Explore the Emerald Isle

Drive yourself through the rolling green hills of Ireland on this 8-day adventure from Great Value Vacations. You’ll start in the medieval town of Kilkenny before spending a couple of nights amid the woodlands and mountains of Killarney. Then head to Limerick, the city made famous by writer Frank McCourt, before ending your journey in Dublin. This vacation includes:

• Round-trip airfare from New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), or San Francisco (SFO)
• 1 night of standard accommodations at Aspect Hotel Kilkenny in Kilkenny
• 2 nights of standard accommodations at Scotts Hotel Killarney or International Hotel, Killarney in Killarney
• 2 nights of standard accommodations at Limerick City Hotel in Limerick
• 1 night of standard accommodations at Citywest Hotel in Dublin
• 6-night car rental. Manual 3-Door Economy size car rental – automatic available for upgrade. Rental company through Dan Dooley.
• Click here to see specific date availability

Kilkenny

Kilkenny, a hilly city along the River Nore, is dotted with medieval cathedrals, abbeys, and castles. As you stroll the streets, the sounds of traditional Celtic fiddles and pennywhistles invite you to pull up a barstool at one of the city’s pubs, which date back several centuries.

• St. Canice’s Cathedral: The second-largest cathedral in Ireland, its long history spans all the way back to the 6th century.
• Kilkenny Castle: Take a self-guided tour of one of Ireland’s most visited sites, admiring the family portraits before stopping at the tea room on your way out.
• Rothe House and Garden: This former home of a Tudor merchant is best known for its walled garden, which is carefully split into sections for fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

Killarney

Killarney is an idyllic village on the shores of Lake Leane in southwestern Ireland. Its streets are lined with thatched cottages and pubs that often host live Irish music. Just outside the city lies the Ring of Kerry, a two-lane roadway that wends more than 100 miles along the craggy coast, passing scenic overlooks and beaches along the way.

• Muckross House: This Victorian mansion still displays 70 percent of its original contents, including silverware and china specially designed for Queen Victoria’s 1861 visit.
• Killarney National Park covers 25,000 acres of woodlands, lakes, and the peaks of the McGillycuddy’s Reeks—the tallest mountains in the country.

Limerick

Limerick’s gritty history was immortalized in Frank McCourt’s memoir Angela’s Ashes. The city has improved greatly since McCourt’s childhood there in the 1930s and ‘40s, but it still holds closely to its salt-of-the-earth reputation. Locals still attend Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral, just as they have since the 12th century. And you can explore medieval relics that remain intact at the 13th-century King John’s Castle.

• Hunt Museum: Amid Bronze and Iron Age relics, you’ll find a silver coin that’s said to have been paid to Judas for his betrayal of Jesus.
• See excavated Viking sites alongside re-creations of medieval weapons at King John’s Castle.
• People’s Park: This lovely green space sits in Pery Square, the heart of Georgian Limerick.

Dublin

In Dublin, Ireland’s capital city, skyscrapers are outnumbered by Gothic castles and 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.

• Kilmainham Gaol: This former political prison operated by the British is now a museum celebrating Irish resilience and defiance.
• Literary walking tours: Bookworms will want to join one of these entertaining guided tours to see the haunts of Dublin’s many literary greats, including James Joyce, W. B. Yeats, and Oscar Wilde.
• 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much would it cost to fly from an airport not listed as part of this deal? Visit landing page for current pricing from the gateway of your choice. Or call Great Value Vacations at (800) 495-4903 for assistance.

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, visit landing page for the most up-to date availability. Use interactive calendar to select a departure date. Or call Great Value Vacations at (800) 495-4903 for assistance.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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.

7. Can I purchase this deal without airfare? No. This deal is air inclusive and this package cannot be booked without airfare.

Love to travel? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for travel tips, inspiration, and photos from around the world.