Northern & Southern Ireland

9 Days | Journey through the land of poets and storytellers

4.5 out of 5 based on 49 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
NZD $4,180
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The northern nooks and the regal Republic – see it all on a nine-day adventure on both sides of the Irish border. Travel through green pastures, vast lakes, striking cliff faces and, in the evening, head straight to the pub for a Guinness (or two). Visit medieval castles and ancient sites filled with folklore and marvel at the views of Ireland's rugged coastline, including the Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher and the Giant's Causeway. While exploring Belfast, Dublin, Derry and Galway, don't forget to gather your travel crew for some pub grub and live music to cap off a trip that hits all the hotspots of Ireland.

Trip overview

Map of Northern & Southern Ireland including Ireland and United Kingdom
Start
Belfast, United Kingdom
Finish
Dublin, Ireland
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
United Kingdom, Ireland
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
BMSA
This trip generates 37 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Explore Ireland’s natural wonder, the Ring of Kerry, and witness farmers in action with a sheep farm visit and herding demonstration.
  • Scramble around the clustered pillars of Giant's Causeway and decide for yourself if it’s a natural phenomenon or the work of giants, as legends say.
  • Roam the rugged coastline of the Aran Islands, with time to visit ruins and remains from the Bronze and Iron Age with your local leader.
  • Learn about The Troubles from those who were directly affected by it on a history tour in Derry.
  • Enjoy Dublin's energetic nightlife, where it’ll feel like there’s a pub on every corner. Check out its creative neighbourhoods, brimming with hip bars and trendy eateries.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Ireland’s nights are chilly year-round, especially in Autumn/Winter. Pack warm layers, a hat, gloves, scarf, waterproof gear and an umbrella just in case.
  • Accommodation is twin share, so solo travellers will room with another of the same gender. It's a great chance to connect with like-minded people – but you can opt for the single room supplement if you'd prefer your own space at night.
  • This trip is quite fast paced to maximise your time in Ireland. Expect regular orientation walks, which are intensive but essential for exploring. For deeper exploration of Belfast and Dublin, consider arriving early or extending your trip.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2023 - 31 December 2024

Map of Northern & Southern Ireland including Ireland and United Kingdom

Inclusions

Meals

8 breakfasts

Transport

Train, Public bus, Private vehicle, Ferry

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights), Hostel (2 nights)

Activities
  • Giant's Causeway - Day Trip
  • Derry - Bogside History Tour
  • Aran Islands - Guided Day Trip by Ferry
  • Cliffs of Moher
  • Killarney - Ring of Kerry Day Trip
  • Killarney - Sheep Dog Trials (seasonal)
Add on activities
  • Belfast - SS Nomadic Museum - GBP7
  • Belfast - Botanical Gardens - Free
  • Belfast - Ulster Museum - Free
  • Belfast - Titanic Museum - GBP25
  • Belfast - Black Cab Tour - GBP50
  • Belfast - History of Terror Guided Tour - GBP20
  • Galway - Cathedral - Free
  • Killarney - Ross Castle - EUR5
  • Dublin - St Patrick Cathedral - EUR9
  • Dublin - Guinness Storehouse - EUR25

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability.  Please note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.  
2. You don't have a lot of time Dublin at the end of the trip, so if you're keen to explore this spectacular city in depth we recommend you extend your stay at the end.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 based on 49 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Amber · Traveled September 2024
Overall, this trip was great. Ireland is a beautiful country. Our group was lucky to have good weather. Steph, our tour guide was organized and communicated daily about what to expect the next day. I really liked Giant’s Causeway, Aran Island, Cliffs of Moher and Ring of Kerry including the sheep dog trials. The last full day was a busy travel day to Cork then Dublin. Wish the trip included a full day in Dublin.
Review submitted 25 Sep 2024

Barbara · Traveled September 2024
Don't come unless you're a very fast walker or you will be left behind! Accomodations were good. Most buses were good. A couple had nonworking seatbelrs and were very stuffy. Leader was nice, well organized and took care of everything.
Review submitted 24 Sep 2024

David · Traveled September 2024
All the main attractions covered. Although at times we felt we were a part of a huge Conga-line of tourist coaches visiting the same attractions. Difficult to see all of Nth and South Ireland any other way I suppose, but lacking the 'off the beaten track' that Intrepid usually offers.
Review submitted 12 Sep 2024

Elizabeth · Traveled August 2024
I have done 11 trips with Intrepid over a period of 15 years. I feel the company is too profit focused & there is certainly no recognition or discount for customer loyalty. I will seriously consider other companies for future trips.
Review submitted 28 Aug 2024

Nicolr · Traveled July 2024
As a single woman I recommend Intrepid because it's far less stressful to be part of an organised group & have someone watching you don't wander off or get left behind. All Transport arranged prior & included activities paid prior. Ruth, our guide was like a friend showing you her favourite attractions with patience & care. There is an option to have you're own room or twin share. No prejudice for being single or married, where you come from or personal likes/dislikes. Stop dreaming about it & get out & see the World💕
Review submitted 22 Jul 2024
Northern & Southern Ireland
From
NZD $4,180