A fresh and updated Irish Rose itinerary for 2026 continues to bring you the best of Ireland on this fantastic 9-night tour. Explore the Giant's Causeway, scenic Donegal and the Wild Atlantic Way! Be awe-inspired by the Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry, ending with a fabulous dinner and show in the Capital City of Dublin. Join us in 2026!
Tour Highlights
- Fifteen (15) meals with nine (9) breakfasts and six (6) dinners.
- Top sights with visits to; Derry, Donegal, Mayo, Killarney, Blarney, Waterford, and Dublin.
- Updated itinerary for 2026!
Irish Rose Tour Includes
- Excellent hotels - nine (9) nights of first class and superior first-class hotels throughout.
- Full Irish breakfast daily, except day of arrival.
- Five (5) hotel dinners, plus one (1) Dinner and entertainment in Dublin at an authentic pub.
- Full sightseeing by deluxe touring motor coach.
- Professional Irish driver/guide to escort you throughout.
- Panoramic city tour of Dublin.
- Scenic drives; Achill Island and the Ring of Kerry.
- Historic walking tour of Derry.
- Visits to: Slieve League Cliffs, Giant's Causeway, Cliffs of Moher, House of Waterford, Guinness Brewery Storehouse, and the new Epic Museum in Dublin.
- Porterage of one (1) suitcase per person.
- Taxes in Ireland. Gratuities to the driver/guide not included.
- Travel documents.
Guaranteed Departures
Please note, each departure requires a minimum number of participants to operate. Tours will be noted as "guaranteed" when this number is reached. Please do not book airfare until you have been advised that the tour is guaranteed. Celtic Tours is not responsible for airfare booking on non-guaranteed tours that do not operate.
Smaller Group Tours
For 2026, all non-private departures are a maximum of 28 participants for all departures. Tour will not exceed 28 passengers on any departure to maintain the level of comfort and intimacy on our tours that our customers have come to know and love. We have found this to be a perfect smaller group size with no additional fees or small-group supplements passed onto the customer. Group leaders and travel advisors can look at booking a private departure on any one of our dates. For those who want to tour privately, please contact our group department at [email protected] to find out more. When privately operating a tour, the tour leader/travel advisor can look for a larger coach-size group. That is up to them and their group privately. Hotel Change & Price Fluctuations
Please note, this tour will overnight in Dublin at the Sandymount Hotel until October 14, when we will utilize the Academy Plaza Hotel. The single supplement for this tour ranges from $989-$1219, depending on the departure date selected and the hotel being used for that departure.
Click here to printYOUR ITINERARY:
Wednesday (day 1) is the start date in Ireland. Note, with overnight flights, a TUESDAY flight would be needed, to meet the group on Day 01, Wednesday at Dublin Airport.
Day 1, Wednesday | Dublin - Monaghan - Omagh - Donegal
Arrive at Dublin Airport. Meet your driver/guide and depart the airport (approximately 9:45 am*). We travel northwest via County Monaghan, formally part of the ancient territory of Oriel, once known as the dominant MacMahon county. A stop for tea/coffee stop to shake off our jet lag as we continue via Omagh in County Tyrone, then onto Ballybofey in Co. Donegal. Here we enjoy dinner and overnight at our hotel in Ballybofey. (D)
(*Flights arriving after transfer time will not be able to avail of the group transfer. In these instances, it is advised to book a pre-night stay so that you can avail of the group transfer.)
Day 2, Thursday | Giants Causeway - Derry - Donegal
A fantastic day awaits us today as we head out to explore the Antrim Coast and visit the Giant’s Causeway and Museum. These iconic volcanic columns were formed from active lava more than 60 million years ago, and are featured prominently in Irish fables & folklore. An incredible experience filled with myths and legends. On our return, we stop in the walled city of Derry where we embark on a historic walking tour of the walled city. We continue back to Ballybofey and our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,D)
Day 3, Friday | Donegal - Killybegs - Slieve League -Belleek - Sligo - Mayo
The road leads south along Donegal Bay to Killybegs and the spectacular Slieve League Cliffs looking out over the Atlantic. Slieve League translates to “mountain of stone pillars,” and our minibus transfer allows up-close access to revel in their dramatic beauty and take in the scenic views of Malin Bay. Our tour continues with a visit the famed Belleek China showroom to see the iconic Irish pottery that’s been made here since 1884. Southwest to the long, sandy beaches of Rosses Point, overlooking Sligo Bay, and then to Co. Mayo and the lively town of Westport! This lively town will not disappoint, with lively pubs and charming restaurants and shops. Dinner is included at our hotel this evening. Overnight in Mayo. (B,D)
Day 4, Saturday | Mayo - Achill Island - Mayo
A leisurely departure from our hotel, as we head out and explore some of the most breathtaking scenery on the Wild Atlantic Way, Achill Island and the Corraun Peninsula in County Mayo. Marked by rugged mountains and peat bogs, the island is known for its tall sea cliffs and clean beaches. Its breezy shoreline makes it a popular spot for water sports. The strand (beach) at Keem Bay inspired visiting writers Heinrich Böll and Graham Greene. Keel, the island's main village, has a sandy surf beach. A relaxed day with a return to Wesport where you have time to enjoy the town and enjoy dinner independently this evening. Overnight in Mayo. (B)
Day 5, Sunday | Mayo - Cliffs of Moher - Adare - Killarney
Morning departure from Westport, we travel south via the majestic Cliffs of Moher, where we pause and enjoy spectacular views. Continue along the western coastline, as we make our way to charming Killarney town via Lahinch and Adare. In Killarney, we enjoy dinner at our hotel this evening. Killarney is an excellent location to enjoy traditional music, pub entertainment or a traditional top-rated Irish Cabaret show (which can be pre-booked at the time of your reservation for $49 per person). Overnight in Killarney. (B,D)
Day 6, Monday | Killarney - Ring of Kerry
We depart on one of Ireland's most popular and beautiful drives, the Ring of Kerry. Traveling from Killarney, we come to the town of Killorglin, famous for its traditional Puck Fair, and from here we commence the ring tour. Our drive is along the coastline of the broad Iveragh Peninsula, through the towns of Glenbeigh, Cahirciveen, Waterville, and Sneem. The scenery is spectacular as wind-swept cliffs, still lakes, lost valleys, and rocky mountains blend in awesome beauty before we circle back to Killarney. Tonight venture out independently and enjoy one of the many restaurants Killarney has to offer. Overnight in Killarney. (B)
Day 7, Tuesday | Blarney - Waterford
Depart Killarney, with a stop in Blarney, where we pause for optional visits to the Blarney Woollen Mills and Blarney Castle, perhaps to kiss the famed Blarney Stone. Leaving Blarney, we travel the short distance to Cobh (Queenstown), the last port of call for the Titanic. Optionally time allowed to stop into the heritage center before leaving Cobh and making our way to Waterford. In Waterford, we enjoy dinner and an overnight stay. (B,D)
Day 8, Wednesday | Waterford - Dublin
Morning brings a visit to the House of Waterford before making our way to Dublin via Kildare. An afternoon check-in to our Dublin hotel allows for time to relax before attending a traditional Irish cabaret and dinner show in Dublin. We return to our hotel at approximately 10:30 pm. Overnight in Dublin. (B,D)
Day 9, Thursday | Dublin
On our morning sightseeing tour we visit EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum. A fantastic interactive experience, which uncovers the dramatic and inspiring stories of the Irish who traveled the world, from early times to the modern day. Following our EPIC visit, we make our way to the Guinness Storehouse for a visit. Our afternoon is free to enjoy the capital city. Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own before the final overnight in Dublin. (B)
Day 10, Friday: Dublin - Tour ends
An early morning transfer takes you to Dublin Airport for the return flight home. Pick up your last-minute gifts at the duty-free shops before boarding your flight. You arrive home the same day. (B)
MAPS
This tour map showcases key destinations and routes for our guided adventures. Each tour highlights unique locations, cultural landmarks, and picturesque regions, giving you a visual guide to the journey ahead.
MISCELLANEOUS INFO
Pricing
Your tour land price is per person based on two (2) people sharing a twin or double room. When a single room is booked, a single supplement will apply. When a triple room is booked, a discount will apply. Maximum group size on all dates is 28 passengers. Tours must have a minimum of 10 tour participants to operate. Please do not book airfare until the tour date selected has been marked "guaranteed". Celtic Tours is not responsible for any non-refundable airfare booked for a tour that is not guaranteed and does not operate.
This tour does not include:
- Items not noted on itinerary
- Lunches and dinners (not noted on the itinerary)
- Tips to driver/guide
Airfare
Celtic Tours is currently offering group air for 10 participants traveling from the same airport. Individuals should book directly with airlines. Your arrival flight must land by 9am for this tour. Please make sure you book your flight to arrive and depart on accurate dates. We apologize for any inconvenience. Please note, do not book air until you have been advised that the tour date selected is guaranteed. Each date requires a minimum number to operate.
Departures & Transfers
Departure date is the date the tour starts in Ireland. One would depart from the US. one day prior to the date noted to allow for overnight flights. The tour begins on Saturday.
Arrival transfers available from Dublin Airport at 9:00 am. (Flight should arrive on tour start date by 9:00 am to avail of this group transfer). Celtic Tours tracks flights booked with them to note delays and to ensure your transfer is not missed. If your flight time is later, please book a pre-night arrival to avoid missing the included transfer. Passengers book on earlier morning flights will have extended wait time at the airport.
If Celtic Tours does not book your air, you may avail of these free transfers, provided you submit your flight information within 35 days prior to departure and you are available 30 minutes prior to scheduled airport departure. Otherwise, transfers to the first hotel would be your responsibility. Transfer also available from Belfast International Airport up to 12:00 noon on tour start date. Tour ends for all passengers at 6:10 am at Dublin Airport.
Optional Tours
Optional: Gaelic Roots at the Killarney Avenue Hotel - a magical mix of Irish song, music and dance
HOTELS
Dooley's Hotel
Academy Plaza Hotel
Jacksons Hotel Ballybofey
Castlecourt Hotel
Hotel Killarney
Sandymount Hotel
