All Ireland Tour

Day 1 – Belfast

Arrival in Belfast Airport where our local guide welcomes the group. Enjoy a panoramic tour of Belfast city including the Albert Memorial Clock Tower (which leans dramatically to one side!), the Opera House, one of the city’s great landmarks, and City Hall. The city tour finishes with a welcome drink at the Crown Liquor Saloon, which dates back to 1885. Overnight at the 4 star Europa Hotel in the centre of Belfast.

Day 2 – Giant’s Causeway

Today travel along the beautiful Antrim Coast which runs north from Larne through the Glens of Antrim and down to the sea at the Causeway Coast. Cross the spectacular Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge which was once a working bridge for fishermen connecting a small island to the mainland. Then it is onwards to the famous and unique rock formation. the Giant’s Causeway, which was formed more than 60 million years ago. The Causeway is designated as a UNESCO world heritage site and many and various legends are told of the Giant’s Causeway. Continue on to County Donegal for dinner and overnight in Gallagher’s Hotel which is a family-run hotel in the centre of Letterkenny.

Day 3 – Donegal and Glenveagh National Park

Today our excursion is to Glenveagh National Park, a beautiful nature reserve incorporating mountains, lakes, glens and woods and a herd of red deer. There is time set aside to enjoy a walk in this beautiful setting and afterwards tea and scones will be served in the castle tearooms. Dinner and overnight in Letterkenny

Day 4 – Donegal to Galway, via Sligo

Leaving Donegal for Galway, we travel through the beautiful county of Sligo with its beautiful scenery which was an inspiration for one of Ireland’s most famous poets W.B. Yeats. No visit would be complete without a trip on the Rose of Innisfree tour boat to view the Isle of Innisfree situated on one of Ireland's most beautiful lakes, Lough Gill. This island inspired W.B. Yeats to write Ireland’s best known poems. Departing from the 17th century Parkes Castle, enjoy the leisurely cruise across Lough Gill for a memorable trip in an area of outstanding natural beauty steeped in myth and legend. Arrival in Galway and check in to the Victoria Hotel, just off Eyre Square in the heart of Galway city.

Day 5 – Connemara or Aran Islands

Today there is a choice of 2 excursions – Connemara or the Aran Islands.

Connemara
Gaelic speaking Connemara in the West of Ireland is an area of many contrasts. With its famous stone walls, thatched cottages and countless small lakes it presents the visitor with unforgettable impressions. Stop for a traditional pub lunch in the colourful town of Clifden where many of the inhabitants speak and preserve the Irish language.

Aran Islands
Situated on the very edge of Europe and a short boat trip from Galway, lie the Aran Islands, a spot which more than any other reflects the language, culture, heritage and traditions most associated with Ireland. A place of great peace and tranquility, the Islands will take you back to the Ireland of Celts and Early Christians.
Overnight Galway.

Day 6 – Galway to the Kingdom of Kerry

This is a full day journey from the West to the Southwest of Ireland with a number of stops on the way. The first visit is to Rathbaun Farm in the rural area Ardrahan, which has been owned and farmed by the Connolly family for over 200 years. Tea and traditional Irish fruitcake served in the farms thatched cottage complete this visit. One of today's highlights is the Cliffs of Moher, ranked among Ireland’s top visitor sites. Rising 214 metres from the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the cliffs stretch for 8km along Clare’s west coast. Heading towards the south, the Killimer-Tarbert car ferry takes visitors on a short 20 minute trip over the mouth of the River Shannon. Continue to Killarney for dinner and overnight in the Killarney Court Hotel.

Day 7 – Ring of Kerry

Today follow the road that winds its way around the Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the Ring of Kerry. It is undoubtedly one of the most magical places in Ireland and for centuries poets, painters and musicians have tried to capture its elusive charm. Mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is breathtaking beyond words. En route enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at the Huntsman restaurant in Waterville. This evening there is the opportunity to experience the fun and excitement of Greyhound Racing at the local track in Tralee. Greyhound racing is a very popular pastime in Ireland, with some excellent dogs bred in the country. This event is a little bit different and allows visitors to mix and interact with the locals. Overnight in Tralee.  

Day 8 – Tralee to Limerick via Adare

Today’s journey to Limerick features 2 interesting and very different visits. The first stop is at the recently opened Foynes Flying Boat Museum. Foynes was once the centre point for air travel between the US and Europe and the flying boats were frequent visitors. Included in the visit is an Irish Coffee which is very appropriate as Foynes is the home of Irish Coffee - it was invented in 1942 to warm up some damp miserable passengers! Onwards to Adare Heritage Village, renowned as Ireland’s prettiest village with its thatched cottages and stone walls. Enjoy a walk through the village, browsing in its many antique shops. Tonight experience the magic of Irish music, song and dance at the Traditional Irish Night in the Corn Barn in Bunratty Folk Park. It is the perfect setting for a celebration of the best traditions of Ireland today. Overnight at the 4 star Absolute Hotel, in the centre of Limerick.

Day 9 – To Dublin

Today’s journey to Dublin takes us through County Kildare, regarded as the capital of Ireland's thoroughbred horse industry. Visit the Irish National Stud and Horse Museum where the ‘Sport of Kings’ comes to life. On arrival in Dublin visit the Guinness Storehouse and enjoy a welcome glass of Guinness in the Gravity Bar, with an astonishing view over the city.

Day 10 – Wicklow

Travel south of Dublin today to County Wicklow, to see one of Ireland’s best known ecclesiastical sites, Glendalough. Glendalough gets its name from the Irish language with ‘Gleann dá locha’ literally meaning the ‘Glen of the two lakes’. In the afternoon visit Avoca Handweavers, established in 1723 where the wool from shorn sheep was spun and woven to make the finest wool and tweed clothes which are exported worldwide today. Return to Dublin for an evening at leisure to discover Dublin’s many pubs and restaurants, including The Brazen Head, Ireland’s oldest pub.

Day 11 – Farewell

After the final Irish breakfast, take a morning city tour. Highlights of the tour include Trinity College, home to the Book of Kells, and the Old Jameson Distillery to sample some of Ireland’s famous whiskey. Final stop of the tour is at Dublin Castle, built in 1204 by King John, which was the centre of British power in Ireland for over 700 years. Transfer to the Airport for afternoon departure.