Ireland in Depth

Welcome to the Republic of Ireland! Upon arrival at Dublin International Airport, you will make your own way to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the capital city of Ireland.


Overnight in Dublin

Today after breakfast, you will depart from Dublin and head towards Northern Ireland. You will arrive in Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland. This city is famed for its industrial heritage and turbulent past. You can go on a short city tour that covers the capitals triumphs, tragedies and soul. You then have time for lunch and exploring the Titanic Quarter, a regenerated hub where the famous liner was built and launched in 1911. Here you can visit the award-winning Titanic Museum, board the HMS Caroline or take a black cab tour of the city. Leaving bustling Belfast behind, you travel through the phenomenal scenery of the Antrim Coast and Glens, an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Moving along the winding roads from Ballycastle, you enter the awe-inspiring setting of the Giants Causeway, a place where history and myth collide spectacularly with raw geological power. Waving farewell to the giants steps, you head to Portrush, a charming fishing village in Northern Ireland and your home for the night


Overnight in Portrush



Check-in closes at 08:45 (tour departs at 09:00) - Dublin Nassau Street Pick Up, Opposite the Kilkenny Shop, Nassau St, Dublin

In the morning after breakfast, you will head to Derry, the fabulous 17th-century walled city that boasts seven ornate gates. Derry was designated as the UK City of Culture in 2013. You can explore its museums, galleries and excellent markets. From here, you head to County Donegal, a town situated in the northwest part of the Republic of Ireland, which boasts stunning scenery and a strong Gaelic heritage. Then you venture into the picturesque Glenveagh National Park and past the soaring peak of Mount Errigal before traveling through the traditional fishing villages of the area. Along the way, there will be plenty of time for walks, photos and soaking up the local culture before arriving in Donegal


Overnight in Donegal

Today after breakfast, you travel south along the coast near Donegal and into County Sligo. This area is home to the burial site of the famed poet WB Yeats and offers dramatic views of the gorgeous mountain, Benbulben. Outside Sligo Town lies Carrowmore, where you have the chance to visit the largest collection of megalithic tombs in Ireland, some of which date back over 6000 years. Moving westwards, you enter County Mayo, an area ravaged by the Great Potato Famine. Winding roads curve through picturesque farmlands, bogs, and open moors, offering views of distant hills and the Atlantic coast, where youll visit the dramatic Achill Island. Here, you have time to savor the rugged sea and peaceful beauty. From here, it is a short drive to Westport – your base for the next two nights


Overnight in Westport

After breakfast, get ready to explore Westport and the Connemara National Park areas today. The itinerary is flexible and your guide will ensure you take the route that best suits the weather. Your options include the beautiful house and grounds at Kylemore Abbey, Connemara National Park, Clifden (the first transatlantic flight landed here), the Sky Road and the Twelve Bens of Connemara.  After an incredible day of exploration, you return to Westport, where you can dine on the delicious local seafood in the towns top-notch restaurants


Overnight in Westport

In the morning, you will travel through the heart of Connemara and arrive in the town of Cong on the shore of Lough Corrib. This area was where “The Quiet Man” was filmed and youre free to wander the local museum devoted to the movie. Alternatively, you can visit the magnificently restored 12th-century Cong Abbey. Your route then weaves through the Maam Valley, a stunning pass lined by gorgeous mountains. Exiting the valley, you head to Galway City, a vibrant harbor city on the west coast of Ireland that combines traditional market life with high-quality restaurants and pubs. The afternoon and evening are free to explore this lively university city.


Overnight in Galway

Today morning after breakfast, you will meet your new tour guide. Take a short drive along the coast from Galway City lies the Burren, one of Irelands national treasures. Its home to one of the earliest Christian settlements in Ireland and features broad limestone pavements and rare flora. After exploring the area, you travel to Kilfenora, the “town of the crosses”. You can visit the towns fabulous ancient cathedral before stopping for lunch in one of the areas charming villages. Then, you head to the incredible Cliffs of Moher. Walk the stunning cliff trails as seabirds swoop through the clear air above you and learn about the unique ecosystem in the excellent and award-winning environmental exhibition nearby. The tour then moves south through County Clare, passing its famous golf course on the way to the picturesque beach at Lahinch. From here, you board a ferry across the Shannon Estuary to the lakeside town of Killarney. This energetic, charming area will be your base for the next three nights, so take your time sampling the superb collection of traditional pubs and live music


Overnight in Killarney

Today after breakfast, your tour explores the fabulous Dingle Peninsula. Your first stop is Inch Beach, a vast expanse of sand stretching out into the Atlantic. Venturing down the narrow roads away from the beach leads you through the town of Dingle. You continue towards Slea Head, an area loaded with ancient forts and prehistoric dwellings. The impressive views of the nearby Blasket Islands make this an excellent spot for panoramic photos. If the weather is pleasant, you can ramble along the beaches and cliff tops to fully appreciate the incredible vistas. Arriving back amidst the brightly colored houses and jolly harbor of Dingle, you can spend the remainder of the afternoon enjoying delicious seafood in this idyllic setting. In the evening, you head back to Killarney, with time for an evening stroll in the National Park that encapsulates the town. (On some tours, days seven and eight are switched)


Overnight in Killarney

After breakfast, today you will explore the Ring of Kerry, a spectacular route through some of Irelands most visually stunning areas. You head out in the morning, stopping first at Irelands highest mountain, Carrauntoohil. After snapping some shots of its rugged majesty, you join the scenic coast road through Glenbeigh and Kells on the way to Cahersiveen. Possible stops include the site of “The Liberator of Ireland,” Daniel OConnells birthplace, and an impressive ring fort outside Portmagee. You stop for lunch in the quaint fishing village of Portmagee. Alternatively, you can have a quick snack and head to the island of Valentia for a visit to the Skellig Experience. This excursion teaches you about the ancient community of monks who made the outcrop of rocky islands their home. In the afternoon, theres a photo stop in Charlie Chaplins “Home Away from Home” at Waterville before enjoying fine views at the top of Coonmakista pass. Winding down from the peaks, you head to Derrynane House, home of the ODriscoll family. Daniel ODriscoll holds a special place in Irish hearts as an emancipating force from colonial rule. Enjoy a walk in the scenic gardens here, as well as a visit to the main house. Continuing along the Ring, you stop at Molls Gap and the Lady's View. Stroll a short way from here to the Torc Waterfall before heading back to Killarney


Overnight in Killarney

In the morning after breakfast, you will head east through the mountains of West Cork, you weave along the Lee Valley until you reach Blarney Castle. You have time here to take in the castle grounds and maybe kiss the famous Blarney Stone to receive the “gift of the gab”! In the afternoon, the tour heads to the heritage town of Cahir, where theres a distinctive island castle in the River Suir. The final stop of the tour is Kilkenny, a bustling city with a fine castle, riverside walks, and an impressive National Craft Centre. Theres also the chance for one last Guinness before heading back on the road again for the last leg of the journey, back to Dublin. Upon arrival you will make your own way to your hotel


Overnight in Dublin

Today after breakfast, you will make your own way to Dublin International Airport for your flight home.