Following breakfast, we will depart the hotel and head for one of Ireland's most

ancient and historic towns, Downpatrick. Downpatrick takes its name from a fort which once stood on the hill that dominates the town and on which Down Cathedral stands. Downpatrick was anglicized from Dún Phádraig due to the town's connection with the patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick, who was reputedly buried here in 461 on Cathedral Hill within the grounds of Down Cathedral. We’ll visit the Saint Patrick Centre which is the only permanent exhibition in the world devoted to Ireland’s Patron Saint. The center tells the history of Ireland through Patrick’s words, utilizing an amazing multimedia exhibition. 

We’ll then journey onto Mount Stewart, one of the most inspiring and unusual gardens in Northern Ireland, located on the banks of Strangford Lough. The gardens formal areas exude a strong Mediterranean feel and resembles an Italian villa landscape; the wooded areas support a range of plants from all corners of the world, ensuring something to see whatever the season. One mile of walking trails wind through a landscape ‘lost in time’ and establishes Mount Stewart’s reputation as one of the best-preserved Irish country manors. It’s then back to the Slieve Donard via the Strangford Lough Ferry which links the beautiful Ards Peninsula to the scenic Lecale Peninsula and the villages of Strangford and Portaferry, crossing a stretch of water known as the "Narrows" where 350 million cubic meters of sea water surge in and out of Strangford Lough with each tide. Rest up, take a swim or visit the spa before we meet up for more fabulous food and entertainment!

DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: SLIEVE DONARD HOTEL, DOWN (B, D)

We depart the hotel after breakfast and drive an hour to visit Northern Ireland’s

top attraction, The Titanic Experience. This amazing visit extends over nine galleries including full-scale reconstructions and innovative interactive features. You will explore the Titanic story in a fresh and insightful way 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 check into our 5-star Hotel, The Grand Central for two nights, located in the heart of Belfast’s Linen district with charming cobbled streets, pubs, history and shopping right on our doorstep. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon on your own to explore National Geographics 2024 choice as one of the coolest and most exciting destinations to visit in the world! Tonight, we gather for an amazing culinary experience followed by more world class music. 

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

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. We’ll stop at Johnny Joe’s in Cushendall for a rest break before heading back to the Grand Central for another fantastic night of outstanding food and music!

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

Our first stop today will be the Seamus Heaney’s HomePlace in County Derry. Seamus Heaney is widely recognized as one of the major poets of the 20th century. A native of Northern Ireland and professor of poetry at both Harvard and Oxford University, he authored over 20 volumes of poetry and for his life’s work, he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1995. On our visit, we will immerse ourselves in the extraordinary world of Seamus Heaney and explore through his words and

imagination the people and place that so inspired him. We’re then literally going to the dogs as we visit Glenshane Country Farm where we will watch the dogs herd the sheep on verbal and whistle instructions given by the shepherd. 

Derry City is our next stop for some lunch before we meet up with a local guide who will board the coach and take us around to the major sites of this historic city. Our tour will cover all aspects of the city’s rich history from the 6th century Christian settlement right up to the modern day troubles including Bloody Sunday. We’ll cross the Derry Peace Bridge crossing over the River Foyle which bridges a 400-year-old physical and political gap between two sides of a once, bitterly divided community. It’s then onto our 4-star Shandon Hotel and Spa for the next two nights overlooking beautiful Sheephaven Bay in County Donegal. Of course, we have another incredible dining experience with outstanding music planned this evening by Joanie and Mary!

DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: THE SHANDON HOTEL & SPA (B, D)

Today it’s all about the best of County Donegal. After breakfast, we’ll depart the hotel and visit Glenveagh National Park and Castle found in the wild and rugged landscape of the Derryveagh Mountains. Its 40,000 acres are filled with magnificent

mountains, pristine lakes, waterfalls and a picturesque castle with all its original furnishings.  Then it’s onto Leo’s Tavern for some lunch and music. Leo's historic tavern can be found in the Donegal Gaeltacht, where they still speak the native language of Irish and Leo’s is known around the world for its warm welcome and as the actual home of legendary music artists Clannad, Enya and Moya Brennan. There will be music to welcome us into the pub and we’ll enjoy some soup and sandwiches while we are entertained by the staff. We have a beautiful forty-minute

drive back to our hotel before we enjoy dinner with more fabulous entertainment.

DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: THE SHANDON HOTEL & SPA (B, L, D)

Leaving the hotel, we’ll travel an hour and twenty minutes to bustling Donegal Town where we’ll board a one-hour boat cruise that taking in stunning views of the 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 an hour of free time to do some last-minute shopping. The Diamond is a wonderful shopping area with gift shops galore to get the perfect souvenir or gift for friends and loved ones. We’ll then drive south one hour to the largest town in County Fermanagh, Enniskillen for a lunch stop before making the last leg of our journey onto Crover House, an award-winning Four-star Hotel that was built in the 18th Century and is situated in the most beautiful Irish countryside in County Cavan. This Georgian Manor House, resting majestically on the private shores of Lough Sheelin, emanates elegance and class with breathtaking views of the historic lake and 41 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds. Take a walk around this beautiful setting before we meet up for our last night entertainment and scrumptious dinner!

DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: THE CROVER HOUSE (B, D)

Sadly, our adventures are over and we’re very sorry to see you go!! Our coach driver will get you to Dublin Airport in plenty of time for you to check in for your flight and clear customs and emigration, avoiding the long lines that you can meet you in America. There is ample duty-free shopping available at the airport for any last-minute gifts or mementos. Thank you for trusting us with your vacation, and we certainly hope you had a great time and will think of joining us again on another one of our adventures! We wish you a safe journey home! Slan Abhaile!