Reviewing My Trip to Ireland with Gate 1 Travel

Planning the Emerald Isle Adventure

My lifelong dream of visiting the Emerald Isle, the birthplace of my grandfather, finally came true in the fall of 2023. We started our trip planning earlier that spring, weighing different options like a British Isles cruise, a self-guided tour, or a group bus tour. We ultimately chose a 12-day group bus tour with Gate 1 Travel, which fit our budget and itinerary perfectly.

The tour began in Dublin and circled the country clockwise, ending in Belfast. We decided to add an extra two nights in Dublin on our own before the official start to acclimate to the five-hour time difference and explore the city at a more leisurely pace. The Gate 1 package included round-trip airfare from Charlotte, North Carolina, along with most daily guided excursions, daily hotel breakfasts, and five hotel dinners. We also opted for a few optional excursions for an additional cost, which replaced some of our free time.

The Journey to Dublin

Our adventure started on October 10th. To save both time and money, we drove to the airport and used The Parking Spot for off-airport parking. At just over $6 a day for a premium covered spot, it was a much better deal than the $12 per day long-term uncovered lots that the airport offered. The shuttle service was efficient, and the driver was friendly and helpful with our luggage. A pro tip: join their mailing list to get great deals on parking.

Since there are no direct flights from Charlotte to Dublin in mid-October, we had a five-and-a-half-hour layover in JFK. The quick flight from Charlotte to JFK was smooth, and our luggage was checked all the way through to Dublin, so we didn't have to worry about it. Our layover was just long enough to grab some dinner at a typical, overpriced airport restaurant.

Unfortunately, the overnight Aer Lingus flight from JFK to Dublin was less than comfortable. Our seats were right in front of the lavatory and couldn't recline. To make matters worse, the passengers in front of us reclined their seats all the way back, leaving us with about 12 inches of space. The plane also felt old and dated; I even noticed a four-foot long piece of duct tape holding a wall panel together. Despite the cramped quarters, we arrived in Dublin just before 9 a.m.

From the airport, we took the Dublin Express Bus to our hotel. It’s a comfortable coach that departs every half-hour, costs just 8 euros per person, and takes a little over 30 minutes. It made multiple stops in Dublin City Centre, with one stop just a block from our hotel, the Camden Court Hotel.

Days 1-3: Dublin on Our Own

Day 1: A Walk Through Dublin 🚶‍♀️

We arrived at the Camden Court Hotel around 11 a.m. and were able to check into an available room right away. After dropping off our luggage, we set out to explore the city.

The hotel is about a mile south of the famous Temple Bar area. We decided to take a leisurely walk, first passing through St. Stephen's Green, a tranquil public park with manicured lawns and ponds. The autumn leaves were just starting to turn, creating a beautiful mix of orange, red, and yellow.

After the park, we walked down the bustling Grafton Street, a popular shopping area filled with shops, restaurants, and pubs. We stopped for lunch at Sheehan's Pub, a charming, old-time Irish pub with a welcoming atmosphere. I had my first official pint of Guinness here, and it was a wonderful introduction to a tradition that would continue throughout the trip!

We continued our walk to Trinity College, admiring the old architecture before heading toward the Temple Bar neighborhood. Along the way, we snapped some photos with the Molly Malone statue. The Temple Bar area was lively but very touristy, and the prices in the pubs reflected that. We crossed the River Liffey on the Grattan Bridge and walked along the Liffey Boardwalk, eventually crossing back over the historic Ha’penny Bridge.

For dinner, my wife was craving Italian food, so we ventured to a restaurant called I Monelli along the Grand Canal. The food was some of the best Italian I've ever had. We learned from the owner that the chef had immigrated from Italy about ten years ago, and his authentic cuisine was truly a standout. After a long day of walking, we were ready for a good night's sleep.

Day 2: Castles, Cathedrals, and a Coastal Tour 🚌

After a hearty Irish breakfast at the hotel, we began our second day of exploration using a two-day Go City Big Bus Hop On Hop Off pass. We bought a two-day pass for $105 per person, which included entrance fees to many of the city’s attractions. We started by taking the full loop around Dublin to get an overview of the city.

Our first stop was Dublin Castle, which dates back to the year 1204. The self-guided audio tour was an insightful look at the castle's history and grounds. From there, we took a short walk to Christ Church Cathedral, a Gothic and Romanesque cathedral built in the 1180s. We also explored the crypt below, which holds a number of interesting artifacts, including Strongbow's final resting place and a rare copy of the Magna Carta.

After grabbing a quick lunch, we took the afternoon Big Bus Dublin Coastal Tour for a scenic four-hour ride to the coastal village of Howth. We stopped at the wild headlands with dramatic cliffside walking trails and stunning views of the Baily Lighthouse. We then spent an hour exploring the charming village of Howth, with its pier, marina, and seafood restaurants. On our return to Dublin, we took the efficient Dublin Tram system back to the hotel.

For dinner, we ate at The Bleeding Horse, a historic pub near our hotel. A rival Irish rugby game was being televised, so the pub was crowded but had an incredible atmosphere. We even shared a table with a group of rugby fans who were more than happy to explain the game to us. I ordered a traditional Irish stew and a pint of Guinness, which was the perfect, filling meal after a long day.

Day 3: Guinness and the Group Tour Begins 🍻

We spent our last day of independent exploration using the remainder of our bus pass. We started with a self-guided audio tour of St. Patrick's Cathedral, a beautiful gothic cathedral that opened in 1191. After, we visited the Dubliana Tour site, which details the history of Viking and medieval life in Dublin.

Of course, no trip to Dublin would be complete without a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. This seven-story complex is a must-see for any beer enthusiast. The tour takes you through the history of Guinness, the brewing process, and its famous advertising campaigns. A highlight was learning how to properly pour and drink a pint to enjoy its full flavor. The tour culminates at the Gravity Bar on the top floor, where you can enjoy a free pint of fresh Guinness with a stunning 360-degree view of Dublin. Since my wife doesn't drink beer, I got to enjoy a second pint on the house!

In the evening, we officially met our Gate 1 Travel tour guide, Jamie, and the rest of our group. Our group of about 50 travelers sat in a large circle and introduced ourselves. Jamie, our guide, emphasized that the key to a successful trip was punctuality and that the bus would leave on time. The tour also had assigned seating on the bus that rotated daily, which was a great way to meet everyone. We were also told that all luggage would be handled by the hotel porters and our bus driver, Donal. This was a wonderful perk! Dinner that night was our first official Gate 1 group meal, giving us a chance to get to know our fellow travelers.

Days 4-8: The Gate 1 Tour

Day 4: Dublin with the Group 🚌

After breakfast, we boarded our new, comfortable tour bus with our driver, Donal. He informed us that bottled water would be available throughout the trip. The morning bus ride took us on a quick tour of Dublin's main sights, including Phoenix Park and O'Connell Street, and ended at the Guinness Storehouse for a tour and tasting. We had already been, but I didn't mind having two more pints of Guinness waiting for me!

The afternoon was on our own. We spent time walking around the Temple Bar area with a couple we had met, and we grabbed lunch at the famous Leo Burdock Fish & Chips. It was as good as advertised, large portions and reasonable prices.

That evening, we took an optional excursion to Taylor’s Three Rock, a dinner and entertainment venue. The event included a banquet-style dinner and a live show featuring traditional Irish singing and dancing. An Irish dancer even jumped on my table for a "tap dance-off" with another dancer! It was an incredible sight and well worth the extra money.

Day 5: Heading to Kilkenny 🏰

Our tour group headed south after breakfast. Our first stop was Glendalough National Park, where we explored a monastic site from the 6th century. Walking through the grounds felt like a trip back in time, with ancient artifacts and Celtic structures. After, we walked along paved trails through a tranquil forest filled with serene lakes and a bustling stream.

We then drove through the scenic Wicklow Mountains and arrived in Kilkenny in the early afternoon. We toured Kilkenny Castle, which dates back to 1260. After the tour, Jamie surprised us by treating the whole group to a drink at a local pub, which was a great bonding moment. We checked into the upscale Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel and had a delicious included dinner before enjoying a few drinks with our new friends in the hotel bar.

Day 6: On to Cork 💎

After breakfast, we made our way to Waterford, home of Waterford Crystal. A local guide took us on a walking tour of the downtown area, showing us ancient medieval trading areas and Reginald’s Tower, which had a replica Viking ship on display. We ended at the House of Waterford Crystal and had some free time to browse the beautiful products.

Next, we traveled to the seaside resort of Youghal. We were amazed at how much the tide varied; the boats in the harbor were sitting on the seabed when we arrived, but they were afloat a few hours later. We had lunch at The Old Imperial Hotel with some of our fellow travelers and found a small ice cream shop called Chill - Ices and Slices.

On our way to Cork, we stopped at the Jameson Whiskey Distillery in Midleton. The tour detailed the history of Irish whiskey distillation and included a tasting of three different types of Jameson's whiskey. We ended the tour with a complimentary mixed drink at the bar before heading to our hotel in Cork, the Leonardo Hotel Cork. That night, after dinner, a few of the husbands went out to a pub called Dan Lowrey's Tavern. The bartender pointed out that while Guinness is great, the local stout in Cork is Murphy's Stout. We tried it and I was hooked. From then on, I ordered a Murphy's Stout whenever I could.

Day 7: Touring Cork 🚶‍♀️

We started the day with a trip to the seaside village of Kinsale, a strategic port town with a rich history. A local guide led us on a walking tour, and we had some free time to explore the quaint fishing village on our own.

The afternoon and evening were free to explore Cork. We took a casual walk down Oliver Plunkett Street, a commercial area full of shops, restaurants, and pubs. For dinner, we took a local's suggestion and ate at a bustling pub called The Thomond Bar, which served great traditional Irish food. After dinner, we all went to a two-story pub called The Corner House, where we found a small table and enjoyed drinks and conversation while a band played Irish music downstairs.

Day 8: Castles and Banquets 👑

Before leaving Cork, we took a walk to a large market with vendors selling fresh fish, meats, and baked goods. It was fascinating to see how the locals shopped at this bustling market.

Our first stop on the way to Limerick was Blarney Castle. I was skeptical at first, thinking it was just a tourist trap, but I was wrong! It was one of my favorite stops. The medieval castle is in great shape for a ruin, and we climbed the spiral stone staircases to the top, where we were rewarded with amazing views. I even kissed the fabled Blarney Stone, which, according to legend, grants you the "gift of eloquence." It was a bit frightening as you lay on your back and lower yourself over a sheer drop while two men hold on to you, but it was an experience I'll never forget!

Our next stop was a working dairy farm where we received a tour and enjoyed a family-hosted lunch. The farm had been in the family for seven generations, and the patriarch, an eighty-something-year-old farmer, was a charismatic storyteller. The family was incredibly welcoming and talkative.

We arrived in Limerick and visited King John’s Castle, an imposing structure on the banks of the River Shannon. The castle is in great shape and offers amazing views of the city from its upper levels. We were able to walk on top of the turrets and through the internal courtyard, imagining what life was like 800 years ago.

That night, we had an optional add-on experience at Bunratty Castle for a Medieval Banquet. This was a definite highlight of our trip. Upon arrival, we were greeted by staff in full medieval costume, including an actor playing King Henry VIII. Inside the magnificent stone-walled castle, we were served a hearty medieval dinner with wine and mead. The entertainment included music, singing, and storytelling. This two-hour experience was well worth the extra cost.

Day 9: On to Sligo via the Cliffs of Moher and Galway 🏰

After another hearty Irish breakfast, we boarded the bus and headed for the legendary Cliffs of Moher. Our tour guide, Jamie, had us leave extra early so we could be one of the first buses to arrive. Her foresight was a lifesaver; we were the third bus to enter the parking lot, and the area was wonderfully empty when we arrived.

The walk up the paved trail to the cliffs is relatively steep and about a quarter-mile long, but there's also a shuttle for those with mobility issues. The cliffs themselves were stunning and provided endless photo opportunities. If you continue to the very top, you’ll reach O’Brien’s Tower, which you can climb for even more spectacular views. Standing at over 700 feet tall, the cliffs are a magnificent sight, with waves crashing violently against their base. It's a truly humbling experience. When we returned to the visitor center, which is ingeniously built into the side of a hill, we grabbed a cup of coffee. By then, the bus lot was packed and the paths were incredibly crowded; we were so happy Jamie got us there early.

Galway

Our next stop was the vibrant city of Galway. We arrived by late morning for a guided walking tour of this quaint yet lively town. The streets were bustling with shops, restaurants, pubs, and talented street performers. The stone architecture of the buildings gave the city an authentic medieval feel that was a treat to walk through.

After the tour, we had about two hours to explore on our own. A few of us found a great lunch spot called Beef & Lobster. While a bit pricey, the food was excellent. Most of us ordered the fresh and delicious lobster rolls, and everything seems to taste better with a pint of Guinness!

The final leg of our journey brought us to Sligo. Upon arriving at the Sligo Park Hotel & Leisure Club, we noticed a wedding reception in full swing, which added a festive atmosphere. We enjoyed another satisfying dinner with the group in the hotel restaurant. By this point in the trip, we had all gotten to know one another quite well, and our nightly dinners had become a fun, communal gathering. We ended the evening with a few drinks at the hotel bar, enjoying simple conversation and the perfect ending to a terrific day.

A major storm was moving through Ireland today, bringing heavy rain and 80 mph wind gusts. It was interesting to see how unfazed the Irish people were; this weather was apparently normal for them. We were eager to see how the storm would affect our scheduled day.

As soon as our bus departed, Jamie, our tour guide, announced an unscheduled surprise. Our first stop would be a working sheep farm! It was a very windy day, but the rain had not yet started. The farm had been in the family for generations, and the farmer gave us a fascinating demonstration of his border collies herding sheep. He explained that the dogs are trained to obey a handful of commands using a series of specific whistle sounds.

He demonstrated the dogs' ability to move the herd left, right, forward, and backward. The most impressive part was when a member of our group chose the number six. The trainer instructed his dogs to split a group of ten sheep into two separate herds: one of four sheep and one of six. He then had the dogs guide only the group of six sheep down a long field and back. It was amazing to watch how focused and excited the dogs were to do their jobs correctly. The entire tour group thoroughly enjoyed this truly unique and memorable experience.

After the sheep farm, we continued toward County Donegal and the Slieve League Cliffs, some of the highest sea cliffs in all of Europe. However, due to the high winds, Jamie was informed that we would not be allowed to walk near the cliffs. Instead, we would take a smaller shuttle bus to the top and view them from the window. The shuttle ride to the top was steep, and the wind was so strong it was violently shaking the bus, a bit unnerving, to say the least! We were only able to pull up to the cliffs for a few minutes to take photos from the window before returning to the visitor center. From what we could see, the cliffs looked magnificent. I will definitely be sure to return for a better view someday. The group then shared a casual lunch of soup and sandwiches at the café.

In the late afternoon, our bus driver offered to drop anyone off who wanted to explore downtown Sligo, about a mile from our hotel. Since it was already dinnertime, we opted to get off the bus. In the mood for Italian, our party of eight found a restaurant called Rugantino. It focused primarily on pasta dishes, and everyone was happy with their excellent and reasonably priced selections. After dinner, my wife and I decided to walk back to the hotel, even with the threat of rain. It was a pleasant, slightly uphill walk, and luckily, we made it back to the hotel before the rain started.

Day 10: Sligo's Storm and Sheepdogs 🐑

Day 11: A Journey to Northern Ireland 🇬🇧

After breakfast, we boarded the bus and crossed from the Republic of Ireland into UK-controlled Northern Ireland. It was interesting how seamless the transition was; there were no border checkpoints or fanfare. The only noticeable changes were that cars now drove on the left side of the road, and gas prices were posted in Pounds Sterling instead of Euros. Our first stop was the city of Derry (officially Londonderry).

Derry

An excellent local guide led us on an informative walking tour of the city's 17th-century walls, passing by sites like the Guildhall and St. Columb’s Cathedral. We learned that Derry was the focal point for the civil rights movement in Northern Ireland, a period known as The Troubles. It was also the site of the infamous "Bloody Sunday" incident in 1972, where 13 unarmed civilians were killed by British paratroopers. The city is filled with powerful murals commemorating these events.

During our free time, we grabbed a quick bite at The River Inn, a bar established in 1684. The food was decent, but the slow service forced us to rush a bit to get back to the bus on time. Before we left, we made a quick stop at the ornate, neo-Gothic Derry Guildhall, an interesting public building that's definitely worth a look.

Giant's Causeway

Our next stop was the legendary Giant's Causeway. After arriving at the visitor center, we were provided with a self-guided audio tour and made our way down a steep, half-mile paved roadway with magnificent views of the North Atlantic Ocean.

The Giant's Causeway is a breathtaking sight, a formation of approximately 40,000 hexagonal basalt rock columns formed by an ancient volcanic eruption. Waves were crashing against the formations, and we were free to climb all over the columns, which made for stunning photographs. We also learned about the Irish folklore surrounding its creation, involving the giant Finn MacCool. After exploring for about a half-hour, we began the exhausting climb back up the steep hill to the bus. A shuttle service is available for a small fee for those with mobility issues.

On our final leg to Belfast, Jamie informed us that our hotel, the Europa Hotel, had a reputation as the "most bombed hotel in history" due to its role during The Troubles. Thankfully, Belfast has been peaceful for decades, and the hotel is now a very nice, high-rise in the heart of the city. We were on our own for dinner and found a restaurant called Fish City, a higher-end seafood place. I ordered their award-winning fish and chips, which were fantastic!

Day 12: Belfast and Farewell 🥂

Our final full day in Ireland had arrived. After breakfast, we toured the Belfast port area, home to the dockyard where the Titanic was built. Our first stop was the Titanic Experience, a modern museum built in 2012. The museum did a wonderful job of detailing the shipbuilding process from over a hundred years ago, with exhibits of staterooms and dining halls. We then entered an emotional exhibit on the infamous disaster, seeing original artifacts and learning about the mayday attempts and rescue efforts. The museum ends on a hopeful note, explaining how the disaster led to major safety improvements in the industry. This is a must-see museum if you visit Belfast.

The bus tour of Belfast really highlighted the stark division between the city's Irish Catholic and British Protestant neighborhoods. It was striking to see images of the British monarchy proudly displayed in one neighborhood, while just across the street, in the Irish Catholic neighborhoods, there was no mention of them at all. While both sides now live in relative peace, you can still see remnants of the old walls, some 30 feet tall, that were built to separate the communities during The Troubles. These Peace Walls have now become a mural where visitors can write messages of peace. Our bus stopped, and we all had an opportunity to leave a message, which was a very emotional experience.

In the afternoon, we went out to find an authentic pub for our final drinks together. We settled on The Crown Liquor Saloon, a pub with an ornate and detailed interior. We found a private booth with a door that we could close for a bit of privacy. It was the perfect place to enjoy my last pints of Guinness and reminisce with our new friends about our wonderful trip.

That evening, we had our farewell dinner in the hotel restaurant with our tour manager, Jamie. It was a bittersweet meal, and Jamie bought us all a round of drinks for a final toast. It was a pleasure getting to know everyone, and I was so happy that the group got along so well without any drama. We personally thanked Jamie and handed her our gratuity for a job well done. We then returned to our room to pack for our 4:45 a.m. airport transfer.

Trip Summary: The Final Verdict

Cost: 5 Stars

Our total trip cost for two people was approximately $8,000 ($4,000 each). This included the Gate 1 tour package, two extra nights in Dublin, all airfare, transfers, parking, excursions, extra meals, drinks, and all gratuities.

Travel Company: 5 Stars

Gate 1 Tours did a fantastic job. The itinerary was well-planned, the bus was clean and comfortable, the hotels were centrally located and very nice, and the days were efficiently organized. Our tour guide, Jamie, was funny, informative, and kept the tour moving. Our bus driver, Donal, was a great driver and very helpful. This was my first Gate 1 tour, and I would definitely use them again.

Destination: 5 Stars

Ireland is a wonderful country with so much history to see and a friendly people to meet. The tour covered most of what I wanted to see, and I would love to return someday to explore the few places we missed.

Food: 4 Stars

The food was generally good. The Irish breakfasts at the hotels were fantastic, and the hotel dinners were satisfying. We enjoyed the traditional Irish fare (stew, seafood chowder, and fish & chips) at local pubs and also found a few fantastic specialty restaurants.

Airlines: 3 Stars

The airlines were satisfactory, but flying economy can be uncomfortable. Our initial flight on Aer Lingus was particularly cramped, with seats that didn't recline and a plane that seemed to be in need of an update.

Parking: 5 Stars

The Parking Spot did a great job with offsite parking at a very reasonable price. It was a smooth and trouble-free process.