Discover the magic of the Emerald Isle for less

Experiencing the best of Ireland while getting great value is truly the best of both worlds – and even better, it’s completely achievable.

There’s a reason Ireland is known for its warm welcome. It sets the stage for a good time, great conversations among new and old friends and an unforgettable trip. The heartfelt warmth of the locals is much aligned to Australian sensibilities, which is why so many of us dream of visiting the Emerald Isle – one day. But ‘one day’ should be today. Sure, we can hide behind the excuse of the cost-of-living crisis, but there truly are affordable travel options that don’t skimp on quality. Tour companies are able to use their scale and purchasing power to get you into sites, accommodation, restaurants and experiences at rates you couldn’t find as a regular traveller. And Cosmos, the value-driven arm of the Globus family of brands, is a leader in delivering these memorable experiences at wallet-friendly rates.

Gaze out over Ireland’s coastline and the vast Atlantic Ocean (Image: Shutterstock)

Best of the island of Ireland

There are some must-see experiences on a trip to Ireland, and Cosmos has stitched them together for you in its nine-day Irish Discovery tour. The experience starts in Dublin, takes in amazing historic and cultural sites around the island, and then returns back to Dublin.

One thing to keep in mind – when travelling with Cosmos, there’s no queuing for tickets. Your guide will take you straight through the turnstiles, cutting back on waiting time and maximising your sightseeing.

Here are our favourite included highlights of the Irish Discovery tour’s extensive itinerary.

1. Ring of Kerry

The original scenic drive of Ireland deserves its worldwide reputation as offering spectacular landscapes, and is one of the best trips on the island. With endless shades of green, dramatic coastal cliffs and pristine beaches, this landscape feels almost otherworldly. If paradise is in Ireland, it would be the Ring of Kerry.

Breathe in the stunning scenery of the Ring of Kerry. (Image: K. Mitch Hodge)

2. Giant’s Causeway

A landscape with no comparison, Giant’s Causeway is the most renowned landscape in Ireland for a reason – and it’s no mistake that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. While stepping among the 40,000 enormous basalt columns you’ll find that the scale of the causeway is not only surprising but awe-inspiring.

Step onto the legendary basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway.

3. Cliffs of Moher

Gaze out at the water 214 metres below or across the sea (next stop Canada) at the Cliffs of Moher. Stroll up to O’Brien’s Tower and take in the stunning views – both south and north – for a humbling and breathtaking moment. Do you spot the cave that starred in a well-known Harry Potter movie?

Stand at the Cliffs of Moher and feel the power of the Atlantic below. (Image: Vincent Guth)

4. Kilkenny

Be sure not to miss Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile. One of the great historic streets of Europe, it traverses more than 800 years of intriguing history, from Norman Invader Strongbow to the present. This is arguably one of the continent’s best-preserved examples of medieval architecture.

Step back in time as you explore Kilkenny. (Image: Kat Kelly)

5. Dublin

Nearly every great Ireland experience starts and ends in Dublin. Activities like visiting the Book of Kells at Trinity College Dublin, savouring a pint of Guinness at Temple Bar and checking out the Irish Whiskey Museum bring this great city to life.

Cross the iconic Ha’Penny Bridge. (Image: Shutterstock)

6. Galway

Tune into Ed Sheeran’s Galway Girl to get you in the right state of mind in one of the great west coast cities of Ireland. During your free-time exploration of Galway, enjoy the buskers or a trad session in one of the pubs and cafes of the Latin Quarter. If you can, enjoy one of Ireland’s greatest food experiences: Galway oysters with soda bread and a stout.

Wander the lively streets of Galway (Image: Shutterstock)

7. Waterford Factory tour

Moulds, blowing, marking, sculpting, carving and sculpting; watch as a ball of molten crystal becomes a collector’s item at the Waterford Crystal factory. Afterwards, you can always purchase a memento or sit at the bar for a tea… or something a little stronger.

8. Derry/Londonderry

Derry/Londonderry is a city with a rich history and vibrant culture, and you can spend hours exploring its iconic 17th-century walls, thriving arts scene and captivating local stories. In more recent times, the hilarious and nostalgic TV series Derry Girls has also attracted visitors keen to spot filming locations.

Explore the home of the hit series Derry Girls. (Image: Susanne Neumanne)

9. Road tripping

Many of life’s greatest road trips are in Ireland. And on this tour, you’ll experience two of them.

The Wild Atlantic Way along the west coast is one of our favourites. You’ll pass through the wild green bush of the Connemara National Park, the stunning limestone-carved landscapes of Burren and the idyllic Ring of Kerry.

Meanwhile, the road trip along Ireland’s Ancient East route will take you through the verdant fields of the Boyne Valley, with the striking Mourne Mountains rising just beyond in Northern Ireland. Very few visitors get to see this much of the country.

See the dramatic peaks of the Mourne Mountains.

But wait, there’s more

Yet another advantage of travelling with Cosmos? You’re offered a range of additional excursions you can opt in or out of. If it’s not to your liking, you keep your pennies in your pocket; if you’d like to see the sights, you pay the fee and head off to make more memories.

Here are our favourite additional excursions.

1. Guinness Storehouse and supper

If you love the dark stuff, you’re going to love the Guinness Storehouse tour. The tour ends in Gravity Bar, where you can soak up 360° views over Dublin – one of the city’s most spectacular spots for a fantastic photo opportunity.

Pour your own perfect pint. (Image: Ana Ribeiro)

2. Belfast city tour and Titanic Belfast

One of the greatest and most immersive museums around, Titanic Belfast is a mustsee. It also offers a fascinating historic insight into this great northern Irish city.

Know more about Irish history. (Image: Shutterstock)

3. Medieval castle banquet

Sure, you can visit a castle, but why not have a feast while you’re there? The four-course meal with wine at an original castle is an evening for the history books (literally).

Dine like royalty in an authentic Irish castle.

The details

The truth is we’ve only really scratched the surface of this memory-making trip.

Start planning your Irish adventure today at cosmostours.com.au.

Your chance to win a nine-day Irish Discovery tour worth

Thanks to Cosmos and Tourism Ireland, one lucky International Traveller reader will win a spot on the nine-day Irish Discovery tour, worth up to $3449.

Find details and enter here.