Ireland/Northern Ireland
Ireland’s Coasts from North to South
Program No. 19446RJ
Gain a deeper understanding of Ireland’s coasts as you discover ancient wonders, meet local academics, taste local whiskey and kiss the famous Blarney Stone for good luck.
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DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
May 12 - May 29, 2025
Starting at
7,299DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Apr 14 - May 1, 2025
Starting at
8,349May 12 - May 29, 2025
Starting at
8,649Jun 9 - Jun 26, 2025
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8,649Jul 7 - Jul 24, 2025
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8,649Sep 1 - Sep 18, 2025
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8,649Sep 8 - Sep 25, 2025
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18 days
17 nights
44 meals
16B 14L 14D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
3
Belfast Murals, City Hall
Belfast
9
Galway City, Free Time
Galway
17
Glendalough
Dublin
18
Program Concludes
In Flight
At a Glance
Journey from the natural wonder of the Giant’s Causeway to the rugged seacoast of the Southwest as you experience the unrivaled beauty of Ireland. Walk the Walls of Derry, and discover Northern Ireland’s troubled history in Belfast. Witness an ancient stone fort in county Donegal and, journeying south, explore the ancient passage tombs of Brú na Bóinne. Learn about Irish emigration while in Cork and encounter some of Ireland’s greatest treasures — its people — as you meet local academics in Belfast and dine with local families in county Cork.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles per day; some uneven terrain and stairs.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Explore Giant’s Causeway and learn its history.
- Enjoy a poetic exploration of County Sligo’s landscape with a local Yeats expert.
- Learn about the history of Northern Ireland through political murals in Belfast and a visit to City Hall.
Suggested Reading List
(12 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Ireland’s Coasts from North to South
Program Number: 19446
Ireland, A Concise History
With its lively even-handed tone and hundreds of well-integrated photographs and illustrations, this book conveys the essence of Irish history and the Irish experience.
Ireland and the Irish
impressionistic portrait of the two Irelands, based on interviews with leaders and ordinary people from every walk of life, includes their insights and the author's own observations and analysis. Anatomy of the country, this book is a most useful guide for the visitor wanting a complete picture of modern Irish life and the prevailing social and economic trends.
Dublin American Express
Ireland in the 20th Century
Ireland entered the twentieth century savaged by poverty and memories of the famine but inspired by the Celtic Dawn, a remarkable cultural renaissance led by Yeats, Synge and Lady Gregory. She left it in the era of the Celtic Tiger, with unparalleled prosperity and a new, confident, outward-looking view of herself and the world - although this prosperity and self-confidence is now giving way to uncertainty. In the intervening hundred years, Ireland has experienced more 'history' than almost any other country: beginning under the British crown, she was racked by revolution, the Anglo-Irish war, partition and civil conflict. Led by towering figures such as Michael Collins and De Valera, she has suffered terrible hardships and disputes but has nevertheless provided brilliant cultural and literary examples and is now a country of importance in the wider international community, providing leadership in a variety of moral and development issues. In this readable and authoritative study, Ireland's bestselling popular historian tells the extraordinary story of how contemporary Ireland came into existence. Covering both South and North and dealing with social and cultural history as well as political, this will surely become a definitive single-volume account of the making of modern Ireland.
A Traveller's History of Ireland
From the Celts to the Norman invasions and modern-day Ireland, this short history is highly recommended for those who would like a brief overview of the Emerald Isle through the centuries
Ireland in Mind: An Anthology
Editor Powers presents three centuries of fiction, poetry, and essays on the Emerald Isle by a stellar cast of mostly Irish, English, and American writers. What is portrayed is not the stereotypical Ireland of facile travel writing but an altogether deeper and profounder place.
Ireland 1912-1985
EXploring Rural Ireland
Ireland : The Emerald Isle and Its People
Ireland (Landscapes Countryside Guides)
This guide covers the Republic and Northern Ireland and includes: 13 car tours, 22 walks, 30 picnic suggestions; walking maps; timetables for public transport; pull-out touring maps; many short walks and picnic suggestions.
Heritage of Ireland
From the arrival of the Celts to the present, "Heritage of Ireland" reveals how history, climate, and culture have worked together to create a distinctively Irish identity.
7 Days in Dublin: Everything to See and Do
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
18 days
17 nights
What's Included
44 meals (
16B, 14L, 14D
)
4 expert-led lectures
23 expert-led field trips
1 hands-on experience
2 performances
An experienced Group Leader
16 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive Dublin, Transfer Belfast, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Belfast
Meals:
D
Stay:
Leonardo Hotel Belfast
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.
Lunch:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Afternoon:
If you arrive before rooms are available, you may leave your luggage with the concierge and go for a walk or relax in public rooms of the hotel. After checking in and getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation session. Orientation: 5:30 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. At various points in the program, local expert will provide educational commentary and at some sites, it will be our knowledgeable Group Leader. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
3
Belfast Murals, City Hall
Location:
Belfast
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Leonardo Hotel Belfast
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 18 miles, approximately 1.5 hours throughout the day. Walking about 1.5 miles, periods of standing; paved streets, some cobbled areas.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room, the full Irish breakfast buffet offers a rotating variety of choices such as eggs, bacon, sausages, tomatoes, potatoes, cereals, fruit, toast, pastries and jams, plus milk, juices, coffee, tea, water.
Morning:
We’ll be joined by a local expert who will give us a presentation on the colorful and evocative political murals of Belfast. The political mural tradition in the north of Ireland is more than a century old, and the lecture will trace the history of this distinctive form of political expression from the earliest examples — painted before the War of Independence by loyalists who supported British rule — to its heyday in the 1980s and 1990s, and more recent murals painted since the Good Friday Agreement of 1998. Next, we’ll walk to Belfast City Hall for a docent-led field trip. We’ll learn more of Belfast’s fascinating history as we explore this grand 1906 Baroque Revival building, and gain insights into its links with the ill-fated ocean liner “Titanic.” We’ll then board a motorcoach and ride to our lunch venue.
Lunch:
At a local restauran
Afternoon:
We’ll board the motorcoach with a local expert for a visual overview of some of Belfast’s most significant sights, including Queens University, Crown Bar, the Opera House, Albert Clock, the Titanic Quarter and Film Studios, and the heart of Northern Ireland’s government at Stormont. As we ride, our expert will provide informative commentary detailing Belfast’s immense industrial heritage and complex political history. We’ll finish our field trip at the hotel.
Dinner:
At the Hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Armagh & St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral
Location:
Belfast
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Leonardo Hotel Belfast
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 85 miles, approximately 3 hours. Walking about 1.5 miles, periods of standing; paved streets, tarmac and gravel paths. Extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
At the hotel, an expert from one of Belfast’s renowned universities will join us and introduce the complex history of the island of Ireland. We’ll then board a motorcoach and ride to Armagh, the smallest city in Ireland and the seat of the ecclesiastical heads of both of Ireland’s Christian churches. Armagh is one of only a few cities worldwide to have two cathedrals dedicated to the same saint, and its two St. Patrick’s Cathedrals sit on either side of the valley overlooking the town. We’ll begin our field trip at the Robinson Library, founded in 1771 by Richard Robinson, Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh. Highlights of the library’s collection — which we’ll explore with local experts at the library’s main building and nearby No. 5 Vicar’s Hill — include many medieval manuscripts, Jonathan Swift’s own annotated copy of Gulliver’s Travels, archaeological finds, and an internationally significant collection of prints from the 15th to 19th centuries. We’ll complete our field trip across the street at the 13th-century St. Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, which we’ll explore with another local expert who will detail the complex history of Christian worship on the Hill of Armagh.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant
Afternoon:
Following our field trip in Armagh, we will return to Belfast by motorcoach. The remainder of the afternoon is free for independent exploration or to relax.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
5
Transfer to Derry, Giant’s Causeway
Location:
Derry
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
City Hotel Derry
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 105 miles, approximately 3.5 hours. Walking about 2.5 miles, periods of standing; paved streets and paths, some uneven grassy areas. It is possible to walk on the uneven hexagonal “steps” of the basalt formation at Giant’s Causeway. There are routes that involve minimal changes of level; shuttles available from visitor center to Causeway to reduce walking distance.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we’ll board the motorcoach and begin our transfer to Derry, stopping en route at Bushmills Whiskey distillery, the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery having first become operational in 1608. During our docent-led exploration, we’ll follow the production process from grain to glass, and taste some of what the distillery produces.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant or pub.
Afternoon:
Next, we will take a field trip to the Giant’s Causeway. This natural amphitheatre — a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site — is made up of hexagonal-shaped basalt rocks. We will begin in the capable hands of a National Trust expert as we explore the site, then have some independent time to see what interests each of us most at this breathtaking natural phenomenon. Back aboard the motorcoach, we’ll complete our transfer to Derry and check in to the hotel with some time to relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
Derry’s City Walls, An Grianan of Aileach
Location:
Derry
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
City Hotel Derry
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 18 miles, approximately 1 hour. Walking about 1.5 miles, periods of standing; wooden boardwalks, some uneven grassy areas; uneven stone steps to some areas at Grianán of Aileach. Extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We’ll board a motorcoach for a field trip to Grianán of Aileach, a stone hillfort constructed in the 6th or 7th century CE. The fort was severely damaged during conflict in the early 12th century, and sat as a ruin for hundreds of years until being restored in 1870. During our expert-led exploration, we’ll trace the history of the site within the context of Viking occupation, Norman invasion and native rule. We’ll reboard the motorcoach and return to Derry, then set out on an expert-led walking field trip around the city. Derry is the only remaining city in Ireland with virtually complete walls surrounding the old inner core. The walls were erected early in the 17th century as defenses against encroaching English and Scottish settlers. Today, they serve as a walkway to observe the combination of heritage and contemporary culture within the Renaissance Style street plan.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant or pub.
Afternoon:
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
7
Transfer to Galway, Yeats at Drumcliffe
Location:
Galway
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Harbour Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 170 miles, approximately 4.5 hours. Walking about 1 mile, periods of standing; paved and gravel paths.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
Once checked out from the hotel, we’ll begin our transfer by motorcoach for Galway – the cradle of Gaelic culture in the West and often referred to as the “city of tribes” as it was home to 14 famous merchant families. We’ll make a stop at Drumcliffe, the final resting place of famed Irish poet W.B Yeats. Yeats is remembered as an important cultural leader, as a major playwright and as one of the very greatest poets of the century. The epitaph on his gravestone is well known: “Cast a cold eye / On life / On death / Horseman, pass by!” We’ll be joined on our journey through Yeats country by a local literary expert, who will interpret the landscape and read some of Yeats’ associated poetry.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant or pub.
Afternoon:
We’ll then complete our transfer to Galway and check into the hotel upon arrival.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
8
Connemara, Kylemore Abbey, Cnoc Suain Heritage Centre
Location:
Galway
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Harbour Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 130 miles, approximately 4.5 hours. Walking about 3 miles, periods of standing; paved streets, tarmac and gravel paths, some uneven grassy areas.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
Today we’ll travel by motorcoach for a full day exploring Connemara. A broad peninsula between Killary Harbour and Kilkieran Bay in the west of County Galway, Connemara has long been regarded as the real emerald of Ireland. During our explorations this morning, we’ll visit the atmospheric village of Cong, where we’ll have some time for independent exploration. The streets of Cong may look familiar to cinephiles, as it was the filming location for John Ford’s Oscar-winning film “The Quiet Man.” We’ll continue by motorcoach to Kylemore Abbey. Situated in the heart of Connemara, this beautifully designed estate was built in 1867 as a private home and became a Benedictine abbey in 1920. We’ll learn from our Group Leader about the rich history and experience the oasis that is the walled garden, one of the last created in Ireland during the Victorian era. Although it fell into disrepair over time, the Benedictines began an authentic restoration in the late 1990s and only a few years later won a prestigious European award for their work.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Moving on, we’ll explore the sleepy seaside villages of Connemara stopping at Lough Inagh Lodge in the village of Recess. We’ll sip an Irish coffee in this beautiful old fishing lodge nestled on the shores of Lake Inagh. Next, we’ll explore the award-winning Cnoc Suain Heritage Centre where local experts will provide insights into the rural folklore, traditions, and way of life in the west of Ireland. We’ll also observe a demonstration of traditional Irish bread baking. We’ll return to the hotel by motorcoach after our field trips.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
We’ll return to Galway by motorcoach after dinner. The remainder of the evening is at leisure.
Day
9
Galway City, Free Time
Location:
Galway
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Harbour Hotel
Activity Note
Walking about 2 miles, periods of standing; paved streets, some cobbled areas. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
A local expert will join us at the hotel for an informative lecture on the Celts and the West of Ireland. Galway, the fourth largest city in the Republic of Ireland, is known as “City of the Tribes” from the medieval era when it was governed by fourteen chieftains. Remnants of Galway’s historic past can be found around every corner. Today Galway is highly popular with bohemians and students alike. A local historian will lead us on a walking field trip to learn more of the city’s fascinating history and heritage.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Free time. On your own to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
10
Transfer to Killarney. The Burren and the Cliffs of Moher
Location:
Killarney.
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Great Southern Killarney
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 170 miles, approximately 5 hours. Walking approximately 2.5 miles, periods of standing; varied terrain including paved streets and paths, flat grassy areas, uneven limestone surfaces. Main routes at Cliffs of Moher include numerous steps, alternative step-free access is available
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We’ll check out of the hotel, board the motorcoach, and begin our transfer to Killarney. En route, we will stop for field trips to explore two of Ireland’s most incredible natural phenomena. We will begin at the Burren, where a local expert will lead us through one of the largest karst limestone landscapes in Europe. The Burren — meaning “rocky place” — is what remains of a tropical sea from 350 million years ago. The starkly beautiful karst limestone surface is almost moonlike in appearance. Geologists, botanists, and zoologists flock to this region to learn about its rare flora and fauna. The Burren together with the Cliffs of Moher forms a UNESCO-designated Global Geopark. Here at the Burren, a local expert will lead us on a hike through one of the largest karst limestone landscapes in Europe. We’ll reboard the motorcoach and drive on to our lunch venue.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Our next field trip will take us to the spectacular, world-famous Cliffs of Moher. The cliffs rise like a cathedral into the sky some 700 feet over the wild Atlantic Ocean, with views stretching as far as Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. Human activity here dates back at least 2,000 years. They are home to one of Ireland’s major colonies of cliff-nesting seabirds, and also lend their name to a popular fiddle jig performed at least as early as 1850. After an introduction by our Group Leader, we’ll have some time for self-directed exploration at the visitor center. We’ll then ride on to Killarney, a thriving town nestled into the beautiful Macgillycuddy Reeks mountain range, and home to Ireland’s first National Park. Upon arrival, we’ll check into the hotel.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
11
Lecture, Ring of Kerry, Kissane Sheep Farm
Location:
Killarney.
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Great Southern Killarney
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 105 miles, approximately 5 hours. Walking about 3 miles, periods of standing; varied terrain including paved streets, grass, uneven rocky areas, stone paving, gravel paths.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We’ll begin with a talk entitled: A Ramble Down The Ol' Bothrain. We’ll then board a motorcoach with a local expert for a field trip exploring the Ring of Kerry itself. This celebrated landscape is made up of spectacular coastal and mountain scenery and encompasses the towns of Glenbeigh, Cahersiveen, Waterville, and Sneem
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Next, we’ll visit the family-run Kissane Sheep Farm in Kenmare, County Kerry. A traditional working farm with approximately 1,000 mountain sheep and hundreds of lambs, it is run by John and Anne Kissane, and has been in the hands of the same family for the last 150 years. One of the farmers will lead us around the fields and yards, explaining efforts to preserve the heritage of Irish mountain sheep farming; we’ll see some of the seasonal activities that take place on the farm.
Dinner:
In the homes of host families from the surrounding area, we’ll be treated to family-style meals featuring traditional dishes. As we chat with our hosts and savor their home cooking, we’ll learn about the rhythm of daily Irish life. This hosted dinner is subject to confirmation dependent on Covid restrictions and availability
Evening:
Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening is at leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
12
Transfer to Cork, Blarney Castle, Muckross House
Location:
Cork
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Imperial Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 65 miles, approximately 2.5 hours. Walking about 2.5 miles, periods of standing; varied terrain including paved streets, uneven grassy areas, gravel paths; steps to some areas at Blarney Castle, stone spiral staircases.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
As we commence our transfer by motorcoach to Cork, we will stop at Muckross House for a docent-led exploration. This magnificent Victorian mansion is situated close to the eastern shore of Muckross Lake at the heart of Killarney National Park. Muckross House today is home to a research library that documents the history, folklife, and culture of Kerry
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Next, we’ll continue our journey to Cork, via Blarney Castle - home of the world-famous Blarney Stone. Tradition dictates that the gift of eloquence is conferred on all those who kiss the stone! We’ll then ride on to Cork City, Ireland’s second largest city. Founded in the 7th century, it is today a bustling, lively little city. Upon arrival, we’ll check into the hotel
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
13
Cork, Free Time, Cobh, Queenstown Centre, Local Families
Location:
Cork
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Imperial Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 20 miles, approximately 1 hour. Walking approximately 1.5 miles, periods of standing; paved streets and paths, some cobbled areas. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice. Transportation arrangements and driving distances for dinner with local families will vary and will be explained.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
Free time to explore the fascinating city of Cork. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. We’ll regroup before lunch at an announced time and place, then travel by motorcoach to the attractive port town of Cobh.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
At the Cobh Heritage Centre’s Queenstown Story exhibition, we’ll recall the steps of 2.5 million adults and children who emigrated from Ireland on coffin ships, early steamers, and finally on great liners. We’ll then join our local expert and walk along the Titanic Trail through this picturesque seaside town, steeped in maritime history, that was the final port of call for the ill-fated RMS “Titanic.” As a special highlight, we’ll have dinner this evening with local families. After the field trip, we’ll meet members of our host families and travel to their homes.
Dinner:
In the homes of host families from the surrounding area, we’ll be treated to family-style meals featuring traditional dishes. As we chat with our hosts and savor their home cooking, we’ll learn about the rhythm of daily Irish life. This hosted dinner is subject to confirmation dependent restrictions and availability
Evening:
Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening is at leisure
Day
14
Transfer To Dublin, Lismore Castle & Gardens, Waterford
Location:
Dublin
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ashling Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 190 miles, approximately 4.5 hours. Walking about 2.5 miles, periods of standing; paved streets, some cobbled areas, gravel paths, uneven grassy areas.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
After checking out, we’ll begin our journey from the hotel by motorcoach to Dublin, Ireland’s capital city and our final destination. On the way, we’ll make a stop in the historic town of Lismore, where we will have a short introductory walk led by a local expert, beginning at the Lismore Heritage Centre. After the walk, we’ll have some time for independent exploration of the Lismore Castle grounds. The castle is still a private residence with historic gardens that now feature contemporary sculpture. The first castle here was built in 1185, on the site of a monastery that had its heyday in the 7th century. The castle, which was owned for a time by Sir Walter Raleigh, is home to the Burlington family today. We’ll reboard the motorcoach and ride on to Waterford City.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Next on our schedule is the world-famous House of Waterford Crystal on the Viking Triangle. Originating in 1783 as the Waterford Glass House, this distinctive designer and manufacturer has gone through a number of incarnations until the present day. A docent will lead our exploration, during which we’ll see the traditional artisan skills of mouth blowing, hand finishing, sculpting, and engraving that produce incredible crystal glass pieces. We’ll continue the transfer to Dublin and check into the hotel upon arrival.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
15
St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle, Free Time
Location:
Dublin
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Ashling Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 3 miles, approximately 1/2 hour. Walking about 2 miles, periods of standing; paved streets, some cobbled areas. Extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We’ll board a motorcoach and ride to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, constructed between 1220-1260 CE, and one of only a few remaining medieval buildings in Dublin. It was built in honor of the national saint and is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland. Author Jonathan Swift was Dean of the Cathedral in the 1700s and lies buried there. We’ll be able to learn more of its 800-year history and place in the heritage of the country as we explore independently. We’ll continue on foot to Dublin Castle for a docent-led field trip, during which we’ll gain an understanding of the history and importance of this iconic landmark. It has been in continuous occupation for over 800 years and, until 1922, it was the seat of British government in Ireland. Today the castle is used by the Irish government for state functions, including the inauguration of the president every seven years.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
Free time to explore Dublin on your own. Your Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give advice.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
16
Brú na Bóinne, Theater Performance
Location:
Dublin
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ashling Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 75 miles, approximately 3 hours. Walking about 2 miles, periods of standing; uneven floors, low ceilings and low narrow entrance to Neolithic tomb at Brú na Bóinne; paved paths and grass outside burial mounds. Extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We’ll board the motorcoach for an expert-led visit to Brú na Bóinne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves one of the most archaeologically significant prehistoric landscapes in the world. In addition to megalithic art, Brú na Bóinne includes a number of Neolithic age burial chambers. We’ll visit one of these tombs to learn how their survival through more than 5,000 years reflects the sophistication of their design, and the ingenuity of the Stone Age people who constructed them.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We’ll return by motorcoach to Dublin. The remainder of the afternoon will be free for independent exploration.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
We’ll enjoy a performance in one of Dublin’s many renowned theatres. Our program was planned far in advance when details of performances were not available. When confirmed, the information will be posted on the Road Scholar website under this program number and will also be included in preparatory materials sent following enrollment.
Day
17
Glendalough
Location:
Dublin
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ashling Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 85 miles, approximately 3 hours. Walking about 2.5 miles, periods of standing; varied terrain including gravel paths, uneven grassy areas, uneven stone floors in historic buildings; some paths at Glendalough may be muddy in wet weather. Extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
At the hotel, a local expert will join us for a presentation focusing on the Christian and monastic culture of Ireland. We’ll then board the motorcoach and ride to the spiritual center of Glendalough to learn about the history of this monastic site, known to locals as the “Monastic City.” Established in the 6th century, Glendalough is situated in a glacial valley between two lakes in County Wicklow. As a local expert leads us through the remains of the many buildings here — including the conical-roofed Round Tower that still stands almost 100 feet in height — we’ll consider the important role this important institution played in the emergence of early medieval Irish Christianity.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Returning to the hotel by motorcoach, we’ll have some time to explore independently, freshen up, and relax.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner, accompanied by a performance of traditional Irish music.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.
Day
18
Program Concludes
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out 11:00 a.m. See your program’s Travel Information regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
44 Meals
16 Breakfasts
14 Lunches
14 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Oct 06, 2025 - Oct 23, 2025
- Apr 14, 2025 - May 01, 2025 (Belfast to Dublin)
- May 12, 2025 - May 29, 2025 (Belfast to Dublin)
- Jun 09, 2025 - Jun 26, 2025 (Belfast to Dublin)
- Jul 07, 2025 - Jul 24, 2025 (Belfast to Dublin)
- Aug 04, 2025 - Aug 21, 2025 (Belfast to Dublin)
- Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 18, 2025 (Belfast to Dublin)
- Sep 08, 2025 - Sep 25, 2025 (Belfast to Dublin)
- Sep 15, 2025 - Oct 02, 2025 (Belfast to Dublin)
- Oct 06, 2025 - Oct 23, 2025 (Belfast to Dublin)
Participant Reviews
Based on 39 Reviews
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It was a wonderful experience and I would highly recommend it. Antoinette was a excellent tour guide and it was obvious she enjoyed her job and liked educating and helping people.
The dinners with local families was a highlight of the trip as was the Kissane Sheep Farm, Kylemore Abbey and the heritage center on Connemara. We learned so much about Irish history and culture that we would not have gotten on another tour or on our own.
Overall we were very satisfied with the trip and would not hesitate to take another Road Scholar tour.
— Review left November 6, 2024
This was a great tour with a great tour leader. We learned a lot about the land, the history and the people of Ireland.
— Review left November 1, 2024
The Ireland's Coasts from North to South was an intensely satisfying trip. The Road Scholar coordination of the program left me free to just enjoy, not having to be concerned with arranging accommodations, meals, site visits, or transportation. On top of that we had a wonderful guide and were treated to one-of-a-kind experiences with subject matter experts in a small group setting.
— Review left October 31, 2024
This program is outstanding for young and old. Our Program leader was Kate Healey and Kate made this trip the best for every single one of the 21 members of the trip.
— Review left October 31, 2024
This was our first adventure with Road Scholar and our inaugural trip to Ireland. The journey took us from the northern to the southern landmarks of the country, filled with visits to historical sites. Not only was the trip memorable, but it was also enriched with educational experiences led by local experts and expertly managed by our wonderful travel guide, Kate Healy. Her extensive knowledge, singing, humor, and organizational skills are truly exceptional! We enjoyed every moment of this tour, primarily due to Road Scholar's meticulous planning, which was perfectly complemented by Kate's guidance.
This trip has been on our bucket list for years, and there were so many highlights that it's hard to list them all. Kate’s ability to bring the group together with her bright smile was a constant source of joy. We greatly appreciated Road Scholar's attention to everyone's needs, as well as Kate’s efforts to ensure all preferences, including dietary considerations, were met. Her daily posted notes, which complemented Road Scholar’s itinerary, were incredibly helpful.
This was our first trip with Road Scholar, and we look forward to many more in the future! We give Kate and her team five stars!
Sincerely,
K & F
— Review left October 25, 2024
What a wonderful trip! This tour showed us all of Ireland - north to south. Beautiful scenery and lots of interesting sites, from ancient to more modern. Our guide, Richard, was terrific - very well organized and knowledgeable. He told us tales and legends of Ireland and even sang traditional Irish songs to us! The guest speakers and local guides were all great. If you want to see and learn all about Ireland, I highly recommend this tour.
— Review left October 6, 2024
What a delight! The circumnavigation of island countries of Ireland (Northern Ireland + Republic of Ireland) was enhanced by our sparking and engaging tour guide. The sites were incredible, the history lessons captivating, and the experience life-enriching. Thanks, Road Scholar!
— Review left September 30, 2024
This was a very comprehensive tour of Ireland which included a lot of history, spectacular scenery, some interesting lectures, and an opportunity to experience the cultural aspects of the country.
— Review left September 28, 2024
This program taught me so much about the peoples of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland throughout their history! It's quite comprehensive in geography, and the field trips were excellent. Our Group Leader was knowledgeable and helpful throughout the journey.
— Review left September 3, 2024
This tour was one of my favorite Road Scholar tours.
— Review left July 28, 2024
A great overview of the island's beautiful scenery, troubled and impressive history, and lovely people.
— Review left July 13, 2024
Go and find the Ireland pictured in movies, immortalized in song and described in books. This trip offers a look into the real Ireland and her people, all of them.
— Review left June 30, 2024
Ireland is a beautiful country. We had a wonderfully informative trip with an excellent guide and thoroughly enjoyed the companionship of a delightful group of fellow travelers.
— Review left June 29, 2024
My husband and I had a great introduction to Ireland due to Brendan's knowledge, the knowledgeable lectures, and the overall extent of coverage.
— Review left June 1, 2024
The subtle but powerful gift of a trip to Ireland with Road Scholars is the deep relationship between the Irish and American peoples ... much of what we think we birthed here were really born in Ireland!
— Review left May 31, 2024
My wife, Peggy, and I had a wonderful experience on o
This trip to Ireland. Our group was an interesting mix of life and travel experiences. We really enjoyed meeting them. Unfortunately, one person as clearly unable to physically keep up with the group. She traveled with a cane, in my opinion, she needed a walker instead. Someone was always with her to ensure her safety and that she kept up with the schedule we needed to keep. More than once we delayed departure to accommodate her pace. Our guide, Fionnuala Galvin, is remarkable. She is pleasant, personable, and proficient. We were all very impressed with her skill of sharing her extensive knowledge of Ireland.
I highly recommend this trip to anyone interested in traveling to Ireland. Especially if they are lucky enough to have Fionnouala as a guide.
— Review left May 10, 2024
This is an excellent, informative and interesting program. There was incredible variety in the field trips, lectures, and local tours. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to explore Ireland.
— Review left May 5, 2024
This trip trip provided a wonderful overview of Ireland’s history and the nation today. There was a lot of variety and the field trips were facilitating.
— Review left May 3, 2024
Don't visit Ireland without seeing both Northern Ireland and the Republic. This program does both in good depth.
— Review left September 22, 2023
This program is stunning and brings exceptional service to the traveler who wishes to enlarge their cultural experience. Ireland is such a beautiful place, one must go more than once.
— Review left September 5, 2023
This is a spectacular trip, made particularly special by our group leader, Kate. All of the experiences large and small were so interesting, and built on each other to create a better understanding of the history, culture, and natural beauty of Ireland. Every single day brought on another great adventure.
— Review left September 5, 2023
I learned so much about the history and politics of Ireland, as well as the people and the culture. An eye opener. And the country and coast is beautiful.
— Review left August 29, 2023
I was interested in seeing Ireland to better understand it’s complicated history especially the Troubles. I was amazed by the number of ruins of castles, tower houses and so many walls. The people were delightful and the music was lively. There was, for me, such a different ‘feel’ between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Two different countries on the same island. Only negative comment I have is about the first hotel on our journey. It was the the Leonardo in Belfast. It was old and tired. So was I by the end of the stay as my bed was broken which caused it to sag in the middle. Like sleeping in a hammock every night. The rooms were not air conditioned and the hotel is on a main road so leaving windows open at night let in cooler air but also road noise and exhaust fumes. The rest of the accommodations were lovely.
— Review left August 7, 2023
Great overview of Ireland and Ireland’s history. Outstanding, knowledgeable guide and local expert speakers.
— Review left July 22, 2023
Excellent trip! We were fortunate to have little rain and good bus drivers -- lots of time on the bus to drive throughout Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic. Several world class attractions and just enough time to visit pubs for Guinness and authentic music. Three participants and our first group leader got Covid. No cases were serious. Aiden, our second group leader, was great.
— Review left September 24, 2022
If you have never been to Ireland and want to have a great overview of the place then I highly recommend taking this tour.
— Review left September 23, 2022
We highly recommend Ireland's Coasts from North to South. This was our first Road Scholar program, but it won't be our last. The lecturers and experiences were outstanding, as were the hotels and meals. We learned much and enjoyed the trip immensely.
— Review left September 14, 2022
This program helps me to understand modern Ireland by knowing the history and culture. The variety of scenery and places visited made it very enjoyable, and the food and accomodation made it so easy for visitors. Highly recommended.
— Review left August 28, 2022
Road Scholar is the ONLY way to go if you want to learn while you travel. All of the travel details are taken care of for you and the learning opportunities are varied. Any more trips I take will absolutely be through Road Scholar.
— Review left July 13, 2022
The people who are the tour guides for Road Scholar are very kind and genuine people who make every effort to care for and educate us the participants. They also try to make it fun.
— Review left July 10, 2022
It is best that I do not comment. But I will, because as of September 1, I have still not received a settlement or a refund of the money that I am owed from this trip from Road Scholar or AON after I tested positive for Covid 19 on the 9th of an 18 day trip which stretched to a 21 day trip by the time we got home.
Most Sincerely,
Raymond R Norton ( 14th RS trip)
As of December 1,2022 I am still waiting for a settlement. My contact with AON on November 30 said that they were waiting for an email from Road Scholar. With additional information. My last contact with RS was over a month ago when they called to as a simple question-" Did we return to the program after initial separation due to Covid." My answer was that we did not return to the group. Apparently RS has not sent that information to AON, or AON lost track of it. What a screwup this has been!
After checking with AON last week and RS and AON last Monday I found that the claim had been settled on Dec. 1. The checks arrived on the 9th with a very nice settlement after all these months. We signed up for our next trip this evening.
Raymond R. norton
— Review left June 7, 2022
In traveling the coastline of Ireland, you will discover the diversity of the history, culture, topography, and resourcefulness of the Irish people
— Review left June 4, 2022
What a fabulous introduction to Ireland! This comprehensive all-around-the-island trip was just right. Each day was filled with fun excursions preceded by informative lectures and presentations related to where we were going.
The hotels were superb and the food excellent whether at the hotels or at restaurants during our excursions.
We’d highly recommend this Coast to Coast (#19446) to anyone, especially if they have never been to Ireland.
Dick Daley was an excellent guide—knowledgeable, caring, and great to be with!
Diana and Paul Blackford, Colorado
P.S.
Can you please ask Dick Daley to email the group photos he took to all of us on this trip. He has everyone’s emails.
— Review left November 23, 2021
This was an incredible experience! I would recommend it to everyone!!
— Review left August 11, 2019
Ireland's Coasts from North to South is a very, very comprehensive program. It covers the immensely different aspects of Ireland. There is a lot to Ireland for such a small land mass.
— Review left July 1, 2019
I had not been to Ireland before and wanted to see and experience as much of it as possible. I choose "Ireland's Coasts from North to South". It was a great and rewarding experience.
— Review left June 22, 2019
Ireland - a place of Dragons and Ferries, whose reflection is glimpsed in passing in the pearl grey of brooding lakes, scattering sheep and cows on craggy hillsides. A place of black birds, roosting in woods surrounding ancient abbies, tucked into the cleavage of glacial vallies, the stones of their dead tilting at the earth at their feet. Where the winds howl an ancient language as they push at the walls of hilltop ringforts where once chieftans were crowned, where giants battled on stone causeways across seas, where leprechauns still cobble shoes by tidal rivers, where people are bursting with mirth and mishchief,their shield against a history of anguish and anger. Where music and dance grow and flourish in stone cottages on lonely moors and eternal bogs. Where the ocean rails and roils sculpting, scaling, soaring onto the Cliffs of Moher and the Skelligs. It is a siren, that calls not only to the Irish but to all who are fixed by the gleem in its emerald eye.
— Review left May 18, 2019
Wonderful program. Looking forward to another Road Scholar program in the near future.
— Review left May 12, 2019
I enjoyed this trip very much. The information provided by experts and by the trip leader added to our knowledge of the Irish history and to our understanding of the current political issues. The activities and tours included in the program gave a detailed view of Irish culture, history and treasures.
The amount of "free" time was perfect for individual pursuits and investigations.
The hotels were all very good.
The leader of this program was very good. Aidan Carrig is a terrific leader - entertaining, full of local knowledge, good problem solver, great at overseeing the entire group and watching for possible concerns, gave good detailed advice on how to use the free time and made himself easily available for questions and support.
The two trainees who accompanied us (Richard Pierce and Bryan ?) were also easily engaged in answering questions from individuals.
Meals were good - serving meals to 24 people can be difficult for any restaurant. Having choices at most meals made the meals pleasant choices.
While much time was spent on buses traveling from one place to another, Aidan filled much of the time with stories and factual information from his experiences and his knowledge. The bus time was necessary in order to see as much as we did.
I highly recommend this program.
— Review left May 11, 2019