Explore Ireland

Dublin, Shannon, Kilkenny, Belfast, Galway, Dingle Peninsula

Amazing Trips to Ireland

The Irish will tell you that once you’ve lived in Ireland, it’s hard to live anywhere else. They nod and say hi when they pass you in the street. And if you accidentally bump into them, they apologize. That spirit is pervasive across this island country.

The Irish are well known for being funny, gracious, and easy to talk to, especially in a pub. If you’re lost, they’re happy to show you how to get where you’re going. And if you’re lucky, they’ll entertain you with a good story. As a tourist, you will be warmly welcomed and feel like you’ve been hugged.

It’s no wonder that the Irish people are the country’s number-one attraction. More than 10-million people visited Ireland last year with record numbers coming from North America, mainland Europe, Australia, and developing markets.

Tourists agree that Ireland is a feast for visitors:

Emerald Isle – Ireland is a stunning tapestry of lush landscapes, rugged coastlines, mystical islands, towering cliffs, enchanted woodlands, rolling hills, hike-able mountains, meandering rivers, thousands of lakes (lochs), and the rocky Burren terrain.

World-Class Capital – Dublin was selected as one of the “Best in Travel—Top 10 Cities in the World to Visit” by Lonely Planet. It’s a compact city, perfect for walks and guided walking tours.

Live Irish Music – Dublin has a legacy of producing world-class musicians like U2, Thin Lizzy, and hot newcomers like Gavin James. Dublin pubs showcase traditional Irish music and the latest “next best thing” in music.

Guinness Storehouse® –Enjoy the full Guinness interactive experience at Dublin’s most popular tourist attraction. Top off your visit with a free pint and panoramic views from Guinness’ rooftop Gravity Bar.

Top Culinary Destination – Enjoy Ireland’s great pub food, 5-star restaurants, and the ever-changing experiences at popular Burren Food Trail Mondays in County Clare.

The Wild Atlantic Way – One of the world’s longest uninterrupted coastal routes, it winds through nearly 1,600 miles of spectacular, jagged coastline with breath-taking views.

Outdoor Adventures – Mountain biking in Ballyhoura, gorge-walking in Connemara, electric-biking in the Irish countryside, sea-stack climbing in Cnoc na Mara, seaside cave camping at Maghera, kayaking the Waterford coast, and much more.

Castle Country – Over 30,000 medieval castles and ruins pay tribute to Ireland’s royal history such as County Clare’s Bunratty Castle and County Cork’s Blarney Castle.

Cathedrals & Churches – Visit Ireland’s spiritual icons—Dublin’s Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, 800-year-old St. Canice Cathedral in Kilkenny and the 20th-century Galway Cathedral, youngest of Europe’s great stone cathedrals.

Let’s Plan Your Dream Trip Together!

Call Cindy today at 603-305-7379

Baldwin Travel meticulously researches every aspect of your itinerary to give you the thrilling, customized vacation or destination wedding you desire. Cindy Baldwin is a seasoned world traveler who has been to many places you’ll be visiting. Her personal insights are certain to enhance your trip with unforgettable moments, people, and places.

Two Countries—One Island

The Republic of Ireland with Dublin as its capital, takes up most of the island and is predominantly Catholic. After a long history of conflict, predominantly Protestant Northern Ireland, with Belfast as its capital, has remained part of the United Kingdom (together with England, Scotland, and Wales) while the Republic of Ireland remains a separate, autonomous country. Belfast is one of our featured destination areas mentioned below.

Wherever you travel in Ireland, you’ll soon fall in love with the spirit of the Irish and the beauty of the land.

What People Say

“Cindy booked a wonderful trip to Ireland for my husband and me.  It was all it could be with excellent 5-star hotels…and the food!  Plenty of it!  We will never forget all the sites and the islands.  My husband’s family is from Ireland and this was his first trip.  It was unforgettable.  Since Cindy did such a great job, we are planning a group trip to Italy with her. We can’t wait!  Cindy you are the best!”

— Denise and Joe W.

Customized Vacations to Ireland’s Favorite Places

Family Trips ♦ Romantic Getaways ♦ Fun in the Sun ♦ Active Adventures ♦ Laid-back & Leisurely ♦ Honeymoons ♦ Destination Weddings

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Dublin

First stop in this UNESCO City of Literature is Trinity College, world-famous for its historic treasures like Book of Kells. Enjoy the special vibe of Grafton Street, Dublin’s busy shopping area. Stroll through beautiful St. Stephen's Green historical park. Experience Irish art and heritage at Dublin’s majestic cathedral and castles, infamous jails, and impressive museums like the National Gallery of Ireland. Be amused by Oscar Wilde’s bigger-than-life statue at Merrion Square. Take a tasting tour of the Guinness brewery. Enjoy Dublin’s pubs and clubs at night.

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Shannon

Rich in natural beauty and history, Ireland’s Shannon region is a favorite with tourists. Founded by the Vikings over a thousand years ago, the major seaport city of Limerick is Shannon’s vibrant regional capital, offering plenty to see and do. Shannon’s lush green countryside features iconic cultural treasures like the 13th-century King John’s Castle and the 12th-century St. Mary’s Cathedral. Enjoy traditional Irish music nightly in Doolin, an oceanfront village in a spectacular setting. Nearby are the majestic Cliffs of Moher, Ireland’s most visited natural attraction.

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Kilkenny

Ninety minutes from Dublin, charming, historic Kilkenny offers nearly as many attractions as Dublin. Take an interactive tour of the 300-year-old Smithwicks brewery and taste their famous ales. Continue along Kilkenny’s “Medieval Mile,” and visit the imposing Kilkenny Castle. Marvel at the 19th-century neo-gothic St. Mary’s Cathedral and the medieval 13th-century St. Canice's Cathedral. Visit ancient Dunmore Cave and its fantastic calcite formations. Enjoy the best of Irish crafts at the National Craft Gallery and Kilkenny Design Centre.

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Belfast

The port city that launched The Titanic from its ship-building yard over a century ago, Belfast in Northern Ireland is going through a rebirth as a tourist destination. At Titanic Belfast, the world’s largest Titanic exhibit, learn about the ill-fated ship and Belfast’s shining moments as a maritime power. Delve into Northern Ireland’s history at the Ulster State Museum. Visit the Belfast Zoo, Botanic Gardens. St. Anne’s Cathedral, and the beautifully restored Grand Opera House. Take a gourmet food tour of Belfast’s best. “Get your craic on” at neighborhood pubs.

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Galway

Considered to be Ireland’s most beautiful urban area, the medieval city of Galway is nestled on Galway Bay on the Atlantic side. Stroll around Eyre Square, the city’s colorful town center, and Shop Street, bustling with street performers, or “buskers.” Visit Galway Cathedral, the youngest of Europe's grand stone cathedrals. Take a cruise on the River Corrib. Discover the area’s history at the Galway City Museum. Visit the Aran Islands off the Galway coast and marvel at an outdoor museum of historically significant Celtic churches. Enjoy Galway’s pubs and clubs.

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Dingle Peninsula

The mainland’s westernmost point, Dingle Peninsula and the town of Dingle have long attracted creative people and eccentrics, all drawn to an alternative lifestyle. Visit the 1,200-year-old Gallarus Oratory at Sleahead. Tour the Celtic & Prehistoric Museum and see ancient artifacts like Viking horse-bone ice skates, jewelry, battle-axes, flint daggers, and a 40,000-year-old cave bear skeleton. Explore abandoned settlements on the Blasket Islands. Discover the woodlands, lakes, mountain, and bog of the quiet Glanteenassig Forest Recreation Area.

Did You Know?

Interesting facts about Ireland

Northern Invasion: In 795 AD, Vikings from Scandinavia launched the first of many invasions in Ireland, ending over eight centuries of peaceful isolation for the Celtic inhabitants of the island.

Bookworms’ Paradise: Dublin is the birthplace of legendary poets, novelists, and playwrights including four Nobel prize winners—Yeats, Beckett, Shaw, and Heaney—earning Dublin world-wide recognition as a UNESCO City of Literature.

Prehistoric Chills: Explore the UNESCO sites at the Bru na Boinne archeological complex, and marvel at a pagan passage tomb, artifacts, and beautiful carvings on huge stones (megalithic art) that predate Stonehenge and the Giza pyramids.

Power to Redheads: Every August the Irish Redhead Convention in Crosshaven attracts thousands of redheads from as far away as New Zealand and South Africa. Many feel a real Celtic connection with other redheads.

“Irish Beverly Hills”: The Dublin suburb of Dalkey is home to many Irish celebrities such as U2’s Bono, Enya, Chris de Burgh, Van Morrison and author Maeve Binchy.

Birth of Dracula: Originally inspired by the legend of Abhartach, an evil Irish chieftain who rose from his grave nightly to drink his subjects’ blood, the character of Dracula was brought to life in 1897 by Dublin writer Bram Stoker’s novel, Dracula.

SAMPLE ITINERARY FOR TRAVEL TO IRELAND

9-Day Ireland Adventure

Day 1: Dublin

Your private chauffeur will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel in Dublin.  Later in the day, meet a local guide for a walking tour of the city.

Day 2: Dublin

Enjoy an easy-paced bike tour through the city.  Visit Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse and later have dinner and enjoy the music at the Merry Ploughboys.

Day 3: Killarney

Your private driver will take you to Killarney.  On the way there will be stops at Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle, and Blarney Castle.

Day 4: Kayaking

Enjoy a sea kayaking excursion from Dingle Harbor.

Day 5: Ring of Kerry

Travel around the Ring of Kerry.  Admire the breathtaking scenery of rugged landscapes and crashing seas.  Spend the night at Dromoland Castle, one of the most luxurious castle hotels in the country.

Day 6: Northern Ireland

Take a guided boat tour of the Cliffs of Moher en route to Londonderry in Northern Ireland.

Day 7: Northern Ireland

Enjoy a panoramic drive along the North Coast, cross the famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and see the famous Giant’s Causeway in one action packed day. Tonight, enjoy the Belfast City Music Tour.

Day 8: Northern Ireland

This morning your driver will take you to the Titanic Shipyard where you will see the world’s largest Titanic exhibition.  Later visit Hillsborough Castle, the official residence of the British Royal Family on their visits to Northern Ireland. Your private chauffeur will drive you to an airport hotel for your final night in the Emerald Isle.

Day 9: Homeward Bound

It’s time to say goodbye to Ireland as you board your flight back home.

Farewell, Ireland!

This is one example of a luxurious trip to Ireland. Baldwin Travel will prepare a special itinerary customized to your budget and desires. Contact us today!

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