Ireland
Enchanting Ireland: Town and Country
Program No. 21258RJ
From the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher to the vibrant city of Dublin, discover myths, history, traditions and local life on this comprehensive exploration of the Emerald Isle.
Participant Reviews
Based on 70 Reviews
SHOWING
The tour offered a wide variety of experiences in the countryside and the cities. Our tour guide, Peter had us wanting to move to Ireland with his stories and his beautiful singing. The food (and the beer) was wonderful. Talking to the farmers, craftspeople and small shopkeepers was the best part of the trip. The tour was such a great experience that I'm looking forward to doing another trip to Ireland.
— Review left October 17, 2025
A jam-packed, informative, fun, delicious and diverse look at modern Ireland including history, culture, music, and more.
— Review left October 15, 2025
If you've never been to Ireland and want to learn about the land and its people, this is the program for you. It's full of diverse activities, beautiful places, and great food!
— Review left October 14, 2025
This was a fantastic and insightful tour that introduced me to the wonder and beauty of Ireland in a way I could not have got on my own. The mix of breathtaking scenery, historical sites, cultural activities and superb accommodations plus the intimacy of a small group tour with excellent guide was an amazing value. It opened my eyes on Irish history in ways I could not have imagined. The pace was perfect for an introduction to Ireland with many of the small field trips to a farm, nature parks and the Burren really surprising and revelatory. Excellent care in the accommodations and so many great meals included. I can't wait to go back!
— Review left October 12, 2025
This program is a great introduction to Ireland, from history to culture and natural history. People were welcoming and wanting to share their knowledge of Ireland everywhere we went.
— Review left October 3, 2025
This program is an ideal length to include a variety of experiences in Ireland. Our team leader made the trip so very meaningful! The hotels and food were excellent.
— Review left September 1, 2025
Jean and I had a wonderful trip --- our first with Road Scholar--- though we hope to sign up again and again, for as long as our legs will carry us. We fell in with a delightful group of people --- there were 18 of us, plus our guide --- and we all got along like college freshmen our first week away from home. In just a few days, we all became friends. Our tour guide, Karen, is a very fine teacher and storyteller --- a brilliant personality, as they say. She's smart, engaging, funny, and, now and then, she might sing a song that'll just about break your heart. The other guides we met along the way --- Liam in Galway, Shane in the Burren, and Padraig on his farm, especially --- were not only informative and likeable, but passionate in their love of the landscape and knowledge of local lore. The two towns we stayed in the southwest --- Ennistymon, and then Adare --- were as lovely and quaint as advertised, and the countryside as beautiful as the songs say. Our rooms, our meals, our outings --- all exceeded our expectations.
Regrettably, my wife and I had to cut our trip short by a couple of days --- someone back home became gravely ill, so we had to return. Karen, our guide, was as gracious and caring in helping us change our plans as if we had known one another for many years. Really, she is extraordinary, and we are both very grateful.
Sincerely
Joe and Jean Gastiger
— Review left September 1, 2025
What an excellent, informative program! This completely changed my understanding of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland relationships. I will be participating in a future Northern Ireland tour soon!
— Review left August 26, 2025
I greatly enjoyed this tour and learned a lot about the history and culture of Ireland. The music and dancing presented were especially enjoyable. I can recommend this tour to anyone wanting to visit Ireland!
— Review left August 12, 2025
Road Scholar provided me the experience of a lifetime, and I plan to repeat it on another trip. Completely exceeded my expectations in every respect. Go with them!
— Review left July 25, 2025
Enchanting Ireland: Town and Country was amazing! My husband and I joined 22 other Road Scholars and--expertly guided by David Morton--traveled from the Wild Atlantic Way to the Irish Sea. We thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience! From Galway to the Burren to the Cliffs of Moher (breathtaking!) to the National Irish Stud (I did not anticipate how fascinating this part of the trip would be!) to the charming town of Adare and live music (at a different pub each night) to a personal tour of Coorevin Farm (again, a surprising and wonderful tour) to a performance of Riverdance in a gorgeous Dublin theater to a free day (when we joined two other Road Scholar friends for a train ride to Howth and a hike on the cliffs, high above the Irish Sea) to a visit to Trinity College and The Book of Kells (WOW) to so much more--it was a great trip. We often had rain in the mornings, but the sky cleared by noon. We learned a great deal about Ireland's history and about the people (who were extraordinarily friendly and helpful). Expert guides were knowledgeable, funny, warm, and friendly. The landscape was beautiful and the flowers were spectacular. Food was delicious and plentiful. This trip made us want to return to Ireland, but it will not be next year...because we already booked a different next Road Scholar adventure!
— Review left July 22, 2025
This was an unforgettable experience in Ireland; thoughtfully planned, culturally rich, and full of meaningful moments. Our group leader, Kate, was exceptional: organized, creative, fun, and incredibly supportive. She made sure every detail was handled with care, including accommodating my plant-based diet at every meal. Her energy and humor set the perfect tone for the trip. From the dramatic beauty of the Burren to the literary charm of Coole Park, I returned home inspired, refreshed, and already thinking about my next Road Scholar adventure!
— Review left July 10, 2025
The trip was incredible and I feel that I got a lot of value for what I paid. Peter O'Connor was a phenomenal tour director. His knowledge was vast, his passion unsurpassed, he was very generous with his time and ideas, and the way he taught and engaged everyone was very impressive.
This was my first time to Ireland, which was exciting for me since I am 75% Irish. I learned a lot and the tour design was great in terms of the variety of what we saw. The hotels were good, especially the Dunraven Arms. The location of the hotels was excellent.
The tour guides for each excursion were also wonderful -- knowledgeable, generous, engaged.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention the terrible tragedy of Claudia's death. However, the generosity of everyone involved was inspiring. My travel companion was Kathleen, a retired ER doctor, who administered emergency care to Claudia. We were incredibly fortunate that she was on the trip, because everyone knew that everything possible was done for Claudia. The staff at the rest stop were incredible; our coach driver, Seamus, was generous and kind. And Peter's approach after the tragedy could not have been better. Talks and learning were suspended, the stops between Adare and Dublin suspended, and Peter continued to be a stabilizing, reliable leader for the remainder of the trip. I deeply appreciate Peter and we are so fortunate that he was our tour director for this trip, for all of the aforementioned reasons.
I will definitely do another Road Scholar trip.
— Review left July 5, 2025
This program is a wonderful combination of large city and small village. We really enjoyed our trip and highly recommend it.
— Review left June 17, 2025
An educational and breathtaking look at the beauty of Ireland's coastal western towns and villages.
— Review left May 27, 2025
Ireland was indeed, enchanting! We had a wonderful guide who was very knowledgable and organized, and she made the trip fun for all! The accommodations, especially in Ennistymon and Adare, were lovely, and always in great locations. The pace of the trip was nicely balanced with group tours and free time. I would recommend an extra day or two in Dublin, especially if you wish to visit Newgrange and/ or Blarney Castle, which are both doable as day trips from Dublin. I feel that this tour was a good "first time trip" to Ireland. Now I want to go back to explore even more!
— Review left January 4, 2025
Enchanting Ireland: Town and country was well-paced and varied. Our leader Stephen, and the local guides were knowledgeable about Irish history and their fields. We had visits to the Burren, cliffs of Moher, small towns, local farm and a stud farm. We enjoyed local music, Irish dancers, buskers, and a play. Our time was optimized. The Irish people were curious and knowledgeable about American politics and the coming elections. Many engaged us in conversations. We were immersed in the Irish culture the entire time.
— Review left September 22, 2024
Stephen, the Group Leader, was both smart and accessible. He definitely added to group cohesion with his wonderful sense of humor. There was too much bus time for me, but I guess that's inevitable when you're covering rurual territory. Stephen helped with that with a running commentary on Ireland's history - without notes!The Irish people were as friendly as their reputation claims. The Irish dancers were terrific.
— Review left September 17, 2024
This was an excellent experience all around. I will definitely consider other Road Scholar tours for myself, and recommend it most heartily to others.
— Review left September 17, 2024
A great introduction to Ireland. Brendan is an outstanding tour leader and many of the local expert speakers were excellent.
— Review left September 11, 2024
Fantastic trip...especially if your guide is Brendon!!!!
— Review left September 5, 2024
This was the trip of a lifetime! Our guide was just delightful (Cora M) and I never had to fret about transportation, meals, or what to see and learn about. This was my first trip with Road Scholar, but it won't be my last!
— Review left September 3, 2024
My husband and I just returned from our Road Scholar trip to Ireland:
"Enchanting Ireland: Town and Country." We were enthralled by the beauty and culture of Ireland, and loved the trip of a lifetime for us. We met lovely people from all over the US and enjoyed every minute with them. Our tour guide Fionuella was outstanding. I highly recommend this trip to people who have a desire to learn about the history, art, culture, and people of Ireland, and wish to experience the expansive beauty of this gorgeous country.
— Review left August 29, 2024
I don’t go out much or deal with other people much , so don’t take my comments to heart . Going with 23 people I don’t know was something for a learning curve for me.
— Review left July 9, 2024
The highlights of the trip were the unusual excursions, such as the morning at a working farm and the visit to the Irish National Stud. Frank, our tour manager, was competent and friendly. The expert lecturer who traveled with us to the Dingle Peninsula was extremely knowledgeable (her field was archaeology) and kind. Shane, who walked us through the Burren, was also knowledgeable but quite unkind. Many of us grew fearful about participating since we were scolded for "wrong" answers.
The downsides included an excessive amount of free time in places where there was little to do, such as the full afternoon in Adare, and the tedium of waiting for fellow participants on arrival day so we could all travel in one bus to Ennistymon. Perhaps making two round trips would be better? Some of us also waited a very long time to get a room at The Falls hotel (nearly 5 p.m.) which was frustrating given how exhausted we all were. Perhaps a different approach to scheduling arrival times or a planned excursion on the first day would make it less tedious and disheartening.
In terms of pre-travel information, a list of participants would have been nice, as well as some guidance in terms of what clothes to pack. I was also taken aback at the way our flights were booked; none of us had nonstop direct flights, even on the return from Dublin. Presumably that saved Road Scholar money, but it did not contribute toward good will. The discomforts of the trip outweigh the discoveries, making me reluctant to book another Road Scholar tour.
— Review left July 5, 2024
This program was well thought out, interesting historical sites and modern day sites. I.e Farm and Stud Farm.
— Review left July 2, 2024
Great trip! Highly recommend it.
— Review left July 2, 2024
What a wonderful trip! Fantastic variety of excursions and day trips. Every detail was well planned and our guides were fabulous. Would highly recommend.
— Review left June 22, 2024
We had an overall great experience on this trip. Our group leader, our fellow participants and our local guides added so much to our experience. We highly recommend this trip to others.
Mark & Karen
— Review left May 26, 2024
I heartily recommend Enchanting Ireland: Town and Country. Our tour guide, Conor McCarthy, was exceptional and a master story teller. This trip brought the history, legends and magic of Ireland alive.
— Review left May 22, 2024
Loved this trip, my first with Road Scholar. Antonette was very knowledgeable of the history of Ireland and told it in an engaging and entertaining way. The trip was well-coordinated as far as transportation, lodging, meals, etc. I enjoyed all the places we visited. It certainly won’t be my last trip with Road Scholar!
— Review left May 22, 2024
Our group leader, Antoinette O'Sullivan, was the reason this trip was outstanding, bringing to life Ireland history with her knowledge, adding delightful humor, plus her caring nature to everyone in our group. She has set a new high bar for any future leaders...once you've had the best...
— Review left May 2, 2024
Enchanted Ireland was a five star experience. It was the best of visiting the Irish countryside, small towns to city life in Dublin. The small group experience with a fabulous tour director, Antoinette O’ Sullivan, enhanced the experience. Learned a lot and had many wonderful experiences with memories made forever!
— Review left April 30, 2024
This was a wonderful trip! I had never been to Ireland and its beauty and the friendliness of the people exceeded my expectations. Our leader, Cora, was fabulous and shared so much with us about life in Ireland that went beyond the planned tours and experiences. Our group of 24 could not have been a nicer or more collegial group. Road Scholar plans such a variety of tours that each day provides a truly new experience. All the tour guides were great as were the performances (Irish music, dance, and a play at the Abbey Theatre). There was sufficient free time as well. Even the mid-October weather was good--the only rainy day was one with considerable bus time, so no problem. I had never heard of the Dingle Peninsula and it may be the most beautiful place I've seen. I highly recommend this trip!
— Review left October 20, 2023
Thank you for an incredible experience in Ireland.
— Review left September 12, 2023
I found this trip most enjoyable, loved the daily educational activities and the scenic Irish countryside. The hotels and meals were great, our guide, Brendan was delightful, offered great tips for free time and enjoyable commentary along with Irish banter throughout the day. Each of the docents gave us wonderful Irish history lessons along with Irish legends and lore. I’m currently trying to choose my next trip with Road Scholar. Enjoyed a very diverse group of people on this trip, great travel companions!
— Review left August 28, 2023
I loved this trip! The itinerary highlighted many fascinating places and I enjoyed being with a friendly, interesting group of people. Our group leader Brendan was knowledgeable, helpful, and entertaining. His stories and sense of humor made the trip all the more enjoyable. The area experts were very good, especially Shane, another knowledgeable Irishman with a great sense of humor. This trip is absolutely enchanting!
— Review left August 23, 2023
This program was terrific and exceeded my expectations. The activities, the instructors, hotels, meals and airline arrangements were outstanding. The group leader Antoinette was a true professional and an absolute delight to be with.
— Review left August 22, 2023
Outstanding trip and life changing experience!
— Review left August 15, 2023
At the end of the tour it was hard to believe that it had lasted only a little more than a week. I was transported into a beautiful place, and well taken cared of. Every day was filled with a variety of experiences that I would never have been able to arrange on my own. Everyone was kind, interested and interesting. I’m still reminiscing about it, with a smile on my face.
— Review left July 21, 2023
This program was first class all the way. Great accommodations, food, and guide to lead the group. We learned a lot on our daily excursions from experts in the area. We look forward to taking other trips with Road Scholar in the future.
— Review left June 28, 2023
Our leader, Katie Vaughn was the best! She made Ireland come alive for us!
— Review left June 24, 2023
WONDERFUL-COUNTRY-WONDERFUL-PEOPLE.
— Review left June 22, 2023
Great Program with a knowledgeable leader. I advise for anyone that can only be away for a limited time.
— Review left June 22, 2023
Katie Vaughn should be the Director of your Irish tourism department. Her personal knowledge of Ireland is shared from her heart on a level we could all relate to. Charlene Spaulding
— Review left June 20, 2023
Our trip to Ireland with Road Scholar was an amazing experience. We learned about history, culture and folklore, all the while enjoying excellent food and accommodations. The Irish people we met were wonderful. Combine that with a great trip leader (Brian McCarthy) and other interesting and friendly travelers, and the result is an outstanding, memorable trip to a fascinating country!
— Review left October 25, 2022
We greatly enjoyed this trip (our first Road Scholar trip) - the leader, the other participants, the accommodations and itinerary. We learned a lot, had fun (cultural experiences - music, dance, theater in addition to sites visited ). It was great to have some one else do the planning and logistics , plus the insider knowledge, of course...We already booked another trip for next year.
— Review left October 24, 2022
Enchanting Ireland:Town and Country-The trip was amazing! Beautiful country and beautiful people. Our group leader, Brendan, also amazing, knowledgeable, a treasure
— Review left October 21, 2022
Loved seeing the Irish countryside and meeting locals. It was a very enjoyable trip.
— Review left October 11, 2022
We have discovered a gem in Road Scholar. We feel like participants in the culture rather than observers when we are on their tours.
— Review left September 13, 2022
If you're considering a trip to Ireland, I wholeheartedly endorse this one. You get a taste of city, village, and rural all in one trip. Our hotels were great and the food was quite good. Our guide Fionnuala was so knowledgeable on every facet of history, culture, literature, nightlife, music, and current events.
— Review left August 13, 2022
Wonderful guides and glorious beauty. I learned so much and had a fantastic time.
Thank you for the change to see River Dance as I had not had the opportunity to catch it in the states.
— Review left July 22, 2022
a delightful, leisurely and informative trip through the beautiful countryside of Ireland.
— Review left June 25, 2022
Ireland was beautiful, and we were lucky to have wonderful weather.
Our group leader was knowledgeable and accommodating, I just wish the tour would have included an Irish dancing show and some of the meals that were supposed to have been included were not. Overall, another great RS tour.
— Review left June 24, 2022
Wonderful experience.
EIL coordinated and created our marvelous in country itinerary for Road Scholar and we were fortunately (as many of the 17 of us noted) an especially congenial and well guided group.
Several members had taken multiple RA trips (think 9 was top #) - and confirmed our events , visits, and experiences were exceptional.
Several of us added excursions during free-time, one to Foyles, to visit the Pan Am Clipper Sea Plane Museum down the Shannon River from Limerick, and another to Newgrange, the significant Neolithic site and Visitors Center, located 54 Km North of Dublin.
Enchanting Ireland: Town and Country, May 2022 earns my A+ recommendation!
— Review left June 3, 2022
I had the best time! Our leader Brendan was amazing, and very knowledgeable about all things Irish. The pace was active, and we were tired by the end of each day, but we saw and did so much. I was traveling with my father, and it was a special shared adventure for us both. Road Scholar took care of all the details, and we could enjoy our travels with that assurance. I would do it again in a heartbeat!
— Review left May 24, 2022
The trip itself and its leader, Dick Daly, were very, very nice and we are happy that we made the trip. Ireland does not disappoint in any way. The accommodations were among the best I've had on any road scholar trip. Our group size was small, 9 people. That may have been just as well because 3 people tested positive for Covid before leaving Ireland and at least one after returning home. So, be careful. Use an N95 mask when inside or riding a bus. We did and it worked for us.
— Review left April 24, 2022
An amazing taste of both western Ireland and Dublin city, with stunning vistas, interaction with local animal farmers, and lots of information about Ireland's extensive geological and social history.
— Review left August 26, 2021
We were the first RS group in Ireland post Covid. Everywhere we went the people were thrilled to see us!! Very friendly! Lots to see and do! Well planned by RS.
— Review left August 18, 2021
excellent journey through ireland with a great guide and group
even the weather cooperated!
— Review left February 1, 2020
A very pleasant introduction to Ireland. Meet local people and learn what their life is like.
— Review left November 18, 2019
As with past Road Scholar trips, we experienced a great leader (Jill), a great group of fellow travelers, and many expected and unexpected sights. Altogether, we had a fine time with a nice mix of both small town Ireland and the big city of Dublin. We were able to get a nice feeling of life in small town Ireland as well as the hustle and bustle of the big city. I was very happy not be the driver along the narrow country roads of western Ireland. This was our first time in Ireland and we realize that there is still much to be seen in the Northern Ireland trip. Maybe a return visit?
— Review left October 19, 2019
Before our trip, one friend said the key to a good trip is having a great trip leader. Another friend said the key is the other people on the trip. Our trip to Ireland was a 5 out of 5 on both counts. Our trip leader, Sheila, was organized, friendly and fun, and we'd happily have her as our tour guide again. And we had an inspiring group of travel-mates who we thoroughly enjoyed traveling with. Based on this trip (our first with Road Scholar), we will make Road Scholar our first choice for future trips.
— Review left September 24, 2019
This view of Ireland was wonderful. From the open countryside to the crowded streets of Dublin, I saw a people friendly, diverse and interested. This was not my first Road Scholar trip and it hopefully will not be my last.
Gwen
— Review left September 18, 2019
Ireland was much different from my expectations. The Irish people are so open and friendly. I learned so much from our guide, 'young Brian Mc
Carthy' as the presenters called him. The food was excellent and abundant. There were some similarities in economic problems between Ireland and Michigan. Michigan could do so much more with its tourist industry to emulate Ireland.
— Review left August 21, 2019
When I am looking at your on-line catalog and choose a trip that I want to read about when I go back I have to start at the beginning of the list again which is frustrating.
— Review left June 8, 2019
Ireland is a welcoming place, and this trip explored the countryside as well as the cities. It was relaxing, and I didn't want to leave to come home.
— Review left June 3, 2019
Great program, great fellow travelers, great weather---what is not to like?
— Review left May 31, 2019
We experienced the tour, Enchanting Ireland: Town and Country on May 17-27, 2019. The tour greatly exceeded our every expectation! The comfort level, activities, accommodations, food and staff were exceptional! The program description was fine but did not do the entirely positive experience justice! The trip was amazing and the tour guide, Cora, a rare jewel!
— Review left May 28, 2019
Road Scholar Fulfilled every desire I had concerning my trip to Ireland. I was afraid when I first made the reservations because I had discovered Road Scholar via an add on Facebook and did not know how legitimate they were. I worried until the day we left, concerned with the type of experience I would receive. I was blown away with how accurate the description fit the adventure. I will use Road Scholar on all my adventures in the future. It was delightful not having to make my own reservations, look up activities, worry about car rental, etc. Road Scholar did it all and did it so much better than I could.
— Review left May 28, 2019