Grand Tour of Ireland

Day 1

We join our coach and travel to south Wales where we set sail for the Ireland, with dinner included onboard. This evening, we'll stay in Waterford for one night.

Day 2

After breakfast at the hotel this morning our journey takes us via a visit to Blarney Castle & Gardens, famous for it’s Blarney Stone, said to give the gift of eloquence to all who kiss it, before we make our way to our next hotel in Killarney for a 3 night stay.

Day 3

We enjoy a traditional horse-drawn Jaunting Car ride today - experience Ireland's most traditional mode of transport around Killarney's jaw-dropping National Park before a cruise across Lough Leane, the region's largest and most picturesque lake.

Day 4

A full day excursion takes us to the Iveragh Peninsula, exploring the scenic loop known famously as the Ring of Kerry, Ireland’s most spectacular mountain road enjoying truly stunning panoramic coastline views. The drive takes us along the banks of the River Laune through Killorglin before enjoying amazing views along Dingle Bay with panoramic photo opportunity stops en route to the village of Waterville – a favourite of Charlie Chaplin, hence the statue in his honour. Continuing via Kells, we also stop in the charming village of Sneem, one of Ireland’s most colourful villages which was a regular holiday choice of Charles de Gaulle. We return via the breathtaking Molls Gap to Killarney National Park, one of the most beautiful and admired national parks in the world, with another photo opportunity stop at the scenic viewpoint of Ladies View named after Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting who were impressed with the vista, en route back to the hotel.

Day 5

Morning in the charming village of Adare to see the beautiful Cottages - it is widely regarded as one of the prettiest in Ireland. We continue with a visit to the acclaimed 15th Century iconic Bunratty Castle - the most complete and authentic castle in Ireland. Situated within twenty six acres of the castle grounds is the Folk Park, with over thirty buildings bringing to life the 19th Century experience of residents who lived in this are amidst the recreated farmhouses, shops and streets. The last leg of our journey today takes us to our hotel overlooking the the majestic Loughrea lake on County Galway where we stay for the next 2 nights.

Day 6

Our included excursion today takes us to the Burren Visitor’s Centre for an essential introduction to the world-famous UNESCO Geopark boasting thousands of years of history. We drive through the lunar landscape of the Burren, home to all manner of flora and fauna and internationally recognised as a place with unique geology, landscape and culture. We have a lunchtime stop in the spa town of Lisdoonvarna, famous for its rich heritage and legendary matchmaking festival which dates back to 1857 and still takes place each September, before continuing to the west coast. We visit the renowned Cliffs of Moher Visitors Centre and stand in awe at the sheer might of the Atlantic Ocean, which over hundreds of years has carved the 230-metre-high cliffs which are some of the highest in Europe and the most famous in Ireland, falling steeply into the ocean and populated by hundreds of seabirds whose cries mingle with the sound of the waves. The panorama overlooks the Aran Islands, and in clear weather you can see as far as the mountains in Connemara.

Day 7

After breakfast this morning our continuing journey takes us through Cong, a small village that is known worldwide as the place where The Quiet Man, which starred John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara, was filmed, and Sligo, know for it’s ruined 13th century abbey and connections with Irish poet WB Yeats, before arriving at our overnight hotel in Donegal.

Day 8

We cross the border into Northern Ireland and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Giant's Causeway with admission to the Visitor Centre included (a shuttle bus to the Giant's Causeway is available from here at a cost of approximately £3 return). From here we continue via a scenic drive along the Antrim Coast Road past Glens of Antrim with a stop in Ballycastle Town, then onto our hotel in Dunadry for a 2 night stay.

Day 9

This morning we head into Belfast for a guided tour of this exciting city with a mix of Victorian grandeur, industrial grit and living history. We have also included admission into the city's leading attraction, the Titanic Belfast.

Day 10

We head to Dublin, the Irish Capital, to enjoy exploring Ireland's first city. With a fascinating past and the perfect pint of Guinness waiting, Dublin never fails to charm its visitors. We also enjoy a guided tour of the city by coach before heading to our hotel a one night stay in Bray.

Day 11

An early departure this morning, as we return by ferry to North Wales with breakfast included on board and then continue our homeward journey by road.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner