DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for Ireland
Depart for Ireland
DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Dublin
Welcome to the "Emerald Isle!" Arrive in Dublin, the energetic capital of Ireland. Most flights arrive in the early morning and your room may not be ready for you. In this case, leave your luggage with the concierge and your Tour Manager will provide suggestions for you to begin to explore the city on your own. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by dinner
Overnight: Dublin
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3, Saturday - Dublin City Tour
The exploration of Dublin, immortalized by James Joyce, begins with a panoramic drive through statue-lined O'Connell Street and past Phoenix Park, the largest enclosed city park in Europe, home to the official residence of the President. Continue past St. Patrick's Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland, dedicated to Ireland's patron saint. Conclude the tour at the EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. This interactive experience will take you on a journey to discover the stories of Irish emigration, from early times to the modern day. The afternoon is free to explore on your own. Perhaps take in the Guinness Storehouse, one of Ireland's leading attractions. Tonight, join the optional Dinner at Taylors Three Rock. Spend an evening filled with traditional Irish song & dance, accompanied by delectable Irish food
Optional: Dinner at Taylors Three Rock (PM)
Overnight: Dublin
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Sunday - Explore Belfast, Titanic Museum
This morning, depart for Belfast capital of Northern Ireland, with its beautifully restored Victorian architecture, European-style cafes and a rich cultural life. En route, stop at Hillsborough Castle. This historic Georgian castle built in the 1770s, serves as the official Northern Ireland residence of HM The King. Visit the elegant State Rooms, the graceful Drawing Room, Lady Grey's Study, and the regal Throne Room. Later, begin the exploration of Belfast at the towering dome of the Edwardian City Hall, followed by the university district. Stop in a neighborhood where buildings are still scarred from "The Troubles" which ended with the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. Visit the gleaming Titanic Belfast Museum constructed in the actual dockyard where the doomed ship was built; its multimedia presentation follows the history of Belfast and the creation of the world's most famous ocean liner. Exhibits include a high-tech ride through a recreation of the city's shipyards. View details of the Titanic's construction, replicas of the passenger accommodations and old film footage of the actual ship. The rest of the day is yours to discover Belfast on your own
Overnight: Belfast
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Monday - Giant's Causeway, Derry City Tour
Begin the day with a drive via Ballymena in County Antrim that takes you along winding roads to the spectacular Giant's Causeway. It's the only UNESCO World Heritage site in Northern Ireland, where unusual hexagonal columns formed by 60 million years of volcanic activity stretch into the sea. Following lunch at a local restaurant, take a drive along a scenic route, to view stately mountains, valleys and the jagged coastline where many scenes were filmed for the Game of Thrones series. Arrive at the charming city of Derry (also known as Londonderry) with its rich history and glimpses of Northern Ireland's past and present. During your walking tour of the artistic cultural hub, view St. Columb's Cathedral, the oldest surviving building in Derry, dating back to 1633 and the neo-Gothic Guildhall with its beautiful stained glass windows. Proceed to the well-preserved medieval city walls with its four original gates that completely encircle the old city center, protecting Derry throughout centuries from foreign invaders. Afterward, travel to Donegal with its spectacular landscapes for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Donegal
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6, Tuesday - Slieve League, Donegal Castle
This morning, take a scenic drive to the dramatic Slieve League cliffs. Stop at the Visitor Center and learn about the local history and culture. Afterward, take a hike to the cliffs. Admire the astounding panorama before you. On a clear day, you can see across to Sligo and to the mountains of the Mayo coast. After, return to Donegal and visit Donegal Castle, built in the 15th century by an O'Donnell chieftain. The castle was the stronghold of the O'Donnell clan from the 5th to the 16th centuries. The picture-perfect royal castle at the heart of the historic town, is considered one of Ireland's finest Gaelic castles. Balance of the day is at leisure
Overnight: Donegal
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7, Wednesday - Sheepdog Demonstration, Achill Island
Depart Donegal and travel into the countryside to a working sheep farm* and watch a sheepdog herding demonstration. Wondrous views abound as you circle the shores of Clew Bay. View steeply sloped mountains plunging into the ocean after crossing the bridge to Achill Island, home to beautiful beaches and some of Europe's highest cliffs. Here, view the poignant deserted village at Slievemore, consisting of the remains of stone cottages on the southern slopes of Slievemore Mountain. Afterward, travel to Westport, one of Ireland's most popular vacation spots, known for its wide choice of outdoor activities, and celebrating the best of Irish music. Tonight, dinner is at the hotel
*This tour includes interactions with animals. Passengers may choose not to participate. Please note that no substitute or refund is available.
Overnight: Westport
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8, Thursday - Kylemore Abbey, Westport House
Today, embark on a scenic drive through Doolough Valley, nestled between the Mweelrea Mountain and Sheeffry Hills. The area known for its dramatic beauty is also steeped in history, being the site of the tragic Doolough Famine Walk of 1849. Upon arrival in Kylemore Abbey Estate, visit the striking lakeside abbey, set against a dramatic mountainous backdrop. Once a castle, Kylemore is steeped in history and is now home to Ireland's only community of Benedictine nuns. Experience the Victorian atmosphere of the abbey's restored rooms and, time permitting, stroll through the magical Victorian walled garden. Continue to Westport House*, discover the lush gardens of the estate, and admire the magnificent views overlooking Clew Bay. Visit the historic mansion and later have afternoon tea, while listening to the fascinating tales about the people who once lived in the 300-year-old house. After, travel back to Westport
*Westport House will be closed from Sep and will be replaced with a walking tour of Westport for departures affected.
Overnight: Westport
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9, Friday - Galway City Tour, Dublin
Depart Westport and travel to Galway, a seafaring town. Arrive in Galway and begin the city tour. View the Spanish Arch, located on the banks of river Corrib, believed to be an extension of Galway's medieval city walls, and Eyre Square. Stroll along the cobbled streets of the Latin Quarter and soak up the medieval atmosphere. Travel through the Irish countryside back to Dublin. Tonight, at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Overnight: Dublin
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10, Saturday - Depart Ireland
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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