Irish Discovery

Duration: 9 Days | Meals Included: 9 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners

 

Starr has partnered with Cosmos Vacations, a leader in the packaged travel industry. When you travel with Cosmos, you'll have the opportunity to experience the inside stories behind each destination. For 80 years, Cosmos has been a leader in escorted travel with inspirational Tour Directors who not only show you the sites, but take you deeper into each place you'll see. With Cosmos, you get little-known insights, engaging commentary, and unique cultural experiences.

 

Trip Highlights:

 

Dublin

Dublin, capital of the Republic of Ireland, is on Ireland’s east coast at the mouth of the River Liffey. Its historic buildings include Dublin Castle, dating to the 13th century, and imposing St Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in 1191. City parks include landscaped St Stephen’s Green and huge Phoenix Park, containing Dublin Zoo. The National Museum of Ireland explores Irish heritage and culture.

 

Dublin Orientation Drive

Enjoy an afternoon orientation drive through statue-lined O’Connell Street and elegant Georgian squares to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Trinity College.

 

Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher rise 120 meters (394 ft) above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag's Head and reach their maximum height of 214 meters (702 ft) just north of O'Brien's Tower, eight kilometres away. The cliffs boast one of Ireland's most spectacular views. On a clear day the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay, as are the valleys and hills of Connemara.

 

Belfast

Belfast is Northern Ireland’s capital. It was the birthplace of the RMS Titanic, which famously struck an iceberg and sunk in 1912. This legacy is recalled in the renovated dockyards' Titanic Quarter, which includes the Titanic Belfast, an aluminium-clad museum reminiscent of a ship’s hull, as well as shipbuilder Harland & Wolff’s Drawing Offices and the Titanic Slipways, which now host open-air concerts.

 

Killarney

Killarney is nestled between high hills and large lakes, it is located in the southern part of County Kerry. The landscape is nothing short of spectacular and comes with a stunning and scenic drive to the town. It is one of the most picturesque towns in country's beautiful South-West.

 

Giant's Causeway

In Northern Ireland, visit awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway, basalt columns formed millions of years ago by volcanic eruptions.  The awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

Ring of Kerry

Join the Ring of Kerry, a 100-mile drive with sparkling seascapes and mountains dotted with brightly painted farmhouses.The Ring of Kerry is the ring road that follows the coastal contours of Kerry's Iveragh Peninsula. The Ring of Kerry is one of Ireland's most famous circuits and a popular holiday route to drive. Much more than a simple driving route, the Ring of Kerry is an iconic destination wrapped in a stunning visual history, with diverse wildlife scattered across Ireland's lush green hill.

 

Galway

A popular seaside destination and a buzzing cosmopolitan district with vibrant shops, and a busy café and bar culture. It lies on the River Corrib between Lough Corrib and Galway Bay and is the sixth most populous city in the island of Ireland.

 

Adare

Founded in medieval times and known today as one of Ireland’s friendliest and prettiest villages. Adare is set in a picturesque location on the banks of the River Maigue, a tributary of the River Shannon. It is designated as a Heritage Town and has won many prestigious Tidy Town Awards.

 

Dingle Peninsula

On the amazingly green Dingle Peninsula—perched on Ireland’s westernmost tip and dominated by the range of mountains—enjoy one of Europe’s most dramatic drives passing seaside villages, ancient monuments, and views of the Blasket Islands.

 

Blasket Islands

See the Blasket Islands and hear about the way of life and unique literary achievements of its inhabitants prior to their evacuation in 1953.

 

Blarney

Famous for its Stone of Eloquence, with time at your leisure to see the Blarney castle and shop for Irish crafts and handmade crystal.

 

Boyne Valley

Located in County Meath and South Louth, the Boyne Valley is the "birthplace of Ireland's Ancient East," featuring UNESCO World Heritage Neolithic passage tombs, including Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth, which are older than the Egyptian pyramids. Just over an hour from Dublin, it is a hub for Irish history, myth, and culture.

 

Drogheda

Scene of the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, take in the fertile landscape of the Boyne Valley, known for its prehistoric passage graves.

 

Donegal

The ancient town founded by Danish Vikings and home of the O’Donnell Clan. Drive along Donegal Bay with its small fishing ports and hidden beaches.

 

Downpatrick

Drive past the Mountains of Mourne to Downpatrick, the burial place of Patrick, Ireland’s Patron Saint

 

Kilkenny

Visit Kilkenny, famous for its medieval architecture and Norman castle. In Northern Ireland, visit Derry, one of Ireland’s best-preserved fortified cities.

 

Waterford

Enjoy a guided tour of the House of Waterford Crystal, where you’ll see the highly skilled artisans at work in the production of this famous crystal.

 

Need to Know:

• This is a trip for those who are physically fit and in good health. This trip is not recommended for those requiring a walker, wheelchair, scooter, or need walking assistance. Sightseeing locations and activities may require long periods of walking, standing or sitting. Some locations may involve climbing stairs, have uneven or unpaved ground, have cobblestone streets, or located at higher altitudes. You may need to manage your own luggage if luggage handling is not available. Cosmos/Starr is not responsible for any missed activities due to a participant's inability to participate with the group.

• Adapters and Converters in Europe: Please remember to bring a European adapter for your electronic devices. In Europe, the standard voltage is 230 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz, with power plugs and sockets of type G. Since the plug shape used in Europe is different from most other regions, your standard plugs won’t fit directly into European wall sockets, so you’ll need a special adapter to bridge the gap.

• Includes deluxe round-trip motorcoach transportation from one or more of our departure locations to the airport.

• Services of a Tour Director will begin upon arrival in Dublin.

• Price includes round-trip airfare between Philadelphia or Newark Airport and Dublin.

• Transfers between airport and hotel are included.

• There are no skycaps in Europe and hotels do not always offer luggage handling. DO NOT BRING an extra large/heavy suitcase.

 

Proof of Citizenship Requirement: PASSPORT

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the period of your stay.

 

Tour: September 29, 2027

Deposit/Final Payment: Deposit is $300 per person. Final payment is due by 5/28/2027

Cancellation Policy: If cancellation occurs from booking date to 3/24/27, a $25.00* per person penalty will be assessed. If cancellation occurs between 3/25/27 and 5/28/27 a $300.00* per person penalty will be assessed. If cancellation occurs between 5/29/27 and 6/21/27, a $1,800.00* per person penalty will be assessed. If cancellation occurs between 6/22/27 and 9/29/27, the passenger is in full penalty and no refund will be granted.

*In addition to the cancellation policies listed above, if additional payments have been made to Starr for the purpose of securing your airline reservation, these monies are non-refundable once received. Any name changes after final payment is made will be assessed a per person change fee. The amount of the fee will be determined by the airline.

 

Flight Schedule:

Departure: September 29, 2027

TDB *Flights are subject to change

Return: October 8, 2027

TBD *Flights are Subject to change

 

Important Flight Information:

• Each traveler is permitted one piece of checked baggage.

• Airfare is purchased as a group. While we are happy to pass along any seating requests made at the time of booking, seat assignments are controlled by the airline and cannot be guaranteed. Your final seat assignments will be included with your trip documents, which are sent approximately two weeks prior to departure.

 

Travel Insurance:

Travel Insurance provides protection for your travel investment and it should always be considered. We recommend The National Tour Association's (NTA) Travel Protection Plan administered by Aon Affinity. You can purchase the enhanced plan within 14 days of deposit to cover preexisting conditions or 'cancel for any reason' coverage.

• For more information, click here.

• For frequently asked questions, click here.

• To purchase: Call 800-388-1470 or click here.

• Starr's Tour Operator location # for AON is 306035.

 

Gratuities:

Gratuities to individuals noted below are not included in the price of your tour package. Customary recognized guidelines are as follows:

• Motorcoach Driver: $4-$6 per tour guest, per day

• Tour Director: $4-$6 per tour guest, per day

 

Accessibility:

• The Americans with Disabilities Act is only applicable within the United States and facilities for disabled individuals are limited outside its borders. Most transportation services, including the touring motorcoaches and cruise ships, are not equipped with wheelchair ramps. Motorized scooters are not suitable on international tours.

• Starr has a select quantity of wheelchair accessible motorcoaches available; therefore, we suggest you contact a Travel Advisor to discuss any needs you may have before reserving your trip.

Day 1:

Overnight transatlantic flight.

 

Day 2:

The Bonnington Hotel (Dublin)

 

Day 3:

Leonardo Hotel (Belfast)

 

Day 4:

Southern Hotel (Sligo)

 

Day 5:

Greenhills Hotel (Limerick)

 

Day 6 & 7:

The Parkavon Hotel (Killarney-Kerry)

 

Day 8:

The Majestic Hotel (Tramore-Waterford)

 

Day 9:

The Bonnington Hotel (Dublin)

 

Note: Hotels are subject to change and are assigned approximately 30 days prior to departure.

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