Ireland Encompassed (Hotel)

Dublin - Belfast (Northern Ireland) - Giant's Causeway - Portrush. Welcome to the Emerald Isle! Leaving Dublin, we head to the Northern Irish capital of Belfast, a city renowned for its industrial heritage and tumultuous history. We enjoy a brief city tour to learn about the capital's triumphs and tragedies. There's free time to explore the Titanic Quarter and indulge in a delightful lunch. The regenerated hub, where the iconic liner was constructed and launched in 1911, is home to the award-winning Titanic museum, HMS Caroline, and black cab tours.

Moving on from Belfast, we journey to the Antrim Coast and Glens, designated an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. As we travel along the sinuous roads from Ballycastle, prepare to be amazed by the Giant's Causeway. This is where history, myth, and natural beauty converge into a breathtaking experience. This is perhaps the most famous attraction in Northern Ireland, sure to blow you away!

After admiring the iconic Giant's Steps, we complete our drive to the quaint fishing village of Portrush, where we spend the night.

Please note: Check-in closes at 08:45 on day 1 (tour departs at 09:00) - Dublin Nassau Street Pick Up, Opposite the Kilkenny Shop, Nassau St, Dublin.

Portrush - Derry - Donegal (Republic of Ireland). Our first visit today is Derry, a magnificent 17th-century walled city with seven captivating gates and a tumultuous past. In 2013, Derry was designated as the UK City of Culture, and there is free time to explore here.

Leaving Northern Ireland, we cross back into the Republic and drive through County Donegal and scenic Glenveagh National Park. We marvel at Mount Errigal's towering summit and pass by charming traditional fishing villages. You'll have ample time for leisurely strolls, taking snapshots, and immersing yourself in the local way of life before arriving at our overnight lodging in Donegal.

Accommodation: The Central Hotel, The Abbey Hotel or similar

Donegal - Sligo - Achill - Westport. Travelling south along the coast, we enter County Sligo. The area boasts stunning mountain views of Benbulben. Carrowmore, located outside Sligo Town, offers the opportunity to visit the largest collection of megalithic tombs in Ireland, with some dating back over 6000 years.

Continuing west, we arrive in County Mayo, which was famously and devastatingly ravaged by the Great Potato Famine of the 1840s. We travel to Achill Island, connected to the mainland by a bridge. Here we enjoy some time to appreciate the rugged landscape and peaceful beauty of the island. Then it's onward to Westport, where we will be staying for the next two nights.

Please note: Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery will be temporarily closed from 31st August 2024 until Spring 2025 due to renovations at the site. During this time, the site will be inaccessible to the public and an additional stop nearby will be scheduled; or, the tour will spend more time at other stops, depending on group preferences.

Today we explore Westport and Connemara National Park, with a flexible itinerary that best suits the weather, as decided by our expert tour guide. Various options are available, such as visiting the magnificent Kylemore Abbey, Connemara National Park, Clifden (the site of the first transatlantic flight), the Sky Road and the Twelve Bens of Connemara. After an amazing day filled with exploration, we head back to Westport to indulge in the delicious local seafood at the top-rated restaurants in town.

Westport - Cong - Galway. Driving through the rural heart of Connemara, we reach the charming town of Cong, which sits on the shore of Lough Corrib. The town is notable for being the filming location for the classic movie "The Quiet Man," and you are welcome to explore the local museum dedicated to the film. Alternatively, we recommend a visit to the stunningly renovated 12th-century Cong Abbey.

From Cong, we travel to the vibrant harbour city of Galway. There is free time to delve into the traditional market culture, high-end restaurants, and pubs.

Please note: Some of the group may be finishing their tour in Galway and returning to Dublin with the guide. A new tour guide will collect you in the morning of day 6.

Accommodation: Western Hotel, Nox Hotel, The Hardiman Hotel or similar

Galway - Kilfenora - Killarney. From Galway, we visit the Burren, one of Ireland's iconic landmarks. One of the earliest Christian settlements in Ireland, it boasts broad limestone pavements and rare flora. After exploring the area, we head to Kilfenora, known as the "town of the crosses". We can see the ancient cathedral and enjoy lunch independently.

Our next stop is the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. There is time for us to hike the dramatic cliff trails here and see seabirds soaring through the clear air. We then drive through County Clare to Lahinch Beach. From here we board a ferry across the Shannon Estuary to Killarney, a lively town and home for the next three nights. Killarney is known for its traditional pubs and live music - the perfect place for a Guinness or two!

Accommodation: The Fairview Hotel, Arbutus Hotel or similar

Killarney - Dingle Peninsula - Killarney. Today we explore the magnificent Dingle Peninsula. We stop first at Inch Beach, where we can stroll along the extensive sands.

Passing through Dingle town, our next stop is Slea Head. Here we admire the ancient forts and prehistoric dwellings amidst breathtaking views of the nearby Blasket Islands. If the weather is favourable, we will have the opportunity to explore the beaches and cliff tops to fully appreciate the stunning scenery.

We then return to Dingle to spend a few hours at leisure. We recommend you savour some of the town's famous seafood! In the early evening, we make our way back to Killarney.

Accommodation: The Fairview Hotel, Arbutus Hotel or similar

Killarney - Carrauntoohil - Portmagee - Waterville - Derrynane House - Killarney. Today we take in the best of South West Ireland's wild side, exploring the popular Ring of Kerry route. The day starts with a visit to Carrauntoohil, Ireland's highest mountain. Snap some photos before we head along the picturesque coast road through Glenbeigh and Kells to Cahersiveen.

There is free time for lunch in the quaint fishing village of Portmagee, and there is also the opportunity for travellers to head to Valentia Island for the Skellig Experience. This waterfront centre showcases the history of the ancient community of monks who made the rocky islands their home.

Our tour continues to Waterville, where we make a short stop at Charlie Chaplin's "home away from home" before enjoying stunning views at the top of Coonmakista pass. We then visit Derrynane House, home to the O'Connell family. Daniel O’Connell was known as the "The Liberator of Ireland". This Irish nationalist led Ireland's Roman Catholic majority in the first half of the 19th century.

We make our way back to Killarney, stopping at Moll’s Gap and Ladies View, from where we can make the short walk to admire Torc Waterfall.

Please note: On some departures of this itinerary, days 7 and 8 are switched. All inclusions and sights visited remain the same.

Accommodation: The Fairview Hotel, Arbutus Hotel or similar

Killarney - Blarney Castle - Kinsale. Departing Killarney, we drive to Blarney Castle. There's ample time to explore the castle grounds and take a leisurely walk through the woods. For the adventurous, there's the opportunity to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone and gain the renowned gift of eloquence.

Next, we visit the Jameson Whiskey Distillery, where we learn about the origins of the drink, the distillation process and even sample a taste for ourselves. Then it's on to Kinsale, where we spend the night. The small fishing town boasts lively pubs, a wide range of local eateries, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Please note: Unfortunately from 1 April 2025 we will be unable to visit the Jameson's Whiskey Distillery. Some of the group may be finishing their tour today. They will return to Dublin with the guide. A new tour guide will collect you for the remainder of your trip.

Accommodation: Actons Hotel, Trident Hotel or similar

Kinsale - Cobh - Waterford - Kilkenny. Our first stop today is Cobh, a historic port town. It is well known for being the last stop of the Titanic on its maiden voyage, which ended in tragedy.

We then travel along the Copper Coast, a UNESCO-listed Geopark renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich histories. Our journey ends at Waterford, the oldest city in Ireland, which was built by the Vikings during the 9th century. You can visit the Waterford Crystal factory to appreciate the exceptional craftsmanship, explore the fascinating museums or stroll around the Viking Triangle. Later in the day, we drive to Kilkenny, a bustling town with a thriving restaurant and pub scene. Spend the evening here to experience the warmth and hospitality that earned it the title of Ireland's friendliest city.

Accommodation: Kilkenny Ormonde

Kilkenny - Wicklow Mountains National Park - Dublin. This morning is free to relax or further explore Kilkenny - perhaps visit the city's castle? It's then time to climb aboard the bus as we journey north towards the Wicklow Mountains to admire the impressive steep granite cliffs in the national park.

From Wicklow Mountains National Park, we travel to the awe-inspiring 6th century monastery located in Glendalough. The next leg of our journey involves travelling through the national park's central region, crossing the renowned Sally Gap and heading back to Dublin, where our tour ends.

Please note: This tour ends at 18:30 - Dublin Nassau Street Drop Off, Opposite the Kilkenny Shop, Nassau St, Dublin.