14 Night Around Ireland Tour

Arrive Dublin Airport and meet with your experienced Irish driver/guide. All of the drivers we use are qualified guides and have great personalities that really will make your trip unforgettable. Travel into Ireland’s capital city and visit Trinity College which houses the famous Book of Kells, transcribed by 9th century monks. Continue on to a more modern attraction, The Guinness Storehouse, which tells the 250 year story of one of Ireland’s greatest exports. At the end of the tour, sample a pint of “The Black Stuff” whilst enjoying 360 degree panoramic views of the city from the Gravity Bar. After checking into your hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is free for individual sightseeing. In the evening, why not enjoy dinner at one of Dublin’s superb restaurants followed by an evening’s entertainment at one of the lively pubs. Overnight Dublin BB

After breakfast, we leave Dublin to discover the historic and archeological treasures of the Boyne Valley, first visiting the ancient Celtic site of the Hill of Tara, then Trim and Kells Heritage Towns. Trim’s 12th Century Castle featured in the film Braveheart and Kells is famous for its 8th Century monastic settlement, Book of Kells and Celtic High Crosses. We will also visit the 5000 years old Megalithic tombs at Newgrange. Travel northwards, through the vibrant town of Dundalk, Carlingford - a magical medieval village full of character- and along the coast to Belfast. Overnight Belfast DBB

We depart for one of Europe’s most magnificent coastlines where its unique rock formations have, for millions of years, stood as a natural rampart against the unbridled ferocity of Atlantic storms – The Giant's Causeway. Included on the World Heritage site list since 1986, The Giants Causeway is a prime example of earth’s evolutionary history and contains rare and superlative natural phenomena. It lies at the foot of the basalt cliffs along the sea coast on the edge of the Antrim plateau. Geological studies show that this striking landscape was caused by volcanic activity some 50–60 million years ago.

It is made up of some 40,000 massive black basalt columns sticking out of the sea. The dramatic sight has inspired legends of giants striding over the sea to Scotland. A guided walking tour has been arranged. After the visit, travel on to Derry where, after checking in to your hotel, you will take an inner city guided tour. The historic walled city of Derry, also known as Londonderry, came into existence in 546 AD, when St. Columba founded a monastery beside the River Foyle. It is the fourth largest city in the island of Ireland, and the only one whose ancient walls survive intact. Stroll along the walls and visit the Tower Museum, which charts the history of the city from its beginnings right up to the 1970s. Overnight Derry DBB

Today we visit the Belleek Pottery Factory, one of the most enduring success stories of Irish craftsmanship. Situated in an imposing Victorian building, our tour will take us behind the scenes covering all parts of the pottery making process from mould making to kiln firing. En-route back to Derry, visit the Ulster American Folk Park, an open air museum which reconstructs the mass emigration from Ulster to North America in the 18th & 19th century. Follow the emigrant trail as you journey from the thatched cottages of Ulster, on board a full scale emigrant sailing ship leading to the log cabins of the American Frontier. Meet an array of costumed characters on your way with traditional crafts to show, tales to tell and food to share. Overnight Derry DBB

This morning we visit the Donegal County Museum in Letterkenny. The Museum’s first floor exhibition charts the history of Donegal from Stone Age to the 20th Century. Next, south through the unspoilt countryside of County Donegal and follow the coastline to explore the gentle beauties of Sligo, visiting gracious Lissadell House And Gardens, celebrated in the writings of Sligo’s great poet W. B. Yeats. We will visit sites which inspired some of his works and his final resting place before traveling onwards to the Heritage town of Westport. Overnight Westport DBB

After breakfast, a short drive to Westport House & Gardens, a fine example of an early 18th century Georgian mansion. Built on the ruins of Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley’s 16th century castles, the mansion is complete with original antiques, dungeons and waxwork displays. The house’s early 20th century gardens have been spectacularly restored and redeveloped to include one of the largest sets of old farmyard buildings in Ireland. Onwards to Galway travelling via Cong, the site of many scenes from the classic 1952 movie The Quiet Man (John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara, Barry Fitzgerald). A short walking tour to see some of the places that appeared in the movie with guide will be arranged. Overnight Galway DBB

Today explore another of Ireland's famous scenic regions, Connemara. Here the constantly-changing cloud formations give hills, lakes and peat bogs an added dimension. Travel alongside Galway Bay to Spiddal where most locals speak the Irish language. Pass the granite hills and sparkling lakes of the Inagh Valley on the way to Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord. Visit such places as Kylemore Abbey and its Walled Garden, Dan O’Hara’s Heritage & History Centre and Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory where you can watch skilled craftsmen cut the crystal and learn about the symbolism of the motifs, before returning to Galway for some leisure time before dinner. Overnight Galway DBB

Today drive through the Burren, an area of limestone rock covering imposing majestic mountains, and tranquil valleys with gently meandering streams. With its innate sense of spiritual peace, extraordinary array of flora and wildlife, and megalithic tombs and monuments older than Egypt's pyramids, the Burren creates a tapestry of colour and a seductively magical aura which few people leave without wanting to experience again. Continue along the coastline of County Clare to view the Cliffs of Moher. This wall of limestone rises to heights of almost 700 feet above the churning Atlantic swells. Visit the Atlantic Edge Exhibition which brings to life the story of the Cliffs of Moher, presenting geology, wildlife & human aspects of the Cliffs in an entertaining manner. Return to Galway. Overnight Galway DBB

Your hotel is a mere 45 minutes’ drive from Dublin Airport in Enniskerry County Wicklow. Known as The Garden of Ireland, County of Wicklow is famed for its many attractive formal gardens throughout the stunning green landscape. Powerscourt Estate will be the first such gardens you may want to visit since they are located right next to your hotel! Even though they are so popular with locals and visitors alike, Powerscourt Gardens have a great sense of calm and space. Nearby Enniskerry Village has retained its old-world atmosphere. A wander by its cafes, bars, artisan shops, antique sellers and pretty boutiques is a must for any visitor. The glacial valley of Glendalough is not far from Powerscourt and is well worth a visit. In Glendalough as well as lovely lakeside scenic walks, you will find the remains of an Early Medieval monastic settlement founded in the 6th century by St Kevin.

Your hotel is a mere 45 minutes’ drive from Dublin Airport in Enniskerry County Wicklow. Known as The Garden of Ireland, County of Wicklow is famed for its many attractive formal gardens throughout the stunning green landscape. Powerscourt Estate will be the first such gardens you may want to visit since they are located right next to your hotel! Even though they are so popular with locals and visitors alike, Powerscourt Gardens have a great sense of calm and space. Nearby Enniskerry Village has retained its old-world atmosphere. A wander by its cafes, bars, artisan shops, antique sellers and pretty boutiques is a must for any visitor. The glacial valley of Glendalough is not far from Powerscourt and is well worth a visit. In Glendalough as well as lovely lakeside scenic walks, you will find the remains of an Early Medieval monastic settlement founded in the 6th century by St Kevin.

Your hotel is a mere 45 minutes’ drive from Dublin Airport in Enniskerry County Wicklow. Known as The Garden of Ireland, County of Wicklow is famed for its many attractive formal gardens throughout the stunning green landscape. Powerscourt Estate will be the first such gardens you may want to visit since they are located right next to your hotel! Even though they are so popular with locals and visitors alike, Powerscourt Gardens have a great sense of calm and space. Nearby Enniskerry Village has retained its old-world atmosphere. A wander by its cafes, bars, artisan shops, antique sellers and pretty boutiques is a must for any visitor. The glacial valley of Glendalough is not far from Powerscourt and is well worth a visit. In Glendalough as well as lovely lakeside scenic walks, you will find the remains of an Early Medieval monastic settlement founded in the 6th century by St Kevin.

Your hotel is a mere 45 minutes’ drive from Dublin Airport in Enniskerry County Wicklow. Known as The Garden of Ireland, County of Wicklow is famed for its many attractive formal gardens throughout the stunning green landscape. Powerscourt Estate will be the first such gardens you may want to visit since they are located right next to your hotel! Even though they are so popular with locals and visitors alike, Powerscourt Gardens have a great sense of calm and space. Nearby Enniskerry Village has retained its old-world atmosphere. A wander by its cafes, bars, artisan shops, antique sellers and pretty boutiques is a must for any visitor. The glacial valley of Glendalough is not far from Powerscourt and is well worth a visit. In Glendalough as well as lovely lakeside scenic walks, you will find the remains of an Early Medieval monastic settlement founded in the 6th century by St Kevin.

Your hotel is a mere 45 minutes’ drive from Dublin Airport in Enniskerry County Wicklow. Known as The Garden of Ireland, County of Wicklow is famed for its many attractive formal gardens throughout the stunning green landscape. Powerscourt Estate will be the first such gardens you may want to visit since they are located right next to your hotel! Even though they are so popular with locals and visitors alike, Powerscourt Gardens have a great sense of calm and space. Nearby Enniskerry Village has retained its old-world atmosphere. A wander by its cafes, bars, artisan shops, antique sellers and pretty boutiques is a must for any visitor. The glacial valley of Glendalough is not far from Powerscourt and is well worth a visit. In Glendalough as well as lovely lakeside scenic walks, you will find the remains of an Early Medieval monastic settlement founded in the 6th century by St Kevin.

Your hotel is a mere 45 minutes’ drive from Dublin Airport in Enniskerry County Wicklow. Known as The Garden of Ireland, County of Wicklow is famed for its many attractive formal gardens throughout the stunning green landscape. Powerscourt Estate will be the first such gardens you may want to visit since they are located right next to your hotel! Even though they are so popular with locals and visitors alike, Powerscourt Gardens have a great sense of calm and space. Nearby Enniskerry Village has retained its old-world atmosphere. A wander by its cafes, bars, artisan shops, antique sellers and pretty boutiques is a must for any visitor. The glacial valley of Glendalough is not far from Powerscourt and is well worth a visit. In Glendalough as well as lovely lakeside scenic walks, you will find the remains of an Early Medieval monastic settlement founded in the 6th century by St Kevin.

Your hotel is a mere 45 minutes’ drive from Dublin Airport in Enniskerry County Wicklow. Known as The Garden of Ireland, County of Wicklow is famed for its many attractive formal gardens throughout the stunning green landscape. Powerscourt Estate will be the first such gardens you may want to visit since they are located right next to your hotel! Even though they are so popular with locals and visitors alike, Powerscourt Gardens have a great sense of calm and space. Nearby Enniskerry Village has retained its old-world atmosphere. A wander by its cafes, bars, artisan shops, antique sellers and pretty boutiques is a must for any visitor. The glacial valley of Glendalough is not far from Powerscourt and is well worth a visit. In Glendalough as well as lovely lakeside scenic walks, you will find the remains of an Early Medieval monastic settlement founded in the 6th century by St Kevin.