The Island of Ireland in Depth

This morning after breakfast, transfer from your hotel in Dublin to Belfast. En route you will enjoy a visit to Monasterboice, an early Christian settlement in County Lough Ireland. Founded in the late 5th century, it was an important religious centre which was invaded by Vikings in the 10th century. Here you can discover two churches, a sundial and the iconic Muiredach’s High Cross. Continue your journey to your hotel in the centre of Belfast for a two-night stay.

• Hotel: Europa Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast

This morning enjoy a walking tour of Belfast. Begin by visiting the outside of Belfast City Hall on Donegal Square, a Grade A listed building built in the early 20th century. Next, see the Albert Memorial Clock, located on Queen’s Square, which dates back to 1869 and was built as a memorial to Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s husband. Next visit the Cathedral Quarter, the main nightlife centre of Belfast, named after St Anne’s Cathedral which sits in the centre of the area. From here walk towards the River Lagan where you see the Big Fish ceramic mosaic sculpture which is a representation of the Salmon of Knowledge (in Irish: bradán feasa), constructed in 1999. Next walk back towards the centre and walk down Great Victoria Street, passing the Europa Hotel, known as the “most bombed hotel in Europe” after suffering 36 bomb attacks during the Troubles period. Continue down Great Victoria Street to see the campus of Queen’s University Belfast and enjoy a stroll through the neighbouring botanical gardens before returning to the centre where you can enjoy some free time in St George’s Market (open Fridays), the perfect place to grab some lunch. The rest of your day is at leisure.

• Hotel: Europa Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast

Today we’ll drive out of Belfast early and to the north western coast to visit the world-famous Giants Causeway. An area of around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the Causeway resulted from an ancient volcanic eruption. This awe-inspiring sight can also be seen from the air as we make our way to the Carrick-a-Rede footbridge. Suspended 30 meters above the rocks below, the 20 metre rope bridge links the mainland to the tiny island of Carrickarede. Tickets included. Continue to the city of Londonderry-Derry where you will enjoy some time at leisure to have lunch in this walled city. After lunch you will enjoy a walking tour of the city of Derry, famous both for its early and recent modern history. The most famous asset of the city is the wall defense which surrounds the old town of Derry and dates back to the early 17th century, when the English named the city Londonderry and make it the first planned city in Ireland. Enjoy a walk up on the walls which offers views over the old town, known for its many different Christian churches and cobbled streets, as well as views outside of the old town to the neighbourhoods surrounding and the River Foyle which flows through the city. Visit the infamous Bogside area just outside of the old town known for its ‘Free Derry’ murals which arose during the Troubles period in Northern Ireland in the 2nd half of the 20th century. In 1972, Bogside was the site of a massacre of Catholic protesters by British soldiers, known as Bloody Sunday. Learn about this period of tumultuous history before curving round to the River Foyle to admire the iconic Peace Bridge. Return back into the old town where you will admire the mural to the original Derry Girls, the women who worked tirelessly making shirts in Derry in the factories. Your evening is at leisure.

• Hotel: City Hotel Derry
• Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Glanveagh National Park in County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland. Enjoy a photo stop here to admire the spectacular scenery. We will drive further west to the sea cliffs of Slieve League, covered in heather, the sight is always colourful, always changing and always spectacular. Our walk takes us Northwest along the eastern side of the mountain offering views of rolling mountains, patchwork fields and gentle streams on one side and the sea cliffs with the backdrop of the wild Atlantic Ocean on the other side. Continue to Sligo where we will stay overnight. Before check in, visit the forge, garden and courtyard area of Parke Castle here in Sligo. Enjoy photo opportunities outside the Castle (battlement and castle currently closed for entry).

• Hotel: Sligo Park Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast

 

This morning enjoy a guided walking tour of Sligo. Sligo is the largest town in the north west of Ireland and has a long and extensive history dating back to the Medieval period. On your walking tour today, visit the Church of the Immaculate Conception, the Courthouse, Sligo Abbey, the town’s only surviving Medieval structure, and a bronze statue of William Butler Yeats, one of the most prominent Irish literary figures of the early 20th century. This afternoon head to Kylemore Abbey and enjoy a visit here before being picked up by your coach for your onward journey to your hotel outside of Galway.

• Hotel: Maldron Hotel Sandy Road Galway
• Meals: Breakfast

Today after breakfast, we will drive to Kilfenora, the City of Crosses, where we will enjoy a guided cycle tour. Kilfenora was founded in 590AD and is home of the Celtic Cross. On your route, stop at the Noughaval, a 12th-century church and market stone, before exploring the world famous Burren region. The Burren is a UNESCO Geopark, and the perfect place to see renowned flora, and stunning landscape of this protected region. End your cycle with a visit to the iconic Poulnabrone Dolmen, a unique, large portable tomb located in the Burren. This afternoon transfer to Galway where your Tour Manager will take you out to some of the pubs in Galway to enjoy the local music and meet the locals. The first pint is included in your tour cost! Return to your hotel this evening.

• Hotel: Maldron Hotel Sandy Road Galway
• Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast and check out, transfer to the coastal town of Doolin where you will visit the Cliffs of Moher by sea. The Cliffs epitomise the drama and ruggedness of Ireland’s Atlantic coast and feature some of the country’s most scenic views. You’ll step onto a cruise and see the cliffs from the water with a one hour sailing around the bay from Doolin. Next, continue down the country and visit the Clare Glens where you will enjoy a 3.5km loop walk. You will follow the Clare River through wooded landscape and see the beautiful waterfalls here. There are opportunities to enjoy a dip if you so wish, so please bring your swimming costume. After your walk, continue by road to Killarney where you will stay for the next three nights.

• Hotel: The Heights Hotel Killarney
• Meals: Breakfast

The Ring of Kerry is considered one of the finest drives in the world. From rugged cliffs to golden beaches, small villages and pastures green to peat bogs and picturesque mountain ranges. This peninsula illustrates all that is beautiful, wonderful and wild in our beloved motherland. On this coach tour from Cork, you will enjoy a comprehensive visit to the beauty spot. Begin with a visit to the town of Killarney, often voted the most beautiful town in Ireland and known as the gateway to the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Coast. Next visit Killgorglin, known for the Puck Fair Celtic festival, where a goat is crowned king of the village! Continue on a scenic drive along part of the beautiful Dingle Peninsula; we will stop along the way for the perfect photo opportunities! Next visit Waterville often frequented by Charlie Chaplin and known for its early Christian monasteries and Skellig Rocks. Stop at the colourful village of Sneem before visiting Killarney National Park which offers stunning views of the Lakes of Killarney and the Black Valley. Your final stop will be at Torc Waterfall where you will enjoy a light walk as you admire the scenery and may even spot a red deer or two! Return to your hotel in Killarney where the rest of your evening is at leisure.

• Hotel: The Heights Hotel Killarney
• Meals: Breakfast

Today, we will head to Cork, with a stop at Blarney Castle where we will enjoy entrance. The Blarney Castle dates back to the 15th century and is home to the Blarney Stone, which is said to give the gift of the gab to those who kiss it. Continue to Cork where you will stay for the next two nights.

• Hotel: Cork's Vienna Woods Hotel and Villa
• Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, enjoy a guided walking tour of Cork. On this introduction to “The Rebel City”, you will visit the National Monument, Nano Nagle bridge, Cork City Club, Berwick Fountain, the English Market, Queen’s Old Castle, St Peter’s and Paul’s Church, the Father Matthew Statue and St Anne’s Church in Shandon. This afternoon, head to the port town of Cobh where you will board your ferry for a visit to Spike Island. Originally a monastic settlement, Spike Island became an important strategic defence due to its location within the harbour and is home to the 18th century Fort Mitchel. It has also in history been used as a prison but now is a heritage attraction. You will enjoy a 1.5-hour guided walking tour today including a visit to the Fortress. You will then be provided with some free time to explore the other Fortress attractions and surrounding island at your leisure. Return by ferry back to Cobh and continue back to Cork.

• Hotel: Cork's Vienna Woods Hotel and Villa
• Meals: Breakfast

Today after breakfast it’s time to say goodbye to Cork as we check out of the hotel and make our way to Dublin. We will be stopping along the way at Kilkenny, a medieval town in the south east of Ireland. The town has religious roots dating back many century and houses well preserved churches and monasteries. You’ll take a walk around Kilkenny Castle, built in 1195 as a tactical castle at the junction of several routeways. We will continue towards Dublin and check in for a two-night stay.

• Hotel: Maldron Hotel Tallaght
• Meals: Breakfast

This morning, after a hearty Irish breakfast, you’ll head into central Dublin for a morning walking tour of the city. Some of the city’s historic buildings include Dublin Castle, dating to the 13th century, and imposing St Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in 1191. City parks include landscaped St Stephen’s Green. Your guide will show the best sights and sounds of Ireland’s bustling, friendly capital city. Lunch is at your own leisure today (at your own expense). Enjoy a visit to the Pearse Lyon Distillery, which is housed in the converted St James Church, which dates back over 800 years. Learn about whiskey heritage in Dublin and learn about the Liberties district of Dublin, home of the distillery. Enjoy a visit through the distillery before enjoying a taster of three whiskeys, including Pearse Original, Distiller's Choice and Founder's Choice, a 12-year-old single malt.

• Hotel: Maldron Hotel Tallaght
• Meals: Breakfast

This morning, after breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to Dublin airport for your return journey home.

• Meals: Breakfast