Destination: Ireland

Ireland operates on a single time zone, Greenwich Mean Time, excluding its overseas territories. The country also observes daylight saving time from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.

When traveling through Europe, including Ireland, tipping etiquette is a customary practice that shows appreciation for good service. In Ireland, as in many European countries, it’s expected to tip around 10-15% of the bill at restaurants. For more casual dining spots, leaving 1 to 3 GBP is appropriate. Additionally, when purchasing drinks, rounding up the bill to the nearest whole figure or leaving the change is seen as a polite gesture. While on an organized tour like Odyssey, tipping is typically taken care of. But when exploring independently, it’s important to ensure you tip appropriately to acknowledge the service provided.

Internet access is easily accessible, and most hotels and many cafes will be able to offer it.

Ensure to contact your cell phone provider to inquire about the availability of making calls and using data while in Ireland. Several providers may offer a daily fee enabling you to make calls and access the internet without incurring extra charges. It is crucial to notify your provider of your international travel plans to avoid any potential service disruptions due to unusual activity, similar to how a bank may freeze your account for suspicious transactions.

Odyssey’s small group tours of Ireland offer senior couples the chance to delve into the lush green landscapes of the emerald isle. This destination is a nature lover’s paradise, boasting breathtaking ocean views and rolling hills that come together to form truly awe-inspiring scenery. Led by local tour guides, these small group adventures delve into magical folklore intertwined with Irish history, showcasing remarkable natural wonders such as the towering 214-meter-high Cliffs of Moher and the unique hexagonal formations of the Giant’s Causeway, teeming with diverse seabird life.

Embarking on an Odyssey small group tour of Ireland presents the opportunity to partake in a guided city exploration of Dublin, including must-see attractions like St. Patrick’s Cathedral, picturesque villages, verdant hills, and hidden treasures like the rugged Skellig Michael with its distinctive stone structures, or the enchanting landscapes of Connemara, the Dingle Peninsula, and the Aran Islands. Each tour also features visits to cultural gems like the Book of Kells and other UNESCO World Heritage Sites, enriching the experience with profound historical significance and architectural wonders.

You can find all Odyssey Ireland tour itineraries , departure dates and tour costs here.

Odyssey’s tours to Ireland ranges from 6-19 days.

Ensuring the safety of our travellers, tour leaders, local guides, and support staff has always been paramount. In adherence to the latest public health guidelines aimed at safeguarding individuals across various destinations globally, we have meticulously crafted a comprehensive plan. This plan is designed to instill confidence and peace of mind for all those embarking on journeys with us.

Odyssey Traveller offers the following tours to Ireland:

Treasures of Ireland

Walking tour of Ireland and the Lake District

Gardens of Ireland

Belfast City tour

Odyssey hires knowledgeable local expert guides and a great Odyssey tour leader who has an interest in the theme of the tour.

Odyssey’s tours are strategically scheduled in April or August to take advantage of the mild weather and fewer crowds, offering participants the opportunity to explore award-winning historic sites as part of an intimate group of up to 12 people on a captivating small-group adventure.

Odyssey’s small group tours for seniors encompass a comprehensive package covering accommodation, transportation, most meals, relevant entry fees, and the assistance of knowledgeable local guides, inclusive of tipping and gratuities. Moreover, these tours are led by an experienced Odyssey Tour Leader and are accompanied by a detailed tour information booklet to ensure a seamless and enriching travel experience.

In metropolitan areas, Odyssey ensures small group tours are accommodated in conveniently situated 3-4 star hotels, providing effortless access to public transportation. When venturing into smaller towns or rural settings, we typically seek accommodations in family-operated hotels or guesthouses.

Odyssey’s tours typically start at breakfast, between 8:30- to 9am.

Odyssey specialises in educational small group tours for seniors, typically groups sizes are between 6 to 12 people.

For mature and senior travellers, maintaining a level of fitness is crucial for enjoying small group tours. This page provides insights on diet, solo travel, packing tips, and footwear to aid in planning vacations to destinations like Europe, United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand.

Odyssey’s tours offer a variety of activity levels ranging from level 1 to level 4. Most of our tours are classified as level 2 (moderate), requiring participants to handle their own luggage, navigate stairs, maintain good health, mobility, and engage in 3-5 hours of physical activity daily, roughly equivalent to walking or hiking up to 8 kilometres on uneven terrain.

It’s important not to overanalyse the distance of 8 kilometres in a day; at Odyssey, our tours cater to seniors with curiosity and decent overall physical health. We don’t assume our participants to be avid walkers with exceptional strength or endurance. Moreover, our small group sizes allow for flexibility, offering alternative activities to those interested in skipping certain activities or sightseeing and permitting rest days as needed.

On a standard tour with Odyssey, participants typically cover an average distance of 8 kilometres per day on foot. However, for those embarking on a walking tour with Odyssey, the daily distance covered is even greater. For specific details regarding walking tours, we recommend reaching out to our office staff for more information.

During the tour, Odyssey’s leader will provide guidance on hotels with laundry services available or recommend nearby laundromats for your convenience.

As the Odyssey tour covers accommodation, most meals, entry fees, and the services of local guides, the only additional expenses you will have during your trip are for souvenirs, laundry, and occasional meals.

When traveling between cities in Ireland, the primary mode of transportation is usually by coach. The duration of your journey on the coach will vary based on the specific itinerary of your tour. For further details regarding travel times and routes, please reach out to our office for more information.

Odyssey’s small escorted group tours are known for their travel on modern and comfortable coaches, typically accommodating 14-16 passengers per vehicle.

In Ireland, public holidays hold significance by commemorating special days or events like Saint Patrick’s Day or Christmas Day. Typically, on these occasions, businesses and schools shut down while some essential services like public transport continue with adjusted timetables. Ireland observes nine public holidays annually.

Embark on an unforgettable odyssey with an Ireland small group tour, where Dublin’s vibrant tapestry unfolds before you through a meticulously guided city tour. Dive into the rich tapestry of Dublin, dotted with landmarks such as the iconic St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Beyond the bustling cityscape, immerse yourself in the tranquil allure of quaint villages nestled amidst lush green hills, unveiling hidden treasures like the mystical Skellig Michael, adorned with its unique stone huts. Traverse the rugged beauty of Connemara, the rugged charm of the Dingle Peninsula, or the timeless allure of the Aran Islands, each offering a distinct flavour of Ireland’s essence. Every tour of Ireland promises a glimpse of the revered Book of Kells and other UNESCO World Heritage Sites, adding a layer of historical richness to your journey.

Odyssey recommends the following books before you travel to Ireland:

• The Ancient Paths: Discovering the Lost Map of Celtic Europe by Graham Robb
• Ireland, The Autobiography: One Hundred Years of Irish Life, Told by its People by John Bowman
• Making Sense of the Troubles: A History of the Northern Ireland Conflict by David McKittrick

The optimal times to visit Ireland are from March to May and September to November, offering a less crowded experience compared to summer and milder temperatures than winter.

Ireland boasts an oceanic climate characterized by cool, damp conditions with consistent cloud cover and rainfall year-round. Extreme summer heat and winter frost are uncommon, and the country experiences minimal temperature variations. The western coasts tend to be milder in winter and cooler in summer, with the southwest coast notably mild during the winter months.

Ireland is heavily influenced by Atlantic weather fronts, leading to a continuous cycle of cloudy days, intermittent sunshine, rain showers, and subsequent clear spells. Fully clear skies are infrequent, with variable and unstable weather patterns prevailing, marked by shifting cloud cover rather than prolonged periods of clear weather.