irish rose travel

2024 Irish Rose

The Irish Rose offers a walk through history and the mists of time, as you experience the heart of Ireland, visiting the historic North, the wild West, and the colorful South of the country. Highlights include the interactive Titanic Experience, a stay at the Kilronan Castle Hotel, and visits to the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, the Blarney Stone, and the port town of Cobh (Queenstown). In between you'll discover the scenic Irish countryside that inspired poets, painters, and musicians, and enjoy excellent entertainment, cuisine, and camaraderie.

Departure Dates

Tour Highlights

Fifteen (15) meals with nine (9) breakfasts and six (6) dinners
Top sights with visits to Derry, Belfast, Donegal, Sligo, Roscommon, Killarney, and Dublin.
Includes a two (2) night deluxe castle stay*.

Irish Rose Tour Includes

Excellent hotels - nine (09) nights of first-class and superior first-class hotels throughout.
Full Irish breakfast daily, except day of arrival.
Six (6) hotel dinners.
Full sightseeing by deluxe touring motor coach.
Professional Irish driver/guide to escort you throughout.
Panoramic city tour of Belfast and Dublin.
Scenic drives of Donegal and the Ring of Kerry.
Visits to: Navan Fort, Giant's Causeway and Museum, Titanic Belfast, Glenveagh Castle and Gardens, Slieve League Cliffs with minibus transfers, Belleek Showroom, Arigna Mining Experience and the Cliffs of Moher.
Porterage of one (1) suitcase per person.
Rail service from Killarney to Dublin
Tips and taxes in Ireland. Gratuities to the driver/guide not included.
Celtic Tours flight bag and portfolio of travel documents.
May 04, June 15, Aug. 03 and 24 - overnights at Sligo Park Hotel in Sligo (and not in Ballybofey, Co. Donegal)
Oct. 26-Nov. 23 - overnight at the Kee's HOtel in Ballybofey (and not Jackson's Hotel)

Guaranteed Departures

YOUR ITINERARY:

Saturday (day 1) is the start date in Ireland. Note, with overnight flights, a FRIDAY flight would be needed, to meet the group on Day 01, Saturday at Dublin Airport.

Day 1, Saturday | Arrive Ireland! Dublin – Navan Centre & Fort - Derry

From Dublin Airport we travel (departure time approximately 9:45 am*) to Armagh and the Navan Centre & Fort , ancient seat of the Ulster kings, for a deep dive into Irish myth and legend. Here at one of Ireland’s most famous archaeological sites, you can walk in the footsteps of Iron Age warriors as 2,000 years of history comes to life. Then it’s on to the lively city of Derry, immortalized in Lisa McGee’s “Derry Girls.” Of course, there’s a great deal more to Derry than an award-winning Netflix show can convey, so after a warm welcome at our city center hotel we’ll relax before meeting our expert guide for a walking tour of this historic city. The evening is free, so dine on your own and enjoy the many pubs and entertainment venues on offer. Overnight in Derry. (*Flights arriving after transfer time will not be able to avail of the group transfer. In these instances, it is advised to book a pre-night stay so that you can avail of the group transfer.)

Day 2, Sunday | Derry - Titanic Museum

After breakfast, depart for the historic city of Belfast, the birthplace of C.S. Lewis and Kenneth Branagh, the site of Liam Neeson’s stage debut, and home to Ireland’s tallest building. After a panoramic tour (via the coach) of the city, we visit the astonishing multidimensional exhibit known as Titanic Belfast . However much (or little) you may know about the Titanic , this installation uses more than nine galleries to tell the story of the “unsinkable” ship that has captured imaginations for well over a century. Overnight in Derry. (B,D)

Day 3, Monday | Derry – Giants Causeway - Donegal**

Off to the Antrim Coast this morning to visit the Giant’s Causeway and Museum . These fantastic volcanic columns were formed from active lava more than 60 million years ago, and feature prominently in Irish fables and folklore. From here, we leave Northern Ireland and head to Donegal and our 4-star hotel in Ballybofey for a delightful dinner. Overnight in Donegal.** (B,D)

Day 4, Tuesday | Atlantic Coast - Glenveagh Castle - Glenties

Ireland’s wild side comes into focus once we reach the Atlantic Coast. Today we travel via Glenties, a small village where the best of Irish crafts are on display. We take the scenic route from Maas to Gweebarra Bay, to Dungloe and then onto Glenveagh for beautiful day out at Glenveagh Castle and Gardens in the National Park - the second-largest in Ireland . Return to our Donegal hotel for dinner. Overnight in Donegal**. (B,D) (**Select departures (May 4, Jun 15, Aug 03, and Aug 24) overnight in Sligo at the Sligo Park Hotel as an alternative to Donegal on these dates)

Day 5, Wednesday | Donegal** - Killybegs - Slieve League -Belleek - Sligo - Roscommon

The road leads south along Donegal Bay to Killybegs and the spectacular Slieve League Cliffs looking out over the Atlantic. Slieve League translates to “mountain of stone pillars,” and our minibus transfer allows up-close access to revel in their dramatic beauty and take in the scenic views of Malin Bay. Our tour continues with a visit the famed Belleek China showroom to see the iconic Irish pottery that’s been made here since 1884. Southwest to the long, sandy beaches of Rosses Point, overlooking Sligo Bay, and then to Kilronan Castle Hotel for a fabulous dinner and a stay fit for Celtic royalty. (Overnight in Roscommon.) (B,D) († Note, slight change to route when tour overnights in Sligo. )

Day 6, Thursday | Roscommon - Sligo - Roscommon

Enjoy a leisurely departure from Kilronan Castle Hotel and get ready to go “all in” at the Arigna Mining Experience in Roscommon, where we’ll tour the historic 400-year-old coal mine and the exquisite scenery that surrounds it, deep in Ireland’s hidden heartland. Stunning Lough Allen provides a backdrop as we head to Dromahair and the Lake Isle of Innisfree, the peaceful, dreamy retreat that inspired one of William Butler Yeats’ best-known poems. This is Yeats Country, and when we continue on to Sligo Town you’ll see the poet’s statue -- and you can visit the Yeats Library and Art Gallery or just enjoy Sligo’s street life. Then it’s back to our castle to relax before dinner. (Overnight in Roscommon.) (B,D

Day 7, Friday | Roscommon - Cliffs of Moher - Adare - Killarney

With a royal wave goodbye to Kilronan Castle we’re off to the iconic Cliffs of Moher , towering over the Clare Coast on the Wild Atlantic Way. The spectacular Burren views unfold as we head to Killarney, passing the seaside town of Lahinch with its broad golden strand, and beautiful Adare with its thatched-roof cottages. Killarney has long been celebrated as one of Ireland’s loveliest towns, and after dinner at our hotel this evening you’re free to explore its traditional music scene, visit its pubs, or attend a top-rated Irish Cabaret show, which can be pre-booked at the time of your reservation for $49 per person. Overnight in Killarney. (B,D)

Day 8, Saturday | Killarney - Ring of Kerry

From the lakes of Killarney to the Ring of Kerry - get ready to embark on a truly magical drive that starts in the town of Killorglin, gateway to Ireland’s Reeks Region and world-famous for its traditional Puck Fair. As we skirt the coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula, passing through the towns of Glenbeigh, Cahirciveen, Waterville, and Sneem, the scenery offers a spectacular panorama. Take in the mysterious lakes, hidden valleys, and majestic mountains that make the Ring of Kerry a must-see. With visions of its beauty still dancing in our imaginations, we’ll circle back to Killarney to venture out independently and enjoy the fine dining and nightlife there. Overnight in Killarney. (B)>

Day 9, Sunday | Independent Day in Dublin

Bid farewell to your driver and the group this morning and make your way independently from the Killarney hotel to the train station (approximately .3 miles). Morning departure via direct rail from Killarney to Dublin, arriving in approximately 2.5 hours. Make your way to your pre-booked hotel - if your room is not ready, the hotel will hold your bags, so you can explore Dublin independently, from lush Stephen’s Green to the hip Temple Bar district to the famous Ha’penny Bridge. Dine at one of the city’s gourmet restaurants or a historic pub and sample the world-famous nightlife. Overnight in Dublin. (B)

Day 10, Monday | Dublin - U.S.

Private transfer from your Dublin hotel to Dublin Airport for your return flight home. Transfer time will be based on your return flight time. Ample time for duty-free shopping at Dublin Airport for any last-minute gifts! Arrive home the same day. (B)

Rates & Hotels

Small Group Departures on select dates

Featured Hotels

Tour details, your land package begins: / your land package ends:.

(As most International flights are overnight flights - please book air accordingly)

Flight Details

Accommodation details.

Check In Date
Select Number of Rooms 1 2 3 4 5 6 Return Date

City Hotel Derry

Londonderry, Co. Derry -

The City Hotel is located on Queens Quay right in the heart of the city centre. [ more ]

Jacksons Hotel Ballybofey

Ballybofey, Co. Donegal -

A 4-star, family-run hotel located in Ballybofey on the scenic backdrop of the River Finn & Drumboe Woods. [ more ]

This historic hotel has been in our family since 1892, plenty of time to develop the tradition of hospitality and good service evident in every aspect of your visit to Donegal. [ more ]

Sligo Park Hotel

Sligo Town, Co. Sligo -

The 4-star Sligo Park Hotel offers the best of both worlds, whether it is for a leisure break, a conference or a special event in the contemporary ballroom, golfing, walking, surfing, culture, buzzing night life, its all on the doorstep of the 4-star Sligo Park Hotel. [ more ]

Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa

Ballyfarnon, Co. Roscommon -

One of Ireland’s most luxurious Castle Hotels in Roscommon Ireland, the ancestral home of the Tennison family and the legendary Colonel King Tennison. It is one of a few Irish castle estates that can trace its history back to royal families. [ more ]

Killarney Towers Hotel

Killarney, Co. Kerry -

Enjoying a dominant position on Killarney’s College Street, the Killarney Towers Hotel offers guests all the luxury... [ more ]

Camden Court Hotel

Dublin 2, Co. Dublin -

The Camden Court Hotel is located within a 5 minute walk to Grafton Street. [ more ]

Your tour land price is per person based on two (2) people sharing a twin or double room. When a single room is booked, a single supplement will apply. When a triple room is booked, a $25 per person discount will apply.

This tour does not include:

Items not noted on the itinerary.
Lunches and dinners (that are not indicated as included).
Tips to driver/guide.

Airfare is additional. Once you select your tour date, you will be given the opportunity to search our system for the best available airfare from your home city. The tour date shown above is the date one arrives in Ireland. All air should be booked one day prior to accommodate overnight flights to Ireland .

Our system will search for the best possible airfare during your booking process. Note: airfare cannot be booked sooner than eleven (11) month from date of departure. Airfare booked with Celtic Tours is instant purchase and nonrefundable. Please note, Celtic Tours will not be able to book airfare on tours that are not yet guaranteed. If requested (to ticket before a tour is guaranteed), Celtic Tours is not responsible if the tour does not indeed guarantee.

Departures & Transfers

Departure date is the date the tour starts in Ireland. One would depart from the US. one day prior to the date noted. The tour begins on Saturday.

Arrival transfers available from Dublin Airport at 9:45 am. (Flight should arrive on tour start date by 9:00 am to avail of this group transfer). Celtic Tours tracks flights booked with them to note delays and to ensure your transfer is not missed. If air is not booked with Celtic Tours, you must be available 30 minutes prior to departure from Dublin Airport. Flight information is required for all land only bookings in order to avail of our transfers. Transfer also available from Belfast International Airport up to 12:00 noon on tour start date. Tour ends for all passengers at 6:10 am at Dublin Airport.

Note on Hotels

Please note hotel changes on departures (noted under inclusions and on your invoice/quote when booked).

Destinations

Ireland Travel Restrictions - What you need to know

Posted by Rowan Sexton on 12th Aug 2021

If it isn't already, Ireland needs to be on your short list for future travels. The Irish people are some of the warmest and friendliest I have met in my entire life. The food, especially their Irish breakfast, is out of this world (there's more than just potatoes and whiskey there, although what's wrong with potatoes and whiskey??). And, from coast to country side, Ireland offers some of the best views the world has to offer.

Whether it's your first time, or one of many trips, traveling to Ireland is truly a magical experience, but there are a few things you need to know about travel restrictions due to COVID-19. In this article, I will break down the information you'll need to travel there depending on which country you're coming from, your COVID-19 vaccination status, and the nature of your stay.

(Please note that the following guides are for the Republic of Ireland. Northern Ireland follows a different protocol that will be outlined below.)

Visiting from North America

Whether you are vaccinated or not, you will need to fill out a form called a Passenger Locator Form . This form will be checked prior to your departure to Ireland by your airline. In this form you will indicate whether you are traveling with your:

Vaccination card
Medical proof of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 180 days
Evidence of a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of your arrival to Ireland.

Vaccinated folks traveling to Ireland from North America still have certain restrictions but the process is fairly straight forward, assuming you have valid proof of vaccination. Vaccinated folks are able to skip the mandatory 14 day quarantine and forego the post-arrival testing entirely. Before arriving to Ireland, you have to complete the abovementioned Passenger Locator Form that indicates you are traveling with your proof of vaccination. As soon as you enter the country you will be asked to show your proof of vaccination and, after that is verified, you are free to experience Ireland!

Unvaccinated folks have a few more hoops to jump through, but it is still possible to travel to Ireland! Instead of showing proof of vaccination, you'll have to follow all three requirements dictated by the Republic of Ireland's travel restrictions.

Provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test (specifically a RT-PCR test) taken within 72 hours prior to your arrival in Ireland. Important to note: this test has to be dated with 72 hours of your departing flight TO Ireland, so if you have any connecting flights make sure to take the test within 72 hours of the last leg of your trip.
Self-quarantine for 14 days. You will need to rent a hotel that allows for self quarantining and head straight there (no stops) from the airport after going through customs. You'll be responsible for your own food during those two weeks, I would suggest ordering groceries to save on take out costs!
Undergo post-arrival testing. This is provided by the Health Service Executive in Ireland.

Visiting from the EU

Traveling from the EU has less restrictions as those coming from North America, in that it is not required that you are vaccinated. Ireland has adopted the EU Digital COVID Certificate (DCC) for travel between EU countries which allows for those who have (a):

Those with one or more of the three items listed above will be granted access into Ireland, or any country participating in the DCC. You will still need to fill out a form called a Passenger Locator Form . This form will be checked prior to your departure to Ireland by your airline or ferry. In this form you will indicate which of the items listed above you own and intend to show for entry into Ireland.

Visiting from Great Britain

Vaccinated folks traveling to Ireland from Great Britain still have certain restrictions but the process is fairly straight forward, assuming you have valid proof of vaccination. VThose who have been vaccinated are able to skip the mandatory 14 day quarantine and forego the post-arrival testing entirely. Before arriving to Ireland, you have to complete the abovementioned Passenger Locator Form that indicates you are traveling with your proof of vaccination. As soon as you enter the country you will be asked to show your proof of vaccination and, after that is verified, you are free to experience Ireland!

Traveling to Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is operating a system of green, red and amber countries and the measures in place will depend on the countries you are travelling from or passing through. From 2 August 2021, if you’re coming to Northern Ireland from the United States you must follow the amber vaccinated arrivals policy . If you have been fully vaccinated in the US, you will need to take a day two test upon arrival; however, you will not have to quarantine or take a day eight test. You must be fully vaccinated, with a vaccine authorised by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the USA; and you must have had your final dose of the vaccine at least 14 days before you arrive in Northern Ireland. Visitors can present a CDC card as proof of vaccination. A requirement to prove residency, in addition to the CDC card, for US arrivals may be required.

You can find more details on the Northern Ireland Government website . If you’re concerned about how the situation will affect your travel plans, we recommend that you check with your airline, tour operator, cruise line or transport and accommodation providers. We suggest that tourism businesses on the island of Ireland looking for information about COVID-19 and its impact on travel go to the relevant sections on the websites of Fáilte Ireland and Tourism NI . Up-to-date information and guidance on COVID-19 in Northern Ireland can be found on the website of the official Public Health Agency Northern Ireland . Information and support in the Republic of Ireland can be found on the website of the Health Service Executive . For the latest travel advice, please visit the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade .

References:

Covid-19 (coronavirus) July 2021 Press Release . Welcome to Tourism Ireland - Tourism Ireland. (n.d.). https://www.tourismireland.com/Press-Releases/202...

EU digital COVID Certificate . European Commission - European Commission. (2021, August 2). https://ec.europa.eu/info/live-work-travel-eu/cor...