9 Day Enchanting Ireland
From
$1979
Land Only
$2579*
Air & Land
Featured Hotels
(Hotels may vary based on departure day of the week)
| Monday Departure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Leonardo Hotel Christchurch | Dublin | |
| Hotel Kilkenny | Kilkenny | |
| The Brehon | Killarney | |
| Old Ground Hotel | Ennis | |
| Saturday Departure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Leonardo Hotel Christchurch | Dublin | |
| Hotel Kilkenny | Kilkenny | |
| The Brehon | Killarney | |
| Clayton Hotel Limerick | Limerick | |
| Old Ground Hotel | Ennis | |
Select a Date to Book
Select a Date to Book
| 2026 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $600 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land |
| $2049 | $2899* | |||||
| $2149 | $2849* | |||||
Not Included:
Optional tours and gratuities (unless otherwise specified).
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.
The itinerary may change on St. Patrick's Day. Due to road closures for the parade, passengers will need to personally transport their luggage from the coach to the hotel.
Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates. All travelers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary. For visa information, check our Visas page.
Is This Trip Right for You?
Escorted Package Includes
- Round trip flights New York-Dublin, Dublin-New York
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices - 7 nights accommodations
- 3 nights Dublin
- 1 night Kilkenny
- 2 nights Killarney
- 1 night Ennis
- Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
- Hotel porterage
- All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
- 12 meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 dinners
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Entrance fees per itinerary
- Tips for porters, wait staff & local guides on included services
- Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
Special Features
- View O'Connell Street, Phoenix Park and St. Patrick's Cathedral during the city tour of Dublin
- Explore Christ Church Cathedral in the heart of medieval Dublin
- Tour the storied 15th century Blarney Castle, where you will have the chance to kiss the Blarney Stone
- Drive through Killarney National Park and the world-famous "Ring of Kerry"
- Visit Bunratty Castle the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland and take a stroll at Folk Park
- View some of Ireland's most spectacular scenery as you drive to the mighty Cliffs of Moher
†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates if pre/post accommodations are booked through Gate 1 Travel
Not Included:
Optional tours gratuities. (unless otherwise specified).
Is This Trip Right for You?
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Gate 1 Travel itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.
This superior tourist class hotel is located in Dublin's oldest quarter, directly opposite the historical Christ Church Cathedral.
Hotel Details
This superior tourist class hotel is located in Dublin's oldest quarter, directly opposite the historical Christ Church Cathedral.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is Ireland's tallest hotel and has splendid views of the River Shannon.
Hotel Details
- Tours purchased while travelling may cost an extra 10% or more
- Tours often sell out. Avoid disappointment
- Save your cash. Credit card processing may not be possible locally
- Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure
- Book Online or call to book these tours up to 1 week before your departure
- The day the optionals operate varies by the day of the week
Enjoy a ride in a Jaunting Car (pony & open carriage). Here you will see the lake of Killarney in a traditional fashion as the jarvey (driver) takes you through parts of the nearby Muckross Estate to view the peaceful green countryside. Sweeten your experience, with a local homemade chocolate treat.
This tour includes transport by an animal. Passengers who choose not to participate may miss inclusions. Please note that no substitute or refund is available.
Approximate tour duration is 1 hour.
| Day #5 | 01 Jan 2026 - 31 Mar 2026 | $29.00 |
| 01 Apr 2026 - 31 Dec 2027 | $29.00 |
Enjoy a ride in a Jaunting Car (pony & open carriage). Here you will see the lake of Killarney in a traditional fashion as the jarvey (driver) takes you through parts of the nearby Muckross Estate to view the peaceful green countryside. Sweeten your experience, with a local homemade chocolate treat.
This tour includes transport by an animal. Passengers who choose not to participate may miss inclusions. Please note that no substitute or refund is available.
Approximate tour duration is 1 hour.
| Day #5 | 01 Jan 2026 - 31 Mar 2026 | $29.00 |
| 01 Apr 2026 - 31 Dec 2027 | $29.00 |
| Know Before You Go | |
| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
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| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/reservations with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display. |
| Trip Preparation |
| A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another |
| When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the Phone Number. For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally). Example: To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555 From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555 From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555 From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555 |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| Please consult with your healthcare provider for up-to-date requirements. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. Any required inoculations must be documented by clients' healthcare provider on a valid vaccination certificate, which must be carried as proof where necessary. Individuals with heart disease, chronic illness, physical handicap, advanced pregnancy, or mental illness should not participate in these rigorous travel programs. While traveling, illnesses can sometimes be unavoidable. If a traveler arrives feeling ill or becomes sick during the tour, they will be separated from the group and directed to either a local or virtual medical facility for diagnosis. This precaution is necessary to ensure the well-being of all travelers. The traveler may only rejoin the group after receiving written clearance from an accredited medical facility confirming they are fit to continue. All costs associated with medical treatment and related expenses such as additional hotel nights or transportation not included in the original itinerary will be the responsibility of the passenger. Travel protection plans will only consider coverage with service receipts provided by legally qualified health care facilities, and in accordance with policy terms. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
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| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
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| Climate & Clothing |
| Ireland - Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer, an all-weather jacket, and an umbrella. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). Ireland Average Temperatures: Fahrenheit | Celsius |
| Weather and Safety at the Cliffs of Moher - Please note that weather at the Cliffs of Moher can be very unpredictable and travelers should be prepared for a variety of conditions. These include extreme wind, heavy fog and rain. We highly recommend bringing warm and waterproof clothing for your visit. In addition, designated signs and official paths near the cliff edges and overhangs should be followed at all times. Children should be under constant supervision. |
| About Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or "drone" technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Book & Film Recommendations |
| Many of our guests enjoy reading about their destination - either in advance of their trip or while traveling - as a way of adding context to their visit. Whether reading a traditional guide book, learning about the history and culture, or simply enjoying a fictional novel set in the destination, a good book can add greatly to your experience. Similarly, a good movie set in your destination helps set the mood before you travel. We asked our Tour Managers and staff to recommend books and films which past guests may have enjoyed. The following does not constitute an endorsement of any authors, books or films listed, it is merely a collection of guests' recommendations. |
| IRELAND: Books Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt Circle of Friends by Maeve Binchy My Left Foot by Christy Brown Philomena by Martin Sixsmith Dubliners by James Joyce The Woman at the Window by Pádraic Ó Conaire Letters to My Daughters by Emma Hannigan The Storm Keeper's Island by Catherine Doyle Ulysses by James Joyce IRELAND: Films The Irishman (2019) Sing Street (2016) Brooklyn (2015) The Wind that Shakes the Barley (2006) Omagh (2004) Waking Ned Devine (1998) Michael Collins (1996) The Quiet Man (1952) |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62"), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline's requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years' imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate your luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Intra-Flights |
| All intra-flights included in your package are booked in Economy Class. Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches (157 cm) by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62" / 66cm+66cm+25cm = 157cm), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23 kg). Exceptions are listed below and may differ from international flight luggage limits. More detailed baggage restrictions for your airline can be found at www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after collecting your luggage or passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. Be wary of airport scammers who offer unwanted assistance. If you are arriving without a pre-arranged transfer, we strongly recommend going to the Tourist Information Desk to ask for a licensed taxi or transfer service. You may be asked to pay for the transfer at the desk prior to the trip, this will ensure you are not charged extra during the trip. |
| What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed |
| Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon you return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services. |
| Departure Procedures |
| If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally. |
| Transfers |
| Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money. |
| About Your Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. While air conditioning is available in most hotels, we recommend checking the room amenities listed under the "Featured Hotels" tab of your package to confirm. Please note that many international hotels were built before central air conditioning was introduced. In those that do offer air conditioning, usage may be restricted, often due to government regulations aimed at promoting energy conservation. It's typical for air conditioning to be used only during the summer months, to follow a set schedule (sometimes turned off at night), and to operate at lower settings than what many Americans are accustomed to. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| At Your Destination |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism |
| We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Staggered Arrival & Departure |
| Many tours are offered with multiple duration options, allowing travelers to choose one or more destinations in a single trip. As a result, the number of participants on your tour may vary, as we accommodate travelers arriving and departing at different points in the itinerary. |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) |
| Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| Purchasing Tours Locally |
| On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses |
| Ireland - The Euro is the currency of the Republic of Ireland. The Euro should be used to purchase all goods and services. Irish bank opening hours are typically Monday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm depending on the bank. Most Irish banks do not offer currency exchange services. For this reason, it is strongly recommended to acquire a small amount of Euros prior to arriving. ATM machines found in larger cities are a better option.
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| Shopping |
| Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store's policies. While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! About Tax-Free Shopping Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country's online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application. U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. |
| Ireland - Among the most popular items to shop for in Ireland are Waterford crystal, wool knitwear, silver and gold jewelry, and Belleek china. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
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Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
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| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
Ireland
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| Languages |
| Ireland - English is the local language. |
| Electricity |
| Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. |
| Ireland - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Code of Conduct |
| Ireland - Shaking hands is the standard greeting and casual dress is appropriate. The Irish people are generally very warm and welcoming. Close community is an important part of Irish social life, often centered around pubs, which are not as age-segregated as bars in the United States tend to be. The Catholic Church is highly respected, and jokes at the expense of the Church are considered to be in poor taste. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's set menu or buffet and usually represent local cuisine. Vegetarian meals are available in most locations, while vegan, protein-rich or gluten-free menus are rare. Special dietary requests, which must be selected in the passenger details section of your reservation, cannot be guaranteed. We are unable to provide meals in accordance with strict religious requirements, such as Kosher or Halal, nor can we accommodate specifically salt-free, high-protein or low-carb meals.
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| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - Ireland |
Holidays 2026 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 1-2: St. Brigid's Day Mar 17: St Patrick's Day Apr 3: Good Friday Apr 5: Easter Apr 6: Easter Monday May 4: May Day Jun 1: June Bank Holiday Aug 3: August Bank Holiday Oct 26: October Bank Holiday Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: St Stephens Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2027 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 1: St. Brigid's Day (observed) Mar 17: St Patrick's Day Mar 26: Good Friday Mar 28: Easter Mar 29: Easter Monday May 3: May Day Jun 7: June Bank Holiday Aug 2: August Bank Holiday Oct 25: October Bank Holiday Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: St Stephens Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
| Suggested Tipping |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always at your personal discretion. For your convenience, please refer to the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or in the U.S. dollar equivalent where accepted, and we recommend keeping small bills on hand for tipping. Please note that in many destinations, tipping is considered a customary part of local compensation. While you may occasionally be approached for additional tips, you should never feel pressured to do so. If at any time you feel uncomfortable or uncertain about a situation, please speak with your Tour Manager or contact our office using the phone numbers provided in your travel documents. |
| Suggested Tipping: Escorted Tours |
Tour Manager: US $10 per person per day Driver: US $5 per person per day, US $3 per half day Note: Tips for local guides, hotel porters, wait staff, and any other services listed in your itinerary are included, unless otherwise specified above. Drivers provide chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage, and on some itineraries, you may encounter multiple drivers. |
| Ireland - For activities on your own, gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. |
| Know Before You Go | |
| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
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| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/reservations with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display. |
| Trip Preparation |
| A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another |
| When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the Phone Number. For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally). Example: To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555 From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555 From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555 From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555 |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| Please consult with your healthcare provider for up-to-date requirements. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. Any required inoculations must be documented by clients' healthcare provider on a valid vaccination certificate, which must be carried as proof where necessary. Individuals with heart disease, chronic illness, physical handicap, advanced pregnancy, or mental illness should not participate in these rigorous travel programs. While traveling, illnesses can sometimes be unavoidable. If a traveler arrives feeling ill or becomes sick during the tour, they will be separated from the group and directed to either a local or virtual medical facility for diagnosis. This precaution is necessary to ensure the well-being of all travelers. The traveler may only rejoin the group after receiving written clearance from an accredited medical facility confirming they are fit to continue. All costs associated with medical treatment and related expenses such as additional hotel nights or transportation not included in the original itinerary will be the responsibility of the passenger. Travel protection plans will only consider coverage with service receipts provided by legally qualified health care facilities, and in accordance with policy terms. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
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| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
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| Climate & Clothing |
| Ireland - Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer, an all-weather jacket, and an umbrella. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). Ireland Average Temperatures: Fahrenheit | Celsius |
| Weather and Safety at the Cliffs of Moher - Please note that weather at the Cliffs of Moher can be very unpredictable and travelers should be prepared for a variety of conditions. These include extreme wind, heavy fog and rain. We highly recommend bringing warm and waterproof clothing for your visit. In addition, designated signs and official paths near the cliff edges and overhangs should be followed at all times. Children should be under constant supervision. |
| About Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or "drone" technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Book & Film Recommendations |
| Many of our guests enjoy reading about their destination - either in advance of their trip or while traveling - as a way of adding context to their visit. Whether reading a traditional guide book, learning about the history and culture, or simply enjoying a fictional novel set in the destination, a good book can add greatly to your experience. Similarly, a good movie set in your destination helps set the mood before you travel. We asked our Tour Managers and staff to recommend books and films which past guests may have enjoyed. The following does not constitute an endorsement of any authors, books or films listed, it is merely a collection of guests' recommendations. |
| IRELAND: Books Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt Circle of Friends by Maeve Binchy My Left Foot by Christy Brown Philomena by Martin Sixsmith Dubliners by James Joyce The Woman at the Window by Pádraic Ó Conaire Letters to My Daughters by Emma Hannigan The Storm Keeper's Island by Catherine Doyle Ulysses by James Joyce IRELAND: Films The Irishman (2019) Sing Street (2016) Brooklyn (2015) The Wind that Shakes the Barley (2006) Omagh (2004) Waking Ned Devine (1998) Michael Collins (1996) The Quiet Man (1952) |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62"), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline's requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years' imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate your luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Intra-Flights |
| All intra-flights included in your package are booked in Economy Class. Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches (157 cm) by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62" / 66cm+66cm+25cm = 157cm), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23 kg). Exceptions are listed below and may differ from international flight luggage limits. More detailed baggage restrictions for your airline can be found at www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after collecting your luggage or passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. Be wary of airport scammers who offer unwanted assistance. If you are arriving without a pre-arranged transfer, we strongly recommend going to the Tourist Information Desk to ask for a licensed taxi or transfer service. You may be asked to pay for the transfer at the desk prior to the trip, this will ensure you are not charged extra during the trip. |
| What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed |
| Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon you return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services. |
| Departure Procedures |
| If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally. |
| Transfers |
| Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money. |
| About Your Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. While air conditioning is available in most hotels, we recommend checking the room amenities listed under the "Featured Hotels" tab of your package to confirm. Please note that many international hotels were built before central air conditioning was introduced. In those that do offer air conditioning, usage may be restricted, often due to government regulations aimed at promoting energy conservation. It's typical for air conditioning to be used only during the summer months, to follow a set schedule (sometimes turned off at night), and to operate at lower settings than what many Americans are accustomed to. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| At Your Destination |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism |
| We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Staggered Arrival & Departure |
| Many tours are offered with multiple duration options, allowing travelers to choose one or more destinations in a single trip. As a result, the number of participants on your tour may vary, as we accommodate travelers arriving and departing at different points in the itinerary. |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) |
| Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| Purchasing Tours Locally |
| On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses |
| Ireland - The Euro is the currency of the Republic of Ireland. The Euro should be used to purchase all goods and services. Irish bank opening hours are typically Monday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm depending on the bank. Most Irish banks do not offer currency exchange services. For this reason, it is strongly recommended to acquire a small amount of Euros prior to arriving. ATM machines found in larger cities are a better option.
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| Shopping |
| Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store's policies. While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! About Tax-Free Shopping Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country's online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application. U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. |
| Ireland - Among the most popular items to shop for in Ireland are Waterford crystal, wool knitwear, silver and gold jewelry, and Belleek china. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
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Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
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| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
Ireland
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| Languages |
| Ireland - English is the local language. |
| Electricity |
| Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. |
| Ireland - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Code of Conduct |
| Ireland - Shaking hands is the standard greeting and casual dress is appropriate. The Irish people are generally very warm and welcoming. Close community is an important part of Irish social life, often centered around pubs, which are not as age-segregated as bars in the United States tend to be. The Catholic Church is highly respected, and jokes at the expense of the Church are considered to be in poor taste. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's set menu or buffet and usually represent local cuisine. Vegetarian meals are available in most locations, while vegan, protein-rich or gluten-free menus are rare. Special dietary requests, which must be selected in the passenger details section of your reservation, cannot be guaranteed. We are unable to provide meals in accordance with strict religious requirements, such as Kosher or Halal, nor can we accommodate specifically salt-free, high-protein or low-carb meals.
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| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - Ireland |
Holidays 2026 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 1-2: St. Brigid's Day Mar 17: St Patrick's Day Apr 3: Good Friday Apr 5: Easter Apr 6: Easter Monday May 4: May Day Jun 1: June Bank Holiday Aug 3: August Bank Holiday Oct 26: October Bank Holiday Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: St Stephens Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2027 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 1: St. Brigid's Day (observed) Mar 17: St Patrick's Day Mar 26: Good Friday Mar 28: Easter Mar 29: Easter Monday May 3: May Day Jun 7: June Bank Holiday Aug 2: August Bank Holiday Oct 25: October Bank Holiday Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: St Stephens Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
| Suggested Tipping |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always at your personal discretion. For your convenience, please refer to the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or in the U.S. dollar equivalent where accepted, and we recommend keeping small bills on hand for tipping. Please note that in many destinations, tipping is considered a customary part of local compensation. While you may occasionally be approached for additional tips, you should never feel pressured to do so. If at any time you feel uncomfortable or uncertain about a situation, please speak with your Tour Manager or contact our office using the phone numbers provided in your travel documents. |
| Suggested Tipping: Escorted Tours |
Tour Manager: US $10 per person per day Driver: US $5 per person per day, US $3 per half day Note: Tips for local guides, hotel porters, wait staff, and any other services listed in your itinerary are included, unless otherwise specified above. Drivers provide chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage, and on some itineraries, you may encounter multiple drivers. |
| Ireland - For activities on your own, gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. |
I Just wanted to provide additional information on regarding my survey. This was our first time using Gate 1, but it won't be our last! We had an amazing time on our trip due in large part to the professionalism of your staff. Patrick was our tour manager and did an exceptional job. He had plenty of handouts with recommendations to maximize our free time. He did an amazing job of filling the travel time on the bus with relevant history, general information and humor. Jurica was our driver and provided exceptional service. At one point during a scheduled stop at a distillery, I had to run back to get an item off the bus for a fellow tour mate. I noticed that while everyone else was on the tour Jurica was washing the outside of the bus and straightening everything up for us. He was an exceptional professional.
Thomas S.
Our tour guide, Lenny, could not have done a better job. He is extremely knowledgeable and shared so much with us. His humor is fantastic and his extensive experience made for a perfect trip. Lenny did an outstanding job keeping the group together which resulted in friendships beyond the tour. He set a very high standard for my expectations on future tours. Lenny and our driver, Arvydas, provided such a memorable experience that I would definitely use Gate 1 again for my future tours.
Elizabeth M.
Our tour leader, Khristiene, was the most enthusiastic, fun, friendly, engaging, attentive, competent, sensitive and enjoyable tour guide I can imagine. Her knowledge and recall of history, culture, people, places, and events, was absolutely astounding.
Kip P.
I would like to commend Mr. Patrick, our Tour Manager for this 9 Day Affordable Ireland Trip. Patrick is an extremely organized and meticulous manager who saw to it that everything is running smoothly. His attention to detail is beyond exceptional. He kept everyone informed of everything and anything. He is very friendly, accommodating and answers any question you have in a flash. He knows the area thoroughly and kept us informed of where to go and what to do during our free time. On our scheduled tours, he is on top of every detail necessary to run the activities smoothly. His presentation of materials to us are an excellent guide so we know where we are and what are the highlights of the area. He is a gem and definitely an asset to Gate1. Thank you Patrick for a trip I loved so much.
Y-Chie P.
Amanda is amazing! We booked this Ireland trip to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. It was the most perfect, well-organized experience and we will forever have the most precious memories etched in our souls. Amanda treated us like family from the moment we met her. Sean is an absolute masterclass driver! He amazed me at every turn. I felt like I was saying goodbye to family when we had to leave. Thank you, Amanda and Sean, for showing me Ireland in a way I would have never enjoyed on my own.
Stephanie A.
We had the best experience on our 10-day Ireland tour, and it is all because of our wonderful tour manager Khristiene. Khristiene is the loveliest, most thoughtful and kind person and we were so fortunate to have ended up on her tour. She is so knowledgeable about the history of Ireland, and she is so very proud of her heritage, and it showed in all her wonderful stories and history lessons she provided for us during our entire trip. She was friendly, engaging, attentive, and passionate about her job. She went above and beyond our expectations of a tour manager. We couldn't have asked for a better tour manager. We would do another Ireland tour with Gate 1 if we had Khristiene as the tour manager. She is top notch, and we can't say enough about her. In addition, we had Ireland on our bucket list, and we were not disappointed with this beautiful country that was so welcoming and friendly. We hope to return soon and maybe see some other areas not on the itinerary. For our first time, we believe the itinerary hit some of the top spots to visit in Ireland.
Lisa T.
We had a grand experience on our Gate 1 tour of Ireland. The accommodations, the meals and the locations were all outstanding. But the standout was our guide, Martina. Her knowledge of the Irish people, culture and its history were beyond our expectations. Our bus diver Nick was a fun addition to our tour as well. We will be back and will recommend Gate 1 to our family and friends.
Deirdre M.
Linda and Dan did a fantastic job shuttling our group around with accuracy and perfect timing. The itinerary was perfect, the food was perfect. Everything was perfect! Ireland is beautiful. And it hardly or ever rained while we were off the bus! Such luck!
James M.
This was our first guided trip, and our overall experience was excellent. The trip was just as advertised; the accommodations and food were very good. Our tour guide Alaco was excellent, very informative and always had good control of the group. She was able to add a lot of valuable information as we toured. All of our activities were on time and well organized
Michael D.
I just wanted to let you know how excellent our tour director, Liam, was for our tour! He was always so organized, put together, and friendly! Very knowledgeable throughout the tour! Our driver, Noel, was hands down the best driver. They both made the trip an excellent experience.
Emmalee H.
Concerning our 16 day Scotland and Ireland trip, it was a truly a great experience. Our tour director (Gil) and our coach driver (Dan) were exceptional. Gil was very kind, professional, knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor. We have traveled on 5 Gate 1 tours, along with several other travel companies, and Gil was the best tour manager we have ever had. Dan was an exceptional driver. He is also very kind, respectful, attentive, and professional. Both Gil and Dan are "people person" and very personable and interacted well with everyone. We had a super great trip. We will only travel with Gate 1 in the future.
Daniel C.
I just returned from one of your Enchanted Ireland tours and would like to commend our tour guide Eileen, her knowledge, kindness and patience were unparalleled, paired with our amazing driver Tony, they both made our journey easy and extremely enjoyable.
Monica L.
Our tour director Debbie was absolutely fantastic! She is extremely knowledgeable and just an all-around great person. We feel fortunate that we got to spend 16 days with her. Our bus driver Robbie was also a gem. Obviously, he is a talented driver, but he is also a fun and courteous man to be with. This was our second Gate 1 tour and there will be more of them in our future.
Kenneth N.
This tip exceeded our expectations. The guides were all great. Loved the sheep farm and turf cutting tour. David was the most excellent guide. No one could've topped him. He's so knowledgeable and took excellent care of us. Loved our bus driver, Joe, too. Hotels were top notch. I will recommend Gate 1 to everyone who asks.
Marsha M.
Returned recently from the 12 Day Kaleidoscope of Ireland with Matthew as our Tour Guide and Michael as our Bus Driver. They were an excellent team. Matthew went above and beyond to make the trip enjoyable. He played Irish music on the bus, took us on several surprise stops, gave us several edible or drinkable gifts and had an inexpensive group gift exchange which helped the group to get to know each other better. I especially enjoyed the surprise trip to Atlantic Sheepdogs in Grange, Ireland and Martin's demonstration with his border collie Mist. I also enjoyed the lunch stop at the Ti Linn Cafe. We were served delicious soup and sandwiches while being entertained by Irish ballad singer and songwriter Eunan McIntyre. I would definitely recommend Matthew as an excellent, informed and knowledgeable tour guide and Michael as a driver.
Linda C.
Just a note to let you know how great our Tour Manager Matthew was. He complemented our tour with surprises along the way not listed in the tour description. We got to experience a sheep farm and trained dogs.... enjoy samples of Irish chocolates in the market.... Irish cider .......his descriptions of Irish tales and history was fascinating. Our driver Michael was also a very professional person and friendly.... his driving was without a doubt the best I have ever experienced. Once again Gate 1 exceeds my expectations. Well done!
Maritza M.
Our cultural tour to Ireland was exceptional. We especially enjoyed the quality of the wide-ranging events showcasing Ireland. Our tour manager, Mel was instrumental in making our trip a memorable one - a gem for Gate1. Our coach driver, Michael was the best at navigating us throughout our trip. This was our first trip with Gate1 and will not be our last.
Jean C.
We had a wonderful time. I've been on 7 different Gate One tours and this one did not disappoint. Adam, our tour guide was spot on! He was witty and hilarious and kept a good vibe going even at our most tired stages of running from one town to the next. Thank you for letting me travel the world on a beer budget with champagne taste!
Kalisa B.
This was our first Discovery Tour. The size of the group was perfect. Our tour manager Derek, was very outgoing, engaged so many of those of us on the tour, and his knowledge of Ireland's history ...both past and present events, was beyond what we expected. He arranged timing of events seamlessly and was very organized! We felt very lucky to have him as our guide on or first trip to Ireland. Damian was our coach driver. Damian was able to quickly reroute us, to stay on schedule, when unexpected events like accidents ahead of us occurred on the highway. He negotiated the routes and busy streets smoothly. He and Derek communicated very well!!!
Valerie C.
I've been on several Gate One trips now. Every guide has been exceptional, but Linda and the combination of the driver Fergal, made just the perfect team/Both Providing the best travel experience I've ever had. The two of them made us feel so welcome and safe on those beautiful narrow roads in Ireland. Linda had a wonderful way about her telling us about the history of Ireland, it's culture and the people. I found myself Hanging on every word she had to say about the country she dearly loves. I told her she would make a great storyteller. She has a real gift. On the last weekend we were back in Dublin which was NFL weekend - the place was hopping! She was able to get us a reservation at the Jameson distillery which we could not obtain on our own because the reservations were sold out. Throughout the tour, she made an effort to get to know everyone, kept us all safe, helped us to find things to do in our leisure time and then checked in later to see what we had purchased, where we ate, and what we did! She is just an absolutely lovely person Who clearly loves what she does and cares deeply about introducing travelers to her beautiful country.
Dorothy P.
I wanted to let Gate One know just how impressed I was with our tour guide Alaco. I just came home from the 9-day enchanting Ireland trip, and it was wonderful. Alaco was so organized, so clear in her communications, so friendly and open to all and so informative about a wide variety of topics as we toured. She had lots of interesting suggestions for things to do during our free time and arranged interesting special events. She was also very funny and had us laugh many times a day. I felt as though there was nothing to worry about while she was at the helm. She had all our safety in mind and was very good at reminding us about traffic awareness, and general safety awareness, particularly in Dublin. The partnership between Alaco and our driver Enda was also impressive. I never worried about the curvy narrow roads while Enda was driving. He was a true professional and friendly and personable to everyone. This was my first Gate one trip. The company came highly recommended by a few friends. I am looking forward to my next adventure with Gate One. I would also like to say I was very pleased with the transfer service to and from the airport. The drivers were on time friendly and informative. And once again Alaco made sure we all had the information we needed for our transfers well in advance.
Deborah L.
Wonderful trip! We saw so much and learned a lot about Irish history. Charming little towns and amazing scenery. Our guide Matthew was excellent in every way. Highly recommend this trip!
Margot C.
This was my 3rd Gate One trip. I booked very last minute and got great assistance from gate one agent Javier to get it booked on such short notice. Being able to go on such a last-minute spontaneous trip just made it that much more special. Local tour guide from Derry (Ronan) gave a very engaging, moving, and touching talk on "The Troubles". From excellent weather, great travel group, to our Tour Manager, Matthew it was a wonderful trip! Special shout out to Matthew for the extra surprises each day-from scenic stops to special experiences like Sean's Bar. Kept a very timely, cohesive group, and very attentive to the whole group's needs. The personal stories he shared about growing up and living in Ireland, knowledge, humor, and suggestions really made this trip extra special.
Jennifer B.
I recently completed a tour of Ireland with Christiene as the tour manager. Justin was our bus driver. They both were exceptional. Christiene was extremely knowledgeable about everything Ireland. She not only gave us the history but also spoke of the traditions which I found interesting. Justin is quite a skilled driver on the narrow roads of the countryside. We all felt very safe. I definitely would book another trip through Gate 1 Travel.
Carol U.
I just wanted Gate 1 to know how fantastic our guide in Ireland was -- Neill and his co-guide Brendan and Bart were, by far, the best guides I've had in my 8-year, 11 international trip history. The trip was great to begin with, but Neill was attentive, knowledgeable, caring, very entertaining and the absolute fun. We learned so much about the history and culture of Ireland and had a great time just being in his company. This experience with him has probably ruined it for other guides as I'm sure they'll never be a better guide for our future trips. Please pass along these sentiments as I can't think of a better way to thank him for making the trip the best one ever.
Katherine M.
We had the most amazing time on our walking tour of Ireland! Neil showed us a wonderful time. He knew we were very interested in Irish music, and he made it happen for us-Every Night!! Our bus driver-Jordan-was lovely. He was fun and funny, and we got to know him personally. Brendan and Bart (our local guides) were extremely knowledgeable about flora and fauna and local happenings. My husband was able to sit in (on mandolin!) with Bart on guitar and his musical partner, Sonia on fiddle at a local pub- a bucket list experience. The hiking was perfect and the scenery beautiful. Our group was small, and we really bonded with everyone. Overall, it was the trip of a lifetime.
Rian T.
I returned a few days ago from a Gate 1 tour of Ireland. Martina was our tour director and a wonderful guide she was. Always wise, prompt and most polite with a wonderful sense of humor and a great way with a story. I cannot imagine any other guide could have done it better and am grateful that she was there for us. Many thanks to Gate 1 and especially to Martina.
Margaret S.
Five of my siblings and I embarked on a 10 Day Ireland Tour with Gate1Travel. Through our journey, our Tour Manager, Martina and our Driver, Damien, were our guides. We could not have been in better hands. On behalf of my siblings and myself, I wanted to extend our heartfelt thanks to Martina for being such an exceptional educator and Damien for driving us through the countryside from destination to destination safely and with precision. We were impressed with Martina's deep knowledge of the history and culture of Ireland. Regaled with stories she brought to life (of landmarks, terminology, health system, educational institutions and more (It was Grand!)). Not to mention, the time she took to answer all our questions feeding our inquisitive appetites to learn. Oh, and Damien's wit. They both demonstrated poise, business acumen and professional demeanor, which was admirable. They always brought us up to date with landmarks, restaurant lists and making sure we were up to speed on various activities and their timing. We are ever so grateful to have experienced our ancestor's homeland together under your tutelage!
Kathleen K.
What a wonderful trip. Having been to Ireland before and tried to drive the roads and find everything of importance, what a relief to know Gate 1 had done all of it for me. From Colm and Mike, the local guides, evening excursions, wonderful memories and learning about Irish history and strife Thank You! Reaffirms why we tell all our friends about, and continue to use Gate 1 for our world travels
Barbara C.
My wife and I just returned from a 10-day Classic Ireland Tour, and we had an amazing experience. The hotels, shows, and locations we visited were perfect. The thing that made our trip most enjoyable and memorable, aside from the folks we travelled with, was Dereck the Tour Manager and John our coach driver. Dereck's insights and historical knowledge were fascinating! Dereck and John's affable and humorous personalities along with their kindness, always going above and beyond to ensure our safety and enjoyment helped to make our trip extra special. Thank you for the trip of a lifetime.
Robert M.
This was a stupendous, exciting and outstanding trip. Martinia (host) and Dameon (coach driver) were totally professional in their jobs, both were very knowledgeable at every destination, entertainment, restaurants, and gift shops. Always prompt and on time for all tours and destinations visited. Every hotel was nothing short of FIVE-STAR accommodations, staff were always very helpful and knowledgeable of the local area for visiting entertainment and restaurants, and the kitchen staff and servers prepared excellent meals for breakfast or dinner. Traveling around the countryside was very pictured, the special spots we visited were full of a wealth of entertainment and breathe taken views that a once in a lifetime event we will cherish forever. It's been a lifetime dream of my wife, and I don't think anything was missing that was on our bucket list of life. Thank you for the adventure of a lifetime.
Robert C.
I would just like to inform you of the wonderful job our tour guide Debra did. She made the whole trip worry free and made us all feel personally comfortable and special. I have been on other tours and can say that this was hands down, the absolute best. Debra brought every stop alive and special. It was all unexpected. We just didn't see stuff. We experienced the culture and history of Scotland and Ireland. If I come back to do an England tour I most definitely will try to get Debra again. She was excellent. I also want to mention how great our bus driver was. Cathol was amazing and I am sorry if I misspelled his name.
Jane M.
I wanted to go beyond generic survey and give compliments to Khristiene from our recent Ireland trip. Both her and our driver Nick went above and beyond to make sure everyone in our group was informed, comfortable, and happy. From special menu options for picky eaters, to bonus stops and surprises along tour, to working way outside normal tour hours to ensure everyone was happy with hotel stay, directions, restaurant recommendations, etc ... I could go on.. but wanted to make sure Khristiene and Nick both received the extra positive feedback they deserve. This was our first Gate One tour but will 100% NOT be our last!
Beverly W.
We travel often with Gate 1 and, as always, our Kaleidoscope of Ireland trip was excellent! We thought the food on this trip was exceptionally good. Our hotels were all very nice and comfortable. Sheila and Sam worked well together as our tour manager and driver and did a great job with our group.
Kristi B.
The Ireland/Northern Ireland trip could not have been better. Matthew was a superb Tour Manager and his knowledge and ability to communicate so many details is remarkable. And I loved the "surprises" that added lots to the trip. The surprise visit to the National Folklife Museum was very worthwhile and a good use of time. The local guides Judith and Ronan, were excellent and the different perspectives in Belfast and Derry were informative and thought provoking. Paul was a great bus driver and I had complete confidence in him. The walking tour of Westport should be a part of each itinerary. We had already visited several Homes and Castles including Kylemore Abbey that day; so a tour of the small city of Westport with Stephen offered insight and information of how that community cooperates in so many areas including preservation of nature, respect for history, and development. I was very moved learning more about the Famine through the steps of the Famine Trail. This trip was a perfect mix of history, beautiful scenery, culture, border collies, examples of Northern Ireland reconciliation, etc. Every day was a delight and I can't speak too highly of the entire experience. Again, many thanks for a great trip and a special thank you to Matthew. Gate 1 is fortunate to have him as a tour manager.
Nalda V.
The 10-day Ireland walking tour was our first experience with Gate 1, and it was fabulous. There were 13 of us in the group, ranging from people in their late 40s to those of us in our mid-70s. Everyone was friendly and upbeat. Our tour manager, Neil, was phenomenal. We learned so much about Ireland, past and present; that was one of Neil's gifts to us. He was charming, knowledgeable, and caring. And it was very entertaining! He and his nephew, Michael, were great ambassadors for their country. We also really enjoyed Bart, one of the local guides. Bart is an accomplished musician and serenaded us on the bus as well as in a pub. The accommodation and meals far exceeded our expectations. For those people shopping around for a Gate 1 trip, my wife and I would highly recommend this one. The walks were beautiful and not strenuous.
Warren S.
This was our first trip with Gate1, and it was wonderful! We will definitely use Gate1 again for our future international trips. It started with the great service we received from Charlotte in booking our trip for us and ensuring we were grouped together with my sister and husband. We had an exceptional tour manager, Peter. Gate1 is very fortunate to have him as a part of their company. He is always "one step ahead" taking care of business to ensure his group has a wonderful experience. His personality brings the group together with his infectious laugh, historical expertise, special surprises, wonderful sayings, and funny jokes. He definitely knows how to cater to different personalities, made everyone feel welcome, and always checked on how everyone was doing. He made the difference in making this trip successful! We also are thankful for an exceptional driver, Dariusz, who kept us safe with his great driving skills, always had plenty of water, was very kind, and kept the bus clean. We enjoyed all the sightseeing, and all the accommodations were wonderful. We have no complaints.
Gail K.
Our trip was flawless! Thank you so much for your help. Our flights were perfect, well timed for connections to be made, with time to spare. Our luggage got to destinations properly and without incident. Our Tour Manager, Peter, was beyond wonderful. He is so very knowledgeable of the history of both Scotland and Ireland, but he was also engaging, personable, and made sure each member of the group was comfortable with our trip as we traveled. Our coach driver, Dariuscz, was also so skilled. His having to navigate the bus through narrow roadways took great talent. The sites we saw were all fascinating, and we had time at each stop to appreciate their value. Thank you so much for helping us set up this trip. This was our first Gate 1 trip and will certainly not be our last. We have saved your information and will ask for your help again when we set out to travel (probably in a year from now).
Marilyn L.
We completed the 9 Day Enchanting Ireland tour from Sept.1-9,2025. This was our second tour with Gate 1 but our first Coach Tour. I must say we thoroughly enjoyed it. Our Tour Manager was Alacoque. She was knowledgeable, respectful, thoughtful and very helpful as well as a lot of fun! Our coach driver was Justin. He was a great driver. We felt very safe even along some of the small roadways with busy traffic!
Colleen B.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you and a big kiss to our incredible tour manager, Emmeline. She was truly the complete package keeping us entertained, informed, on time, and most importantly, safe throughout the entire trip. There was never a dull moment, even during the long bus rides. Emmeline filled the time with engaging activities like storytelling, sing-alongs, fun contests, limerick writing, music, and fascinating historical insights. Her energy and creativity made every moment enjoyable. She also helped foster a wonderful sense of camaraderie among all the guests, making it feel like we were traveling with a group of old friends. Many on our tour were first-time Gate 1 travelers, and I jokingly warned them that they've been spoiled-finding another tour manager like Emmeline on future trips will be a tough challenge! Thank you again for such a memorable experience. Emmeline is a gem!
Lucila R.
I want to say that Mel and our driver Michael should be considered the pinnacle of a professional tour team. Every aspect far exceeded my expectations and my wife and I will cherish the time we spent in Ireland always.
Andy H.
We recently returned from 11 days trip to Ireland. We had the best travel experience of our lives. Many thanks to our travel guide Linda, and our coach bus driver, Nick. Linda was very knowledgeable about Ireland history, culture and customs. She genuinely cared about all of us in her group. always available to answer questions and provide all pertinent information timely. She is exceptional. Nick was probably one of the very best drivers that I've ever come across. It was amazing to see him effortlessly maneuvered such a big bus along the narrow stretches of Ireland roads. I'm still in awe. Linda and Nick should be commended for making our Ireland visit stress free. We will definitely use Gate 1 in the future.
Leon L.
A trip of a lifetime! It could not have been any better. Olga, in booking our trip was excellent and helped us with all of our questions. We had a small flight delay that concerned us, however a call to the emergency line was answered and immediately calmed our concern. Our tour guide and coach driver were fantastic! Our driver, Kevin, was so happy and pleasant that our day started with a smile. He was always on time and got us to destinations on time. Excellent job Kevin! Lennie, I cannot say enough good things about this man, friend and guide. Lennie was so knowledgeable about all of the sites, the history behind Scotland and Ireland. He presented all the information in a clear and unbiased format. Lennie went above and beyond, providing some mini city tours that were very informative. If I could I would rate Lennie and Kevin above 5 stars!!!
Wayne V.
Loved Lenny, our tour coordinator, he goes the extra mile, kept us on task & schedule, and kept us entertained, a GREAT wealth of information, offered us good advice for food options and free time activities, was always easy to talk to and accessible. Loved Kevin, our driver, sweet, funny, welcoming, helpful, and a Fabulous & Safe driver!! We were so thankful for his expertise!
Chris P.
The trip was wonderful. Alec, our Tour Manager and driver Marcelo were the best. Alec's knowledge of the history of both Scotland and Ireland made it more than a bus trip through countries. They were warm and caring and guided us through busy streets and locations. I would recommend Gate 1 and will schedule my next tour.
Sharon T.
It was my first trip with Gate 1 and it will not be my last. I see many more trips in my future. I just wish our tour manager Tarik and bus driver Darius and all the people on this trip could be on my next trip. Tarik and Darius made a amazing team. Thank you Gate 1 for a trip that will forever be a great memory of new friends and places.
Penny B.
As a seasoned Gate1 traveler, I have been on many tours but my recent 10-day trip to Ireland stands out as one of the best experiences I have had. A big part of this memorable journey was our outstanding tour manager, Linda. She was organized, informative and kept everything running effortlessly. Her knowledge of Ireland, combined with her easygoing nature, made the trip even more enjoyable. Linda didn't just share fascinating historical facts she also ensured we could relax and truly take in the beauty and culture of Ireland. Thank you Gate1 for providing such an incredible experience and for having such an exceptional tour manager. This trip to Ireland is definitely at the top of my list and I am already looking forward to my next adventure with Gate1!
Janet S.
A big shout out for our tour manager Sheila. Sheila loves her country and loved every minute of sharing all she knows and loves about Ireland with us. She kept us together and always on time, always in tune to our individual needs. She's a "no-nonsense" guide and didn't herd us around like tourists. She gave us what we needed to know and let us enjoy exploring. Our driver, Noel, was the best also. I was amazed at the beauty of Ireland. Gate 1 did an exceptional job in every respect but Shiela really made the trip for me.
Twinkle N.
This was my first trip with Gate 1 and it was also my honeymoon. My husband and I had the best trip ever. Anne Marie was just fantastic, she was so caring about us and our special trip. She is fantastic at her job. The driver Damien was also very friendly and interactive with us. I will absolutely book Gate 1 again. I sure hope to have a tour guide like Anne Marie again!
Erica H.
I just wanted to compliment the tour manager and the coach driver. This was our 12th trip with Gate 1. All previous tour managers were excellent, yet Emmeline, the tour manager, was exceptional. Her in-depth knowledge of history and language on top of her acting background made our trip very enjoyable. Her presentations were superb! Everybody loved her!! The coach driver, Robbie, was also the best driver on our 12 trips. We felt very comfortable being on his coach while he was driving narrow winding roads. He kept the coach in perfect condition. My compliments to the Gate 1 management, too, recruiting and keeping good members in your team!!
Keebom K.