The Headlands of Ireland

Itinerary

Day 1 Dublin – Hillsborough – Belfast

After meeting the group in Dublins fair city, well board the mini-coach and set a course for our very first stop: the grand Hillsborough Castle and Gardens (Her Majesty The Queens official Northern Irish residence). Well have the chance to wander the estates magnificent rooms on a guided tour before we move on to the Hilden Brewery the oldest independent brewery in Ireland this afternoon. Here, well receive an insight into how the brewerys craft beer is made on a guided tour, before having the chance to taste it for ourselves (bottoms up!). Belfast, Northern Irelands capital, will be our final stop of the day and its here that well tuck into a welcome dinner together.
Accommodation: Ten Square Hotel (or similar)

Day 2 Belfast – Strangford Lough – Belfast

This morning, well step out onto Belfasts historic streets on a walking tour with a political twist. Guided by both Republican and Loyalist ex-political prisoners, well hear stories from both sides of the wall with the opportunity to explore both communities like a local. Then: a traditional Irish bread making demonstration awaits at a thatched barn on the shores of beautiful Strangford Lough so prepare those knuckles for kneading! Baked souvenirs in tow, well move on to the Echlinville Distillery where well be lucky enough to follow the production process from ground to glass on a guided tour (with included tasting, of course). Well finish our day back at the hotel in Belfast, where well have some free time to relax.
Accommodation: Ten Square Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 Belfast – North Irish Coast – Londonderry

Today its out of the city and onwards to the spectacular North Irish Coast taking in the verdant Glens of Antrim along the way. Around mid-morning, well arrive at Scullion Hurls a family business that provides hurls to many top inter-county hurlers. Well be invited into the workshop for a craft demonstration before we continue our journey to the small village of Bushmills stopping off at the famous Dark Hedges avenue of beech trees for a photo opportunity en route. After some free time in the village, well move on to our next captivating stop: the otherworldly Giants Causeway, with its intriguing interlocking basalt columns. Well have just enough time for an optional photo stop at the medieval Dunluce Castle before we round off the day at our hotel in Derry/Londonderry.
Accommodation: The Shipquay Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 Londonderry

Today weve a whole day to spend getting to know Derry/Londonderry a little bit better starting with a morning tour of the 17th-century Derry Walls (and their murals). Did you know that Derry is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland? After visiting the Museum of Free Derry, the city will be yours to explore as you please. From a variety of fascinating museums to the Dickensian-style Craft Village, you wont be short of things to do!
Accommodation: The Shipquay Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 Londonderry – Gweedore

First stop: the Newmills Corn and Flax Mills, where well be treated to a guided tour with the chance to see one of the largest water wheels in Ireland (powered by the River Swilly) in action. Next, well visit the beautiful Fanad Head Lighthouse delving into its fascinating history and taking in panoramic views of the coast and beyond. This afternoon its back on the road, as we set our sights on the breathtaking wilderness of Glenveagh National Park. And this evening? Well come together for a delicious meal at our hotel.
Accommodation: Gweedore Court Hotel (or similar)

Day 6 Gweedore – Slieve League Cliffs – Donegal Town

Today well continue our journey to John Molloy Woollen Mills (the home of Aran fisherman sweaters and Donegal Tweed) where a weaving demonstration will give us a unique insight into the processes behind Irelands traditional textiles. Well then stop off at Assaranca Waterfall before moving on to the folk village of Glencolumbkille one of Irelands best living history museums. After that, the afternoon will see us moving on to Donegal Town via the spectacular Slieve League cliffs.
Accommodation: The Abbey Hotel (or similar)

Day 7 Donegal Town – Rosses Point – Westport

We couldnt leave Donegal behind without visiting its magnificent castle. This morning well learn more about the fortress history as we wander its rooms (which reflect the styles of its two previous owners). After a quick stop at Drumcliff Cemetery (the final resting place of W. B. Yeats), well drive on to the quaint village of Rosses Point where a local guide will show us the sights. After a pub lunch, its back on the road. Well continue our journey through the captivating Ballycroy National Park before rounding off the day in Westport.
Accommodation: The Wyatt Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 Westport – Achill Island – Westport

This morning well say goodbye to the mainland and set a course for Achill Island where well immerse ourselves in history at a local farm, an abandoned village and Kildavnet Castle (the former home of Irish pirate Grace OMalley). Next, a tour and tasting session is in store for us at the Mescan Brewery where well learn the fascinating story of how the brewerys owners left their life as vets behind to focus on making beer. After that, youll have some free time to enjoy Westport your way before we come back together for tonights farewell dinner.
Accommodation: The Wyatt Hotel (or similar)

Day 9 Westport – Strokestown Park – Dublin

The last day of our tour has arrived but fear not! Theres still plenty to see. This morning well visit the Museum of Country Life before moving on to Strokestown Park a historic property that houses the Irish National Famine Museum. Then: well hit the road back to Dublin taking in sweeping views of the surrounding countryside along the way.