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Two travelers hiking the Cliffs of Moher on a Traveling Professor Ireland tours

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Enjoying a pint of Guinness at a Dublin Pub on our Ireland tours

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These women met on an Ireland tour.  They are shown on Dingle Bay.

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Dublin and the Gems of Ireland

Small Group tour of Dublin and the Gems of Ireland for Ladies Only

Be a part of  a small group of 10-12 travelers on a delightful visit to Dublin and a ramble through The Gems of Ireland.  Forget those big bus Ireland tours, get the real Irish experience on this small group tour.  We get out into the countryside, staying in charming B&B's, guest houses, and lodges full of Irish spirit and friendliness.

Dublin:  Enjoy professionally guided tours of Dublin.   Our guide is a local Dubliner and no doubt will take us to his favorite neighborhoods, markets, and friendly meeting spots. It's a great start to this Ireland tour with smartly planned programmed activities as well as plenty of free time to explore on your own. Here is a quick overview of our time in Dublin:

  • Day 1:  Arrive in Dublin and check in at the Brooks Hotel.  This evening, meet our guide, Mark Doherty, for a get-to-know-you dinner at the Brooks Hotel.
  • Day 2:  In the morning, Mark will do a drive to the most important sites in Dublin.  He will provide an overview of Dublin and show where all the great sites are, helping you to plan visits on your own. 
  • Day 3:  A day on your own.  There is plenty to do.  We highly recommend the absolutely amazing EPIC Irish Emigration Museum.  Perhaps a visit to the Guinness Storehouse is your preference.  There are museums, shopping, traditional pubs, all over town.

The Gems of Ireland:  The only way to see the true beauty of Ireland is to go to those remote places the big bus tours cannot get to.  We travel there and stay at the small but elegant family-owned inns and hotels for the full Irish treatment.  Here' the itinerary overview:

  • Day 4:  Depart Dublin and drive to Belfast in Northern Ireland.  A tour of "The Troubles of Belfast" offers a sobering but insightful history of the civil war between nationalist Catholics and loyalist Protestants.  After lunch, visit the site where the ill-fated Titanic was built and launched.  
  • Day 5:  The amazing work of nature, Giants Causeway, is on display.  Dunluce Castle is ready for your camera. Travel through the striking Derry "Bogside" and Baresmore Gap to Donegal. 
  • Day 6:  A boating excursion around Slieve League Cliffs (three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher), a road trip through the Glen of the Swans.  Donegal is known for quality wool products, authentic pubs, and good food.
  • Day 7: Travel further down the Wild Atlantic Way, a spectacular coastal route.  Enjoy a fascinating sheep dog demonstration.  Glide through the landscape with mountains, waterfalls, and rivers in the background.  Westport is a truly incredible town with talented craftspeople, great food, traditional Irish music and spirit.
  • Day 8: Connemara is full of stunning beauty.  Kyelmore Abbey is perhaps the finest mansion in all of Ireland.  There are fjords, waterfalls, and the greenest valleys you have every seen.  
  • Day 9:  The town of Cong was made famous by the John Wayne/Maureen O'Hara film, "The Quiet Man".   Saturday is the perfect day to be in Galway - there is an incredible amount of street fairs, buskers, music-filled pubs and activities.
  • Day 10: We get to the Cliffs of Moher before the big busses arrive to enjoy the serenity of this wonder of nature.  Travel by ferry across the Shannon River to vist the "hidden" Carrigafoyle Castle and then arrive in the most Irish of towns, Dingle.
  • Day 11:  No need for a bus today.  Explore the quirky back streets, little (and big) pubs, colorful locals, crystal cutters, and terrific restaurants.  Do yourself a favor and wander into the Dingle Pub tonight for a not-to-be-forgotten Irish sing-a-long.
  • Day 12:  At Killarney National Park, all travelers enjoy a jaunting cart (horse and carriage ride) around the beautiful grounds.  Muckross Abbey is a spectacular residence from days gone by.   We guarantee you will spot a leprechaun when visiting the falling waters of Torc.  End the day in the relaxing seaside of Cobh.
  • Day 13:  No trip to Ireland is complete without a visit to the Rock...the Rock of Cashel, that is.  Then it is off to Kilkenny Castle for more history of medeival Ireland.
  • Day 14:  We venture north towards Dublin stopping at the megalithic tomb of Brownshill Dolmen.  As we arrive closer to Dublin we cross over to Wicklow to visit Glendalough - a 6th century monastery.  It is time to say goodbye as we drop travelers off at the Clayton Hotel at Dublin Airport.
  • Day 15:  After breakfast, a compimentary hotel shuttle will bring you to the Dublin airport.
What's Included?
  • 3 nights in Dublin at Brooks Hotel in Dublin city center.  1 night at 4-star waterfront Ballygally Castle on the Causeway Coast near Belfast.  2 nights at Central Hotel with bay view rooms in Donegal.  2 nights Wyatt Hotel in Westport. 1 night Fiddle & Bow Hotel in Doolin.  2 nights Benner's Hotel in Dingle.  1 night sea view room at Watersedge Hotel in Cobh.  1 night at Hibernian Hotel in Kilkenny.  Final night at Clayton Hotel at Dublin Airport.   
  • Hearty Irish breakfast is included every morning.
  • Walking and van tours of Dublin.   Tours and admissions on itinerary except where noted. 
  • Professional guide services of Mark Doherty, an experienced and licensed guide.
  • Rich, ambitious, and smartly planned itinerary.
What Makes this Tour So Special?
  • Everyone feels welcome with a small group of 10-12 friendly women travelers.  Forget those big bus tours.  We get to the intimate places most other people never see on a trip to Ireland.
  • Solo travelers as well as those with travel partners welcome. 
  • Everyone loves the hotels on this trip.  From authentic Irish guest houses to fine hotels, you'll feel at home and like one of the family.
  • Personal Service: The Professor makes sure you are well-prepared for the tour. We advise on all aspects of the trip such as air itineraries, money matters, packing, passports, and what to expect on this tour.  We are here to help - call us (413.528.2125) or email us with your questions.
  • Well-planned itineraries for those who like to see and do a lot.  We also know how to avoid the biggest crowds.
Want to Go or Have a Question?
Essential Info
  • This trip is for LADIES ONLY.
  • Travelers depart from their home city and meet at the hotel in Dublin.  Airfare is not included.
  • Travelers must be able to walk 2-4 miles daily and have no mobility issues.
  • Our driver/guide is Mark Doherty.  Born and raised in Ireland, he now lives near Dublin.  He holds a qualified license as a National Approved Guide since 2012 and has run over 100 tours throughout Ireland.  Steve and Linda will not be on this tour.
  • This is a land-roving road tour around Ireland.  There is a signficant amount of  van travel.

2023 Tour Dates and Pricing

2023 Dates and Prices

  • Starts in Dublin on August 15, 2023 and ends in Dublin on August 29, 2022.  Contact us at info@travelingprofessor.com to get on the wait list. 
  • For this 2-week tour, the anticipated cost is $4499 per person double occupancy.  Have your own room for only $1299 more.
  • There are a limited number of single occupancy rooms available.
  • This is how to book:  https://travelingprofessor.com/How-to-Book
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