Tour

Sober Curious | Ireland in a Week | Summer | 2025
from USD 1955

Contiki Holidays

Tour Code: BBIRS20
Vacation Type:
Brochure:
Duration: 8 Days
Countries: United Kingdom, Ireland

Wanna discover Ireland beyond the pubs? Then this 8-day trip for the sober curious is just what you need. Visiting historical Galway, gazing out from the Cliffs of Moher, puckering up for the Blarney stone are standard. But exploring the sights of Kilkenny by bike, seeing Giant’s Causeway, yoga and lunch at a barn and meet shepherds (and sheep dogs) in Derry? Well, now we’re talking.



Map

Dining Summary

  • 3 Dinner (D)
  • 7 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Lunch (L)

Faqs

  • London: Travelling to (and through) the UK & Northern Ireland? You’ll need Essential Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)From January 8, 2025, UK law means that if you’re entering/transiting through border control in the United Kingdom (UK) and Northern Ireland you’ll need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before you travel. Confused? Don’t be – just read on here.
  • London: What does a modular trip mean? A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
  • London: What does sober curious mean? Sober curious travel means you’re interested in trialling a trip that doesn’t involve alcohol. (AKA travel without the hangover). Instead of spending evenings drinking in the pub, you’ll take part in whole range of other activities with your crew.
  • London: Do I have to be completely sober to join this trip? Nope, this trip is for people who are interested in drinking less alcohol & want to travel with like-minded people. You don’t have to live a completely sober lifestyle to join in.
  • London: How will we fill our time? This trip offers most of the same Included Activities and Free Time Add-ons as our classic trips to Great Britain and Ireland - but you’ll swap those that revolve around alcohol for some extra special experiences (exclusive to our Sober Curious trips!) - all without stepping foot in a bar.
  • Dublin: What currency is used in Ireland? When you’re in the Republic of Ireland (or just Ireland), the currency used is Euros. In Northern Ireland, you’ll have to use the British Pound.
  • Dublin: What should I pack? Weather in Ireland varies between the seasons, and can be somewhat unpredictable. The Irish like to say that you can expect 4 seasons in one day! In summer we recommend packing comfortable shoes for walking, a light waterproof jacket and UV protection such as a hat and sunscreen. In winter, we recommend warmer clothes; comfortable shoes for walking, a thick waterproof jacket, beanie, scarf, gloves, and an umbrella as backup.
  • Dublin: What will the weather be like? Depending on the time of year you decide to travel to Ireland, the weather can vary quite a bit. In summer you will typically find the driest and warmest days, with temperatures ranging from 13 degrees to 24 degrees, and longer daylight hours. Winter visitors can expect much colder conditions, with temperatures ranging from 2 degrees to 10 degrees, shorter daylight hours and higher likelihood of wind and rain. A common saying in Ireland is ‘If you don’t like the weather just wait five minutes’ as the conditions can change throughout the day.

Included Experience

  • Dublin: Join your Trip Manager for a stroll around the Dublin's folklorish streets that'll lead you to castles, cathedrals and museums.
  • Wexford: Relax & recharge with a gentle yoga session at this 250-year-old, family-owned barn. We'll finish off with a light lunch too!
  • Blarney Castle: Your chance to kiss the Blarney Stone and get the ‘gift of the gab’. And to visit the medieval Irish castle. 
  • Cliffs of Moher: These rugged, photogenic cliffs have been the star of many films, including a Harry Potter one.
  • Galway: Tread the cobbles of this well-loved Irish city with your new Contiki crew. You'll see Lynch’s Castle, Eyre Square and enjoy the vibes of this vibrant town.
  • Derry/Londonderry: One for the history fans. Take a look around Ireland’s only walled city, built in the 17th Century.
  • Giant's Causeway: Sure, rock formations may sound a bit dull on paper, but this quirky natural wonder has to be seen to be believed.  
  • Belfast: Hang with a local guide to see all the landmarks and learn about the city’s checkered history. 

  • Travelodge Plus Dublin City Centre (or similar)
  • Talbot Hotel Clonmel (or similar)
  • Travelodge Galway City Hotel (or similar)
  • Holiday Inn Express Derry (or similar)
  • Ramada by Wyndham Belfast City Centre (or similar)
Day 1 Dublin

Céad míle fáilte AKA one hundred thousand welcomes, is what you get in this city packed with heritage and character. We'll kick off with delicious welcome dinner together then head out for a stroll around town.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Travelodge Plus Dublin City Centre (or similar)

Day 2 Dublin To Clonmel Via County Wexford And Kilkenny

That's us done with Dublin…for now. But fear not Dub-lovers, we'll get another taste of this fine place before our trip comes to an end.  It’s been a few days of city hustle & bustle. But now it’s time to relax. Join us for a gentle yoga class before we grab lunch at a beautiful folklorish barn (with fairy lights and all…).  One bicycle ride in this city, and you’ll be wishing you had Irish blood! We’ll explore the castle, a cathedral and take in all of the medieval charm that Kilkenny has to offer before we hit the road again. Guess what? Dinner’s on us tonight. And later in the evening, we’ll head off into town together and explore the cute little town of Clonmel.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Talbot Hotel Clonmel (or similar)

Day 3 Clonmel To Galway Via Blarney And Cliffs Of Moher

Clonmel, it's been fun, but we have to leave you now. Tonight, we're off to an Irish city that was propelled into the pop culture stratosphere by none other than Ed Sheeran. Anyone wanna guess where? Irish folklore tells us there's a chunk of limestone built into a castle that grants its kissers the gift of the gab. Pucker up kids, we're paying her a visit! Whether heights are your cup of Irish Breakfast or not, these impressive cliff faces are not to be missed! From the moment we arrive in Galway, you'll understand why 2 nights were needed here. Everything you've dreamed Ireland to be is tucked into this small, atmospheric city. We'll wander through the streets of Galway, soaking up every bit of this magical city and even grab a bite to eat on the way.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Travelodge Galway City Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 Galway

Try your tongue at some Gaelic and carry on exploring gorgeous Galway. Or, if you hear the call of the wild, you can sign yourself up to a ferry ride to Aran Islands in summer where you can dance around with horses and take a bike ride around the picturesque farms, or head up to Dún Aonghasa (the ruins of a prehistoric fortress) - make sure you take photos, this area is not for the faint-hearted! Irish life, you so sweet.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Travelodge Galway City Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 Galway To Derry/londonderry

Goodbye Galway, hello more Irish eye-candy. Here the 17th century walls stand at 8 metres high speaking of times gone by when this area was in battle. Times may have changed, but we're still keen to soak up the history and learn a thing or two from our wise Local Guide. What next? You can choose to meet a 4th generation shepherd at his farm for a rural Irish experience. Or even choose to head out for a Bogside walking tour. This day is as Irish as it gets!

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Derry (or similar)

Day 6 Derry/londonderry To Belfast

Today we've got a one way ticket to Belfast and a whole lot more exploration to do. UNESCO World Heritage site of the Giant’s Causeway - also known as those giant rock columns you've probably drooled over on Pinterest, needs to be seen to be believed. Get those hashtags ready, a snap with the group is essential on the mind-blowing natural formation. Next up - we'll arrive in Belfast. Concluding the day will be a driving tour and an optional trip to the Titanic museum where the world's most famous ship was built.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Ramada by Wyndham Belfast City Centre (or similar)

Day 7 Belfast To Dublin

With one night left in Ireland and on tour, we're on the fast track to Dublin where our Irish fairytale first began. A promise is a promise. Here we are back in the city that started our Ireland infatuations. You’ve got a free afternoon to explore every nook & cranny of this cosy, cosy city. And if you wanna finish off with a bang, there’s a traditional Irish dinner waiting just waiting to be devoured.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Travelodge Plus Dublin City Centre (or similar)

Day 8 End Dublin

We leave Ireland today with leprechauns in our hearts and memories in our souls. Say goodbye at breakfast as it will be the last bite our crew has together.

Duration: 1 Day

Departs On Returns On Single OccupancyTwin Room Definite Departure  
Sat, 30 Aug 2025 Sat, 06 Sep 2025 USD 2,440USD 1,955
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