The Best of the Emerald Isle - 8 Days / 7 Nights
Join Mark and Margaret Charles for an exclusive journey around Ireland, covering the most popular attractions as well as an immersion into its rich history and culture. We will be exploring some iconic religious sites and delving into the impact of Irish emigration all around the world. From ancient tombs over 5000 years old, to spectacular UNESCO landscapes, we will be taking in the very best of what’s on offer, and that’s before we’ve enjoyed city visits to Dublin, Kilkenny, Galway and Belfast. There’ll also be fantastic food and drink available for consumption too!
This is a tour that is not to be missed. We look forward to you joining us.
To secure your place, head to the below link or click 'Book Now' before selecting your room preference and whether or not you wish to include flights:
Itinerary and Specifics
Included:
- Return flights to and from Dublin (for those purchasing the complete package)
- Full sized touring coach
- Professional local tour guide
- 4* Accommodation on a Bed & Breakfast basis
- All lunches except days 1 and 6
- Entrances to all attractions with guided services where possible
Not included:
- Dinners unless specified
- Gratuities for tour guide and driver - we typically recommend a minimum of $10 USD per person per day
- Travel Insurance - we do have exclusive rates on our site (www.globaldreamtravel.co.uk/trip-insurance) via our Insurance section
- Any personal expenses (shopping, souvenirs etc.)
Full Itinerary:
Day 1 Tuesday 10th June
Arrive Dublin airport at 0645
Depart for a panoramic coach tour of Dublin, covering significant sights and expert commentary
Visit the Book of Kells at Trinity College
Explore the EPIC Museum to learn about Irish emigration and its impact around the world, something that is very popular especially with North American travellers.
Depart to hotel in Athlone before enjoying a welcome dinner
Accommodation: Sheraton Athlone (90 minute drive from Dublin)
Day 2 Wednesday 11th JuneDepart for Kilkenny for a panoramic tour and a visit to Kilkenny Castle - a stunning 13th century castle built with a very strategic purpose.
Lunch in Kilkenny
Visit to The Rock of Cashel - initially built at the start of the 12th century and is a very picturesque complex with collections of Celtic art and Medieval architecture.
Return to Athlone
Day 3 Thursday 12th JuneHead to the Cliffs of Moher - take in the iconic views out across the Atlantic
Lunch in Doolin
Depart for Galway
Take a Galway walking tour taking in claddagh, the "Galway girl" and stories of the pirate Queen Grace O'Malley and the city tribes on the "long walk".
Return to AthloneDay 4 Friday 13th June
Depart for Newgrange. This is an exceptionally grand ancient passage tomb gravesite which is even older than Stonehenge - it dates back to 3200 BC
Lunch
Visit to the Ulster Scots Centre in Belfast
Continue for a panoramic coach tour of the city (Castle, Falls and Shankill Road)Check-in to hotel
Confirmed Accommodation: Ten Square HotelDay 5 Saturday 14th June
Depart for Derry / Londonderry for a walking tour covering the city walls and the town's history. We then take a visit to St. Columb’s Cathedral before lunch at the Old Docks.
Visit to Gracehill Moravian Church on way back to Belfast, a charming grade A listed building and unique to Ireland.Day 6 Sunday 15th June
Depart for St George’s Market (option for brunch / lunch here) - this is a great opportunity for souvenir shopping whilst also supporting local artists and traders. There is also a fantastic range of food stalls that will ensure you won't leave hungry!
We then take a visit to the Crumlin Road distillery to taste award winning whiskey at an extremely iconic and historic location in Belfast. We end the day with a visit to Hillsborough Castle for a guided tour, offering great insight into the monarchy in the United Kingdom.Day 7 Monday 16th June
Depart for Giant’s Causeway - the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site and #1 attraction Ireland. We then take lunch in Ballycastle's Fullenton Arms before a boat tour around Rathlin Island featuring wildlife watching (puffins, seals and dolphins in the area all frequent the area - 2 hour tour)
Return to Belfast
Farewell DinnerDay 8 Tuesday 17th June
Depart for Dublin airport