Undiscovered Ireland - North Northwest

Day 1 – Dublin’s Fair City

Greeting on arrival at Dublin Airport from your Abbey Tours Guide. Depart for Belfast, stopping en route at Monasterboice, County Louth, an early Christian settlement which boasts the tallest high cross in Ireland standing over 7 metres high.
On arrival in Belfast enjoy a welcome drink at the Crown Liquor Saloon before departing for a panoramic city tour with a local guide. Dinner and overnight at Jurys Inn, located in the centre of the city.

Day 2 – Giant’s Causeway & Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge

After breakfast depart for the North Antrim coastline, renowned for it outstanding scenic beauty. Visit the Giant’s Causeway, a unique jewel in the crown, known to the Irish as the eighth Wonder of the World. Cross the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, linking a tiny island to the mainland and enjoy the views out to Rathlin Island. Dinner and overnight in the 4 star Radisson Hotel, Letterkenny.

Day 3 – Donegal

Today we visit Glenveagh National Park located in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains in north-west Donegal. This extensive park boasts a fine Victorian castle surrounded by beautiful gardens, where there is time to relax and enjoy tea and scones in the castle tea rooms. Afterwards visit the Ardara Heritage Centre which tells the story of the famous Donegal tweed from the shearing of sheep to the manufacture of the woven cloth. Late afternoon travel south through County Sligo, birthplace of the great Irish poet W.B. Yeats. Dinner and overnight for the next two nights in the 4 star Diamond Coast Hotel in Enniscrone on the shores of Killala Bay.

Day 4 – Sligo & Mayo

This is a full day excursion exploring many of the highlights of Mayo and Sligo. First visit is to the Céide Fields in North Mayo which boasts the most extensive stone age monument in the world including field systems, dwelling areas and megalithic tombs from 5,000 years ago. Onwards to Sligo to visit the village of Drumcliffe which is the final resting place of Ireland’s famous poet W. B. Yeats who is buried according to his wishes "in Benbulben's shadow". Benbulben is Ireland’s most distinctive mountain and known in some parts as Ireland's version of Table Mountain.

Day 5 – Achill Island

Leaving Enniscrone travel west to Achill Island. Lashed by the ocean, carved by the wind and swept by the rain, Achill is one of Ireland's most spectacular and beautiful places. Its rugged landscape features dramatic cliffs, soaring mountains, remote lakes and secluded beaches. Enjoy a bracing walk along one of its many windswept beaches. At Castlebar visit the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life which portrays the lives of ordinary people who lived in rural Ireland in the period 1850 – 1950. Overnight in the family run Oranmore Lodge Hotel, located in the small village of Oranmore, just outside Galway city.

Day 6 – Aran Islands

Located in the heart of Galway Bay, the Aran Islands offer visitors a glimpse into a way of life that has long since disappeared from most of the country. Take a boat trip to the islands and experience Ireland’s heritage and culture at its best. Visit Dún Aonghasa (meaning Fort of Aongus) on Inis Mór, a spectacular stone fort sited at the highest point of the cliffs, which offers an unrestricted view down along the west coast of Ireland. Explore the islands by Mini-bus or hop on a bike and discover the island at your own pace. Dinner & overnight in the Oranmore Lodge Hotel.

Day 7 – Midlands to Dublin’s Fair City

Return to Dublin passing through the midlands. Stop en route at Clonmacnoise, one of Ireland's most famous early Christian sites. The site includes the ruins of a Cathedral, 3 churches, 2 round towers and high crosses. On this the last evening, enjoy a special treat at the Old Jameson Distillery's ‘Shindig’. Tour the recreated distillery and enjoy a glass of ‘uisce beatha’ (whiskey) meaning the ‘water of life’ before sitting down to a dinner of Irish specialties, followed by lively traditional entertainment. Overnight in Dublin, in the centrally located Jurys Inn, Parnell Street.

Day 8 – Farewell

After the final breakfast enjoy a morning tour of Dublin city. Explore the Georgian area of the city admiring the many colourful Georgian doors dotted across Merrion Square. Transfer to Dublin Airport for departure flight home