We will drive up the Antrim coastal road today to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Giant's Causeway, an amazing natural seaside site formed from lava and basalt.  This protected area is unlike any other on the globe.

Dress warm and bring your rain gear - December in this location could serve up just about any kind of weather. The tourists will be scarce, and we can enjoy what the wild North Atlantic Ocean wishes to throw at us as we experience this awe-inspiring location.  Additional sights that we will visit today include Dunluce Castle.  Please wear appropriate footwear - there will be wet, grass, gravel, and slippery spots.

When done touring, we will head back to our cozy accommodation in Belfast for some pub time and fun!

Overnight:  Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast 

Inclusions: Tour admission to Giant's Causeway, overnight and breakfast in the Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast

We will depart Belfast today and head to Derry, Ireland, where we will learn more about this historic town, the only fully walled city in Ireland with architecture dating back to the seventeenth century.  Our guide will join us this morning for a tour of the famous Derry Walls.  

11:30 am - Guided Tour 

Afterward, you can enjoy more sightseeing or lunch independently in Derry.

Guildhill Taphouse
River Inn (oldest pub in Derry) 

The Exchange 

City Hotel Derry ~2mins 

Walled City Brewery (across peace bridge) 10 mins

Cedar Restaurant (Mediteranian/Lebanese) 10 mins

Full of ancient and more modern history, you will have free time to explore the way you like - take a walk along the walls, visit the Museum of Free Derry to learn more about the time of the Irish Troubles, or simply cozy into a pub and relax with a pint.  

When we are done with the visits for the day, we head back on the road bound for Donegal - and our favorite hotel in all of Ireland - Harvey's Point.

We will have 3 luxurious days at Harvey's Point, where we are nestled in the mountains around the pristine lake - Lough Eske. You will be greeted by warm turf fires, Irish hospitality, and stunning views.

Rest a bit and we will meet for dinner in Harvey's Point restaurant.

7:00 pm - Dinner  

Overnight:  Harvey's Point

Inclusions:  Guided tour, dinner, overnight and breakfast at Harvey's Point

Today we will start the day with a tour to see the highest sea cliffs in Europe. The cliffs rival the views anywhere in Ireland (3 times the height of the famous Cliffs of Moher!) We will enjoy some (very) fresh air, and then head back to the warm walls of Harvey's Point to get ready for the night's festivities. 

11:00 am - Tour of the Cliffs

Next, we will visit the Triona Woolen Mills.

This evening we will enjoy a New Year's celebration at Harvey's point. This will include fine dining followed by entertainment in the hotel.

Overnight:  Harvey's Point 

Inclusions:  Day tour, dinner and New Year's celebration, overnight and breakfast at Harvey's Point, Scones and Tea

It will be a laid-back day today, giving you time to take in a leasurly breakfast, and to enjoy your suberb surroundings at Harvey's Point.  We will plan a short trip into town for those who are feeling energetic.

This evening we will gather for a fine dining experience at the neighboring Lough Eske Castle.

6:00 pm - Dinner - Lough Eske Castle

Overnight:  Harvey's Point 

Inclusions:  Breakfast, dinner, overnight at Harvey's Point

Heading southbound today, we will visit the New Grange monolithic tomb site.  The tombs at New Grange and Knowth are a World Heritage Site, dating back to before they Egyptian pyramids. Walk in the footsteps of the very ancient past with a special visit to this global wonder.

1:00 pm - New Grange Tour

We will then make our way to the stunning estate of Castle Leslie in Co Monaghan where we will settle in to our well-appointed lodge.  

6:30 pm - Dinner - Castle Leslie

7:30 pm - Storytelling -  Oriel Suite 

Overnight:  Castle Leslie Estate 

Inclusions: New Grange Tour, Storytelling, dinner and overnight at Castle Leslie

Today we will live like ladies and lords with activities at the castle. You may plan some free time for your vacation dreams today with a spa treatment, a relaxing book at the fire, a pint at the pub with new friends, or a walk in the forested rolling hills on the 1,000-acre estate.

11:00 am - Castle Tour

Afterwards, will make a stop in the town of Monaghan to ensure we meet our goal of hitting 12 pubs of Christmas. You will have some free time to explore, with a visit to the well-regarded local museum or a host of available pubs.

Overnight:  Castle Leslie Estate

Inclusions:  Monaghan town, dinner, overnight and breakfast at Castle Leslie Estate

Departing for our final destination today, we will wind our way through the countryside to stop at an iconic Irish Heritage sight - Trim Castle.

12:00 pm - Trim Castle Tour

We will make our way to our last hotel this evening where we will gather for one final meal before parting ways. New friendships will have been forged, and memories made for a lifetime.

7:00 pm - Departing Dinner - Clontarf Castle

Overnight: Clontarf Castle

Inclusions: Trim Castle tour, dinner and overnight at Clontarf Castle

We will be located near Dublin airport this morning. We will have one coach run to the airport, or you may schedule a taxi if you wish to remain longer, or extend your stay in Ireland. We will be 20 mintues to the airport, and 20 mintues to Dublin City Center.