Shades of Ireland featuring Northern Ireland
11 nights from $2,835 per person
- Included:
- Accommodation
- Dedicated Tour Manager
- In resort assistance & 24 hour contact center
Overview
You will experience all that Ireland has to offer taking in the best sights of this unique country, with this superb 13-day escorted tour.
Starting with a city tour and traditional Irish evening in the dazzling city of Dublin, you will then travel through stunning scenery including the renowned Ring of Kerry coastal route and spectacular Cliffs of Moher. Visit historic cities such as medieval Kilkenny and experience Irish traditions such as a jaunting car ride in Killarney.
In Northern Ireland you will spend time in the magical town of Donegal, with its charming harbour, quaint craft shops and picturesque castle, and visit the city of Derry with its turbulent political history and atmospheric old town. At Irelands northernmost point you will enjoy the panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean, visit the magnificent Giant’s Causeway and then travel through the scenic Glens of Antrim. A final highlight is the visit to Belfast and a tour of the Titanic Experience, but making this tour extra special are the two overnight stays in historic castles (CL)
Highlights:
- City tour and traditional Irish evening in the vibrant city of Dublin
- Explore the tiny medieval city of Kilkenny
- Visit the House of Waterford and enjoy a factory tour and chance to browse the largest collection of Waterford Crystal
- Kiss the Blarney Stone at historic Blarney Castle
- Take a trip in a traditional jaunting car ride in Killarney
- Tour the beautiful Victorian Muckross House and Gardens
- Travel through the most scenic regions of Ireland, with stunning views in the Ring of Kerry and Cliffs of Moher
- Experience the life of a traditional Irish farming family at the Molanna Dairy Farm
- Fascinating city tour of Limerick, taking in St John’s Castle and the Treaty Stone
- Spend a night each in the stunning castle hotels – Lough Eske Castle in Donegal and Cabra Castle in Kingscourt
- Marvel at the astonishing Giant’s Causeway – a super-sized cobble road formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago
- Visit Belfast and the award-winning Titanic Experience
Details
Day 1
Dublin
Your tour begins this evening in Dublin, when you will join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner with traditional Irish entertainment.
Dinner included
Day 2
Dublin
A morning city tour to orientate yourself in this vibrant city. Visit St Patricks Cathedral - the largest church in Ireland, bustling O’Connell Street & Grafton Street, and picturesque Phoenix Park. You have the afternoon free so you can choose to either soak up the history or browse the shops, perhaps stopping for refreshments in Temple Bar.
Breakfast included
Day 3
Dublin – Kilkenny - Waterford
Travel to the medieval city of Kilkenny on the banks of the River Nore, and spend time soaking up the historic atmosphere. The next stop is Waterford, dating back to the Vikings but more famous for its crystal. At the House of Waterford Crystal, take an enthralling tour of the factory and browse the largest collection of Waterford Crystal in the world. Later in the afternoon, there is a leisurely walking tour of the historic city, where you will hear tales of Vikings and Norman Kings.
Breakfast and dinner included
Day 4
Waterford – Blarney Stone - Killarney
In the morning travel to Blarney Castle and take the opportunity of kissing the famous Blarney Stone. According to legend, those who kiss the stone are bestowed with the gift of eloquence – see if it’s true! Carry onto Killarney where you will be spending two nights. If the weather permits, you will enjoy a ride in a traditional jaunting car. You will have a tour of beautiful Muckross House and Gardens, where you will have a glimpse of the elegant lives of the Victorian gentry – admire the well-restored rooms in the mansion and pretty manicured gardens.
Breakfast and dinner included
Day 5
Killarney – Ring of Kerry - Killarney
You will marvel at the views as you drive around the Iveragh Peninsula – known as the Ring of Kerry, and considered one of the most beautiful coastal routes in the world. Picturesque villages give way to rugged mountain passes, and when you reach “Ladies View” you will have the magificent sight of the Lakes of Killarney. You have the evening at leisure when you may opt to sample the famous Irish hospitality in a traditional pub.
Breakfast included
Day 6
Killarney – Cliffs of Moher - Ennis
Wave farewell to Killarney and travel across the Shannon River into County Clare. Today is one of the tour highlights, when you travel to the awe-inspiring 700-foot high Cliffs of Moher, and take in the dramatic views of the Atlantic.Travel onto the delightful town of Ennis where you will stay overnight.
Breakfast included
Day 7
Ennis – Galway – Enniskillen Northern Ireland
A unique experience awaits you at the Molanna Dairy Farm, where you will see the customs and daily life of a traditional Irish family. Then travel to Galway where you will enjoy short tour of "The City of Tribes". This evening you will stay the the Manor House Hotel, a stunning 19 Century estate located on a secluded lake in the west of Northern Ireland.
Breakfast and dinner included
Day 8
Donegal – Donegal Town – Derry, Northern Ireland
Enjoy a relaxing morning in the regal grounds of the Lough Eske Castle estate. Then travel through the rugged, natural beauty of County Donegal, pausing the in charming town of Donegal to browse the quaint craft and woollen shops and admiring the restored castle. Continue onto the fascinating city of Derry, with its contrasting turbulent political history and charming ancient landmarks, where you will be spending the next two nights.
Breakfast and dinner included
Day 9
Derry – Inishowen Peninsula - Derry
This morning a local expert will guide you on a walking tour through the old city – the only completely intact walled city in Ireland. This tour features the medieval city walls, the historic Guildhall and the magnificent Cathedral. Later in the day, you will enjoy a trip to the Inishowen Peninsula and Malin Head – Irelands northernmost point. Here you will take in the panoramic views of the North Atlantic Ocean. Return to Derry via the dramatic scenery of the Slieve Slight hills.
Breakfast included
Day 10
Derry – Giant’s Causeway – Glens of Antrim - Belfast
Visit the awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway. Created by volcanic activity millions of years ago, these hardened-lava columns resemble a super-sized cobbled pavement leading from the cliffs to the sea. Travel to Belfast through the beautiful backroads of Northern Ireland, taking in the scenic Antrim Glens.
Breakfast included
Day 11
Belfast – Kingscourt, Ireland
Begin the day with a guided tour of Belfast – the capital city of Northern Ireland. Then visit the superb Titanic Experience, where you will experience the history of building this iconic ship through interactive exhibits housed in a architecturally-striking building. Then cross the border back into the Republic of Ireland to Kingscourt. Your tour will end with a fanfare, as you spend the night in the regal grounds of Cabra Castle and enjoy a fabulous farewell dinner.
Breakfast and dinner included
Day 12
Kingscourt
Your tour ends today in Kingscourt
Breakfast included
What's Included:
- 17 meals - 11 breakfasts & 6 dinners
- 11 nights accommodation: Dublin 2 nights Clyaton Hotel Ballsbridge; Waterford 1 night Granville Hotel; Killarney 2 nights Killarney Plaza Hotel; Ennis 1 night Old Ground Hotel; Manor House Hotel Enniskillen Northern Ireland; Derry 2 nights City Hotel; Belfast 1 night Europa Hotel; Kingscourt 1 night Cabra Castle (on some dates alternate hotels may be used)
- Dedicated Tour Manager
- Sightseeing as described in the above itinerary
With offices in Dublin, Kerry and London we have the experience and resources to provide you with the very best vacation, partnering only with the most reputable coach operators to ensure you have a truly great touring experience.
