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Overview

Heart of Ireland Tour 2026
Donegal, Ireland
May 4 - 12, 2026
Tara Tours Ireland image
Tara Tours Ireland
$2,999
Deposit: $250

About your trip

 

Step into the true heart of Ireland on this exclusive, fun-filled journey in May 2026. 


Designed to immerse you in the genuine Irish experience, this tour brings you closer to the people, landscapes, and traditions that make Ireland unforgettable.


Imagine standing at the edge of the dramatic Slieve League Cliffs, tasting award-winning gin and whiskey straight from the source in Ardara, or sharing laughter and stories with locals at a lively pub session. This is more than sightseeing; it’s stepping into Ireland’s vibrant culture!


Highlights Include:

  • Hands-On Crafting & Whiskey Tasting: Get a behind-the-scenes look at traditional Irish whiskey and gin crafting, with tastings and stories from local artisans.
  • Music and Storytelling: Experience an authentic Irish music session, where you’ll tap your feet and sing along in the friendly warmth of a local pub.
  • Breathtaking Landscapes: Explore Ireland's natural wonders, from the mystical Newgrange to the rolling hills and coastal cliffs.
  • Historic Pubs and Hidden Gems: Raise a pint in historic pubs like Sean’s Bar in Athlone, known as one of the oldest in the world, and discover secret spots only the locals know.


Every step of this tour is crafted to give you an authentic taste of Ireland—its history, its culture, and above all, its people. Come ready for adventure, stories, and memories that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.


Book now to join the Heart of Ireland tour, where every moment is an Irish experience!

What's included

7 nights accommodation

We handpick our hotels and guesthouses to ensure a high level of quality for our guest accommodation.

Breakfast Each Morning

Enjoy a fresh Irish Breakfast each morning at your handpicked accommodation

3 Evening Meals

Taste the delicious flavors of Ireland on certain evenings throughout your vacation, as described in our itinerary.

6 Sightseeing Day Tours

From ancient Irish burial chambers to Irish Whiskey tasting, from the highest cliffs in Europe to pints in the oldest pub in Ireland, we have exciting and fascinating days out for everyone to enjoy!

Comfortable coach travel

Our coaches are of the highest standard, ensuring you will see Ireland in comfort and style.

Expert Tour Director

Our Tour Directors have a high level of local knowledge to ensure you get the best out of your vacation.

Airport Transfers

Transfers to and from Dublin Airport

What's not included

Tips and Gratuities

Additional Excursions

Travel Insurance

Air Travel

Day 1- Monday May 4

Day 1- Monday May 4 image

Travel Day

Board your overnight flight to Dublin

Day 2- Tueday May 5

Day 2- Tueday May 5 image

Arrive in County Dublin, Ireland

A Cead Míle Failte – ‘A thousand welcomes’ to Ireland!

You will be met at Dublin airport on arrival and transferred to your hotel


Welcome dinner that evening at your Dublin hotel. 

Meet your Tour Director and the rest of your group

Included meal: Welcome dinner

Hotel: Maldron Hotel, Parnell Square, Dublin City


Day 3- Wedneday May 6

Day 3- Wedneday May 6 image

Sightseeing tour of Boyne Valley

Visit the famous Bru na Boinne World Heritage site.

Includes a visit to Newgrange (older than the pyramids, older than Stonehenge). 


Fascinating walking tour of the historic gated town of Drogheda. Dark history includes the medieval Laurence's Gate, haunting St Peter’s graveyard and the relic of St. Oliver Plunkett’s Head.

Included meal: Breakfast

Hotel: Maldron Hotel, Parnell Square, Dublin City

** Evening excursion/option:

Traditional Irish musicians will have your toes tapping and your heart singing.

An evening of real Irish ‘craic’ (fun) with music, song and storytelling.

Includes a dinner celebrating the best of Irish cuisine and a drink of your choice (try some Guinness or a famous Irish whiskey).
Cost: $89 per person

Day 4 Thursday May 7

Day 4 Thursday May 7 image

Cavan County Museum, Beleek Pottery & Donegal

Begin with a visit to Cavan County Museum to explore Ireland's rich history (including WW1 trenches). 

Followed by a stop at Belleek Pottery, where you’ll see artisans crafting the world-famous iconic Irish ceramics.

Finish the day with an evening in Donegal Town, staying overnight at a cozy hotel in the heart of the town.
Included meal: Breakfast

Hotel: MillPark Hotel, Donegal Town

Day 5 Friday May 8

Day 5 Friday May 8 image

Spend the day in the historic town of Donegal or join us on excursion

Take in the day to yourself to view the spectacular sights of Donegal at your own leisure. From its rugged coastline to its verdant hills, enjoy most beautiful destinations in the region. And when the day is done, you can enjoy the warmth and hospitality of Donegal town.
An enchanting part of Ireland.
Included meal: Breakfast

Hotel: MillPark Hotel, Donegal Town


**Optional Excursion:
Slieve League, the highest coastal cliffs in Europe. A stunning natural wonder. These majestic cliffs are higher than the Cliffs of Moher and offer panoramic views of the rugged coastline. Not to be missed.

Visit traditional Donegal weaving demonstration with a famous Donegal Tweed crafts person 

Lunch with a traditional fish and chips in the famous seaside fishing town of Killybegs.
Cost: $69 per person

Day 6 Saturday May 9

Day 6 Saturday May 9 image

Glencar waterfall, Rosses Point & Creevykeel Megalithic Site

 Get ready to discover the magic of Sligo, home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in Ireland. 

From the awe-inspiring Glencar Waterfall to the historic Creevykeel Megalithic site, Sligo is a place that is sure to surprise and delight.

Let us guide you through the hidden gems of this region and show you all the beauty it has to offer.

Scenic drive through the Wild Atlantic Way and take in ‘Yeats Country’. 

Group dinner that evening to discuss all that we saw along the way.
Included meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Clayton Hotel, Sligo Town

Day 7 Sunday May 10

Day 7 Sunday May 10 image

Sligo Town

Enjoy a day exploring the exciting town of Sligo, filled with excellent pubs, shops and museums. 



**Optional excursion

Two fantastic visits!

‘Arigna Mines Experience’ & award winning ‘Drumshanbo Whiskey & Gin distillery’. 

A guided tour of Arigna mines with real ex miners. A fascinating part of Ireland’s history.

A fully guided experience at Drumshambo. Includes an expert tasting of their single Pot Still Irish Whiskey. Finish off with a refreshing Drunshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin and tonic at the Honey Badger Bar, in the majestic botanical glasshouse.

This option includes lunch.

Cost: $89 per person

Included meal: Breakfast 

Hotel: Clayton Hotel, Sligo Town

Day 8 Monday May 11

Day 8 Monday May 11 image

Strokestown National Famine Museum, River Shannon & Seáns Bar

At Strokestown National Famine Museum you will be guided through an interactive and compelling museum. It will take you back in time to one of the darkest periods of Irish history. 

You'll leave understanding and appreciating the resilience of the Irish people. Join us in exploring this hidden gem!


Check in to your Athlone hotel, along the banks of the famous River Shannon.

Enjoy drinks at Seáns Bar - Ireland's Oldest Bar. Pure Irish authentic pub. Group farewell at ‘Sean’s Bar’ 


Included meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Hotel: Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone

Day 9 Tuesday May 12

Day 9 Tuesday May 12 image

Departure Day

Transfer to the airport for your flight home

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)


Location

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1. Donegal, Ireland

Donegal, Ireland

About your organizer

Welcome to Tara Tours Ireland, where we specialize in providing unique and immersive experiences that showcase the real Ireland. Our tours offer a taste of authentic Irish culture and traditions, featuring local food and drink and opportunities to meet local people. With many years of experience with the travel industry, you can trust us to show you the hidden gems that others often overlook. Come along with us and explore Ireland like never before! ​ ​

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