Day One – Welcome to Ireland

A warm welcome awaits you at Dublin Airport. Once everyone is on board, we will drive north for an hour or so to the coastal town of Carlingford on the Cooley Peninsula in County Louth for some lunch at the Four Seasons Hotel. We'll then travel an hour north to Belfast and stay at the Grand Central Hotel in Belfast for the next three nights.

Standing tall above the city skyline, the Grand Central Hotel is more than just a hotel; it’s a thoughtful merging of the old and new Belfast. Contemporary luxury can be found at every turn. From our ground-floor gourmet bistro to the 23rd-floor cocktail bar, this modern five-star hotel located in Belfast city centre offers a unique 360-degree perspective of Northern Ireland’s historic capital, with exceptional service as standard. Situated in the heart of Belfast’s Linen district, with charming cobbled streets, pubs, history, and shopping right on our doorstep. Explore this afternoon on your own to explore National Geographic's 2024 choice as one of the most incredible and most exciting destinations to visit in the world! Tonight, we gather for an exceptional culinary experience.

DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: GRAND CENTRAL HOTEL, BELFAST (L, D)

Day Two – TITANIC EXPERIENCE MUSEUM & BELFAST CITY

After breakfast, we will explore one of Northern Ireland’s top attractions, The Titanic Experience. This excellent visit extends over nine galleries, including full-scale reconstructions and innovative interactive features. You will explore the Titanic story freshly and insightfully from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and catastrophic demise.

Following the tour, we’ll meet our step-on guide for a panoramic tour of the city, pointing out its famous landmarks. Your tour will start with a short introduction to Irish and British history and the background to the start of the ‘Troubles’ in the late 1960s. We then visit seven locations in the city centre where significant events occurred between 1971 and 1976. We use the stories of these events to explain what happened and why, and how it affected nearly every part of our daily lives. This tour explains how the Troubles began. We tell the stories of the people involved, their place in the conflict, and the effect these attacks and incidents had on the city and its people. We do all this from an entirely neutral, civilian perspective. The tour also shows how far the city has come since the ceasefires and the Peace Process.

Tonight, we gather for an amazing culinary experience followed by entertainment with Andy Cooney.

DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: THE GRAND CENTRAL (B, D)

Day Three – Giants Causeway & Bushmills Distillery

After breakfast, we depart the hotel and drive north into County Antrim to visit Northern Ireland’s only World Unesco Heritage site, the phenomenal Giant’s Causeway. The Giant's Causeway is made up of some 40,000 black basalt columns sticking out of the sea. The dramatic sight has inspired legends of giants striding over the sea to Scotland, but this striking landscape was caused by volcanic activity 60 million years ago. Celebrated in both the arts and in science, it has been a top visitor attraction for 300 years and has come to be regarded as a symbol for Northern Ireland.

It’s then just a few miles to our next stop to visit Bushmills, the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world, and maker of the famous Bushmills and Blackbush whiskeys. We’ll take a guided tour and see first-hand how the masters craft the whiskey experiencing the impressive sights and rich scents of each stage from mash tun to pot still to barrel. We’ll then complete our tour in the 1608 bar, tasting a wee dram of whiskey. Departing Bushmills, we will travel along the outstanding Antrim Coast Road, taking in the Glens of Antrim, which consistently ranks among the best scenic road trips in the world, before heading back to the Grand Central for another fantastic night of outstanding food.

DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: THE GRAND CENTRAL (B, D)
 

Day Four – Longmeadow Cider & Ulster American Folk Park

After breakfast we drive to Portadown, Armagh to visit Long Meadow Cider – where we will enjoy an immersive orchard/city experience with the McKeever Family. Relax in Bramley Barn with a hot cuppa, and granny’s traditional soda bread, cheese, and chutneys. Watch a cooking demo of the traditional breads being made and taste them hot off the griddle.

We travel west to Omagh in County Tyrone and visit the Ulster American Folk Park.

This open air museum take you from thatched cottages of Ulster to the log cabins of the American frontier. You will immerse yourself in three centuries of Irish emigration, walking in the footsteps of the bold migrants who set sail for the New World in the 18th and 19th centuries. Meet costumed characters with traditional crafts to show, tales to tell and food to share as you wander the well-trodden pathways of rural Ulster. Continue the migration experience as you board the Big Union ship and emerge in the New World. Dicover historic buildings, including ther Mellon Homestead, as well as other buildings, which have been relocated to the museum. We will arrive early evening in Donegal and our home for the next tree nights at the Mill Park Hotel. Join your fellow travelers fr group dinner tonight in the hotel.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT: THE MILL PARK HOTEL DONEGAL TOWN (B,D)

Day Five – DONEGAL WATERBUS & FREE TIME

After breakfast, we will board a one-hour boat cruise that takes in stunning views of

Donegal Bay and the Bluestack Mountains. Our cruise will also offer us the opportunity to view an amazing seal island with over 200 seals. Back on land, we’ll give everyone some free time to explore Donegal Town within walking distance from the Pier. The Diamond is an excellent shopping area with numerous gift shops to find the perfect souvenir or gift for friends and loved ones. Join your fellow travelers for a group dinner tonight in the hotel, followed by entertainment by Andy Cooney in the Ballroom.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT: THE MILL PARK HOTEL, DONEGAL TOWN (B, D)

Day Six – Slieve League & Ardara

After breakfast, travel through Killybegs, one of Ireland’s busiest fishing ports, with its picturesque harbor and vibrant seafaring culture. Continue through the village of Teelin to the awe-inspiring Slieve League Cliffs, one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs. Admire the dramatic views as the cliffs plunge nearly 2,000 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, offering vistas that surpass even the iconic Cliffs of Moher. We will journey through the ruggedly beautiful Glencolmcille, known for its vibrant arts and crafts scene, before arriving in Ardara for lunch at Nancy's. Visit Triona Design, a family-run business where you can observe traditional hand-weaving techniques that have been passed down through generations. We will conclude the day with a scenic drive through Glengesh Pass, a winding mountain route with breathtaking views, and enjoy a leisurely stroll in Donegal Town, rich in history and charm. Join your fellow travelers for a group dinner in the hotel tonight.

DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: MILL PARK HOTEL, DONEGAL TOWN, DONEGAL (B, L, D)

Day Seven – Bellek Pottery & Knock Shrine

Check out of the Mill Park Hotel after breakfast you will discover the secrets that have made Belleek Pottery one of the most enduring success stories of Irish craftsmanship. Enjoy a behind the scenes tour to see how this world-famous fine China is made. Along the way, we will stop for lunch at Strandhill in Sligo, a stunning expanse of golden sand nestled against the Atlantic Ocean, popular with surfers and beachcombers alike.

We will travel south to Knock in Co. Mayo. On the 21st of August 1879 fifteen people from the village of Knock, witnessed an Apparition of Our Lady, St. Joseph, St. John the Evangelist, a Lamb and cross on an altar at the gable wall of the Parish Church. Continue on to Galway for our home for the next three nights, the Salthil Hotel overlooking the famous promendade. Join your fellow travelers for group dinner in the hotel tonight.

DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: THE SALTHILL HOTEL, SALTHILL GALWAY (B, L, D)

Day Eight – Kylemore Abbey & Killary Cruise

After breakfast, today’s journey takes you to Kylemore Abbey, one of the most photographed locations in Ireland. Initially built in 1867, Kylemore Abbey and the surrounding mountains and lakes are steeped in history, and while we’re there, we recommend that you take time to revel in the famous walled Gardens with lunch on your own before we travel a short distance to Leenane to board a short catamaran cruise of Killary Harbor. Our cruise starts at Nancy’s Point, just west of Leenane village, on the South side of the Killary. From there, we set off towards the mouth of the Fjord. Take in the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape – hills rising steeply from the silvery sea, with frequent shifts in light and shadow creating different colors on the peaks and valleys. Deep green fields and occasional stands of trees contrast with heathery bogs. Return to your hotel and relax before dinner, followed by farewell entertainment with Andy Cooney.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT: THE SALTHILL HOTEL, SALTHILL, GALWAY (B, D)

Day Nine - WALKING TOUR & FREE TIME IN GALWAY CITY

Galway is one of the most popular destinations in Ireland for good reason, as tourists love this vibrant, thriving city with its diverse cultural, historic, artistic, and musical heritage. Today, we will get an insider’s view of the old city of Galway, which is perfect for exploring on foot. Join our old friend and raconteur, Brian Nolan, as he wanders the streets of Galway recounting fascinating tales of war and Conquest, joy and tragedy, emigration and slavery, success and folly. Walk in the footsteps of Saint Brendan, Christopher Columbus, W. B. Yeats, Padraig Pearse, James Joyce, John Wayne, John Huston, John F. Kennedy, and many others who have strolled the old cobble-stoned streets of Galway. The rest of the day is free to explore this magical city on your own. Meet up in the evening for a farewell dinner in the hotel restaurant.

OVERNIGHT AND DINNER: THE SALTHILL HOTEL, SALTHILL, GALWAY (B, D)

Day Nine - SAFE TRAVELS HOME.

All too soon, our Irish adventure draws to a close. After breakfast, we will bring you to Shannon Airport in plenty of time to check in, clear customs and immigration, and enjoy a stress-free departure. With duty-free shopping on hand, you’ll have the chance to pick up a few last-minute gifts or mementos before your flight.

Thank you for trusting us once again with your vacation and we certainly hope you had a great time!

Until then, we wish you a safe journey home.

Slán Abhaile – Safe Home!