Road Trip: Ireland

take The Road less traveled 

Dates: TBD

“May the road rise to meet you, 
may the wind be ever at your back. 
May the sun shine warm upon your face, 
and the rains fall soft upon your fields...””

Total package price:
TBD

Includes car rental, hotel accommodations, tours and more. 

*Price is total for 2 people and both price and  availability are subject to change and are not guaranteed until completed through the booking process. 

 From breathtaking landscapes and enchanting castles, to other-worldly formations...
take the roads less traveled and explore the sights and secrets of Ireland. 

 

Day 1: 
ARRIVE in Ireland
Explore Dublin

When you arrive in Ireland you will pick up your rental car. 

After settling into your hotel, grab a bite to eat in the famed Temple Bar area of downtown (make sure to stop by during daylight hours, it gets a little crazy at night). 

Then, enjoy the city by checking out some of the most popular sites!  

Do make sure to check out Ireland’s prestigious academic institution, Trinity College.  The college sits in Dublin’s city center and boasts alumni including esteemed literary legends such as Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, and Samuel Beckett. Founded by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592 for the exclusive use of Protestant men, the university now welcomes all religions and genders. Tourists from the world over come to wander the historic cobblestoned campus and see the Book of Kells, a prized medieval manuscript housed in the Trinity College Library.

The Book of Kells located within the walls of Trinity College Dublin was written around 800AD. This beautiful and fascinating masterpiece is considered the greatest example of medieval illumination for over 1,200 years.
Described in the Annals of Ulster in 1007 as ‘the most precious object in the western world,’ the historic and cultural significance of the Book of Kells has only increased over time.

You'll stay the night in Dublin

Day 3:
The Burren
Doolin
Cliffs of Moher

Start your day by exploring The Burren, one of Ireland’s most unique and photogenic landscapes.  
Stretching over 160 square km, the Burren, derived from the Gaelic word Boireann meaning ‘rocky place’, is one of the most visited attractions in the Shannon region.
Aptly named, the karst topography is characterized by its unusual limestone formations, naturally sculpted through acidic erosion over thousands of years. The natural landscape is an otherworldly terrain - a giant jigsaw of rocks, made up of grikes (fissures) and clints (isolated rocks jutting from the surface), with pockets of lush greenery poking between the expanses of bare rock.

Before heading to the Cliffs of Moher, stop by Fitzpatrick's Pub in Doolin. The local seafood is particularly good here, and the cliffs can become especially crowded between 11am and 4pm. This will be a great way to dodge the masses, fill your bellies and see the village of Doolin. 

With allegedly more musicians per square mile in this county than anywhere in the world, it’s unsurprising that this small fishing village is hailed as the capital of Irish folk music. Musical traditions still reign strong today, and those looking for an authentic taste of traditional Irish music won’t have to look far in Doolin.
You may want to come back here again for dinner! The village’s three historic pubs, Gus O’Connor’s, Mcdermott’s and Mcgann’s, all host nightly music sessions, where you can hear Gaelic poetry set to music and admire the soulful timbre of traditional instruments like Celtic harps, tin whistles, fiddles and Irish flutes. Musicians from all over the globe visit Doolin in search of the genre’s roots, and a number of events throughout the year bring together local and international musicians for impromptu jam sessions.

After lunch, drive the short distance to the Cliffs of Moher. 

Towering 702 feet above the Atlantic Ocean at their highest point and stretching for five miles along the water, the world-famous Cliffs of Moher define the rugged west coast of Ireland. They are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ireland.

Once at the cliffs, you can wander a number of winding coastal trails and pathways, capture photos of the dramatic scenery, and walk out to peer over cliff edges at the waves below. The onsite underground Visitor Centre features educational exhibits and a number of arts and crafts gift shops, while the viewing platform atop the historical O’Brien’s Tower provides stellar views stretching west to the Aran Islands, north to Galway, and out along the Atlantic Coast.

When you've finished watching the sun set from the Cliffs of Moher, drive north to your hotel in Galway.

Day 4:
Aran Islands- Inis Oirr
Bunratty Castle Banquet

The Aran Islands are one of Ireland’s most unique destinations, but most visitors only admire them from afar. Today, you'll take a round-trip ferry from Doolin to Inis Oirr to give you the whole day to explore independently and visit sights that others only dream about... 

Make your own way to Doolin Pier in time for a 10am departure. Set sail on the around 1-hour and 15-minute journey to Inis Oirr, the closest and smallest of the Aran Islands, and enjoy spectacular views of Galway Bay and the Cliffs of Moher as you cruise out across the Atlantic.
From the moment you step aboard the gangway, you are treated to a feast of maritime activity, including dolphins following our wake! There is an air of anticipation as the ship sails ever closer to the island. Inis Oírr is just 30 minutes away, and reassuringly visible from Doolin pier.

The voyage to the island pier passes some of its famous landmarks en route – the iconic Plassy shipwreck, O’Brien’s Castle and the Dun Formna stoneage fort on the hill, the white sandy beach with its crystal turquoise waters and possibly the most beautifully located graveyard in Ireland. Coming down the gangway is almost like stepping back in time, where it is easy to picture life in times gone by.
On this island, you can (for example) visit an authentic cottage, where you can learn about the traditions, customs and clothing of the Aran Islands. Take a guided tour on a pony and trap, and enjoy the sensation of being transported at a leisurely pace along tiny roads, surrounded by an impossible vista of stone walls stretching in every direction.
Rent a bicycle and explore the nooks and crannies in your own time. Let the children play in the fantastic adventure playground built on the sand. Feast on a lunch of the freshest seafood in one of the island's charming pubs.
Choose to return at 2pm or 4:45pm, arriving back to Doolin pier with a treasure trove of memories of an unforgettable day.

Day 5: 
Connemara
Sky Road
Kylemore Abbey

This morning you will head west along the southern shores of Connemara, looking out across beautiful Galway Bay. As you pass through the picturesque villages of Barna, Furbo, Spiddal and Inverin, you will see thatched cottages, dry stone walls, mountains, woodlands, rivers and streams, lakes, Connemara ponies, amazing beaches and unspoilt bogs and deserted islands.
Your first scheduled stop of the day could be Pearse’s Cottage. Patrick Pearse was one of the leaders of Irish Nationalism and a signatory to the Irish Proclamation of Irish Independence, read out by him outside the GPO in Dublin during the Easter Rising 1916.
Then it’s on through Connemara’s hidden jewel, Bothar na Scragoige. View the wilderness bog landscape and experience the tranquility and isolation of Connemara.

Stop by your castle hotel, Ballynahinch Castle, to check into your accommodations for the next two nights. Then, after you've put your things down, head back out on the road to explore the rest of the Connemara! 

Head out along the Wild Atlantic Way. To your left will open up the iconic Dog’s Bay Beach stretching a mile out into the Atlantic.
Next is Derrygimlagh Bog (Wild Atlantic Way – Signature Point). This remote site was the centre of the communications (Marconi) and aviation world (Alcok & Brown) in the beginning of the 20th century. After travelling through Clifden, the capital of Connemara, you head skyward.
Renowned worldwide for its heart stopping twists and turns, the Sky Road (Wild Atlantic Way – Discovery Point) swoops and soars above the Atlantic Ocean. The views and photo opportunities from this ‘Discovery Point’ have to be seen to be believed.
Next stop to explore and hike in the Connemara National Park. 
Your final stop of the day is at the magical 19th century limestone and marble Kylemore Abbey.

Tucked in the shadows of the mighty Seven Pins Mountain range, Kylemore Abbey cuts a striking figure against its majestic backdrop. A Benedictine monastery founded in 1853, the Abbey took seven years to build and remains in use today as an all girls’ school governed by Benedictine Nuns - the only Benedictine Community in Ireland - as well as opening its grounds to tourists. With its idyllic surroundings encircled by woodlands and postcard-worthy façade fronted by a glistening lake that perfectly reflects the grand building, Kylemore Abbey has fast become one of County Galway’s most popular iconic sights. 

While parts of the 1000-acre estate remain closed to the public, visitors can tour many of the most impressive sights, including the magnificent Gothic Chapel and the Abbey’s beautifully restored main hall. The 6-acre walled Victorian Gardens are another highlight, where pretty walkways, 19th-century flowerbeds and a series of greenhouses are divided by a gurgling stream and enclosed by a brick and limestone wall. The onsite crafts shop and café, where the nuns serve up home-cooked food, are also popular, with the teahouse terrace offering wonderful views over the nearby Connemara National Park. 

Day 6: 
Ashford Castle
12p - Hawk Walk
2pm- Lunch reservations
(inside Ashford Castle)

Massive, flamboyantly turreted, Ashford is the very picture of a romantic Irish castle. This famed mock-Gothic baronial showpiece, dating from the 13th century, and rebuilt in 1870 for the Guinness family, has been wowing visitors like President Reagan, John Travolta, Brad Pitt, and Pierce Brosnan—who got married here—ever since.
Nearly bigger than the entire neighboring village of Cong, it is strong on luxury and service, yet maintains a relaxed atmosphere in which guests of all ages feel totally at ease. Kids immediately associate the castle with Hogwarts... and better yet, you don't have to stay here to see the grounds! 
While a small fee will allow you entrance to the grounds and gardens, lunch reservations will allow you a sneak peak inside the castle (closed to guests not staying the night).

After your meal, head outside to have a truly unique experience... 

Ireland’s School of Falconry is the oldest established falconry school in Ireland. During your one hour private Hawk Walk, YOU fly their Harris hawks. 

Your instructor will introduce you to your hawk and, within minutes, you will be setting off around the magnificent woodlands to fly your hawk free. As you fly the hawks, your instructor will explain about the hawks’ exceptional eyesight, their speed and agility and how the hawks were trained. The hawks will follow you from tree to tree through the woods before swooping down to land on your gloved fist. This is truly a one of a kind, lifelong memory.

Day 7:
Depart

Today you will bid farewell to Ireland. You'll return your rental car at the DUB airport and board your flight home. 

“...and until we meet again, 
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.””

TRAVEL DETAILS

CAR RENTAL

Vehicle is a, standard (2 or 4 door)
(like an Opel Insignia or similar)
manual transmission, no air conditioning

Due at pick-up: $tbd

 

Picking up at DUB (Dublin Airport):
TBD

Dropping off at DUB (Dublin Airport):
TBD

HOTELS 

Dublin:
TBD

Galway:
Hotel Meyrick
Eyre Square, Galway
(breakfast included)

packing list

The temperature in Ireland between May and September tends to be in the 60s -- sometimes a bit warmer (into the 70s) and sometimes a bit cooler (high 50s). Planning to wear layers is key to smart packing for Ireland. Also, Irish weather is quite changeable - it can be windy, sunny, and rainy all in one day!

We recommend you bring one medium-sized suitcase (smaller is fine!) and a day bag (example: small back pack or purse). A medium-sized suitcase is about 28 in. (height) x 17 in. (width). You can keep the day bag with you on the mini-coach (there's a nice overhead area above your seat) and your other suitcase will go in the back of the mini-coach which you can access during the day if needed.

A few reminders...

  • Pack lightly!

  • You will need to carry your bags from your car into the hotel and possibly up steps. Many local guest houses do not have elevators.

  • Remember, Ireland is a modern country. If you forget something, you can probably buy it there

 

Here is a suggested packing list:

  • Passport and travel documents such as airline tickets (with photocopies)

  • Shoes: 

    • 1 pair waterproof hiking shoes. You will be doing easy hikes in valleys and trails, which may be wet and/or muddy.

    • 1 other pair of shoes of your choice

  • Tops - long sleeve and short sleeves that you can layer

  • Fleece top and / or 1 warmer sweater

  • Long pants:

    • One pair of jeans

    • One pair of lighter weight pants

  • Pajamas

  • Socks and underwear

  • Personal effects such as a watch/alarm clock, jewelry, medications, and bathroom items

  • Windproofwaterproof jacket

  • Hats - we like to bring a baseball style cap (for those sunny days) and a warmer hat (for those windy/cooler days)

  • Scarf

  • Waterproof jacket. Optional: rain pants

  • Lightweight umbrella

  • Sunglasses and sun block

  • Camera with battery charger. Please see the section "Electrical Items, WiFi, Mobile - Cell - Smart Phones" for additional information.

Optional Items:

  • Swimsuit

  • Wash cloth. Irish bathrooms do not typically include wash clothes/face clothes.

  • Small flashlight

  • Electrical items such as cell phones, tablets, e-book readers, laptops, power cords, plug adapters, electrical transformers, etc. Please see the section "Electrical Items, WiFi, Mobile - Cell - Smart Phones" for additional information.

Hair Dryers

  • Most of the accommodations have hair dryers but the Irish don't usually keep them in the bathroom. Look for the hair dryer in a dressing table drawer, bedside table, or a closet.

Irish Dress Code

  • The Irish tend to dress quite casually so you won't need any fancy clothes for dining out. 

Laundry

  • There are opportunities to have laundry done on the free day of each tour. 

  • Self-serve laundromats are not common. You will drop off your clothes the night before or in the morning and then pick them up later in the day. 

F.A.Q.

What time does the Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet start?

The banquet starts at 845pm and goes until 11pm

 

What is included in the Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet?

Inclusions

  • Entrance fees

  • All taxes, fees and handling charges

  • Beverages

  • Dinner

  • Unlimited wine

  • Live entertainment

  • 2-hour medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle in County Clare, Ireland

  • Be greeted by the music of a kilted piper before watching a crowning

  • Enjoy a 4-course meal with wine and honey mead in a traditional medieval-themed banquet hall

  • Vegetarian options are available upon request at the time of booking

  • Listen to beautiful melodies played on an Irish harp and fiddle

Exclusions

  • No beer available

Money

  • The Euro (€) is the official currency of the Republic of Ireland. In Northern Ireland (U.K.), the British Sterling Pound (£) is the official currency. U.S. dollars are not accepted. 

  • Want to check the current exchange rates? Here's a foreign currency converter: http://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/

  • In Northern Ireland, you will need British Pound Sterling.

    • ATMs are readily available in Northern Ireland. 

  • Our recommendation is to use ATMs, credit cards, and avoid travelers checks. Banks have odd opening and closing times and smaller towns may not have the capability to exchange foreign currency. Some banks in Ireland don't cash travelers checks any more.

    • ATMs are available in the Dublin airport and all across Ireland. 

      • Check the back of your debit/ATM card to verify it is a Cirrus or PLUS account. If you don't see Cirrus or PLUS and the debit card is a MasterCard or Visa, look for an ATM with your card's logo (MasterCard or Visa) and your debit card should work there. 

      • If you have any questions about using your debit card abroad, please check with your bank.

        • Also, it is a good idea to let your bank know when and where you're traveling to and to ask if there are foreign transaction charges. 

    • For credit and debit cards, Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted.
      ** For U.S. credit cards when doing a transaction in Ireland, you may be asked if you'd like the amount processed in US dollars or the local currency, Euros (Republic of Ireland) or Pound Sterling (Northern Ireland). We recommend choosing the local currency so you will get the best exchange rate. If you choose US dollars, typically a 3.5% additional fee is added to your total. 

  • Should I take money (Euros or Pound Sterling) to Ireland with me?

    • We recommend obtaining about €100 in cash (denominations of 20s or smaller) from your home bank prior to your arrival in Ireland. You can then take out more money from an ATM as needed during your trip.

    • When traveling in Ireland, one strategy is to use cash for smaller purchases and your credit card elsewhere. 

Chip and Pin Credit Cards

  • Ireland has "Chip and Pin" technology for their credit cards. Irish people enter a PIN with all their credit card transactions. If you have a "Chip and Pin" credit card, you will be asked to enter your PIN with a transaction.

  • American credit cards typically have "Chip and Signature" technology. Your credit card can be inserted into the slot for chip cards and a receipt will print out for you to sign.

WiFi

  • Ireland is a very connected country! WiFi is available in the majority of your accommodations and at bars, coffee shops, etc.

Mobile / Cell / Smart Phones

  • Check with your current carrier to see if an International plan is available.

  • Check if your phone can be unlocked and is compatible with different SIM cards. You can then buy a SIM card and a calling/data/text plan in Ireland

Hair Dryers

  • Most of the accommodations have hair dryers but the Irish don't usually keep them in the bathroom.

  • Look for the hair dryer in a dressing table drawer, bedside table, or a closet.

Electrical Items

Q: What do you need to run a U.S. or Canadian electrical device in Ireland? 

A: There are two parts to the electrical equation: Voltage and the Electrical Plug Adapter.

The first part - Voltage. Ireland and the U.K. has 240 volt currency and the U.S./Canada has 110 volt.

  • Check the electrical device's power supply and see if it accepts voltage from 100 to 240.

    • If YES, you do NOT need anything to convert the voltage.

    • If NO, you need to buy an electrical transformer to convert the voltage. This can be purchased at most hardware or home stores.

  • Please Note: Many computers, tablets, phone chargers, and camera battery chargers have power supplies that accept 100 - 240 volts so you would NOT need a transformer (also known as voltage converter). For example, this camera battery charger accepts 100 - 240 volts.

The second part - Electrical Plug Adapter

  • The Ireland and United Kingdom electrical plug has three large prongs.  

 

  • To plug in your device, you need an electrical plug adapter. The technical name is Type G. This can be purchased at a hardware or home store.

Here's a picture of an Irish electrical outlet. Notice how there's an On/Off switch with each plug. When you see the red, that means On.

 

Here are a couple of electrical charging examples:

  • Charging your cell phone and the power supply accepts 100 - 240, you only need the electrical plug adapter.

Cell Phone Charger plugged into ---> Plug Adapter plugged into -----> Electrical socket

  • Charging an item that needs the voltage transformer, you need the transformer and the plug adapter.

Electrical Item plugged into ----> Voltage transformer plugged into ---> Plug Adapter plugged into -----> Electrical socket

Pricing details

price Per Person: 

TBD

*All pricing & availability is subject to change until completed through the booking process. If your vacation package includes airfare, baggage fees may be an additional cost. For international travel, a passport book is required. Most locations require at least 6 months before expiration on your passport, as well as 2 blank visa pages. Please make sure to have the correct and updated documents if applicable. If you have a criminal background, you are responsible for knowing the travel restrictions pertaining to the offense.

INCLUDED IN THE QUOTE

  • Car rental*

    • Standard, Automatic

  • Hotel accommodations** (some include breakfast)

    • 2 nights in Dublin (first stay)

    • 1 nights in Cork

    • 2 nights in Kilarney

    • 2 nights in Newmarket on Fergus

    • 2 nights in Galway

    • 1 night in Coleraine (Northern Irealnd)

    • 1 night in Dublin (second stay)

  • Tours

    • Titanic Experience: Original White Star Line Ticket Office

    • Skellig Michael Ferry and Tour

    • Inis Mor- Aran Islands ferry from Doolin

    • Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle

    • Hawk Walk

  • Most taxes and fees

    • Airlines taxes and fees

    • Tour taxes and fees

    • Service fees and commissions

*Car rental is payable onsite only
**Some hotel reservations require you to pay taxes, VAT and resort fees onsite onsite

NOT INCLUDED

  • Access fees to most sites (payable onsite only), unless included in a tour/experience

  • Fuel/extras for car rental

  • Most meals/beverages (unless included in hotel and/or tour) 

  • Some hotels may require payment of city taxes, VAT and resort fees onsite

  • Tips to guides, drivers and hotel staff

  • Optional Travel Insurance

    • Standard ($137)

    • Cancel for Any Reason ($179)

 

SUGGESTED PAYMENT SCHEDULE

There are two payment options available to you. 
*payment schedule does not include insurance costs. Insurance is due within 10 days first payment. 

Option 1:
(most secure, least likely to change in price and availability)
Full payment due now ($5875) (plus insurance)
(car rental is paid onsite)

Option 2: 
(prices and availability are subject to change and are not guaranteed until completed through the booking process and payment is in full)
(some items have a slight increase  with this option, additionally there is a $100/pp fee added to the bill for this delayed payment option)
Ask for pricing breakdown. 

 

REGISTRATION 

  • A completed registration form (per person) 

  • Photo copy of picture/information page of each traveler passport emailed to: christian@zone-travel.com 

  • Credit Card Authorization form with copy of credit card and Government issued photo ID (like a drivers license or passport) 

    • Please make sure the credit card belongs to the driver of the rental car

 

FINAL PAYMENT

  • Payments not received on time will result in reservation cancellation without refund.

  • Additional bookings after the final payment deadline may result in higher prices, less availability and additional administrative fees.

  • Fee amounts imposed are at the discretion of Zone Travel.

 

CANCELLATION

Cancellation in writing must be received by Zone Travel prior to departure for appropriate refund on the land tour cost minus the following fees. Airline penalties are not part of the percentages below and vary based on each individual airline policy.

  • 30 Days Prior or less: 100% of tour cost

Commissions and Travel insurance are non-refundable.

 

Travel Insurance

TRAVEL INSURANCE - AVAILABLE FOR ALL PASSENGERS

Zone Travel LLC strongly suggests purchasing Trip Cancellation insurance. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider as most U.S. medical coverage will not cover you outside of the country.

Insurance costs are based on the total tour cost, including air taxes and charges listed under "Included."

Approximate amounts can be given at time of reservation in order to purchase the appropriate amount of insurance.