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The Emerald Isle

Resort:The Emerald Isle
Operator:
Destination: Northern Ireland, UK & Ireland, United Kingdom
Price From: £2769.00

Overview

From north to south, this is one Irish journey that delves into the Emerald Isle’s fascinating history, rich traditions and cultural heritage like no other. Starting with the legendary Giant’s Causeway, our road will lead us to Ireland’s rugged peninsulas, quaint villages and ancient landmarks – all while drawing on local knowledge to transport you to the heart of this captivating country.

Inclusions

  • Discover Northern Ireland’s history on a Black Cab Tour of Belfast’s street art and political murals
  • Set foot on the basalt columns of the legendary Giant’s Causeway
  • Discover the moon like landscape of the Burren

Itinerary

Day 1 Dublin – Belfast

Warm, welcoming and unmistakably charismatic, Dublin is where well meet the group and begin our adventure. But we wont stick around for long the fascinating Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre is calling. After a history-filled day (a taste of whats to come), well move on to Belfast where well get to know each other a little better over a welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Malone Lodge Hotel (or similar)

Day 2 Belfast – Londonderry

You dont have to delve deep into Northern Irelands past to see its influences on contemporary culture – and this mornings Black Cab tour of Belfasts street art and political murals will serve as proof. Well make another stop at the Titanic Museum, where well discover the personal stories surrounding the infamous ships fateful journey, before continuing to Ballyscullion Park (a private country house) for lunch. Then: well take some time to explore Irelands natural geological wonder, the Giants Causeway, before arriving at our accommodation in Londonderry.
Accommodation: Beech Hill Country House (or similar)

Day 3 Londonderry – North Irish Coast – Londonderry

After a morning spent strolling along Londonderrys old city walls, well board the mini-coach and head to the North Irish Coast for the day. At the Isle of Doagh, well visit the Famine Village and Visitor Centre where well gain an insight into Irish life during the time of the Great Famine.
Accommodation: Beech Hill Country House (or similar)

Day 4 Londonderry – Roscommon

More fascinating history is on the cards today! After breakfast, well kick things off with a visit to the Ulster American Folk Park, where well learn why two million Irish people sailed away to start a life in the New World. This afternoon well visit the Belleek Pottery Centre (the home of Irelands oldest working fine china pottery) before moving on to Roscommon, where well regroup for dinner.
Accommodation: Kilronan Castle (or similar)

Day 5 Roscommon – Connemara – Galway

The morning will see us taking a wander around the award-winning Connemara Heritage and History Centre where well learn a thing or two about the areas culture and traditions from a local family. After visiting the homestead of Dan OHara (he of the famous ballad), well hit the road to the harbour city of Galway for an evening of leisure.
Accommodation: Park House Hotel (or similar)

Day 6 Galway

Today well see the likes of the Spanish Arch, Galway Cathedral and Eyre Square on a walking tour of the city. 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, youre sure to fall for Galways many charms!
Accommodation: Park House Hotel (or similar)

Day 7 Galway – The Burren – Dingle Peninsula

Out of Galway and onwards to the karst landscapes of the Burren where the exceptionally well-preserved Caherconnell Stone Fort awaits us. Here, well be fortunate enough to witness the local sheepdog trials in action. Before we reach our accommodation in the Dingle Peninsula, well round off the day with a visit to the magnificent Cliffs of Moher an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Accommodation: Dingle Benners Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 Dingle Peninsula

Today will begin at one of the Dingle Peninsulas most famous landmarks: the Gallarus Oratory, a unique stone chapel that resembles an upturned boat. After that, theres one more stop in store the fascinating Blasket Centre, which celebrates the history of the beautiful Great Blasket Island before we return to Dingle for the evening, where well have plenty of free time to explore the quaint fishing port.
Accommodation: Dingle Benners Hotel (or similar)

Day 9 Dingle Peninsula – Kenmere – Cork

Peaks and lakes are on the menu today! First, well take in the views across the stunning Lakes of Killarney as we travel to pretty Kenmare, the head of the sea. Then, we have an appointment to keep with a true Irish icon: Blarney Castle. Legend has it that youll be blessed with the gift of the gab if you kiss the famous Blarney Stone a block of limestone built into the castles battlements. Tonight, well make the most of our new-found eloquence over dinner in Cork.
Accommodation: The Kingsley Hotel (or similar)

Day 10 Cork – Kinsale – Cork

After boarding the mini-coach in Cork, the port and fishing town of Kinsale will be our first stop of the day. Here, well get the lay of the land on a walking tour before turning our attention to Charles Fort, one of Europes best-preserved star-shaped forts. Well return to Cork this evening but before that, there will be plenty of time to soak up Kinsales laid-back atmosphere in the local pubs and restaurants.
Accommodation: The Kingsley Hotel (or similar)

Day 11 Cork – Tipperary – Kilkenny

As we approach the final few chapters of the tour, well find ourselves travelling through rural Tipperary on the way to Kilkenny Irelands most perfect medieval city. A walking tour will help us to orient ourselves before we come together for our last hurrah: a delicious farewell dinner. What an adventure its been!
Accommodation: Kilkenny River Court Hotel (or similar)

Day 12 Kilkenny – Avoca – Dublin

After breakfast, well have two more stops to make before we say goodbye: the imposing Huntington Castle, where well be treated to a guided tour, and the famous copper mining town of Avoca. After that, well return to cosmopolitan Dublin where our tour will come to a close.