon arrival in Killarney, settle into the hotel, join a Discovery Walk with your Tour Captain and gather for a hosted Killarney dinner.
- Breakfast
- Muckross House
- Discovery Walk
- Hosted Killarney dinner
Day 6Blarney Castle & Gardens
Visit Blarney Castle, home of the famous Stone of Eloquence. Beyond the stone, explore the Rock Close, Wishing Steps, Witch’s Kitchen and gardens shaped by ancient trees, unusual plants and centuries of Irish lore.
There is time for lunch and shopping at the nearby Blarney Woollen Mills before returning to Killarney for a special experience with your Tour Captain.
- Breakfast
- Blarney Castle & Gardens
- Special Killarney experience
Day 7My Ireland: Killarney at Leisure
Enjoy a complete day at leisure in and around Killarney. Your Tour Captain may invite you to an optional dinner, or the evening is yours to explore independently.
- Breakfast
- Full independent day
Chapter four · Days 8–10
Dublin & the Craic
Cross the island by way of the Rock of Cashel, then settle into two final nights in Dublin.Day 8The Rock of Cashel & Dublin
Cross the island toward Dublin with a stop at the Rock of Cashel, also known as Cashel of the Kings and St. Patrick’s Rock, with time for lunch on your own.
After checking into the Dublin hotel, join a Discovery Walk through the capital’s coffee shops, museums and local landmarks before a Tour Captain-hosted Dublin evening with music, cuisine and a special drink.
- Breakfast
- Rock of Cashel
- Discovery Walk
- Hosted Dublin evening
Day 9The Treasures of Dublin
Explore central Dublin on foot with an informed local perspective. Visit Trinity College Library, with admission to the Book of Kells, see St. Patrick’s Cathedral and make a special stop at the Brazen Head.
The afternoon is at leisure, with time to consider Kilmainham Gaol, the Guinness Storehouse, museums or galleries independently. This evening, your Tour Captain hosts a farewell dinner to celebrate the journey.
- Breakfast
- Dublin walking tour
- Trinity College & Book of Kells
- Farewell dinner
Day 10Departure Day or Extend Your Journey
Your core Grand Ireland Journey ends this morning after breakfast in Dublin, with Dublin Airport as the departure gateway. Northern Ireland and Scotland remain separate optional extensions and are not part of the 10-day itinerary.
- Breakfast
What's Included
The details are handled. The discoveries still feel yours.
Tour Captain & Hosting
A dedicated Now Journey Tour Captain, destination Discovery Walks and Meet & Greet assistance on arrival.
Hotels & Breakfast
Nine hotel nights across Galway, the Limerick area, Killarney and Dublin, with daily breakfasts from the first hotel morning through departure day.
Dining
Four included dinners, one canapé and daily breakfasts. Deluxe dinners feature unlimited premium soda, beer and wine as published.
Sightseeing & Transport
Published admissions and sightseeing, Shannon-to-Galway arrival transfer, on-tour transportation in comfortable vans or SUVs for smaller parties, and customary gratuities excluding the Tour Captain.
Hotel Collections
One extraordinary Journey. Two ways to stay.
Choose the refined comfort of Deluxe or add the space and distinction of Lotus. Both collections share the complete Grand Ireland itinerary.
Signature Collection
DELUXE
Hand-selected 4- and 5-star properties emphasizing location, service, comfort and thoughtful room selection.
Your accommodations
At 4-star properties, Now Journey selects accommodations one category above the hotel’s entry-level room; at 5-star properties, accommodations begin with the standard category or better.
Lotus Hotel Collection
LOTUS
The Lotus Hotel Collection brings an elevated level of comfort and distinction to your Grand Ireland Journey.
The Lotus Difference
Thoughtfully selected premium accommodations, spacious rooms, Junior Suites, Suites and preferred views where available. Choose Lotus for one or more hotels—or across the Journey—subject to availability and personalized proposal pricing.
Both collections enjoy the same itinerary, Tour Captain, expert local guides, sightseeing, transportation, admissions and included dining.
Collection imagery is representative of the Deluxe and Lotus accommodation styles, not a guaranteed property or room. Exact hotels, room categories, views, Lotus availability and pricing are confirmed in your personalized Journey proposal.
Where the Journey Stays
Four welcoming Irish bases.
The currently published properties are shown below. Final hotels may vary where “or similar” is noted and are confirmed in your travel documents.
Representative room style · 2 nightsGalwayDeluxe or Lotus
Salthill · Galmont · House · G
Salthill Hotel, The Galmont Hotel, The House Hotel, The G Hotel & Spa, or similar.
A welcoming two-night base for Galway’s lanes and the landscapes of Connemara.
Representative room style · 2 nightsLimerick AreaDeluxe or Lotus
1 Pery Square · Treacy’s Oakwood
1 Pery Square Hotel & Spa, Treacy’s Oakwood Hotel, or similar.
A relaxed two-night pause after the Atlantic coast, with space for independent discovery.
Representative room style · 3 nightsKillarneyDeluxe or Lotus
Killarney Plaza Hotel
Killarney Plaza Hotel or similar.
Three settled nights for Muckross House, Blarney Castle and time to make Killarney your own.
Representative room style · 2 nightsDublinDeluxe or Lotus
Radisson Blu · Brooks · Fitzwilliam
Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Brooks Hotel, The Fitzwilliam, or similar.
A well-positioned capital finale for Trinity College, Dublin’s historic core and independent exploration.
Dates & Prices
Choose your season.
All departures below are 10-day, 9-night land journeys. Deluxe and Lotus prices are per person in USD, based on double occupancy for two adults and a minimum of four guests. Availability is confirmed when your proposal is prepared.
2027 Departures
10 Days
DeluxeLotus
$8,879PP$13,979PP
Request availability
Request Proposal10 Days
DeluxeLotus
$8,779PP$13,979PP
Request availability
Request Proposal10 Days
DeluxeLotus
$8,879PP$13,979PP
Request availability
Request Proposal10 Days
DeluxeLotus
$8,879PP$13,979PP
Request availability
Request Proposal10 Days
DeluxeLotus
$8,879PP$13,979PP
Request availability
Request Proposal10 Days
DeluxeLotus
$8,879PP$13,979PP
Request availability
Request Proposal10 Days
DeluxeLotus
$8,779PP$13,979PP
Ryder Cup program
View Ryder Cup TourGuest Trust
Small-group travel, backed by five-star stories.
Now Journey's company-wide TripAdvisor reviews reflect the personal hosting, pacing and attention carried into every journey. They are not presented as Ireland-tour-specific testimonials.
★★★★★
50+ Five-Star ReviewsRead verified guest feedback about Now Journey on TripAdvisor.
Read TripAdvisor reviewsFrequently Asked Questions
Practical answers, before you go.
How active is the Ireland Adventure?
The sightseeing pace is leisurely, with approximately 45 to 90 minutes of walking on an average touring day and opportunities to pause or opt out. Individual sites may involve uneven ground or steps.
How much leisure time is included?
The journey follows Now Journey's slow-travel approach. Many mornings are devoted to sightseeing, with afternoons left open, plus a full independent day in the Limerick area on Day 4 and another in Killarney on Day 7.
How many guests travel on this tour?
Ireland departures typically travel with 8 to 12 guests and have a published maximum of 16. Departure pricing is based on a minimum of four guests, with a First to Book Supplement applying until that minimum is reached.
Where does the tour begin and end?
The journey begins with arrival at Shannon Airport and an included transfer to Galway. The core tour ends after breakfast in Dublin on Day 10, with Dublin Airport as the departure gateway.
How do the deposit and First to Book terms work?
The deposit is $700 per person and is non-refundable but transferable for up to two years from the original trip date. Published group pricing is based on a minimum of four guests, and a First to Book Supplement applies until that minimum is reached.
Are optional experiences included in the tour price?
No. Optional experiences and optional dining are clearly identified in the itinerary and are priced separately. Included sightseeing, admissions, meals and transportation are identified above.
How do the Deluxe and Lotus hotel collections work?
Deluxe is the published collection, using hand-selected 4- and 5-star properties with thoughtful room selection. Lotus adds premium accommodations, spacious rooms, Junior Suites, Suites or preferred views where available. Exact hotels, room categories, Lotus availability and personalized pricing are confirmed in your Journey proposal; where “or similar” appears, a particular hotel is not guaranteed until confirmed in your travel documents.
Are Northern Ireland and Scotland part of this tour?
No. The Grand Ireland Adventure is a complete 10-day, 9-night journey from Shannon arrival through Dublin departure. Northern Ireland and Scotland are separate optional extensions offered on select dates and priced independently.
Optional Extensions
More Celtic stories, only if you choose.
These extensions are intentionally separate from the 10-day Grand Ireland Adventure. Availability, routing and current pricing are confirmed with a Journey Specialist.
Optional Pre-Tour
Northern Ireland
Add another perspective before meeting the core journey in Galway. Offered on select departures and arranged as a separate extension.
Ask about Northern IrelandOptional Post-Tour
Scotland
Continue from Dublin into Scotland after the Ireland finale. The extension itinerary, air routing and price are confirmed separately.
Ask about ScotlandYour Ireland Journey
Ready when you are.
Tell a Journey Specialist what matters to you. We’ll help with the right departure, Deluxe or Lotus accommodations and any extension you are considering.