Amazing Ireland

Belfast beckons today as we journey to Northern Ireland for some time at leisure in this vibrant city, whose streets we will have an opportunity to explore with a Local Specialist. View the historic murals splashed across the walls of the nationalist and loyalist areas, and visit Queen's University and City Hall. A Cultural Insight offers a new perspective into the world's most famous ship and the tragedy that befell it and its passengers at the Titanic Belfast Visitor Centre. This evening we dine in our hotel.

Tread in the footsteps of Finn MacCool - his geometric Giant's Causeway more the stuff of legends than the result of ancient volcanic activity that left its unique mark on the Northern Irish coast. After admiring the 40,000 interlocking basalt columns that fade into the sea, we return to Belfast for a free afternoon to explore the city's indomitable character.

Optional Experiences

Traversing Northern Ireland, we arrive at the old walled city of Londonderry on River Foyle, where we join a Local Specialist who will take us to its most iconic sights. Delving into the former struggles of the region, we visit the People's Gallery in Bogside to view its poignant murals. We journey to County Donegal later, where we will spend the next two nights, enjoying a tasty dinner in our hotel.

Optional Experiences

You can't see the USA, but you can almost touch it in the village of Belleek which holds the distinction of being as close as one can get to America without leaving the United Kingdom. Here you will enjoy a fascinating Cultural Insight into the local handcraft of Irish pottery. Then it's on to Donegal for an afternoon of exploration and an opportunity to discover "The Diamond" as the city centre is known. Or visit the ancient Donegal Castle, once the stronghold of the O'Donnell clan.

Optional Experiences

In the pilgrimage town of Knock, our first stop today, we'll visit the beautiful Marian Shrine where the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, and John the Evangelist are said to have made an appearance to the townsfolk in 1879. We continue to the harbour city of Galway where we'll have an afternoon to explore its vibrant Latin Quarter, striking stone Cathedral or 18th century Eyre Square.

Optional Experiences

The untamed landscapes of Connemara, set against rugged mountains and tranquil loughs, provide a breathtaking backdrop for your scenic drive to Kylemore Abbey. This Benedictine monastery built on the grounds of Kylemore Castle features a magnificent Victorian Walled Garden, which we will have an opportunity to explore before returning to Galway this evening, where you will dine at your hotel.

Optional Experiences

Our encounter with the rugged beauty of Ireland continues as we see the spectacular Cliffs of Moher plunging into the wild Atlantic 700 feet below. The history of these inspiring cliffs is brought to life at the "Atlantic Edge" exhibition before we meander along the scenic coastal route, through County Clare en route to Killarney. in Killarney. This evening yours to spend as you wish, but perhaps we can tempt you with a bit of craic at a traditional Irish ceilidh to soak up the town's festive atmosphere?

Optional Experiences

Circle the mystical Ring of Kerry - among Ireland's most enchanting landscapes along which we'll have an opportunity to view the island's ancient history. Travel through Moll's Gap and take a moment to view the marvellous natural scenery at Ladies View. This evening is at leisure.

Optional Experiences

Your 'gift of the gab' secured after kissing the Blarney Stone this morning, we venture to Cork where we spend some time exploring the cosmopolitan city that rivals Dublin in its energy and charisma. Spend your free time visiting the famous food market feeding locals since 1788 or perhaps relax at one of the city's tearooms indulging in fresh scones and tea. Our final stop today is in medieval Waterford where we'll spend the next two nights.

Optional Experiences

A leisurely start to your morning could see you amble along Meagher's Quay, before you visit the House of Waterford for a Cultural Insight into the art of creating the exquisite crystal that bears the city's name. From fine art to fine brews, we head to Kilkenny for a visit to the Smithwick's Experience. This Cultural Insight of a brewery-turned-brewery-tour sheds light on the medieval origins of brewing Ireland's oldest beer. We spent the rest of the afternoon at leisure in Waterford though you may wish to consider joining an Optional Experience trying your hand at Ireland's national sport 'hurling'.

Optional Experiences

Traverse beautiful County Wexford to the John F. Kennedy Arboretum - a peaceful retreat in New Ross with over 4,500 species of plants across 252 hectares dedicated to the former American president. We leave the enchanting outdoors behind and take a step back in time to the 1800s as we visit the three-masted Famine Ship Dunbrody for a Cultural Insight into the tragic plight of the Irish emigrants who were compelled to leave their home during the potato famine, enduring even harsher conditions than at home in the "coffin ships" that took them to new lands. This evening, we join the Fulvio family for a spectacular Be My Guest Dinner of Irish fare with an Italian twist served at their Glenealy Farmhouse near Dublin.

Optional Experiences

We wander through Dublin this morning, joining a Local Specialist for a superb sightseeing tour that will see us view Trinity College, the magnificent Georgian Squares and tranquil green spaces. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city on your terms. Indulge in a pint of 'the Black Stuff' at one of its many quaint pubs, admire the colourful performances on Grafton Street or delve into its centuries-old history. This evening, let the rousing sounds of a traditional Irish cabaret tempt you for an Optional Experience that will have you dancing your way through the Dublin streets.

Optional Experiences

Our memorable journey through Ireland is at its end. All that's left to say is slán abhaile to newfound friends as you prepare to depart home. Transfers are available. Conditions apply.