Grand Tour Of Ireland
- Duration: 13 days
- Board Basis: Half Board
- Tour Ref: D2TLEGL-GTOI
Holiday Summary
- Travel Type: Coach
PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.
Itinerary
13 Day Itinerary
Day 1
Regional departure by coach, then to Holyhead for the ferry to Ireland. We continue to our overnight hotel in the Dublin area.
Meals - Dinner
Day 2 - Dublin, Belfast & Titanic Belfast®
We take a panoramic tour of Dublin this morning. We visit the famous Georgian quarter, featuring some of the city’s most beautiful 18-century streets and houses, renowned for their colourful doors. You’ll also see Trinity College, the Houses of Parliament, O' Connell Street, and the iconic St. Patrick's Cathedral, all from the comfort of the coach. You will then enjoy some free time before heading north.
After a short tour of Belfast, we visit the Titanic Museum. The creators of the Titanic Belfast® describe it as a "must see". It is no accident that the time it took to construct is a mirror of RMS Titanic’s build, nor is it coincidental that Eric Kuhne’s ultra-modern building resembles the hulls of four ships.
We then continue to our overnight hotel in the Belfast area.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Giant's Causeway & Derry
Today, we journey along the scenic Antrim Coast, making our way to the awe-inspiring Giant's Causeway. As legends tell it, this natural wonder was crafted by the giant, Finn McCool, who is believed to have lived on the mountainside. At the interpretation centre, there is an audio-visual presentation that sheds light on the creation of these remarkable 'steps' and the many legends that surround them.
Derry, Northern Ireland's vibrant second city, is our next destination. Having blossomed in both prosperity and peace following a tumultuous past, this compact city stands as one of the most captivating destinations in the British Isles. Unique in its structure, Derry is the sole city in Ireland to be entirely surrounded by walls, each echoing over 1,450 years of history. From the 17-century walls, the city's murals come into view, serving as a reminder of key events within Derry’s more recent history.
We then continue to County Donegal for our overnight stay.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Donegal & Slieve League Cliffs
Today we discover County Donegal, Ireland's northernmost county. Showcasing a vast array of terrains and dark-hued mountain ranges, it is considered by many as the most beautiful region in the country, often referred to as 'Ireland's Alaska'.
Our journey also takes us to the breathtaking Slieve League Cliffs, which rank among Europe's tallest sea cliffs. From the peak, it is a dizzying 609m descent straight into the churning waters of the Atlantic Ocean beneath.
We continue to our overnight stay in the County Mayo area.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Connemara, Killary Fjord Cruise & Galway
This morning, we tour the captivating Connemara region. Renowned for its lush fields, endless stone walls, quaint thatched cottages, and charming fishing ports, it is a truly wonderful area in County Galway.
Continuing along the shores of Killary Fjord, the natural border between County Galway and County Mayo, we set sail on a scenic cruise. Here, we soak in views of the majestic fjord and enjoy lunch on board.
Once ashore, our adventure leads us to Galway, where we embark on a walking tour through the bustling city, followed by some free time for personal exploration.
We continue to our hotel in the Galway area for two nights.
Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Aran Islands
Today, our journey takes us to Inishmore, the largest Aran Island. Home to approximately 800 people, with predominantly Irish as their first language, Inishmore is filled with historic landmarks, some of which trace back to the early Christian era.
A must-visit is Dun Aonghasa, an Iron Age fortification set on the edge of a 100-meter-tall cliff. Beyond its historical treasures, the island's untouched beauty, teeming with diverse plant and animal life, is wonderful to explore.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 - The Burren & Cliffs of Moher
Today, our journey takes us through the unique terrain of the Burren to the Cliffs of Moher, the most famous cliffs in Ireland! Dramatically plunging into the sea, the cliffs are accompanied by the chorus of countless seabirds and the rhythm of crashing waves. From this iconic vantage point, the Aran Islands come into view, and on clear days, the distant peaks of Connemara are visible.
From here, we venture into County Kerry, checking into our hotel for a three-night stay. The evening includes a traditional Irish show, celebrating the country's music and dance history.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 - Dingle Peninsula
Today, we explore the Dingle Peninsula. The region is home to a stunning coastal road, renowned for its incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean. The route takes us along gorgeous beaches like Inch, to the vibrant fishing port of Dingle, and onwards to Slea Head, known as the western tip of Europe.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 - Ring of Kerry, Sneem & Traditional Sheep Dog Demonstration
The Ring of Kerry is a highlight of the holiday, offering awe-inspiring views of the vast Atlantic Ocean. Its rugged coastline stands in stark contrast to the lush and diverse flora nurtured by the Gulf Stream.
We call at Sneem, once voted the prettiest village in Ireland. It is a truly lovely place adorned with vibrant houses! This is followed by a traditional sheep dog demonstration in Kenmare.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 - Jaunting Car Tour of Killarney & Cork
This morning, we experience Ireland’s traditional mode of transport: a jaunting car. This tour is a truly exciting and nostalgic way to see some of Killarney's beloved sights and hotspots.
Later, we head to Cork. On a panoramic tour, we take in the many wonders of the city, including Saint Fin Barr's Cathedral, the Shandon Bells and Tower, St Anne's Church, and the iconic English Market.
We continue to our overnight stay in the Cork area.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11 - Rock of Cashel
Today, enjoy some free time to wander around Cork before we visit the Rock of Cashel. Towering over the nearby plains and dominating the land route southward, this remarkable landmark is known for its well-preserved religious remnants.
We continue to our overnight stay in the County Wicklow area.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12 - County Wicklow
This morning, we journey through scenic County Wicklow and visit Avoca, known as the film set of Ballykissangel. Here, you can stand atop the Lion Bridge and witness the wonderful convergence of rivers Avonmore and Avonbeg. It's this very sight that moved poet Tom Moore to pen the renowned song, The Meeting of the Waters.
Next, we visit Glendalough. This valley is renowned not just for its captivating beauty, but also for its historic and archaeological significance.
We continue to our overnight stay in the Dublin area.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13
We board the ferry to Holyhead before continuing our return journey home.
Meals - Breakfast