2023 - Celtic Connections

Itinerary

Celtic Connections

Day 1 - Head northwards for the big drive to Scotland with suitable stops for lunch and refreshments. Arrive at your hotel in Stranraer this evening for your 2-night stay with dinner, bed and breakfast.

Day 2 – Galloway Showcase – Experience the very best of wonderful Galloway. The day starts with a visit to Logan Botanic Gardens, Scotland’s most exotic garden. Due to the location’s almost subtropical climate, Logan is a paradise for plant treasures form South and Central America, Southern Africa and Australasia. walk through groves of eucalyptus and palm trees or stand in the shade of awesome giant rhubarb-like gunnera. Onwards to Kitchen Coos & Ewes at High Airyolland Farm for a unique guided experience of Highland Cows (Coos) and sheep in their natural environment. Tour the farm in a purpose-built passenger trailer before enjoying a delicious cream tea. Then it’s back to Stranraer.

Day 3 – Belfast – A short drive this morning takes you to Cairnryan to board the Stena Line ferry over to Belfast. With just over 2 hours on board, you’ll have time for a spot of lunch before arriving in Northern Ireland. Head into central Belfast to check into 4* Ten Square Hotel, your base for the next 3 nights. Welcome drink on arrival at the hotel with dinner, bed and breakfast. In the afternoon, from your centrally located hotel, you can explore Northern Ireland’s dynamic capital city, Belfast. A city of buzzing culture and industrial prowess, and an officially recognised UNESCO City of Music. Whether you’re exploring the Cathedral Quarter or visiting the birthplace of the world's most famous ship, there is something for everyone.

Day 4 - Belfast (may operate with a local coach).  Enjoy a guided tour of cosmopolitan Belfast's sights including the Queen's University and the Waterfront Hall, with the opportunity to visit the Falls or Shankill Roads where politically inspired murals can be seen.  You may want to pop into the Crown Bar opposite the Grand Opera House, the only pub owned by the National Trust.  A visit is included to Titanic Experience as it is a "must see" on any tour of Belfast.  It is located in the heart of the city, right beside the historic site of this world-famout ship's construction.  A city full of heart, Belfast is one of the easiest cities to navigate as it is split into quarters - The Titanic Quarter, The Cathedral Quarter, Queen's Quarter and The Gaeltacht Quarter.

Day 5 - The Spectacular Antrim Coast & Giant’s Causeway - Take a scenic drive along the Antrim Coast Road passing through the spectacular scenery centred around The Glens of Antrim. The Glens are an area of outstanding natural beauty and are a major tourist attraction in north Antrim. Much of this area has been used in filming the TV series ‘The Game of Thrones’. Follow the coast road, through Larne, Carnlough, Cushendall and onto the National Trust village of Cushendun. A highlight today is the mighty Giant’s Causeway, created by volcanic activity. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Giant's Causeway is a magnificent, mysterious geological formation on the North East coast of Co Antrim steeped in myth and legend. There is a shuttle bus service from the visitor centre down to the shore for those who do not wish to walk (small fee applies).

Day 6 – Malahide Castle & Mold – Bid farewell to Northern Ireland as you head south into the Republic with a stop in the handsome seaside town of Malahide with its bustling marina, pleasant promenade and plenty of cafes and shops. It is also well known for its 800-year-old castle, one of the oldest in Ireland. Entrance to the Castle and Gardens is included with a brief guided tour before you continue on to Dublin to take the afternoon Stena Line ferry across the Irish Sea to Holyhead in North Wales.  Arrive in Mold for your 2-night stay at 3* Beaufort Park Hotel with late dinner on arrival.

Day 7 - Llangollen Rail & Sail - Explore the picturesque town of Llangollen with the River Dee running through its heart. The riverside walk, heading west from the 14th-century bridge, has been a popular promenading spot since Victorian times. Experience the peace and tranquillity of an included horse-drawn canal boat trip along the Llangollen Canal, now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as a nostalgic trip back in time through the Dee Valley on the charming Llangollen Railway – rail travel as it used to be!

Day 8 - After breakfast, return homewards, arriving back at your local joining points early to mid-evening.

Accommodation

Hotels

NORTH WEST CASTLE HOTEL, STRANRAER – 2 nights
The 19th century 3* North West Castle Hotel is a fine country house hotel, located across the road from the shores of Loch Ryan, just a 10-minute walk to the centre of Stranraer. Once the home of the Scottish Explorer, Sir John Ross, the hotel makes an excellent base for exploring the beautiful local area. All 72 spacious, homely bedrooms are equipped with TV, hairdryer and tea / coffee making facilities. The grand dining rooms offers views across the loch and the wood-panelled bar has plenty of comfortable seating. Leisure facilities include an indoor swimming pool, sauna and gym. There is a lift.












BELFAST TEN SQUARE HOTEL – 3 nights
This fabulous 4* hotel is situated in the heart of Belfast City Centre, a 5-minute drive from Titanic Quarter, SSE Arena, Waterfront Hall, Belfast Cathedral and all central attractions, shops, whilst impressively overlooking historic City Hall. There is a large selection of elegant guestrooms featuring modern facilities. Delicious meals are served in the in the restaurant and steakhouse Josper's or a cocktail drink enjoying the views in The Loft bar, located on the 7th floor. 3 Lifts to all floors.

















BEAUFORT PARK HOTEL, MOLD – 2 nights
This independently run 3* hotel offers a warm welcome, friendly staff and a relaxed atmosphere. It is set in the village of New Brighton just 2 miles from the historic market town of Mold. All 105 well appointed bedrooms are traditional in style and equipped with TV, hairdryer and tea / coffee making facilities. There is no lift but the hotel does have some ground floor rooms. There is an informal restaurant for relaxed dining plus a cosy bar and a comfortable lounge.