The Emerald Isle
Resort: | The Emerald Isle |
Operator: | |
Destination: | Northern Ireland, UK & Ireland, United Kingdom |
Price From: | £2769.00 |
OverviewFrom 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
ItineraryDay 1 Dublin – BelfastWarm, 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. Day 2 Belfast – LondonderryYou 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. Day 3 Londonderry – North Irish Coast – LondonderryAfter 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. Day 4 Londonderry – RoscommonMore 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. Day 5 Roscommon – Connemara – GalwayThe 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. Day 6 GalwayToday 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! Day 7 Galway – The Burren – Dingle PeninsulaOut 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. Day 8 Dingle PeninsulaToday 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. Day 9 Dingle Peninsula – Kenmere – CorkPeaks 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. Day 10 Cork – Kinsale – CorkAfter 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. Day 11 Cork – Tipperary – KilkennyAs 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! Day 12 Kilkenny – Avoca – DublinAfter 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. |