Day 1 - Wednesday 18^th September - Arrival in Ireland

Disembarking your early morning flight, your guide Andrew will meet you at the airport and together you will travel north to Belfast. This is your arrival day and we want you to have as much rest as you may need however we would love to welcome you to the north with a Traditional Irish breakfast called an Ulster Fry, followed by a private guided tour of the Games of Thrones Studio. Much of the iconic series was filmed in Northern Ireland but on location and at the studios. Today, sets, props and costumes bring the story to life as you explore the Seven Kingdoms.

Andrew is on hand for the remainder of the day should you wish to explore Belfast with him or you can relax at your hotel.

Overnight: Belfast | The Merchant Hotel
Room Type: Junior Loft Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 2 - Thursday 19^th September - Belfast Food Tour

Today you explore Belfast with Andrew, visiting the Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum in the Cathedral Quarter, a site that was bombed during the 1941 Blitz. Belfast has a host of historic and cultural sights to see today including some that Andrew recommends as a local.

Later, join a couple of locals on a Private Food Tour of Belfast, meeting producers, and tasting yummy local produce along the way before heading around Belfast to visit traditional bars, world-class shops and more, eating and drinking some of the best local food and drink as you go.

Overnight: Belfast | The Merchant Hotel
Room Type: Junior Loft Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Friday 20^th September - The Trouble's & Titanic

This morning, join a local guide and explore Belfast from the comfort of a London black cab. Unpack the complicated history of The Troubles. See the city’s murals and peace walls, hear stories of life in Belfast at the height of the troubles, check out historical photographs and enjoy narration from your local guide.

Built in Belfast’s Harland and Wolff shipyards, the ill fasted titanic and Belfasts history are linked forever. This afternoon, visit Belfast’s Titanic Quarter to enjoy the ultimate Titanic afternoon. Your Private tour around the Titanic Experience takes you through the 10 galleries taking your though the story of the ship and her final hours. You have the option to also step onto the decks of the last remaining White Star Line vessel – SS Nomadic after.

Overnight: Belfast | The Merchant Hotel
Room Type: Junior Loft Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Saturday 21^st September - Sheep Farm and Causeway Coast

Leaving Belfast, and making your way to the stunning northern coast you are treated to stunning views of rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and charming villages. You make several stops along the way, including the awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway, a geological wonder of hexagonal basalt columns that attracts visitors from around the world. At Bushmills, you visit the oldest licensed distillery in the world, where you learn about the art of whiskey-making and sample some of the finest Irish whiskeys. There are plenty of opportunities to spot filming locations from Game of Thrones as you travel.
Later we visit a family-run local working sheep farm where you get to meet the flock and see the magnificent dogs at work in the charming countryside before check-in at your hotel in historic Derry.

Overnight: Derry | Bishops Gate Hotel
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Sunday 22^nd September - Bears, Wolves and Alpaca's

Step back in time into an ancient woodland, inhabited by Wolves, Bears, Lynx & Wild Boar. Meet the animals that once called Ireland home and learn of the conservation efforts that are seeing them reintroduced into Irish soil.
With a day dedicated to animals, you have the unique opportunity to take an Alpaca for a walk in the picturesque Sheephaven Bay area of Donegal. The nature of the Alpaca is gentle and curious, making walking with Alpacas enjoyable and entertaining with their quirky individual characters.

Overnight: Derry | Bishops Gate Hotel
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Monday 23^rd September - Private Derry City Tour

Derry City is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland and one of the finest examples of Walled Cities in Europe. Built in the 17th century, the walls, approximately 1.5km in circumference, form a walkway around the inner city and provide a unique promenade with which to view the layout of the original town. Your private guide will incorporate the tragic events of Jan 30th 1972 when a peaceful protest turned violent leading to the killing of 14 unarmed men and boys along with the injury of many other in an event knows as Bloody Sunday into your guided experience today.

Take a step off Derry’s 400-year-old City Walls and step inside the delightfully Dickensian Craft Village – the Jewel inside Derry’s crown. The reconstructed 18th Century streets meets a 19th century square, packed with an inviting mix of artisan shops, home to local crafters, restaurants and coffee shops. The perfect lunch/ afternoon tea activity before moving to Donegal town.

Overnight: Donegal | The Mill Park Hotel
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Tuesday 24^th September - Explore South Donegal

Spend some time today exploring South Donegal with Andrew. A morning visit to the highest sea cliffs in Europe, three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher, is the perfect way to work up an appetite for some traditional fish and chips, al fresco, straight off the boat in a little harbour town. Avail of the shuttle to take you to the viewing point at the cliffs for that perfect picture of the majestic cliffs.

Later, met a local weaver who learned his craft at the age of 16 and whose traditional hand loom methods date back centuries. You have time this afternoon for some browsing in Donegal town and we recommend a visit to the Magee’s of Donegal in the Diamond.

Overnight: Donegal | The Mill park Hotel
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Wednesday 25^th September - Foraging the North West Shores

From Donegal, we head south into Sligo, last resting place of W.B Yeats.
Sligo is blessed with some stunning coastline and this morning you will explore Streedagh, with it’s miles long sandy beaches on the north Sligo coast. At low tide it’s the perfect opportunity to explore the rock pools and coves that flank the beach and you will be joined by local foraging expert and author Prannie Rhatigan who knows these shores inside and out. Prannie is a world renowned expert on seaweed and her insight into the natural heritage of the Irish coast is unparalleled.  Keep an eye out from sand-feeding seabirds that flock along this stretch of coastline. Your experience with Prannie today includes lunch.
You have time this afternoon for a walk around Sligo town before moving on to Westport.

Overnight: Westport | The Wyatt Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Thursday 26^th September - Ashford Castle Hawk Walk

A visit to Ashford Castle today to become reacquainted with the magnificent birds of prey who call the 800 year old castle home. On your private hour long hawk walk you have you the incredible opportunity to fly your very own harris hawks under the guidance of your instructor. After you have been introduced to your hawks you’ll set off into the magnificent woodlands to fly your hawks, as they follow you from tree to tree through the woods before swooping down to land on your gloved fist.

Returning to Westport this afternoon you can enjoy a local lunch spot with some time to browse the shops, cafes, bakeries and restaurants.

We have some fantastic options for catching a local trad Session for you including Cobblers Bar & Courtyard who do a  Thursday night live sessions, The Porter House who have music 7 nights a week and Matt Molloy’s where there are regular Trad Sessions. Your guide will assist with this.

Overnight: Westport | The Wyatt Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Friday 27^th September - Traditional Farm Experience

Leaving Westport we journey south, through Galway and into the lunar landscape of Clare and on to our final destination of Cork this evening.
Enjoy a warm Irish welcome at a traditional farm where you will meet the flock of wooly coated sheep, enjoy a sheep dog demonstration and enjoy a traditional farm experience followed by tea and scones. You can also opt to spend more time here and try your hand at making some traditional Irish bread.

While passing through The Burren your guide will ensure they stop at our favourite, The Burren Perfumery for some refreshments and a browse in the onsite shop perhaps picking up some gifts to bring back home.

Overnight: Cork | The Imperial Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11 - Saturday 28^th September - A Day with Andrew Heath in Cork

Meeting your old friend Andrew this morning you will spend the day discovering some of Corks well known and hidden secrets.

Cork’s iconic English market has been trading since 1788.  One of the oldest and certainly the best covered markets in Europe, it has survived famine, flood, war, fires, and multiple recessions to remain a strong part of Cork’s fabric. Spend some time browsing the stall’s and offerings, sampling delicious treats or picking up a gift for home.

The nearby Butter Museum makes for a unique institution celebrating one of the great success stories of Ireland, the butter trade. Follow The Butter Route from Cork city west to the coast where you will stop and visit with the folks at Manning’s Food Emporium for lunch of course a revisit to Lorge Chocolatier’s.

Overnight: Cork | The Imperial Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 12 - Sunday 29^th September - Kinsale & Whiskey Tour

Start the mornng with a visit to the coast and explore the colourful village of Kinsale with it’s picturesque harbour and colourful shops and craft stores. Visit The Lusitania Museum & Old Head Signal Tower and discover the interesting story of Ireland’s only restored Napoleonic Signal Tower and enjoy the panoramic views from the rooftop walkway.

From its origins in 1780 by Scotsman John Jameson through its history, prohibition, revolution and distilling techniques to the world wide brand it is today, the Jameson Distillery tour is both historic and fascinating. Take a behind the scenes tour with one of the expert Ambassadors visiting key buildings including a special visit to the Distillers cottage. Can you taste the difference between Jameson and Bushmills whiskey?

Overnight: Cork | The Imperial Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe King
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 13 - Monday 30^th September - Cork to Dublin

Leaving Cork behind us today, our first port of call is The Donkey Sanctuary about a half hour away in Mallow. Since it opened its doors in 1987, the sanctuary has loved and cared for over 5,600 donkeys, many of whom were neglected and abandoned in their early life.

Continuing north, we stop in the little town of Cashel for lunch and a stretch of the legs. You can opt to take a closer look at the imposing Rock of Cashel while here or simply enjoy the charming village before moving on.

Andrew will deliver you to your hotel, Number 31 and say their goodbyes leaving you to enjoy your final few nights in the city unguided.

Overnight: Dublin | Number 31
Room Type: Fabulous Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 14 - Tuesday 1^st October - Dublin Exploration, Shopping and Afternoon Tea

This morning Linda will join Eveleen for a morning shopping some of Dublin’s unique boutique shops and markets. Pick up some momentos or key wardrobe pieces and stroll the busy shopping streets of Grafton and O’ Connell.

David can enjoy a relaxing morning with a leisurely breakfast, and perhaps some self exploration with a walk in St. Stephens Green before joining Linda.

Once reunited, enjoy the remainder of your afternoon and last day in Ireland visiting Bewley’s Oriental Cafe for tea and cakes.

Overnight: Dublin | Number 31
Room Type: Fabulous Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 15 - Wednesday 2^nd October - Departing Dublin

A private transfer will take you to Dublin airport this morning for your returning flights.
After two weeks in Ireland you will feel like you are leaving home and friends behind. All the more reason to come see us again soon.

Meals Included: Breakfast