Discover the highlights of Northern Ireland and the Republic on this 9-day group tour from Dublin. Explore Belfast, Giant's Causeway and Derry in Northern Ireland. Crossing the border, you will take in County Donegal, visit scenic Achill Island, Connemara National Park and the picturesque coastal city of Galway. Take the ferry across the Shannon Estuary, admire the towering Cliffs of Moher and the beautiful Dingle Peninsula. Visit historic Barney Castle, the birthplace of Irish nationalist Daniel O'Connell and vibrant Kilkenny before returning to the Irish capital.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Belfast sightseeing & Giant's Causeway
Dublin - Belfast (Northern Ireland) - Portrush. Welcome to the Emerald Isle! Leaving Dublin, we head to the Northern Irish capital of Belfast. A brief city tour will give you a comprehensive overview of the capital's triumphs, tragedies, and essence. Afterward, we have the opportunity 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 and HMS Caroline.
Moving on from Belfast, we pass through the picturesque 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 splendid surroundings of 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.
Accommodation: Mandalay B&B, Aaranmore Lodge or similar
Overnight: Portrush
Derry & Donegal
Portrush - Derry - Donegal (Republic of Ireland). Our first visit today is Derry, a magnificent 17th-century walled city with seven captivating gates. Derry was an epicentre of the Troubles but is now a thriving cultural city.
Leaving Northern Ireland, we cross back into the Republic and drive through County Donegal, where you'll discover breathtaking natural landscapes and a deep Gaelic heritage. As we make your way through scenic Glenveagh National Park, we will marvel at Mount Errigal's towering summit and pass by charming traditional fishing villages. We have ample time for leisurely strolls, taking snapshots, and immersing ourselves in the local way of life before arriving at our overnight lodging in Donegal.
Accommodation: Eske Villa, Railway Lodge or similar
Overnight: Donegal | Breakfast
Donegal coast, Sligo & Achill island
Donegal - Sligo - Achill - Westport. Travelling south, we take in the stunning coast of Donegal and 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. The winding roads through picturesque farmlands, bogs, and open moors offer views of distant hills and the Atlantic coast. There is free time to explore Achill Island, connected to the mainland by a bridge. Then it's onward to Westport, where we will be staying for the next two nights.
Accommodation: Clooneen House, Boffin Lodge or similar
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.
Overnight: Westport | Breakfast
Connemara National Park
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.
Accommodation: Clooneen House, Boffin Lodge or similar
Overnight: Westport | Breakfast
Cong & Galway
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 through the Maam Valley, a breathtaking pass flanked by gorgeous mountains. Reaching the vibrant harbour city of Galway, there is free time to delve into the traditional market culture, high-end restaurants, and pubs.
Accommodation: Ashgrove, Desota House B&B or similar
Overnight: Galway | Breakfast
The Burren & Shannon Estuary
Galway - Kilfenora - Killarney. Just off the coast of Galway City lies the Burren, one of Ireland's iconic landmarks. As 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 in the area.
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. The nearby environmental exhibition provides insights into the unique ecosystem.
We then drive through County Clare, taking in the famous golf course before arriving at picturesque 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!
Please note: On day 6, we change tour guides, and you will have a new guide for the rest of your trip.
Accommodation: Kingfisher Lodge, Ashville B&B or similar
Overnight: Killarney | Breakfast
The Dingle Peninsula
Killarney - Dingle Peninsula - Killarney. Heading out for a day's activities from Killarney, we travel to 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.
Please note: On some departures of this itinerary, days 7 and 8 are switched. All inclusions and sights visited remain the same.
Accommodation: Kingfisher Lodge, Ashville B&B or similar
Overnight: Killarney | Breakfast
Wild Ireland & Derrynane House
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 travellers can opt 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.
Accommodation: Kingfisher Lodge, Ashville B&B or similar
Overnight: Killarney | Breakfast
Blarney Castle, Cahir & Kilkenny
Killarney - Blarney Castle - Kilkenny - Dublin. We begin our journey back to Dublin, passing through the mountainous region of West Cork. Arriving at Blarney Castle, there is time to explore the grounds. If you would like to kiss the famous Blarney Stone to gain the gift of eloquence, then you are welcome to do so!
Continuing to Cahir, we can see the unique island castle before arriving in Kilkenny, a vibrant city that boasts an impressive ancient castle, a thousand-year-old round tower, and a remarkable National Craft Centre. There's time to explore at leisure or enjoy a final Guinness before we arrive back in Dublin and our Irish adventure comes to an end.
Please note: This tour ends at 19:30 - Dublin Nassau Street Drop Off, Opposite the Kilkenny Shop, Nassau St, Dublin.
2025 Itinerary change: Please note that from 1st April 2025, the tour will end at 19:00pm (previously 19:30pm.)
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
All departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. Prices shown are per person travelling. 'Twin/Double' prices per person apply when there are 2 people travelling, sharing a room. The 'Single supplement' applies for single travellers who require their own room and needs to be added to the 'Twin/Double' price.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Aaranmore Lodge , Portrush
This premium B&B is a 6-minute walk from Portrush railway station, which offers direct trains to Londonderry/Derry and Coleraine, and is 7.9 miles from the Giant's Causeway. The bright, airy rooms feature wood floors, TVs, free WiFi, and tea and coffee-making facilities. A full Irish breakfast and off-street parking are included, and there is also a guest lounge with a TV.
The Railway Lodge, Donegal
The Railway Lodge Guest House, located just a 3-minute walk from the centre of Donegal Town, is a well-established, family-run B&B operating since 1999. All rooms are en suite and include free Wi-Fi and breakfast.
Boffin Lodge , Westport
This unpretentious bed-and-breakfast is 5.5 km from Westport train station and 7.7 km from Westport House and Country Park. The simple, cosy rooms come with en suite bathrooms, TVs, tea and coffee-making facilities, minifridges, and free Wi-Fi. A complimentary full Irish breakfast is also provided.
Desota House B&B, Galway
This informal B&B is located 1.2 km from the city centre and a 15-minute walk from Galway railway station. The simple, contemporary rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minifridges, tea and coffee-making facilities, and en suite bathrooms. Guests can enjoy complimentary use of a computer, as well as a full Irish breakfast and a continental breakfast buffet served in the modern dining room.
Kingfisher Lodge , Killarney
Just a 5-minute walk from the town centre and a 10-minute walk from Killarney train station, this modest guesthouse offers straightforward accommodation. The unfussy rooms include en suite bathrooms, tea and coffee-making facilities, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. A full breakfast is provided, and additional amenities include a drying room for gear and clothing, as well as a garden.
Prices & Dates
All departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. Prices shown are per person travelling. 'Twin/Double' prices per person apply when there are 2 people travelling, sharing a room. The 'Single supplement' applies for single travellers who require their own room and needs to be added to the 'Twin/Double' price.
At a Glance
I enjoyed the tour very much. Both tour guides, Gabriel (5 days) and Dan ( 4 days) were knowledgeable, informative and pleasant.”
