Heart of Ireland Tour
5th-13th May 2025
From $2699 USD
Discover the true essence of Ireland on our Heart of Ireland Tour this May!
This 9-day journey takes you through breathtaking landscapes, historic landmarks, and authentic Irish experiences. Highlights include the stunning Slieve League Cliffs, vibrant music sessions, tastings at Ardara’s distillery, a visit to ancient Newgrange, and a pint at Sean's Bar in Athlone.
Join us for an unforgettable adventure, blending scenic beauty with rich Irish heritage!
Exclusive Escorted Tour with Excursions
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Tour dates: 5-13th May 2025 (Dublin extension available)
Group size: 8-24 guests
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Physical activity: Moderate
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From $2,699 USD
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Book today with confidence
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Low deposit
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Optional instalments
Step into the true heart of Ireland on this exclusive, fun-filled journey in May 2025.
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Designed to immerse you in the genuine Irish experience, this tour brings you closer to the people, landscapes, and traditions that make Ireland unforgettable.
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Imagine standing at the edge of the dramatic Slieve League Cliffs, tasting award-winning gin and whiskey straight from the source in Ardara, or sharing laughter and stories with locals at a lively pub session. This is more than sightseeing; it’s stepping into Ireland’s vibrant culture!
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Highlights Include:
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Hands-On Crafting & Whiskey Tasting: Get a behind-the-scenes look at traditional Irish whiskey and gin crafting, with tastings and stories from local artisans.
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Music and Storytelling: Experience an authentic Irish music session, where you’ll tap your feet and sing along in the friendly warmth of a local pub.
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Breathtaking Landscapes: Explore Ireland's natural wonders, from the mystical Newgrange to the rolling hills and coastal cliffs.
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Historic Pubs and Hidden Gems: Raise a pint in historic pubs like Sean’s Bar in Athlone, known as one of the oldest in the world, and discover secret spots only the locals know.​
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Every step of this tour is crafted to give you an authentic taste of Ireland—its history, its culture, and above all, its people. Come ready for adventure, stories, and memories that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
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Book now to join the Heart of Ireland tour, where every moment is an Irish experience!
What's included
Your tour package includes
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8 nights in handpicked hotels
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Breakfast served daily
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3 evening meals
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Sightseeing day tours
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Expert Tour Director & local guides
Tour Highlights
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Ancient Passage Tomb at Newgrange & Brú na Boínne Heritage Site
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Whiskey & gin tasting at the Drumshanbo Whiskey & Gin Distillery
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Visit the stunning Glencar Waterfall and see Benbulben Mountain
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Admire the breathtaking views at the incredible Slieve League Cliffs!
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Enjoy a pint in Ireland's Oldest Bar!
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Experience the real Ireland and visit Irish craft workshops.
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''This trip was wonderful. It was like visiting family who knew all the great places to go to and really cared about your experience. We were enriched with so much history, while having so much fun. Loved the people, the places, the food and the hotels. They did everything right.''
Review By Linda S on Oct 17, 2024
Printable Itinery:
Explore your Itinerary
Travel Day
Day 1: Monday May 5th
Board your overnight flight to Dublin
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2 Nights in County Dublin
Day 2: Arrival in County Dublin- Tuesday May 6th
A Cead Míle Failte – ‘A thousand welcomes’ to Ireland!
You will be met at Dublin airport on arrival and transferred to your hotel
​Welcome dinner that evening at your Dublin hotel.
Meet your Tour Director and the rest of your group
Included meal: Welcome dinner
Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Boyne Valley- Wednesday May 7th
Visit the famous Bru na Boinne World Heritage site.
Includes a visit to Newgrange (older than the pyramids, older than Stonehenge).
Fascinating walking tour of the historic gated town of Drogheda. Dark history includes the medieval Laurence's Gate, haunting St Peter’s graveyard and the relic of St. Oliver Plunkett’s Head.
Included meal: Breakfast
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** Evening excursion/option:
Traditional Irish musicians will have your toes tapping and your heart singing.
An evening of real Irish ‘craic’ (fun) with music, song and storytelling.
Includes a dinner celebrating the best of Irish cuisine and a drink of your choice (try some Guinness or a famous Irish whiskey).
Cost: $89 per person
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2 Nights in County Donegal
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Day 4: Visit to Cavan County Museum and Beleek Pottery - Thursday May 8th
Begin with a visit to Cavan County Museum to explore Ireland's rich history ( including impressive WWI trenches).
Followed by a stop at Belleek Pottery, where you’ll see artisans crafting the world-famous iconic Irish ceramics.
Check into your Donegal Hotel
Included meal: Breakfast
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Day 5: Spend the day in the historic town of Donegal or join us on excursion- Friday May 9th​
Enjoy a day in the beautiful town of Donegal which has amazing pubs and it's own castle!
An unforgettable experience of this enchanting part of Ireland.​
​Included meal: Breakfast
**Optional Excursion:
Slieve League, the highest coastal cliffs in Europe. A stunning natural wonder. These majestic cliffs are higher than the Cliffs of Moher and offer panoramic views of the rugged coastline. Not to be missed.
Visit traditional Donegal weaving demonstration with a famous Donegal Tweed craftsperson.
Lunch with a traditional fish and chips in the famous seaside fishing town of Killybegs.
Cost: $79 per person
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2 Nights in County Sligo
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Day 6: Glencar waterfall, Rosses Point & Creevykeel Megalithic Site - Saturday May 10th
Get ready to discover the magic of Sligo, home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in Ireland.
From the awe-inspiring Glencar Waterfall to the historic Creevykeel Megalithic site, Sligo is a place that is sure to surprise and delight.
Let us guide you through the hidden gems of this region and show you all the beauty it has to offer.
Scenic drive through the Wild Atlantic Way and take in ‘Yeats Country’.
Group dinner that evening to discuss all that we saw along the way.
Included meals: Breakfast & Dinner
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Day 7: Sligo - Sunday May 11th
Enjoy a day exploring the exciting town of Sligo, filled with excellent pubs, shops and museums.
**Optional excursion
Two fantastic visits!
‘Arigna Mines Experience’ & award winning ‘Drumshanbo Whiskey & Gin distillery’.
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A guided tour of Arigna mines with real ex miners. A fascinating part of Ireland’s history.
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A fully guided experience at Drumshambo. Includes an expert tasting of their single Pot Still Irish Whiskey. Finish off with a refreshing Drunshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin and tonic at the Honey Badger Bar, in the majestic botanical glasshouse.
Cost: $89 per person
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Included meal: Breakfast
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Night in Athlone
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Day 8: Strokestown National Famine Museum, River Shannon & Seáns Bar- Monday May 12th​
At Strokestown National Famine Museum you will be guided through an interactive and compelling museum. It will take you back in time to one of the darkest periods of Irish history. You'll leave understanding and appreciating the resilience of the Irish people. Join us in exploring this hidden gem!
Check in to your Athlone hotel, along the banks of the famous River Shannon.
Enjoy drinks at Seáns Bar - Ireland's Oldest Bar. Pure Irish authentic pub. Group farewell at ‘Sean’s Bar’
Included meals: Breakfast & Dinner
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Day 9: Departure Day- Tuesday May 13th
Transfer to the airport for your flight home
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
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Optional Extension $199
Stay an extra night in Dublin City hotel
Enjoy an exclusive guided walking tour of the city.
Visit the best pubs in Dublin with Liam our guide.
Transfer to the Airport on May 14th for your flight home.
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
The perfect peaceful retreat after a day of exploring
Set in the leafy main square of the town, it's the perfect location for exploring Donegal
Waterfront Hotel on the River Shannon in the Heart of Athlone
The perfect peaceful retreat after a day of exploring
Accommodation
We handpick our hotels and guesthouses to ensure maximum comfort for all of our guests.
Accommodation will differ based on availability and tour type, but here are a selection of our accommodation partners we regularly use.