Ireland Family Journey: Castles, Folklore & Gaelic Traditions

G Adventures · 9 days

4.4

5 Reviews

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Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Embark on a truly unforgettable journey as you and your family explore Ireland—a land steeped in tradition and folklore. Marvel at the scenic splendor that makes up the renowned green landscapes that surround you, including the Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher and Inisheer Island.

Highlights

Embark on a history-fueled treasure hunt through Dublin discovering the city’s most fascinating sites along the way
Visit the iconic Rock of Cashel and delve into the history of the most remarkable cluster of medieval buildings in all of Ireland
Channel your inner warrior in a day of traditional Gaelic games including Gaelic football hurling and handball
Learn traditional forms of Irish dance under the guidance of a professional dancer
Marvel at the spectacle and majesty of the famed Cliffs of Moher learning about the cliff’s geology folklore and wildlife on a walking tour.

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

Private vehicle, ferry, walking.

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Dublin, Ireland

Finishes

Limerick, Ireland

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Family, National Geographic Journey

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Dublin

Welcome to Dublin–your arrival transfer to the hotel is included. Check in and get excited to meet your fellow travelers during a welcome meeting this evening where all families can bond before the Journey ahead.

Day 2: Dublin

Your day begins with a treasure history hunt through Dublin with the whole family! The entire city center is your playing field: clues on your phone will guide you to various locations, where you'll crack encrypted codes, solve logic tasks and search for evidence that will lead your team to the treasure as you learn about this historic city. After finding the treasure, you'll have the remainder of the afternoon to explore more of Ireland's vibrant capital. You can visit Trinity College Dublin, founded in 1592 and view the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript dating back to the 9th century. From the Dublinia and Butler's Chocolate Experience to the city's medieval Quarter and Saint Patrick's Cathedral, there's fun for the entire family. Dinner this evening will be on your own.

Day 3: Dublin/Cork

In the morning, travel to the charming city of Cork. Along the way, you'll stop at spectacular sites, including the Rock of Cashel—the ruins of a castle set on a dramatic outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale. This iconic site is renowned for its impressive cluster of medieval buildings and includes a Gothic cathedral, a 15th-century tower house, an abbey and a high cross. Transfer to Cobh and enjoy lunch with the whole group before boarding the ferry to Spike Island. Take a guided tour with a storyteller and learn about the island's monastic, military, penal and cultural history. Explore the fort's atmospheric prison cells, impressive military fortifications and internal passages. There will also be time to walk along the area's nature trails before boarding the ferry back to Cobh. Transfer to Cork, where you'll spend the evening exploring at your leisure.

Day 4: Cork

After breakfast, transfer from the hotel to Na Piarsaigh GAA Club, where you'll experience traditional Irish sports with a hands-on Gaelic Games family activity. First, attend an engaging cultural introduction by expert coaches, then head outside to take part in 3 sports—Gaelic football, hurling and handball, where you'll enjoy some friendly competition as you learn what it was like to play these historic sports. After lunch, spend the afternoon on your own exploring Cork, where you can opt to visit Fitzgerald Park or attend the bustling English Market, which has been trading since 1788. Dinner will be on your own, so be on the lookout for local restaurants with ingredients sourced from the English Market.

Day 5: Cork/Killarney

Begin the day with a visit to Blarney Castle as you make your way from Cork to Killarney. Built nearly 600 years ago, the Blarney Castle is one of the most iconic sights in Ireland. During your visit, wander a network of paths that will lead you through various gardens, arboretums and avenues on the grounds. Enter the castle and admire the impressive fortifications of the massive tower house. Next, continue on to the lovely town of Killarney—located on the shores of Lough Leane and adjacent to Killarney National Park. Enjoy lunch at a local spot among the area's rolling green hills, lakes and forests. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is yours to become acquainted with Killarney. Opt to visit the national park for impressive views of the Irish landscape or head to Muckross House, a 19th-century Victorian mansion close to the shores of Muckross Lake. Another option for a great family visit is Ross Castle, perched in an inlet of Lake Leane. This stunning castle—steeped in legends—was likely built by the Irish chieftain O'Donoghue Mór in the 15th century.

Day 6: Ring of Kerry

Set out on a full-day excursion around the famed Ring of Kerry, considered one of Ireland's most scenic drives. Take in stunning views of the Iveragh Peninsula's windswept coast and lush forests, as well as historic castles, churches and seaside villages. Partway through the drive, stop for a visit to a sheepdog farm where a local farmer will demonstrate herding and how sheepdogs respond to the direction of whistle commands. The demonstration will be followed with a question-and-answer session before the group sits down to eat a delicious lunch at a traditional local pub. Continue back along the Ring of Kerry, where you will take in stunning landscapes, such as rugged cliffs, golden beaches, peat bogs and picturesque mountain ranges. Arrive back in Killarney for dinner on your own and a night at your leisure.

Day 7: Killarney to Limerick (County Clare)

Leave Killarney behind and travel to the iconic Bunratty Castle—the most authentic castle in Ireland. Hear how the lords and ladies of the castle lived, listen to stories of battles and bravery, and admire stunning views across the idyllic County Clare countryside. Then, visit the Folk Park at Bunratty, which features over 30 buildings in a mock living village and rural setting. Then, tuck into a delicious traditional lunch at one of Ireland's renowned pubs. From here, continue on to Limerick, where the group will partake in an Irish Dance Experience. Learn the steps to 3 styles of Irish dancing: step dancing (Riverdance-style), sean nós Dancing (old-style) and céilí (group/social-style). A professional Irish dancer will lead the lesson and provide tips and hints on how to remember the steps. The remainder of the evening will be on your own in Limerick, where you can opt to make dinner reservations at a local spot for a traditional meal.

Day 8: Limerick

This morning, visit Inis Oírr (Inisheer), the smallest and most easterly of the 3 Aran Islands off the coast of County Galway. Learn about the island's rich history—dating back to the time of Saint Edna in the 5th century—and enjoy a guided tour of Inisheer. Stop to view important sites and landmarks like the Plassey Shipwreck and the 10th-century underground church of Saint Caomhán. You'll also visit Loch Mór, the only freshwater lake on the island and O'Brien's Castle, located on the high point of the island and dating back to the 14th century. Enjoy lunch before taking the ferry back to the mainland and transferring to the stunning Cliffs of Moher. Set out on a guided walk along safe, paved pathways to view these famous Cliffs that tower above the rugged west Clare coast. This evening, savor a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers at a local restaurant.

Day 9: Limerick

Depart at any time. Departure transfers are included to the Shannon airport for outbound travel.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $6,699

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 20 Jun 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

4.0

Asuncion

Traveled, April 2024

05/07/2024

Our tour guide Peter was phenomenal . He has so much passion and enthusiasm in sharing his knowledge about his country. That truly made the trip more memorable and of course we enjoyed our coastal hike to Cliffs of Moher .

4.5

Brian

Traveled, December 2022

12/09/2022

I checked all the boxes off for me going to Ireland, saw a lot of Ireland in a week. Guide was exceptional in his knowledge of Ireland. A 5 star experience for me seeing everything I wanted

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990

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