Depart Canada on September 11, 2023
Tour begins on September 12, 2023
September 12th
Arrive Dublin and begin your Ireland experience. We make our way to Belfast, the vibrant capital of Northern Ireland. Explore the unique culture during a city tour, including visits to the political murals of the Falls and Shankill Road area. A graphic story of what has been called "The Troubles" in Ireland's recent history. See the Peace Wall, built to keep Nationalists and Loyalists apart, dividing the communities. This afternoon visit the Titanic Museum, explore the shipyard, experience the excitement of launch day and walk the decks of the nine interactive galleries bringing to life the Titanic story. The day is a relaxing start. Evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Grand Central Hotel, Belfast (1 Night)
Included Visits: Titanic Museum, Belfast City Tour
September 13th - Belfast - Donegal
Set off for the Giant's Causeway, one of Ireland's most dramatic landscapes and a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site. The Giant's Causeway is an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption. This afternoon, we make our way to Donegal, for a stay at one of our favourite hotels, Harvey's Point. A unique luxurious 64-suite hotel hidden in the hills of the Bluestack Mountains and nestled on the stunning beauty of Lake Eske. More than a hotel, it's a place to enjoy genuine hospitality. Join your group this evening for a Welcome Dinner.
Accommodation: Harvey's Point, Donegal (2 Nights)
Included Visits: Giant's Causeway
Included Meals: Full Irish Breakfast. Welcome Dinner
September 14th - Donegal
This morning we visit the Ulster American Folk Park - an open-air museum just outside of Omagh. The museum tells the story of three centuries of Irish emigration. Immerse yourself in the story of the brave emigrants who make the journey across the Atlantic to America hundreds of years ago. Wander through the thatched cottages and log cabins, as costumed characters bring to life the stories of the past.
Included Visits: Ulster American Folk Park
Included Meals: Full Irish Breakfast
September 15th - Westport
This morning we depart for Kylemore Abbey, a Benedictine monastery found on the grounds of Kylemore Castle. Visit the restored rooms of the Abbey and learn about its history of tragedy, romance, education, innovation and spirituality. We continue our journey, making our way to Westport located on an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean, where brightly coloured shops jostle for attention and Croach Patrick (considered one of the holiest mountains) stands before you. This evening, join your group for dinner.
Accommodation: Westport Plaza Hotel (2 Nights)
Included Visits: Kylemore Abbey
Included Meals: Full Irish Breakfast, Dinner
September 16th - Westport - Achill Island
Achill Island is another one of Ireland's spectacular and beautiful places. Majestic mountains break taking landscapes and miles of unspoiled Blue Flag beaches. The imprint of past generations is everywhere, from megalithic toms to ancient forts, historic churches to deserted villages. Afternoon is yours to enjoy Westport.
Included Visits: Achill Island
Included Meals: Full Irish Breakfast
September 17th - Galway - Killarney
Next on our itinerary is Killarney - a vibrant "little" town amongst beautiful countryside brim full of history, heritage, activities and world-class hospitality. Our journey will stop in Galway city, where remnants of the medieval town walls lie between shops. Enjoy some free time to wander the streets, observing buskers and live steet theatre. Next is a visit to the Burren Region, an area sculpted over the last two million years by glaciers, through the exposure and submergence of its landscape to ice, ocean and the earths plate movements. We will also explore the Cliffs of Moher, which stands 700 feet above the Atlantic coast. The Cliffs are sure to take your breath away. We stay at another one of our favourites, The Lake Hotel. Evening dinner with group.
Accommodation: The Lake Hotel (2 Nights)
Included Visits: Galway City, Burren Region and Cliffs of Moher
Included Meals: Full Irish Breakfast, Dinner at The Lake Hotel
September 18th - Ring of Kerry • Killarney
Experience the rugged majestic landscape of the Ring of Kerry. The road takes you through 10,000 years of dramatic history, from deep forest to the crashing waters of the Atlantic. Learn about the peat bogs and stop for an Irish coffee. Enjoy the mystical and unspoiled region of Ireland. This evening is at your leisure. Killarney is a great place to visit a pub, to hear the local music and stories, which bring an evening to life.
Included Visits: Ring of Kerry
Included Meals: Full Irish Breakfast
September 19th - Dromoland Castle
A relaxing start to the day, as we set off for Ireland's magical address, Dromoland Castle, the ancestral home of the O'Briens of Dromoland, whose lineage dates back 1,000 years. From the imposing baronial facade to the startling interiors, you'll find a world of historic grandeur underpinned by the finest modern comforts. Feel like Royalty! While the journey to the castle is short, we will stop in the beautiful Adare Village. One of Ireland's prettiest towns. Join your group for dinner this evening.
Accommodation: Dromoland Castle (2 Nights)
Included Meals: Full Irish Breakfast, Dinner
September 20th - Dromoland Castle
Your day to enjoy as you please.
Options: Falconry, Archery, Golf, Clay Shooting, Fishing, Horse Riding, Cycling, Hiking and more! Maybe a visit to the spa, or a walk in the garden. You decide.
(Additional fee for options - book in advance and pay locally)
Included Meals: Full Irish Breakfast
September 21st - Dublin
We are off to Dublin, Ireland's small capital with a huge reputation. A city rich in history, once a handsome Georgian city of the British Empire, it still holds a fine line of sophisticated elegance amongst medieval castles and cathedrals. Our journey takes us through the small town of Adare, renowned as one of Ireland's prettiest towns and designated as a heritage town by the Irish government. We continue our journey to Powerscourt House and Gardens, which overlooks the Sugarloaf Mountains and voted #3 in the world by National Geographic for their well-kept aristocratic gardens. Arrive Dublin and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Iveagh Garden Hotel, Dublin (2 Nights)
Included Visits: Powerscourt House and Gardens,
Included Meals: Full Irish Breakfast
September 22nd - Dublin
Begin the day with a walking tour following in the footsteps of Oscar Wilde (1853-1900), where this literary legend is brought to life. We make our way to Trinity College, home to the Book of Kells.
Included Visits: Evening Farewell Cabaret Dinner
Included Meals: Full Irish Breakfast
September 23rd - Dublin
After breakfast, we make our way to the airport.
Included Meals: Full Irish Breakfast
Experience a stay in Dromoland Castle!
JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDED
Belfast City Tour: Explore the vibrant capital of Northern Ireland and learn about the 'troubles' from the past.
Titanic Museum Experience: Experience the excitement of the Titanic Launch as you explore the nine interactive galleries bringing to life the Titanic story.
Giant's Causeway: One of Ireland's most dramatic landscapes and a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site with 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption.
Ulster American Folk Park: Wander the thatched cottages, an open-air museum, which follows the footsteps of the brave emigrants who set sail for the New World in 18th and 19th centuries.
Kylemore Abbey: a Benedictine monastery rich in history, tragedy, romance, education, innovation and spirituality.
Cliffs of Moher: Majestically facing the Atlantic, 700 feet above the ocean floor.
Burren National Park: A lunar landscape, created by glaciers 250 million years ago.
Sheep Dog Demonstration: Learn the art behind training and herding sheep during a demonstration by landowner John Davoren.
Ring of Kerry: A road that carries over 10,000 years of history
Powerscourt House and Gardens: Located in the beautiful Wicklow Mountains, overlooking the Sugar Mountains, voted #3 in the world by National Geographic for the aristocratic gardens.
DELUXE ACCOMMODATION INCLUDED
Dromoland Castle Hotel (2 nights)
Grand Central Hotel, Belfast (1 night)
Harvey's Point, Donegal, Co. Donegal (2 nights)
Westport Plaza Hotel, Westport (2 nights)
The Lake Hotel, Killarney, Co. Kerry (2 nights)
The Iveagh Gardens Hotel, Dublin, Co. Dublin (2 nights)
EXCEPTIONAL DINING INCLUDED
11 Irish Breakfast, 5 Dinners all including tea & coffee
Welcome Dinner at hotel
Harvey's Point Dinner in the Lakeside restaurant, amongst the shores of Lough Eske. Enjoy the finest seasonal ingredients from local and regional artisan producers.
Dromoland Castle Dinner
Westport Plaza Hotel group dinner.
The Lake Hotel: Enjoy dinner in the dining room, part of the original house built in the 1820.
Cabaret Dinner Show: An authentic taste of the past - an evening of traditional Irish song and dance.
INCLUSIVE SERVICES
Professional Local Guide, Joe Fahy authentically connects you to the people and places of Ireland
Guidance of Tour Leader, Sandy Lidka, managing the details of your tour, arranging priority access, ensures seamless hotel check-in and taking care of the details so you can simply enjoy
Luxury Coach - travel in comfort
Taxes & Porterage included
Complimentary Wi-Fi in hotels
Seamless baggage handling with prompt delivery to your room
Complimentary transfers in destination at start and end of the tour
SMALL GROUP
Limited to 24 guests