Best of Ireland - 2024

Welcome to Ireland and Dublin Airport. Make your own way to your city centre hotel. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy all that Dublin’s city has to offer. Your hotel will be within walking distance of the city centre.

Start your journey with your guide from the hotel's reception towards Belfast. Along the way, pass through the Boyne Valley and the ancient Hill of Tara, steeped in 5,000 years of history as the seat of Ireland's High Kings. Experience a one-of-a-kind Viking adventure with a unique VR experience at the Glyde Inn. Then, head to Hillsborough Castle, Northern Ireland's official Royal Palace. Uncover tales of celebration, diplomacy, and more as you explore its captivating history and State Rooms.

Nestled at the head of Belfast Lough, Belfast City is a dynamic, heritage-rich metropolis. Discover its evolution from market town to industrial hub on a guided city tour. Highlights include City Hall, Queen’s University, and a visit to Titanic Belfast, where the Titanic's tale unfolds.

Optional: Glenshane Country Farm Sheepdog Demo - Explore a family-owned sheep farm nestled in the ancient Sperrin Mountains. Meet James McCloy, a fourth-generation shepherd, and his skilled team of working sheepdogs: Moss, Tess, and the lively 2-year-old Jess. Immerse yourself in the captivating 'Sheepdogs at Work' experience.

Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in Belfast.

Depart your hotel and journey along the stunning North Antrim Coastline to reach the awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed by volcanic activity. Next, head to Derry, Ireland’s sole fully intact walled city. Conclude your tour with a stroll along Derry's historic walls, bearing witness to centuries of dramatic events.

Begin the day at Belleek Pottery, in operation since 1857. Witness the craftsmanship behind this globally acclaimed pottery. Then, head to Marble Arch Caves to delve into a captivating natural underworld of rivers, winding passages, and grand chambers. These caves, nestled in the UNESCO Global Geopark, formed through the gradual dissolution of limestone by flowing water.

This morning, journey into Co. Clare and explore the captivating Burren Region. Visit the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher, where you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. These cliffs, rising over 200 meters in some places, rank among the tallest sea cliffs in Western Europe, extending approximately 8 kilometers along the Atlantic coast. Afterward, return to Galway for some leisure time in the city.

Head south towards Cork, passing by the Viking-founded Limerick City. In the afternoon, reach Blarney for a visit to its historic castle set amidst 60 acres of picturesque parkland, adorned with rare flora. Here, visitors have the opportunity to acquire the "gift of the gab" by kissing the legendary Blarney Stone, also known as the stone of eloquence.

Explore the Ring of Kerry's highlights, including the breathtaking Molls Gap and Ladies’ View. Conclude the day with a leisurely Jaunting Car Ride in Killarney National Park, immersing yourself in Ireland's traditional mode of transport. Learn about the region's history from experienced jarveys, many of whom come from generations of jarvey tradition.

Visit the nearby Midleton Distillery Experience, established by the Murphy Brothers in 1825 and currently producing over 24 million bottles of whiskey annually. Conclude your visit with a tasting of this renowned Irish whiskey. Then, head towards Waterford, where you'll explore the House of Waterford in the city's Viking Triangle. On the tour, you'll witness the intricate craftsmanship behind Waterford Crystal masterpieces, from the initial design to the final engraving.

Explore the Dunbrody Famine Ship, an exact replica of the vessel constructed in 1845 for the Graves family of New Ross. This ship played a crucial role in transporting thousands of emigrants from Ireland to North America over three decades.

Optional: Entrance & self-guided tour to Kilkenny Castle –Dating back to the 12th century, Kilkenny Castle stands as a significant historical site, originally constructed by the Anglo-Normans. Explore the rich history and discover the evolution of life within the castle walls over its many centuries of existence.

Spend the afternoon at your leisure in Kilkenny, immersing yourself in the charm of this picturesque medieval city.

Explore Dublin's EPIC Museum to understand why over 10 million people emigrated from Ireland. Discover the poignant stories of these emigrants, emphasizing that it's not just about what they left behind, but what they carried with them.

OPTIONAL: Evening Entertainment at Taylor’s Three Rock or similar – Visit this lively pub in Rathfarnham for an excellent night of music and
dance.

The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.

After a final Irish breakfast, transfer to Dublin Airport for your departure flight home under your own arrangements.