Day 1 : Welcome to Ireland
Transfers to your hotel depart from Shannon airport at 07:00 and 13:00. Relax and settle into your hotel or perhaps head for the nearby Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. At 17:30, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant with the opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers.
Accommodation : Falls Hotel & Spa, Ennistymon.
Day 2 : Cliffs and Delights of Galway
Journey to the incredible West Coast and the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre where you can enjoy breath-taking views of the Clare shoreline and the Atlantic Ocean. Your next stop is Galway, the City of Tribes. See the St Nicholas Cathedral, the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square on your orientation, before indulging in a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Arrive in quaint and colourful Westport in Co. Mayo, on the Clew Bay.
Accommodation : The Wyatt Hotel, Westport.
Day 3 : Explore Westport
Explore Westport with Insight Choice. Choose to join a Local Expert on a culinary walk through the town, sampling the best artisan dishes, craft beers and spirits. Alternatively, travel to Ballycroy National Park for a nature walk through lush countryside, with panoramic views of Achill Island and the Nephin Beg mountain range.
Accommodation : The Wyatt Hotel, Westport.
Day 4 : Co. Donegal and the Wild Atlantic Way Relaxed Start
Visit the historic Lissadell Estate, childhood home of Irish revolutionary Constance Markievicz, who went on to becoming the first Irish Cabinet Minister. Meet the owners who have lovingly restored the house and gardens to its former glory and listen to their story as you enjoy tea and scones. Follow the Wild Atlantic Way to Donegal, then head inland for the market town of Letterkenny in the heart of the Northwest. Tonight, enjoy hearty Irish fare as your dine in the home of a local family.
Accommodation : McGettigan's Hotel, Letterkenny.
Day 5 : Wilderness of the Northwest
Experience the beauty and tranquillity of Ireland's northernmost wilderness as you travel through Glenveagh National Park, along the shores of Lough Veagh. Visit Glenveagh Castle, originally built as a romantic highland retreat, with a Local Expert. Spend time in the tartan-and-antler-encrusted music room and the blue room, where guests Greta Garbo and Ella Fitzgerald once stayed. Learn how the estate has played a central role in the conservation efforts of the National Park.Continue through Creeslough across the true wilds of Donegal. See Doe Castle, historical stronghold of Clan Sweeney, then on to the Atlantic Drive. Part of the Wild Atlantic Way, it is one of Ireland’s best kept secrets, offering pristine and unspoilt scenery. Continue back to Letterkenny via Mulroy Bay and Milford, and return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Accommodation : McGettigan's Hotel, Letterkenny.
Day 6 : Dublin, the capital
Journey across the Emerald Isle to Dublin, see the Custom House, St Patrick’s Cathedral, and travel along River Liffey on your orientation with your Travel Director. Explore Dublin with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the world-famous Guinness Storehouse Brewery and learn how to pour the perfect pint. Alternatively, join a Local Expert to visit Trinity College and see the Book of Kells. Arrive at the historic Carton House Hotel, a favourite retreat of Queen Victoria, newly renovated. Tonight, enjoy a cooking demonstration and savour a delicious dinner at the hotel’s gastropub.
Accommodation : Carton House, County Kildare.
Day 7 : A Day at Leisure Relaxed Start
Today take advantage of the activities available at your hotel. Stop on the estate grounds and look out for rare birds. Take your chance at fishing, play a round of golf or pamper yourself at the spa. Transfers are also available for guests wishing to further explore Dublin.
Accommodation : Carton House, County Kildare.
Day 8 : Gardens of Ireland
Your first stop this morning is at the Powerscourt House, in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, where you join a gardener for a walk through one of the world’s greatest estates. Your next stop is at Glendalough where a Local Expert takes you on a walk in the ‘valley of the two lakes’. This evening, arrive in Kilkenny, where your Travel Director shows you the medieval city, with its majestic castle and river walk. The evening is at your leisure.
Accommodation : River Court Hotel, Kilkenny.
Day 9 : Active Kilkenny Relaxed Start
Kilkenny holds a long history for Ireland’s national sport – hurling. Meet an experienced player to gain an exciting insight into this unique Irish cultural experience, and have a go for yourself on the pitch. Tonight, enjoy a pub dinner where local musicians entertain you in true Irish tradition.
Accommodation : River Court Hotel, Kilkenny.
Day 10 : Castles and ports on the way to Kinsale
Cross County Tipperary as you travel to 15th-century Blarney Castle, home of the famous Stone of Eloquence ! In Cobh, visit the Queenstown Story exhibition, offering a glimpse into the hardships of the early emigrants to British overseas colonies. The ill-fated Titanic also called to the port on its voyage to New York, and the ocean liner Lusitania was struck by a torpedo just off the shore of the town. Continue to Kinsale, one of the most picturesque, popular and historic towns on the south west coast of Ireland.
Day 11 : Walks in Nature
Explore Kinsale, one of the most picturesque towns on the southwest coast of Ireland. Visit Charles Fort, one of the finest surviving examples of a 17th-century star-shaped fort. Overlooking the town and the mouth of the Bandon River, it provides breath-taking views of the county. An easy and peaceful walk takes you to the Old Head of Kinsale, to see the memorial to the crew of RMS Lusitania and the ruins of Downmacpatrick Castle.Enjoy the freshest seafood this evening on your Sea-to-Table dinner.
Accommodation : Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City.
Day 12 : Mitchelston Cave and Adare
Travel across county to Mitchelstown Caves. A Local Expert takes you through a maze of passageways, caverns and awe inspiring formations, as you learn about the history and geology of the cave. The superb acoustics and the vast natural auditorium make for a unique experience. Continue to Adare, Ireland’s prettiest village, for a walk among thatched cottages. Tonight, toast to your travels and memories made at your Celebration Dinner.
Accommodation : Fitzgeralds Woodlands House Hotel & Spa, Limerick.
Day 13 : Farewell Ireland
Your journey comes to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Shannon airport at 05:30 and 09:00.