Day 1: Start of tour in Dublin
Céad míle fáilte! (Or, should we say, a hundred thousand welcomes!) Welcome to Ireland and the start of your tour! Meet your tour leader and the group at the hotel this morning before it’s time to explore this wonderful city! Embark on a driving and walking tour of Dublin with your tour leader and see the highlights of Ireland’s capital city. This afternoon is free to explore as you wish. Why not join the fascinating Discover Dublin excursion for an exciting taste of Irish culture and some of Dublin’s top sights? Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner with the group.
Day 2: Belfast - Giant's Causeway - Derry
Today, head into Northern Ireland. Your tour leader will share insight on topics like the Rising, the Civil War and the Fight for Independence, along with The Troubles. Although peaceful now, this is an important part of Ireland’s history, particularly the north. Stop in the famous city of Belfast and enjoy a combined driving and walking tour. Then, it’s onto Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge for a photo stop. Get your cameras ready for the famous Giant’s Causeway. Legend has it that the causeway was built by an Irish giant named Finn McCool so that he could challenge his Scottish rival Benandonner to a battle. Today’s last stop is the riverside city of Derry, where the tour will spend the night.
Day 3: Derry - Galway
Heading out from Derry, travel to Galway, joining up with the famous Wild Atlantic Way - the longest coastal drive in the world, and probably the most scenic! After a comfort stop along the way, arrive in Galway in the early afternoon. Enjoy some free time in this arty, bohemian city that boasts a vibrant ambience, thanks to its large student population. With students making up a quarter of the population, you’ll find plenty of bars and cafés, some of which will feature live music. Check out the remnants of the medieval town walls, or take a stroll down the promenade to Salthill, on Galway Bay, source of the area’s delicious well-known oysters.
Day 4: Cliffs of Moher - Limerick - Adare - Killarney
First up today is one of the highlights of the tour – the world-famous Cliffs of Moher. This natural wonder rises over 200 metres above the churning sea! Then, it’s onto Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. The present version of Bunratty Castle was erected in the early 1400s, however, it dates back to the 10th century. Adjoining the castle is Folk Park, a reconstructed traditional Irish village. Enjoy a photostop in Limerick, with its fascinating castle, traditional pubs, art museum and thriving café culture. Take the opportunity to wander through Adare, which is often called ‘Ireland’s prettiest village’ - catch a glimpse of the perfectly-preserved thatch cottages. Finally, arrive in Killarney for the night.
Day 5: Ring of Kerry: Free Day
Enjoy a free day in the Kerry region. Take the time to explore the hiking trails, golf courses and picturesque churches of Killarney. Or join the optional excursion - a drive and various stops along the Ring of Kerry. This iconic route takes you along the Iveragh Peninsula. Experience charming stops along the way - such as Kerry Bog Village and a Sheepdog demonstration. Sit back and relax on a jaunting (carriage) ride through Killarney National Park. This excursion immerses you in all that this iconic route has on offer.
Day 6: Blarney Castle - Kilkenny - Dublin
Journeying back to Dublin and leaving the Wild Atlantic Way, enjoy a stop at Blarney Castle, where you’ll have the chance to kiss the famous Blarney Stone and gain the ‘gift of the gab’. Next up is the medieval town of Kilkenny. Here, join your tour leader on an orientation tour of the historic centre, known as the 'Medieval Mile'. Arriving back in Dublin later today, celebrate the last night of your tour with an optional Irish music evening, including dinner and a show. It’s a fantastic way to finish off this wonderful tour of the Emerald Isle!
Day 7: End of tour in Dublin
After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye as the tour concludes. We hope you’ve enjoyed the scenery, the culture, the sights and the history of this incredible part of the world. Don’t forget to share your details with your fellow travellers. Farewell, Ireland!