Irish Elegance - Small Group
Experience the Wild Atlantic Way and journey from Galway to Killarney on this once-in-a-lifetime tour of Ireland. In Dublin explore the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College, before gazing upon the 9th-century Book of Kells. After an exploration of County Mayo and sojourn through picturesque Cong, indulge in a tantalizing Ashford Castle Dinner. The exquisite dining and locally sourced produce are matched only by the luxurious facilities of this vast estate, which include a falconry school, spa and an Irish Piper to signal your arrival. Look out at Galway Bay from the dramatic Cliffs of Moher and contemplate the beauty of County Clare on this weeklong, Irish experience.
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 7 Breakfast (B)
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Blarney: Your up close and personal encounter with the lush gardens of the Blarney Castle estate is brought to life on a guided tour with a senior gardener. On your stroll enhanced by your expert’s insights, learn about the arboretum’s rare trees, mystical Druid rock formations and the Bog Garden boasting three 600-year-old yew trees.
- Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone, the famous stone of eloquence, are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. Take your turn at giving it a peck knowing that the stone was sourced from 330-million-year-old limestone.
- Dublin: Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner, an opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers.
- Ashford Castle: Dine on delicious Farm-to-Table fare in a stylish setting at the iconic George V Dining Room.
- Blarney: Your up close and personal encounter with the lush gardens of the Blarney Castle estate is brought to life on a guided tour with a senior gardener. On your stroll enhanced by your expert’s insights, learn about the arboretum’s rare trees, mystical Druid rock formations and the Bog Garden boasting three 600-year-old yew trees.
- Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone, the famous stone of eloquence, are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. Take your turn at giving it a peck knowing that the stone was sourced from 330-million-year-old limestone.
- Dublin: A stunning combination of cobblestone walkways, emerald-green lawns and 18th-century architectural gems, Trinity College is one of Europe’s elite universities and counts poet Oscar Wilde among its alumni. See the enchanting college campus and discover insights into its impressive history. Enjoy access to view the famous Book of Kells, an exquisite manuscript of the four gospels of the Christian New Testament, renowned for the intricacy, detail and majesty of the illustrations.
- Ring of Kerry: Meet John, a seaweed advocate and educator for a seaweed foraging walk at Atlantic Irish Seaweed. Stroll along the shore learning about how they work to protect the fragile ecosystem of the wild Atlantic Irish coasts through their educational courses and passion for the local environment. Irish Atlantic Seaweed's environmental policy is to respect, enjoy and protect the natural wonders that surround them, and promote the sustainable use of Ireland's fragile marine ecosystems. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.
- Dublin: See Custom House and travel along the River Liffey. See the Guinness Storehouse, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral.
- Cashel: See the Rock of Cashel where St. Patrick preached.
- Killarney: Enjoy hearing of the history of Killarney during your city orientation.
- Ring of Kerry: Venture into a world of towering cliffs, lush lakelands, beaches, fields dotted with sheep, rocky coastline, remote villages and historical sites, as you journey the magical Ring of Kerry. This 111-mile circular route is the best place to admire Ireland's scenic beauty and truly one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
- Shannon: Cross the Shannon Estuary by ferry, passing sites linked to smuggling and 19th-century emigration.
- Cliffs of Moher: Towering cliffs and the dramatic sea, the Cliffs of Moher has inspired countless travelers. Visit the Exhibition Center and look out over the Wild Atlantic Way from these majestic cliffs that rise over 700 feet high. Gain insights from your Travel Director into the cliffs’ geology, history and the species that find sanctuary in its nooks and crannies.
- Galway: Visit the stunning cathedral of the City of Tribes. Admire its Renaissance style dome and unique rose-shaped window.
- Connemara: With a striking Victorian Walled Garden and turreted church, Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey is a sight to behold. Dig into the Abbey’s history, discovering how it was founded in 1920 for Benedictine Nuns who fled Belgium in World War I.
- Cong: Enjoy time as you wish to explore this delightful, quintessential Irish village, used as the location for 1952 film, 'The Quiet Man.' See the statue of the lead characters played by John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara, and the ruins of the Medieval Cong Abbey.
- Ashford Castle: On arrival, you are escorted over the drawbridge by a lone piper for a majestic entrance fit for royalty.
- Small Group
- Villa, Casita and Castle Stays
Find the journey right for you with our selection of tour styles. Whether you're looking to see a number of destinations in a single tour, explore a single destination in depth or you want to take the road less traveled, we have the perfect holiday for you.
Discovery Journeys
Discovery Journeys are the ideal style for first-time travelers, showing you the very best your destination has to offer. Each tour will introduce you to multiple countries in one journey.
Regional Journeys
Travel deeper by picking one place that you’ve always longed to visit. Our Regional Journeys are carefully planned to let you explore one region or country in depth, in order to really know its people, traditions and culture.
Country Roads
Step off the beaten track and discover a different side of your destination. Steering clear of the well-trodden tourist trail, our Country Roads program sends you off to hidden retreats and unexpected adventures with lots of local flavor.
Easy Pace
Love full days at leisure while on holiday? Take more time to explore on your own, with a minimum of three nights in each destination and plenty of free time - including more Relaxed Starts - built into the itinerary.
Special Interest Tours
Explore our collection of Special Interest Tours that are themed around particular local festivals, events or cultural interests. These tours include stops at the Chelsea Flower Show in England, Oktoberfest in Germany and more.
Group Travel
Private Custom Groups
We offer the option to customize your own group tour. Our dedicated team of travel experts will create a tailor-made itinerary to suit your needs.
Groups on Set Departures
Pricing Scales to your group size. Our group sizes have no upper limits and our competitive pricing scales according to your group size and your budget.
Our history of traveling sustainably
OVER A DECADE OF POSITIVE IMPACT
There are few things more stylish and elegant than being a responsible tourist. That's why sustainable and responsible tourism is at the heart of what we do. As a premium travel brand, we recognize that it's our duty to set the right example. We work diligently to leave a positive impact on the planet, its people, and its wonderful wildlife. To cement our commitment, we created our 5-year How We Tread Right sustainability strategy and our not-for-profit organization, the TreadRight Foundation.
OUR COMMITMENT
- Sustainability and conservation: We ensure that we’re protecting our invaluable landscapes and natural resources.
- Cultural preservation: We ensure that the true economic benefit of travel is felt by local communities.
- Protection of our world’s wildlife: We advocate for the highest standard of ethical wildlife experiences.
Our 5-year sustainability strategy
HOW WE TREAD RIGHT
Our 5-year How We Tread Right sustainability strategy is based on 11 measurable goals anchored to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which address the issues of climate change, sustainable food production, waste reduction, travel experiences, diversity and inclusion, and wildlife.
By traveling with Insight Vacations, you're supporting a responsible travel company that truly works hard to make a difference.
How you have a positive impact
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®️ Experiences
Travel is education and experience is the best teacher. Our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®️ Experiences teach you about the world all while making it better. Whether that's through supporting local economies, preserving age-old traditions, or advancing conservation efforts for native ecosystems. Find out more about how you can be a truly sustainable traveler.
Climate Action
OUR JOURNEY TO NET ZERO
Since the inception of our sustainability strategy, the global community has continued to rally in response to the urgent need for climate action. We're committed to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by the year 2050. Our dedication to this goal is outlined in our Climate Action Plan, with science-based targets that address our carbon footprint. We are proud of the fact that, alongside our sister brands, we became the first global tour operator to have near-term, long-term and net zero targets that are validated by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi). Gain a deeper insight into our Climate Action Plan and how we're meeting our targets.
Our strategic plan
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
We believe diversity is the foundation of meaningful travel. We set out with a curious mind, and the desire to meet new people, hear fresh perspectives and experience different cultures. Embracing and empowering diversity, equity and inclusion in all areas of life requires a conscious effort – whether at home, at work, or in our communities.
At the Travel Corporation (TTC), our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) journey started many years ago, with the development of our DEI strategy. We’ve formalized goals in the following areas: People & Culture, Product & Experiences, and Marketing & Communications, to ensure we’re upholding our end.
Find the journey right for you with our selection of tour styles. Whether you're looking to see a number of destinations in a single tour, explore a single destination in depth or you want to take the road less traveled, we have the perfect holiday for you.
Discovery Journeys
Discovery Journeys are the ideal style for first-time travelers, showing you the very best your destination has to offer. Each tour will introduce you to multiple countries in one journey.
Regional Journeys
Travel deeper by picking one place that you’ve always longed to visit. Our Regional Journeys are carefully planned to let you explore one region or country in depth, in order to really know its people, traditions and culture.
Country Roads
Step off the beaten track and discover a different side of your destination. Steering clear of the well-trodden tourist trail, our Country Roads program sends you off to hidden retreats and unexpected adventures with lots of local flavor.
Easy Pace
Love full days at leisure while on holiday? Take more time to explore on your own, with a minimum of three nights in each destination and plenty of free time - including more Relaxed Starts - built into the itinerary.
Special Interest Tours
Explore our collection of Special Interest Tours that are themed around particular local festivals, events or cultural interests. These tours include stops at the Chelsea Flower Show in England, Oktoberfest in Germany and more.
Group Travel
Private Custom Groups
We offer the option to customize your own group tour. Our dedicated team of travel experts will create a tailor-made itinerary to suit your needs.
Groups on Set Departures
Pricing Scales to your group size. Our group sizes have no upper limits and our competitive pricing scales according to your group size and your budget.
Our history of traveling sustainably
OVER A DECADE OF POSITIVE IMPACT
There are few things more stylish and elegant than being a responsible tourist. That's why sustainable and responsible tourism is at the heart of what we do. As a premium travel brand, we recognize that it's our duty to set the right example. We work diligently to leave a positive impact on the planet, its people, and its wonderful wildlife. To cement our commitment, we created our 5-year How We Tread Right sustainability strategy and our not-for-profit organization, the TreadRight Foundation.
OUR COMMITMENT
- Sustainability and conservation: We ensure that we’re protecting our invaluable landscapes and natural resources.
- Cultural preservation: We ensure that the true economic benefit of travel is felt by local communities.
- Protection of our world’s wildlife: We advocate for the highest standard of ethical wildlife experiences.
Our 5-year sustainability strategy
HOW WE TREAD RIGHT
Our 5-year How We Tread Right sustainability strategy is based on 11 measurable goals anchored to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which address the issues of climate change, sustainable food production, waste reduction, travel experiences, diversity and inclusion, and wildlife.
By traveling with Insight Vacations, you're supporting a responsible travel company that truly works hard to make a difference.
How you have a positive impact
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®️ Experiences
Travel is education and experience is the best teacher. Our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®️ Experiences teach you about the world all while making it better. Whether that's through supporting local economies, preserving age-old traditions, or advancing conservation efforts for native ecosystems. Find out more about how you can be a truly sustainable traveler.
Climate Action
OUR JOURNEY TO NET ZERO
Since the inception of our sustainability strategy, the global community has continued to rally in response to the urgent need for climate action. We're committed to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by the year 2050. Our dedication to this goal is outlined in our Climate Action Plan, with science-based targets that address our carbon footprint. We are proud of the fact that, alongside our sister brands, we became the first global tour operator to have near-term, long-term and net zero targets that are validated by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi). Gain a deeper insight into our Climate Action Plan and how we're meeting our targets.
Our strategic plan
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
We believe diversity is the foundation of meaningful travel. We set out with a curious mind, and the desire to meet new people, hear fresh perspectives and experience different cultures. Embracing and empowering diversity, equity and inclusion in all areas of life requires a conscious effort – whether at home, at work, or in our communities.
At the Travel Corporation (TTC), our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) journey started many years ago, with the development of our DEI strategy. We’ve formalized goals in the following areas: People & Culture, Product & Experiences, and Marketing & Communications, to ensure we’re upholding our end.
About Insight Vacations
PREMIUM TOURS FOR CURIOUS TRAVELERS
Insight Vacations is a premium tour operator that promises a superior experience from start to finish, with an elevated level of detail and attention at every step. Discover more about the Insight Vacations premium travel experience.
PREMIUM EXPERIENCES
Exclusive, crafted experiences that get you up close and personal to every destination. Enjoy Insider Access before and after opening-hours and skip the line access at key sights. Take your pick from one, two or three curated Insight Choice experiences. Plus, Insightful Encounters with Local Experts and Specialists that add even more life, color and storytelling for a truly enlightening experience.
PREMIUM DINING
Whether you’re being welcomed into the workspaces of chefs or taking your seat at top-rated restaurants, you’ll find yourself dining on regional favorites with a seasonal twist. Take your seat for wine-paired meals and enjoy indulging your preferences from a curated choice of restaurants on Dine-Around evenings. Get hands-on with Cooking Demonstrations and enjoy an industry-leading vegetarian offering at every mealtime.
About Insight Vacations
PREMIUM TOURS FOR CURIOUS TRAVELERS
Insight Vacations is a premium tour operator that promises a superior experience from start to finish, with an elevated level of detail and attention at every step. Discover more about the Insight Vacations premium travel experience.
PREMIUM EXPERIENCES
Exclusive, crafted experiences that get you up close and personal to every destination. Enjoy Insider Access before and after opening-hours and skip the line access at key sights. Take your pick from one, two or three curated Insight Choice experiences. Plus, Insightful Encounters with Local Experts and Specialists that add even more life, color and storytelling for a truly enlightening experience.
PREMIUM DINING
Whether you’re being welcomed into the workspaces of chefs or taking your seat at top-rated restaurants, you’ll find yourself dining on regional favorites with a seasonal twist. Take your seat for wine-paired meals and enjoy indulging your preferences from a curated choice of restaurants on Dine-Around evenings. Get hands-on with Cooking Demonstrations and enjoy an industry-leading vegetarian offering at every mealtime.
