Begin the day with a tour of the historic and divided neighbourhoods of West Belfast, see the infamous 'Peace Wall' and the political wall-murals and street-art.

Free for lunch.

The afternoon is a 1.30pm visit to the award-winning Titanic Museum and visitor experience.

Evening free time for shopping, sightseeing and for dinner

Onwards to the majestic Giants Causeway with a photo-stop above the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge, epic scenery and Scotland in view across the channel.

1pm appointment at the world-famous Giants Causeway.

Late afternoon visit to Dunluce Castle (Stephen’s favourite!).

Early evening, arrive into Historic Derry and explore this historic and beautiful city.

Begin the morning by visit the beautiful Guildhall (City Hall) and view the stained-glassed windows.

Onwards to Donegal for a day tour, the highlight will be Glenveagh National Park. 

Possible Group-lunch at ‘Leo’s Tavern’, the pub belonging to the family of international music star, Enya.

Return to Derry. Free for dinner.

After a leisurely breakfast in historic Derry, we continue onwards to Galway, stopping at the grave of our national poet WB Yeats en route and also some time to experience the tweed-weaving capital, Donegal town.

Early evening arrival into bustling Galway city.

We’ll unwind after checkin before enjoying a walking tour of the city.

Dinner on own tonight. Evening free in Galway to unwind in the city.

A lovely day-trip into the wilds of Connemara, visiting Cong (one of Ireland’s tidiest towns) and the very special Kylemore Abbey with its lovely gardens in the wilds of western Ireland. 

Free for dinner in the charming Quay street area of Galway

The majestic Cliffs of Moher.Our big pre-lunch blockbuster visit!

Onwards to Killarney. Our longish drive (2.5 hours) will be broken up with a few comfort stops in historic and scenic locations such as the charming village of Adare (soon to be home of Golf’s Ryder Cup in 2027)

Enjoy a traditional Jaunting car ride (horse & carriage) with Mike O’Grady through beautiful Killarney National Park, by the famous lakes, ending at Ross Castle.

Visit Muckross Gardens and a maybe a little hike up to Torc Waterfall.

We recommend visiting beautiful traditional farms here that will help us learn about this history of agriculture in Ireland, and of course help us understand more about the Great Famine/Potato Blight from 1845-49 which killed 1 million Irish people and sent 1 million to the four corners of America.

Group-dinner and then free to enjoy the sights and sounds of Killarney.

After a relaxing Breakfast, we’ll enjoy some of the famous Ring of Kerry drive. 

5pm: Arrive in the beautiful fishing-village of Dingle. 

Check-in to your Irish ‘home from home’ on Dingle Bay, Milltown House.

Enjoy a complimentary welcome Dingle Gin & Tonic in our ‘Robert Mitchum’ Bar.

Later in the evening, the adults can enjoy a whiskey-tasting experience, with our resident connoisseur.

You will be guests of our very own and beloved waterfront properties on Dingle Harbour. Enjoy our gentle-giant Irish Wolfhounds and School of Falconry including beautiful owls.

Hotel: Milltown House, VIP treatment in our very own hotel on idyllic Dingle Bay.

Welcome to Dingle, Falconry Experience and Peninsula scenic-drive and more!

Then enjoy a Private Falconry Experience with our Master Falconers and all our Birds of Prey.

Maybe try some of the best coffee at ‘Bean in Dingle’ OR some yummy world-famous Murphy’s ice-cream.

Afternoon: we will go ‘back west’ and experience the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’ along Slea Head, taking in the magnificent coastal scenery. Visit the many archaeological sites and a friendly sheep farm to hold baby lambs. Explore some golden sandy beaches and take in the magical scenic drive.

Late Afternoon, return to Dingle and perhaps visit the Master Goldsmith Brian De Staic in his workshop. 

Free for dinner and afterwards we can all meet up and enjoy some great Irish music and pubs, ideally meeting David Geaney, the 4 times world champion Irish dancer!

Our relaxing free day. Here are some of the amazing optional activities that we can organise:

·  Possibly visit the excellent Dingle Aquarium. https://www.dingle-oceanworld.ie

·  Consider the award-winning Dingle Sea Safari (see whales, puffins, dolphins). Weather dependent https://dingleseasafari.com

·  Ride along the beach or along the mountain trails above Dingle with some nice Irish horses from the Dingle Stables. https://www.dinglehorseriding.com

·  Go shopping!

This evening we’ll enjoy some music and our farewell dinner, enjoying al the locally sourced produce of Dingle.

After breakfast we shall make our way to beautiful Tipperary ("its a long way") and to the majestic Rock of Cashel for a guided tour.

A fitting and fun finale to our Irish adventures.

Back in Dublin’s fair city, early evening.

5pm approx. everyone is safely back at your Dublin city-centre hotel/hotels

Go n-éirí an bóthar leat / May the road rise to meet you

Do let me know if you have any questions. On behalf at all the team at Essential Ireland Tours (both human & canine!) many thanks for choosing to enjoy our beloved Ireland with us. 

Is mise le meas (‘from me to you with respect’ in Gaelic)

Stephen McPhilemy