Home of Gods & Ancient Tombs
Departing Dublin City in the morning we travel along Ireland’s Ancient East to Brú Na Boinne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with it’s origins dating back over 5000 years. This Neolithic complex which is older than the great pyramids of Giza, features the largest collection of prehistoric megalithic art in Europe. Here we also visit Newgrange passage tomb, home to the pagan god Dagda. In the afternoon we travel to Belfast City and check in to the luxury 5 star Fitzwilliam Hotel.
www.discoverboynevalley.ie
HOTEL: 5 Star Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast. Dinner & Breakfast Included
A Taste of Titanic Belfast
Today we travel to the birthplace of the RMS Titanic. The Belfast Docks are home to the world’s biggest Titanic exhibition and is a must see attraction. In the afternoon we get to see the sights around Belfast city centre where we embark on a walking foodie tour where we get to meet artisan producers and sample their produce of cheeses, chocolates, condiments, Irish traditional stews and chowders – all washed down with samples of craft beers and sweet liquors. This tour is delivered by Taste and Tour – a multi award winning experience with a 5 star NI rating, featured on National Geographic Traveller.
www.titanicbelfast.com
www.tasteandtour.co.uk
HOTEL: 5 Star Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast. Breakfast Included
Walking in the Footsteps of Giants
Leaving Belfast after breakfast, we embark on a scenic journey through the Glens of Antrim – one of the UK’s designated AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). We then arrive at the Giants Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a wonder of nature encompassing 40,000 interlocking hexagonal basalt columns. In the afternoon we visit the picturesque and the precariously situated Dunluce Castle which dates back to the 15th century and is best know as the “House of Greyjoy” in Game of Thrones. Tonight we stay and dine at the luxury Roe Park Hotel.
https://antrimcoastandglensaonb.ccght.org
www.giantscausewayofficalguide.com
HOTEL: 4 Star Roe Park Resort. Dinner & Breakfast Included
Tall Walls and Castles
In the morning we set off on the famous Derry City Walking Tour. These massive fortification walls built during the 1600’s remain as Europe’s only completely intact defensive structures. Steeped in history, this tour encompasses the history of Derry including the civil rights movement and the events of Bloody Sunday in 1972. Delivered by Martin McCrossan Walking Tours, this is a 5 STAR award winning NI graded experience since 2014. In the afternoon we visit the picturesque Glenveagh National Park and Castle. One of six National Parks in Ireland, this 28,000 acre estate is steeped in an intriguing and mysterious past. Later and on route to our hotel we get a birds eye view of Dunlewey lake where the magnificent mountain of Errigal will also be within view of our 4 star prestigious hotel – An Chúirt. Here we check in for two nights and arrange to meet for evening dinner.
www.nationalparks.ie/glenveagh
www.derrycitytours.com
HOTEL: 4 Star An Chúirt Hotel Donegal. Dinner & Breakfast Included
Streams of Moonshine & Music
After a late breakfast and having enjoyed the leisure and spa facilities we take a short drive to the village of Crolly in early afternoon. Here where we visit an exclusive boutique distillery which uses the traditional direct-fire methods of making whiskey. On this fully guided tour which features an interesting audio visual on the origins and traditions of ‘Poitín’ making in this region we finish with a sampling session to awaken those taste buds. In the evening we have dinner and enjoy the entertainment at the famous Leo’s Tavern, famed for it’s live music and impromptu guest appearances. Home to the famous Clannad band, Enya and Moya Brennan, it is Ireland’s most famous musical pub. Bono, Phil Coulter and Van Morrison to name but a few, have all performed here. The in-house restaurant has been the recipient of several awards and accolades. We make the short ten minute journey back to the hotel in late evening.
www.leostavern.com
www.crollydistillery.com
HOTEL: 4 Star Chuirt Hotel Donegal. Dinner & Breakfast Included
Our Ancestors, On the Edge of the World
Today we travel along the Atlantic coast which includes some dramatic landscapes like Glengesh Pass. Arriving in the townland of Glencolmcille, we visit Fr McDyers Folk Village. A cluster of thatched traditional museum houses, this ‘clachan village’ gives an insight into Irish life on the edge of Europe from 1700 to the 1950’s. In the afternoon we continue on our travels to the impressive Slieve League sea cliffs. These breath-taking seascapes at 2000ft are nearly three times the height of the Cliffs of Moher and are the highest accessible sea cliffs in Western Europe. A newly constructed visitor centre and restaurant are located nearby. Travelling in the direction of Donegal Town we prepare to be welcomed at the exclusive Harvey’s Point Hotel, a recipient on various awards and accolades including being voted as Ireland’s Best Hotel, five times in succession.
www.sliabhliag.com
www.glenfolkvillage.com
HOTEL: 4 Star Harveys Point. Dinner & Breakfast Included
The Story of an Irish Chieftain
In the morning after breakfast we travel the short distance to Donegal Town. Here we visit both the ruined monastery known as the ‘Four Masters Abbey’ and Donegal castle. Both these landmarks were built in the 15th century by the powerful noble Gaelic chieftain – Red Hugh O Donnell and are steeped in fascinating history. Here we learn of how the ‘Annals of Ireland’ were discovered near the abbey, their historical significance and how the demise of this last chieftain changed the course of Irish history forever. In the afternoon we travel to Sligo. On route we visit the grave of WB Yeats (1865-1939), widely considered to be one of the greatest poets of the 20th century. A recipient of the Noble Prize for Literature, the colourful character of Yeats published over 30 poetry collections and as a dramatist was instrumental in establishing a stage for the performing arts in Ireland. We then stop in the beautiful town of Carrick-on-Shannon where we will take a fun filled boat charter along the river Shannon on this fully guided experience before reaching our destination for another night – the opulence surroundings of a Irish castle, worthy hosts to king and queens!
www.heritageireland.ie
www.moonriver.ie
HOTEL: 4 Star Lough Rynn Castle Hotel. Dinner & Breakfast Included
Trials, Tribulations & a Fond Farewell
On the last day of the tour we leave the hidden heartlands of Ireland and make our way to the capital city of Dublin. On route we travel through the towns of Longford, Mullingar, Kinnegad and Maynooth and get to hear some fascinating stories about each. When we arrive in Dublin, we visit Kilmainham gaol on a fully guided tour. Opened in 1796 and persevered as a national monument in the 1960’s, we step back in time to learn of the trials and tribulations of those who passed through it’s fortified gates. We also recount how this state penitentiary shaped the most momentous events in Irish history including that of the 1916 Easter Rising. In the afternoon we embark on the last road of a memorable journey as we bid goodbye (for now!) and leave you at one of the designated locations near to Dublin Airport.
Discover Dublin
We can suggest and recommend an itinerary for multiple days of sightseeing and adventure in Dublin city including accommodation to coincide with any free days before or after this tour. This is not included in the package price. Examples include:
- EPIC Immigration
- Museum Guinness Storehouse
- Book of Kells & Trinity College
- National Museum of Ireland
- Temple Bar & the Molly Malone Statue
- Dublin Hop On Bus Tour
- St Patricks and Christchurch Cathedrals
- Dublin Castle
- The GPO
- National Art Gallery of Ireland
- Jameson Distillery
- Dublinia Viking Museum
- Croke Park Stadium Tour
- National Botanic Gardens
- Jeanie Johnson – The Famine Ship Story
- Phoenix Park
- Teeling Whiskey
*We can suggest and recommend an itinerary for multiple days of sightseeing and adventure in Dublin city including accommodation to coincide with any free days before or after this tour. This is not included in the package price.
Luxury
Accommodation
We hand pick luxury hotels for all of our tours.
Enquire Now
Enquire Now