Signature: Ireland's Legendary Landscapes & Cities Adventure Tour

Two nations, one island, and a lifetime of stories to uncover. From the literary haunts of Dublin and the wild shores of Kerry to the ancient walls of Derry and the geometric wonder of the Giant's Causeway, this expedition moves through the full breadth of Ireland's history, landscape, and living culture - guided by the archaeologists, storytellers, and communities who know it best.

What activities are optional on this trip?  

No optional activities

Is travel insurance required for my trip?  

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

What are the main highlights of this trip?  

Experience the soul of Irish identity through a private cultural introduction and hands-on session with local athletes an Gaelic Games Immersion, Meet a local archaeologist to discuss a National Geographic-sponsored project preserving Ireland's ancient holy wells in Ballyvourney, Discover Dublin's historic streets through the poignant lens and personal stories of a formerly unhoused professional guide, Hear a local account of historic events during a private talk at the poignant Museum of Free Derry, Savour the complex notes of Irish spirits during a private whiskey cellar tasting at Lough Eske Castle, Enjoy a catered lunch at a heritage centre that supports local at-risk communities at Clifton House.

Is there an itinerary Disclaimer?  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

How large will the group be?  

Max 22

What meals are included in this trip?  

15 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners

How much spending money do I need for my trip?  

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Are international flights included in this trip?  

No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details.

In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Who will be leading the group?  

National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout

What rules should I know before joining this trip?  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.

Should I be tipping on my trip?  

On our National Geographic Signature tours, tipping is included for all included activities and meals, and porterage. Tipping is not included for the Expedition Leader. Should you want some basic guidelines on tipping for the activities you do on your own, please see below. At the end of each trip if you felt your National Geographic Signature Expedition Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline would be $10-$15 per person per day.

In addition, please note that tipping is not required or expected for the Expedition Expert.

How can I share feedback about my trip experience?  

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customersolutions@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.

What's Included  

Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Dublin
Signature Moment: Experience Gaelic Games, Dublin
Your Foodie Moment: Ballykeefe Distillery visit, Ballykeefe
Your Foodie Moment: Lunch at a Medieval Inn, Kilkenny
Signature Moment: Tour of Ballyvourney with a Local Archeologist, County Cork
Your Foodie Moment: Visit and Lunch at Burren Farm, County Clare
Your Foodie Moment: Traditional Pub Dinner, Westport
Your Foodie Moment: Private Whiskey Cellar Tasting, Lough Eske Castle
Signature Moment: Specialist Discussion at the Museum of Free Derry, Derry. Arrival and departure transfers. Visit to Trinity College (Book of Kells), Dublin. Community Tourism Walking Tour, Dublin. Sweny's Pharmacy Visit, Dublin. EPIC Museum Visit with local guide, Dublin. Guided Tour of Kilkenny Including Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny. Visit St. Canice's Cathedral, Kilkenny. Rock of Cashel Visit. Dingle Town Orientation Walk. Dingle Peninsula Scenic Drive. Stop in Adare Village. Irish Dance Experience in Ennis. Cliffs of Moher. Visit Poulnabrone Dolmen Ancient Tombs. Guided Tour of Inisheer. Guided Walking Tour of Galway. Orientation Walk in Westport. Clew Bay Cruise, Westport. Visit of Leenane Village. Orientation Walk in Sligo. Drumcliff Church and Yeats' Tomb Visit. Private Tour of Lough Eske Castle. Visit to Slieve League. Visit to Donegal Town. Free Time to Enjoy Lough Eske. Guided Tour of Derry, Derry. Visit to Giant's Causeway, Giants Causeway. Black Cab Tour of Belfast. Clifton House Visit and Lunch. Titanic Museum Belfast. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert Throughout. Porterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehicles. Tips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

What are the modes of transportation on my trip?  

Private Vehicle, Ferry, Walking

What happens if I experience problems when arriving?  

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

What should be on my packing list?  

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Smart Dress:
• Smart outfit (For evenings out)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

How old must I be to join this trip?  

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

What are the joining instructions?  

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.

An arrival transfer is included when you arrive on Day 1, or if you arrive up to three days prior provided that you have booked your pre-accommodation through National Geographic Signature Journeys in our joining hotel. Due to customer experience and quality considerations, all services related to the tour must be continuous.

Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day.

Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your Expedition Leader. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your Expedition Leader and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don't see a note, please ask reception for details!

If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your Expedition Leader will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.

Where will we stay during the trip?  

Hotel (15 nights)

What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?  

Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are commonly available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work. Check with your bank. You should be aware when purchasing products or services on a credit card, that a fee usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of Euros and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

Is there a disclaimer I should read before booking this trip?  

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you view a final copy of your Trip Details a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

What is the group leader like?  

All National Geographic Signature group trips are accompanied by one of our National Geographic Expedition Leaders throughout. The aim of the Expedition Leaders is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.

What instructions should I follow at the finishing point?  

You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.