Apr 24 - May 4, 2025
Starting at
4,299
Ireland
Ireland at a Slower Pace: Countryside & Culture, Galway to Dublin
Program No. 22586RJ
Experience Ireland’s cities, villages, farms and nature, and interact with her people as you journey at a leisurely pace from the rural West through County Kerry and on to Dublin.
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800-454-5768
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DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
May 8 - May 18, 2025
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4,299May 15 - May 25, 2025
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4,299Jun 5 - Jun 15, 2025
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4,299Sep 18 - Sep 28, 2025
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4,299Sep 25 - Oct 5, 2025
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4,299DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Apr 24 - May 4, 2025
Starting at
5,019May 8 - May 18, 2025
Starting at
5,019May 15 - May 25, 2025
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5,019Jun 5 - Jun 15, 2025
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5,019Sep 25 - Oct 5, 2025
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5,019Jun 18 - Jun 28, 2026
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11 days
10 nights
22 meals
9B 6L 7D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
3
Galway, Coole Park
Ennis
7
Kinsale Food Trail, Free Time
Kinsale
11
Program Concludes
In Flight
At a Glance
Experience Ireland’s cities, villages, farms and natural environments and interact with her people as you journey from the rural West through County Kerry and on to Dublin. Friendly locals accompany your discovery, moving at a relaxed pace that allows for thorough exploration of the Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Bunratty Castle and more, as well as for conversation in cozy pubs where lively traditional music is played.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Participants must be able to handle their own luggage, climb a few stairs, stand for up to an hour, get on and off a motorcoach easily and walk a few blocks indoors and out at one time, up to 2-3 miles over the course of a day with breaks and slower pace.
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…
- Learn about the natural forces behind the legendary beauty of Ireland’s wild spaces on expert-led discoveries of the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren and County Kerry.
- Discover traditional Irish food on a local food trail.
- Join locals to take part in customary Irish pastimes, including the country’s vibrant music and dance traditions.
General Notes
You may be interested in a more active version of this program, "Enchanting Ireland: Town and Country" (#21258).
Suggested Reading List
(15 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 at a Slower Pace: Countryside & Culture, Galway to Dublin
Program Number: 22586
A Concise History of Ireland
7 Days in Dublin: Everything to See and Do
For the Love of Ireland: A Literary Companion
A rich anthology of writing about Ireland by such Irish luminaries as James Joyce, William Butler Yeats, Seamus Heaney, William, Trevor, Frank McCourt, Edna O'Brien, and Samuel Beckett. The well-chosen excerpts, organized by province, evoke in wonderful literary detail the geography of Ireland. Highly recommended for any traveler, the anthology is also a fine introduction to Irish literature.
See Dublin on foot, an architectural walking guide
Ireland, a Bicycle and a Tin Whistle
EXploring Rural Ireland
Luck and the Irish: A Brief History of Change, 1970-2000
From 1970, things were changing in Ireland; the Celtic Tiger had finally woken, and the rules for everything from gender roles and religion to international relations were being entirely rewritten. Luck and the Irish examines how the country has weathered these last thirty years of change, and what these changes may mean in the long run. R. F. Foster also looks at how characters as diverse as Gerry Adams, Mary Robinson, Charles Haughey and Bob Geldof have contributed to Ireland's altered psyche, and uncovers some of the scandals, corruption and marketing masterminds that have transformed Ireland and its luck.
The Secrets of Ireland
A breathtaking land of wildly varied landscapes, Ireland is shown here in all its awe-inspiring glory. From familiar tourist spots to seldom-seen vistas, this stunning new illustrated book captures the country as you've never seen it before. It covers the whole of the Emerald Isle from Ulster North to Munster South, from Giant's Causeway to the Cliffs of Moher.
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.
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 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.
After the Famine: Irish Agriculture 1850-1914
After the Famine examines the recovery in Irish agriculture in the wake of the disastrous potato famine of the 1840s, and presents an annual agricultural output series for Ireland from 1850 to 1914. Michael Turner’s detailed study is in three parts: he analyses the changing structure of agriculture in terms of land use and peasant occupancy; he presents estimates of the annual value of Irish output between 1850 and 1914; and he assesses Irish agricultural performance in terms of several measures of productivity. These analyses are placed in the context of British and European agricultural development, and suggest that, contrary to prevailing orthodoxies, landlords rather than tenants were the main beneficiaries in the period leading up to the land reforms. After the Famine is an important contribution to an extremely controversial area of Irish social and economic history.
Walking Dublin
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.
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
11 days
10 nights
What's Included
22 meals (
9B, 6L, 7D
)
14 expert-led field trips
3 performances
An experienced Group Leader
9 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive Shannon, To County Clare, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Ennis
Meals:
L,D
Stay:
Old Ground Hotel
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.
Lunch:
At the hotel, we’ll have a plated lunch with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
After checking in at the hotel and getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before Orientation. Orientation: 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. This program is staffed with a Group Leader who will accompany us throughout the program and deal with logistics, deliver informal talks, conduct some field trips, and serve as an information resource on program-related topics. At various points during the program, we will be joined by local experts, who will lecture and conduct field trips. 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:
In the hotel dining room, we will have a 3-course plated and served meal including coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
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
Galway, Coole Park
Location:
Ennis
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Old Ground Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 90 miles, approximately 3 hours. Walking about 3 miles, periods of standing; paved streets, some cobbled areas, gravel and grass paths, some uneven terrain at Thoor Ballylee.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room, the full Irish breakfast buffet offers choices such as eggs, bacon, sausages, tomato, potatoes, cereals, fruit, toast, pastries and jams, plus juices, coffee, tea, water.
Morning:
We’ll board the motorcoach for a field trip to the port city of Galway, the cradle of Gaelic culture in the West. Galway is often referred to as the “city of tribes,” as it was once home to 14 famous merchant families. Enjoying an expert-led walk around the city with a local historian, we’ll conclude at the Galway City Museum for some time to explore independently. Should you wish to explore the museum, entrance is free of charge and it houses a variety of permanent and temporary exhibitions dealing with archaeology, local history, arts, and crafts.
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. Galway has many bars, restaurants, and cafés to suit all tastes.
Afternoon:
We’ll board the motorcoach for a field trip of Coole Park. In the company of a local expert enjoy a guided walk around Coole Park, it was once the home of Lady Augusta Gregory, dramatist, folklorist and co-founder of the Abbey Theatre with Edward Martyn of Tullira Castle and Nobel prize-winning poet William Butler Yeats. Coole Park, in the early 20th century, was the centre of the Irish Literary Revival. Coole Park together with the adjoining Garryland, is also a Nature Reserve of breeding Deer at Coole Park and Gardens, Gort, Co. Galway, Ireland approximately 405 hectares.
Dinner:
Hotel plated meal.
Evening:
We’ll be joined at the hotel by members of a local family of musicians, who will regale us with a performance of traditional Irish music. Ennis is widely considered one of the most important heartlands of Irish folk music and as we enjoy informal conversation with the performers, we’ll gain an understanding of the importance of music to community life.
Day
4
The Burren, The Cliffs of Moher
Location:
Ennis
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Old Ground Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 65 miles, approximately 3 hours. Walking about 2.5 miles, periods of standing; tarmac and gravel paths, grassy areas, natural limestone pavement; uneven terrain at the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
Today we will take field trips to two of Ireland’s most incredible natural phenomena. We will begin by traveling by motorcoach to the Burren, where we’ll meet a local expert who 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. We will take a gentle hike on this rugged terrain, which together with the Cliffs of Moher forms a UNESCO Global Geopark.
Lunch:
At a traditional pub in the village of Kilfenora, we’ll have a 2-course plated and served meal with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
Our next field trip will take us to the spectacular and world-famous Cliffs of Moher, a few miles along the coast from Lahinch. 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 will then return by motorcoach to the hotel.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
5
To Kinsale, Bunratty Castle & Bunratty Folk Park
Location:
Kinsale
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
The Trident Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 105 miles, approximately 3.5 hours. Walking about 2.5 miles, periods of standing; varied terrain including paved streets, grass with uneven rocky areas, gravel paths, wooden boardwalks; steps to some areas at Blarney Castle, including stone spiral staircases.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we will board a motorcoach to begin our transfer to the historic fishing town of Kinsale. En route, we'll stop for a field trip to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park in County Clare, now a designated National Monument and the most complete and authentically restored castle in Ireland. Originally built in 1425, Bunratty Castle was restored in the 1950s to reflect how it would have looked in the 15th and 16th centuries, now complete with period furnishings. We'll have some time for self-directed exploration to see what interests each of us most and look through the window to the past in Bunratty Folk Park, a “living history” village vividly recreated through actors, volunteers, and painstaking attention to detail. Its buildings and streets represent what would have been seen in the 19th century. We'll meet costumed “villagers” who will be happy to answer questions and discuss their ways of life.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will continue our journey with a stop at Blarney Castle, home of the famous Blarney Stone. Tradition dictates that the gift of eloquence is conferred on all those who kiss the stone! Our Group Leader will introduce the castle’s 800-year history en route and, once we arrive, we’ll have some time to explore the castle and grounds independently. We’ll then continue by motorcoach to Kinsale to check into the hotel before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel we’ll have a 3-course plated and served meal with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
County Kerry, Kenmare, Killarney
Location:
Kinsale
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
The Trident Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 160 miles, approximately 5.5 hours. Walking about 2.5 miles, periods of standing; varied terrain including paved streets, gravel paths, uneven grassy areas; steps to some areas at Muckross House. Some morning activities in Kenmare are weather dependent.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We will take a leisurely field trip by motorcoach to explore the picturesque borders of County Kerry and County Cork, replete with natural beauty. Our Group Leader will discuss the area’s history en route. We’ll be able to see Molls Gap — a mountain pass with spectacular views of Ireland’s highest mountain range, MacGillycuddy’s Reeks — and Gougane Barra, a remote lakeside settlement named for St. Finbarr where we’ll have some time for independent exploration on foot. Local folklore holds that Finbarr founded a monastery on an island in the lake during the 6th century, and the 19th-century oratory that stands on the island is a destination for pilgrims today. After our time at Gougane Barra we’ll continue to the charming town of Kenmare — one of the most beautiful towns in Ireland.
Lunch:
At a local eatery in Kenmare, we’ll have a 2-course plated and served meal accompanied by a performance by a local storyteller, with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue by motorcoach to the bustling town of Killarney, where we’ll explore the town and have an expert introduction to its history and culture from our Group Leader. During our field trip, we will enjoy docent-led visit to Muckross House, the Victorian mansion at the heart of Killarney National Park spectacularly situated close to the eastern shore of Muckross Lake. Muckross House is home to a research library that aims to document the history, folk life, and culture of Kerry.
Dinner:
Hotel plated meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
7
Kinsale Food Trail, Free Time
Location:
Kinsale
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
The Trident Hotel
Activity Note
Walking about 1.5 miles during group activities; periods of standing. Paved streets, some narrow sidewalks. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We will set out on foot to explore Kinsale with a local expert. During our walk around town, we will meet with local farmers and artisan food producers who will talk about their work. The town is known as Ireland’s gourmet capital, and its many restaurants and cafes work hand in hand with innovative local producers. On the Food Trail, we will explore the types of food that made Ireland famous with the best local providers who will provide tastings as well as talks on methods and challenges.
Lunch:
As part of the food trail.
Afternoon:
Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most in Kinsale. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like. Perhaps take inspiration from the local foods you’ve seen!
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
8
To Dublin, Cobh & The Queenstown Story
Location:
Dublin.
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Grand Canal Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 215 miles; approximately 5 hours. Walking approximately 1.5 miles; periods of standing; paved streets, some cobbled areas, gravel paths.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We will check out of the hotel and board a motorcoach for the transfer to Dublin. En route, we will stop in the port town of Cobh for independent exploration at Cobh Heritage Centre’s Queenstown Story exhibition. In this tremendous, interactive experience, we will retrace the steps of 2.5 million adults and children who emigrated from Ireland on coffin ships, early steamers, and finally on the great liners. After our field trip we’ll continue by motorcoach to Kilkenny, where we’ll stop for lunch.
Lunch:
We’ll have vouchers allowing us to choose food and drinks from a range of eateries in Kilkenny.
Afternoon:
We will continue our transfer to Dublin, and check in to our hotel with time to freshen up before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel, we’ll have a 3-course plated and served meal with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
9
Christ Church Cathedral, National Museum, Free Time
Location:
Dublin.
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Grand Canal Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 3 miles; approximately 1/2 hour. Walking about 2.5 miles during group activities; periods of standing; paved streets, some cobbled areas, gravel paths. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
With our Group Leader and a local expert, we’ll begin to explore Dublin on a motorcoach journey around the center of this fascinating city as we learn of its long, storied history including cultural and architectural highlights. We’ll end at the ecclesiastical center of Dublin, Christ Church Cathedral. A place of worship for more than 1,000 years, we will see the cathedral’s awe-inspiring interior and fascinating medieval crypt during an exploration led by our Group Leader. Our next field trip will take us to the National Museum of Ireland, which hosts a collection of four million objects from all over the world – with a specific focus on the history of Ireland. Our Group Leader will provide an introduction, followed by time for independent exploration.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
Free Time. Take this opportunity to see and do what interests you most.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
10
Trinity College, The Book of Kells, National Gallery
Location:
Dublin.
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Grand Canal Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 3 miles; approximately 1/2 hour. Walking approximately 3 miles; periods of standing; paved streets, some cobbled areas, gravel paths.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We’ll board a motorcoach and ride to Trinity College, sometimes referred to as the University of Dublin, which dates back to 1592 and is one of the seven ancient universities of Britain and Ireland. While here, we will learn in detail about the history and art of this monumental institution as we are led through its beautiful grounds by a student of the university. It is also home to the Book of Kells, one of the finest examples of illuminated manuscript in the world. The artistry and attention to detail in its spellbinding calligraphy and illuminations truly is a sight to behold. The book, dating back to 800 C.E., is considered Ireland’s finest national treasure. We’ll have some time to explore the Book of Kells exhibition independently at the end of our field trip.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
We will meet near Trinity College after lunch and walk to the nearby National Gallery. The National Gallery is Ireland’s premier gallery, with a spellbinding collection of European masterpieces as well as the world’s largest collection of Irish art. During our docent-led visit, we’ll see paintings and drawings by Brueghel, Rubens, Caravaggio and Gainsborough together with modern-day portraiture.
Dinner:
At the hotel, we’ll have a 3-course plated and served meal featuring traditional Irish food, with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase. We’ll spend our last evening enjoying a traditional Irish performance as we bid farewell to Ireland and our newfound friends.
Evening:
At leisure. Bid farewells and prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
11
Program Concludes
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. See your program’s “Transportation Information” regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. Some participants may depart prior to breakfast, whereupon a boxed breakfast will be provided. 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. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
22 Meals
9 Breakfasts
6 Lunches
7 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
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Participant Reviews
Based on 36 Reviews
Sort By:
I loved this RS tour -- and I never thought I'd ever go on a tour! If I travel abroad again, I'll definitely look for a RS Tour.
— Review left October 26, 2024
Ireland at a slower place was just what I needed to experience the culture of Ireland.
— Review left October 21, 2024
Ireland at a Slower pace was a wonderful experience. The tour leaders were very knowledgeable and approachable. They were responsible for making this truly memorable. We also met many other participants who added to the overall adventure.
— Review left October 18, 2024
Ireland at a Slower Pace was good for me. I can't move very fast any more, and there were folks both slower and faster-moving than I. The countryside is beautiful, and the local experts were wonderful! The people who go on these tours know to just be patient with everything. It was nice how everyone adapted and took everything that came at us. I definitely made friends on this trip!
— Review left October 1, 2024
Ireland at a Slower Pace was perfect for me, age 77. It was well planned and rewarding from start to finish. Plenty of walking without being overwhelming.
— Review left August 28, 2024
This was a great program, showing a variety of life in Ireland, with just the right amount of physical activity. The accommodations and food were great and I thoroughly enjoyed the leadership of the Group Leader.
— Review left June 28, 2024
If you are looking for a taste of the diversity, beauty, and uniqness that is Ireland this is the program for you. At your own pace was truly emphasized throughout the schedule and each day and place added many photos in our memory book.
— Review left June 19, 2024
If an Ireland visit is on your "bucket list" and you need to monitor your physical ability to go on such a trip, this is the trip for you. It pushed my partner and me beyond our "normal" activity but not beyond our capacity to "go the distance". The program schedule included "full" days (both on and off the touring bus) and "easier" days of travel, local interests and free time.
— Review left June 16, 2024
This was a perfect program for all abilities levels. The choice of the cities were varied and interesting. The program leader, Stephen Roche, was excellent! I enjoyed all of it. It was definitely worth doing!
— Review left May 29, 2024
Ireland - at your own pace was a wonderful experience. I am currently planning my next Road Scholar trip for yet this year.
— Review left May 27, 2024
My primary reminisces are of stones: low stone walls for boundaries, high stone walls around older parts of cities & towns for fortification, Stone castles made from 1100ad on that must have been so difficult to build by getting stone up so high, stone houses, and also the cobblestones that one had to walk upon so very carefully in order not to fall.
Also, I think all Irish are extraverts; when they first meet you it is as if they had known you for 20 years.
— Review left May 15, 2024
We had a great leader, Frank Mulcahy, and a great group. Imagine every morning everyone showed up on time raring to go! Great care was taken to help those needing assistance. The history and stories recounted during this trip will stay with me for a long time
— Review left May 15, 2024
One of the best trips we've taken. We had a great group leader who took the time to get to know all the members of our group and gave personal attention to us all.
— Review left October 16, 2023
Had a great time on this trip. Couldn't have asked for a better guide. Learned much more about Irish history than I previously was aware of. This is a very welcoming country.
— Review left October 16, 2023
A Wonderful Tour Of Ireland, And Great Bucket List Experience
— Review left July 8, 2023
Road Scholars provides the most comprehensive trip planning and guide expertise! All participants were friends by the end of the trip. I would consider RS for any trip world wide!
— Review left June 15, 2023
A wonderful way to see quite a bit of the Republic of Ireland while having a bit of fun as well.
— Review left June 7, 2023
So glad to have visited Ireland with Road Scholar! After the pandemic it was a great way to begin traveling again. The program in Ireland was a good balance of new experiences and the welcome feeling of being taken care of.
— Review left May 27, 2023
If you are expecting a traditional road scholar trip, this is NOT for you. There was no educational content presented but a tour partnered with EIL. (EIL is an external tour organization). The quality of the accommodation and transit within Ireland is not up to the expected standards. There we’re actually some safety issues with this trip and would not recommend this one at all!
— Review left May 22, 2023
My fourth Road Scholar trip and it did not disappoint. Group leader was informed, friendly and added to the experience. Small group was a plus. We all got to know each other on a first name basis. Very homogeneous group. Will do another Road Scholar trip again.
— Review left May 3, 2023
We just completed this all-round great Ireland Program! The experience there was definitely beyond my expectations, due largely to the very nice accommodations, meals, and our tour-guide, Frank.
— Review left May 1, 2023
We just completed the Ireland At A Slower Pace trip and thoroughly enjoyed it. Our group leader Frank was excellent and the guest guides that provided local expertise were outstanding. We particularly enjoyed the private music performance in Ennis by a local family of musicians. Additionally, we enjoyed the poetry, songs and storytelling by Gabriel Fitzmaurice in Kenmare. The hotel accommodations were good with Ennis providing the best hotel dining. All hotels were well located. The one disappointment was the long day 6 on the bus riding for 5-6 hours. The places visited were wonderful but it too long a bus ride. Also Covid is still a problem. Five people in our group came down with it. That’s almost 25% of the group. It’s not Road Scholar’s fault. They did I what they could to be proactive but the travel involves being around people and Covid is still out there. Overall a wonderful trip and we look forward to going back to Ireland.
— Review left May 1, 2023
Ireland at a slower space is just that. You are not rushed or asked to walk miles beyond your ability. This allows you to enjoy the Irish landscapes, places, and people, and fun and friendship with other group members. I especially enjoyed the musicians, storyteller, and dancers who shared their gifts with us.
— Review left October 26, 2022
Our guide Jim Ward started at a disadvantage: nearly everyone on the trip had had a bad experience with the Road Scholar "backroom" during the signup process. Questions about the trip had gone unanswered or were answered incorrectly. Fortunately, it was an exceedingly mellow group and we were content once things started going. Jim quickly overcame bad feelings. His mix of humor, geography, sports, history, literature and general 'culture' comments had us all in a good mood.
There was some restlessness on the long bus rides through the countryside (along with some napping) but Jim pointed out that this wandering was part of the package. You know your are in Cork because the hedge rows aren't made of stone.
There were a few times on the trip when the logistics interfered with the experience. For example, our long stay at Bunratty short changed our visit at Blarney. This 'shorting the time at the last stop' happened a few more times. Not sure what can be done to improve, but maybe have a look at it.
Overall, the accommodations were good. One complaint: the dinner venue in Kinsale was too noisy - you could not hear yourself think.
The entertainment at Ennis and Dublin was top notch.
The bus drivers were great with particular kudos to Marshall who executed a 3-point turn at the beginning of Dublin rush hour.
All of the guides on the trip were top notch.
It was a good intro trip. Next time, we'll hit more towns.
BTW Guinness does taste better in Ireland.
— Review left October 24, 2022
The trip was amazing. The scenery was beautiful. The group was friendly and inclusive with those of us traveling solo. Our group leader was very knowledgeable about the areas we visited and made the trip even more enjoyable.
— Review left October 19, 2022
This program was an excellent blend of rural and city experience. Visiting a variety of locations, outdoor and indoor, made this trip interesting and exciting. The inclusion of cultural activities added a deeper understanding of Ireland and the people.
— Review left October 18, 2022
Brendon was a great guide. He went above and beyond the call of duty and even gave me a book for my birthday. He had a huge knowledge of Ireland and all the sites we toured. He was patient and kind to all on the tour.
My only small complaint is that we moved three times in nine days. We also spent a lot of time on the bus. This complaint is something I will be sure to look at when I choose another tour. Less moving and driving.
The hotels were very nice. The food was pretty good. My favorite stop was Kinsale and the food there was awesome.
I really loved Ireland. I would love to return sometime. After I got home I tested positive for Covid but I am much better now. I am glad I didn't get it on the tour. Even with that end to the tour I am very glad I went.
— Review left October 4, 2022
Delightful tour of Ireland. Galway, Cliffs of Moher, the Buren, Bunratty Castle, Cobb, Kinsale food walking tour, Killarney, Dublin and the book of Kells plus more. Really fun and informative 11 days.
— Review left October 2, 2022
This was an excellent trip. The tour leader was knowledgeable, very helpful, kind and a pleasure to be with. I enjoyed the places we visited and the people on our tour. And the food was excellent.
— Review left August 22, 2022
I admit upfront, that this was not the best trip for me, as I am interested in countryside, not culture, but I hoped that there would be enough of the first to make it worthwhile. Also, I am limited by my walking ability, so this was the only trip that fit.
All the Irish people were very nice, the country was beautiful, and the hotels were pretty nice. Some of the programs were informative.
BUT this trip was marred by the fact that the ordinary trip leader dropped out; he was replaced by a fellow with poor leadership abilities and little knowledge of the places we went (he had never even BEEN to most of them). Of the 13 Road Scholar trips we have been to, this was the worst, in that regard. Being "flexible" only goes so far.
Also, of the 16 participants, 6 tested positive for covid, and had to stay in Ireland. I heard grumbles that RS wasn't doing enough to help them. Thank goodness we were negative.
I imagine that, if having the regular group leader, this might have been a nice trip.
— Review left June 2, 2022
My daughter and I take Road scholar programs as a pair, but we live in different homes. We would both like to get the program info separately, but that doesn’t always happen
— Review left October 18, 2021
Excellent! A great guide who took fine care in every way.
Itinerary was long on bus rides some days.
— Review left November 17, 2019
I Will Be Doing Another RS Tour Next Summer!!! Way To Go Y'All!!!
— Review left July 7, 2019
This trip was a wonderful way to introduce an individual to beautiful Ireland. The group leader, local experts, food, accommodations, transportation, and site visits were exceptional. I had high expectations about the trip and those expectations were truly exceeded. Thank you for all the fantastic memories.
— Review left June 17, 2019
I had little to no trouble navigating the Road Scholar web site. Even my wife who hates computers and web sites could navigate it without too much grief.
— Review left June 11, 2019
"Ireland at a Slower Pace" was truly remarkable. I learned so much about Ireland and its history. Kinsale and the food tour, Cliffs of Mohre and the exhibition therin, Coole and Bunratty and The gardens at Blarney added so much to the experience. the Queentown Story exhibition is not to be missed.
The comraderie just happened spontaneously, a welcome feature.. . Made a couple of friends (Moi !)
And our leader was excellent, going above and beyond to help the participants.
- Just Go !
— Review left May 13, 2019
