Emerald Isle 2022

Arrive in Dublin this morning and make your way in to the heart of the Irish Capital. After checking in to your hotel, your afternoon is free for you to spend at your leisure either relaxing after your arrival journey or perhaps getting out to explore the city. Visit a host of renowned sites including Trinity College, Ireland's most prestigious academic establishment and home to the Book of Kells or the famous Guinness Storehouse where you can discover all there is to know about and enjoy a pint or two of the black stuff. By evening, return to the tour hotel where we'll gather as a group with your tour leader and get to know one another over a welcome dinner.

Overnight: Iveagh Garden Hotel (or similar), Dublin

Meals: Dinner included.

After breakfast, our journey takes us north to the fascinating Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre where we'll learn about this significant battle in Irish history. Then onward to our second capital city of the day as we head for the port city of Belfast, capital of Northern Ireland. Our stop will be the renowned Titanic Museum, where we’ll discover the personal stories surrounding the infamous ship’s fateful journey.

Overnight: Malone Lodge (or similar), Belfast

Meals: Breakfast included.

This morning we gain a taste of Northern Ireland's recent past and its influences on contemporary culture on a unique Black Cab tour of Belfast’s beautiful and fascinating street art and political murals. After an included lunch, we take time to explore Northern Ireland’s coastline with a visit to the natural geological wonder at Giant’s Causeway. Wander over the unique naturally occurring hexagonal rock formations and learn more about their history in the cliff-top visitor centre. We round off our evening at our accommodation in Londonderry.

Overnight: Bishop\'s Gate (or similar), Londonderry

Meals: Breakfast and lunch included.

A leisurely start awaits as we spend this morning strolling along Londonderry’s cobbled streets and old city walls. Later, we board the mini-coach and head north to explore the Northern Irish Coast; at the Isle of Doagh, we’ll visit the sombre but intriguing Famine Village and Visitor Centre where we’ll gain an insight into the tough times and Irish life during the era of the Great Famine. Later we return to our accommodation in Londonderry.

Overnight: Bishop\'s Gate (or similar), Londonderry

Meals: Breakfast included.

Another fascinating day of history awaits us today as we make our way to the Ulster American Folk Park; here we’ll discover why two million Irish people sailed away to start a life in the New World. By afternoon we head for the Belleek Pottery Centre; Belleek production dates back to 1857 and remains home to Ireland’s oldest working fine china pottery. Later we continue to Roscommon, where we’ll regroup for dinner together at our hotel.

Overnight: Kilronan Castle (or similar), Roscommon

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

Today our journey takes us to Connemara where we pause at the award-winning Connemara Heritage and History Centre – with plenty of time to stroll the centre we’ll learn a thing or two about the area’s culture and traditions. Then its onwards to the homestead of Dan O’Hara (he of the famous ballad) before we hit the road to the harbour city of Galway for an evening of leisure.

Overnight: The Hardiman (or similar), Galway

Meals: Breakfast included.

We'll start the day today with an orientation walk of Galway where we’ll see the sights of the town including the likes of the Spanish Arch, Galway Cathedral and Eyre Square. Then the afternoon will be yours to spend exploring brightly coloured pubs, tasting local seafood and listening to the ever-present throng of tuneful street performers. Buzzing, bohemian and utterly charismatic, you’re sure to fall for Galway’s many charms!

Overnight: The Hardiman (or similar), Galway

Meals: Breakfast included.

Departing Galway we make our way in to the remote south West of Ireland; first stop is the karst landscapes of the Burren and the eery and well-preserved Caherconnell Stone Fort. Later we continue on to the Dingle Peninsula where we’ll take time to explore the magnificent Cliffs of Moher; a protected Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the towering cliffs and wild crashing waters of the North Atlantic ocean are a sight to behold. Tonight we enjoy a group dinner together at our hotel.

Overnight: Dingle Benners Hotel (or similar), Dingle

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

Today we explore the epic landscapes of the Dingle Peninsula. We start today with a visit to one of its most famous landmarks: the Gallarus Oratory, a unique stone chapel that resembles an upturned boat. Then onwards to the fascinating Blasket Centre, which celebrates the history of the beautiful Great Blasket Island. Later we return Dingle itself for the evening, where we’ll have plenty of free time to explore the quaint fishing port.

Overnight: Dingle Benners Hotel (or similar), Dingle

Meals: Breakfast included.

More dramatic vistas await today as we explore the peaks and lakes of Ireland's south west corner! First, we’ll take in the views across the Lakes of Killarney as we travel to pretty Kenmare, the "head of the sea". Then we make time for a true Irish icon at Blarney Castle; here you may grab the opportunity to kiss the famous Blarney Stone – a block of limestone built into the castle’s battlements. Legend has it that once kissed you’ll be blessed with the "gift of the gab"! Tonight, we’ll make the most of our new-found eloquence over dinner in Cork.

Overnight: Vienna Woods (or similar), Cork

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

Our itinerary today takes us to Ireland's South Coast and the charming fishing community of Kinsale where we'll enjoy a walking tour to get the lay of the land and enjoy free time to soak up the laid-back atmosphere of this harbour town. By afternoon, we turn our attention to the world-renowned Jameson Distillery where we'll enjoy a tour of the facilities and, of course, a tasting of some of the famous blends of Irish whiskey (not Scottish whisky). Later, we return to Cork to enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Vienna Woods (or similar), Cork

Meals: Breakfast included.

The famous song tells us it's a long way to Tipperary, but we'll pass through this charming rural region this morning; we'll pause to admire the delicate detailing of a traditional cottage Orne. Then onwards to the historic town of Kilkenny, Ireland's "most perfect" medieval city where we'll enjoy a walking tour of the cobbled streets and pastel townhouses which give the town its reputation. By evening we come together for our last hurrah: a delicious farewell dinner. What an adventure it’s been!

Overnight: Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel (or similar), Kilkenny

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

Today our epic Irish journey takes us back through the Irish countryside to the bright lights of Dublin, where our tour will come to a close mid-afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast included.