8-Day Ireland Vacation

This vacation sets you up with a rental car, so you can cruise Ireland’s rolling green countryside. Along the way, you’ll stop in four cities—Kilkenny, Killarney, Galway, and Dublin—to explore medieval castles or sip a frothy pint of Guinness at a local pub. This vacation includes:

• Round-trip airfare to Dublin from JFK, BOS, ORD, SFO, or LAX
• 1 night’s accommodations at the Aspect Hotel in Kilkenny
• 2 nights’ accommodations at the International Hotel in Killarney
• 2 nights’ accommodations at the Salthill Hotel in Galway
• 1 night’s accommodations at the Citywest Hotel or Academy Plaze in Dublin, depending on availability.
• Manual-shift economy-car rental for the duration of the trip
  

Kilkenny

After touching down in Dublin, you’ll spend 1 night in Kilkenny, a hilly city along River Nore that’s dotted with medieval cathedrals, abbeys, and castles. As you stroll the streets of downtown Kilkenny, the sounds of traditional Celtic fiddles and pennywhistles invite you to pull up wooden bar stools at pubs that date back several centuries.

• Kilkenny Castle: Located on the banks of the River Nore, the 13th-century stone castle features stained-glass windows and carved stone tombstones.
• A bird’s-eye view: Climb to the top of the Round Tower at St. Canice’s Cathedral for great views of the city. The tower is the oldest standing structure in Kilkenny.

Killarney

Driving time from Kilkenny to Killarney: about 2.5 hours

Cruise southwest to Killarney, which lies on the northern border of Killarney National Park, a 25,000-acre park that features sparkling lakes and lofty mountain peaks sheltering a wealth of castle ruins. One, Ross Castle, is a 15th-century lakeside fort that was built by an O’Donoghue chieftain. Legend has it that O’Donoghue’s ghost still lives in the lake and circles it on a white horse every seven years. All who witness his ride are believed to have good fortune from that day forward.

• St. Mary’s Cathedral was built in the late 19th century and represents the era’s neo-Gothic architecture. Its stark gray-stone façade belies an elegant interior with a narrow nave girded by intricate arches and chandeliers.
• Killarney National Park: Mist veils the mountains of this 26,000-acre park, where you can hike past waterfalls that cascade down deep green mountainsides. Ride in a horse-drawn carriage to tour the grounds at the Muckross House and Gardens.

Galway

Driving time from Killarney to Galway: about 2.75 hours

It’s not uncommon to hear people conversing in traditional Gaelic in Galway. Often called Ireland’s “most Irish city,” Galway is a haven of Celtic culture and literature. The city gets a lot of rain—about 15 days out of every month—but there are plenty of indoor activities to keep you occupied (and dry) during your 2 nights there.

• The Spanish Arch on River Corrib is a 16th-century remnant of Galway’s medieval city walls. Here you’ll find Galway City Museum—a collection of old farming equipment, centuries-old maps, and stone carvings that chronicle the city’s rich history.
• Fish and chips is pretty much the signature dish in Galway. Locals recommend McDonagh’s, where you can also nosh on haggis and chips or Galway Bay oysters in a nautical-themed dining room decked out with ships’ ropes and wheels.

Dublin

Driving time from Galway to Dublin: about 2.25 hours

You’ll wrap up your vacation amid kelly-green hills in Ireland’s capital city, Dublin, where the skyscrapers are outnumbered by Gothic castles and the nightclubs are eclipsed by pubs where Guinness flows like water. Walk the cobblestone streets of the Temple Bar district to check out some of the city’s more than 600 taverns.

• Dublin Castle: Tour this 13th-century Gothic castle to see former viceroys’ apartments, one of the city’s oldest medieval towers, and the remnants of a 1,000-year-old viking fortress.
• Kilmainham Gaol is the largest unoccupied prison in Europe, and it’s as haunting as it sounds. Several leaders of the Irish independence movement were executed here in 1916 following the Easter Rising. (The movement was ultimately successful.) Note: “gaol” is pronounced “jail.”
• Local lingo: Bathrooms can be a little confusing in Ireland. Men’s rooms are often labeled “fir,” whereas ladies’ rooms are designated by the word “mná,” which means “women.”

Frequently Asked Questions

1. From what airport does the deal depart? Departures from airports that are not included in the deal options may be available (and may cost more). Call Great Value Vacations at 1-800-495-4903 for pricing from any airport that isn’t listed on the Groupon Getaways deal page.

2. Can we extend our trip before or after the promotional dates for the deal? Yes, for an additional fee you can arrange for that over the phone when you redeem your vacation.

3. How do I find out if the dates I want to travel are available? After your purchase, call Great Value Vacations at (800) 495-4903 for the most up-to-date availability.

4. Does my child need a Groupon, and can they stay in my room? All travelers age 2 and over are required to purchase a Groupon. Different occupancy arrangements can be requested with Great Value Vacations at the time of reservation.

5. What happens if I buy the Groupon and my travel dates are not available? If Great Value Vacations is unable to book the stay you want during the available dates and before the book-by date, Groupon will refund your purchase.

6. Is the price advertised available on every date? Airfare subject to availability. Additional fees may apply for some departure dates. Contact Great Value Vacations for details.

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