Deborah & Sylvie's Irish Adventure

Day 1 - Monday 25^th August - Céad míle fáilte - One Hundred Thousand Welcomes

This morning, a private transfer will meet you at Belfast Airport and together you will head towards the city of Belfast. This is your arrival day and we want you to have as much rest as you may need, so today will be spent adjusting to the time difference and relaxing. You’ll check in to your hotel to enjoy some downtime and perhaps a quick nap before dinner.

Overnight: Belfast | The Grand Central Hotel
Room Type: x2 Deluxe Doubles
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Tuesday 26^th August - The Troubles & The 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. This afternoon, visit Belfast’s Titanic Quarter to enjoy the ultimate Titanic afternoon. Built in Belfast’s Harland and Wolff shipyards, the ill-fated Titanic and Belfast’s history are linked forever.  The Titanic Experience takes you through the 10 galleries taking you through 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 Grand Central Hotel
Room Type: x2 Deluxe Doubles
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Wednesday 27^th August - The Causeway Coastal Route

Leaving Belfast this morning, you’ll meet your private guide and he will lead you on explorations through the stunning northern coast where you’ll be treated to magnificent views of rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and charming villages. Your first stop is Gobbins Cliff Path, which takes you along a narrow path, and across spectacular bridges amid the swirling waves below. Traverse hidden tunnels under the Irish Sea, climb rugged staircases carved into the cliff face and duck into caves, once home to smugglers and privateers. Afterwards, follow a stunning coastal route known as the “secret” way to travel along the Causeway Coast! The grand finale is at the awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway, a geological wonder that attracts visitors from around the world.

Overnight: Portrush | Blackrock House B&B
Room Type: x2 Seaview Kings
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Thursday 28^th August - Sheepdog Demonstrations & Farm Visits on the Northern Coast

This morning you’ll visit Dunluce Castle, one of the most picturesque and romantic of Irish Castles. With evidence of settlement from the first millennium, the present castle ruins date mainly from the 16th and 17th centuries. You’ll make your way to a traditional working sheep farm in one of the most idyllic areas of the North Coast. Meet a local family who has been living in the area and farming sheep and cattle for over 70 years. Step into the farming world and about a sheepdog’s relationship with the shepherd and sheep and admire the speed, agility and intelligence involved with gathering the flock.

Overnight: Portrush | Blackrock House B&B
Room Type: x2 Seaview Kings
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Friday 29^th August - Historical Walking 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 others in an event known 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 meet a 19th-century square, packed with an inviting mix of artisan shops, home to local crafters, restaurants and coffee shops.

Overnight: Derry | Bishop's Gate Hotel
Room Type: x2 Deluxe Kings
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Saturday 30^th August - Free Time in Derry City

Today is yours to explore Derry by yourselves but your guide will also be on hand to provide some insight into the interesting and thought-provoking history of Derry. We recommend a stroll to the Peace Bridge, which provides a symbolic link between the communities of the city. The murals in the surrounding suburbs recount the complex history of the city, as well as the Free Derry Museum, which we think is always worth a visit. There are countless cafes, local craft stores and restaurants for you to enjoy.

*If you haven’t already, we recommend watching the award-winning Derry Girls show!

Overnight: Derry | Bishop's Gate Hotel
Room Type: x2 Deluxe Kings
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Sunday 31^st August - Malin Head - Ireland's Northernmost Point

At the tip of the vast and wild Inishowen Peninsula is Malin Head, the northernmost point of Ireland. Jutting into the restless Atlantic Ocean, it is so other-worldly that scenes from Star Wars Episode VIII were filmed here. Malin Head is a wild, windswept landscape peppered with ancient archaeological sites. Your walk today climbs over rocky hills, across rugged headlands, and along dramatic coastal cliffs. Along the way, keep an eye out for wildlife such as seabirds and seals, and take time to explore historic landmarks like the Signal Tower and the iconic “Hell’s Hole” sea arch. You have free time this afternoon to explore as you wish.

Overnight: Ballyliffin | Ballyliffin Townhouse
Room Type: x2 Classic
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Monday 1^st September - Inishtrahull Island

Inishtrahull, a remote island off the coast of Ireland, holds a poignant piece of history, narrating the bittersweet tales of emigration and a community’s resilience. Now uninhabited, this was the last glimpse of Ireland for immigrants seeking a better life, and home to Ireland’s most northerly lighthouse. Today, the island stands as a symbol of endurance and change, embodying the stories of those who once called it home and the emigrants who cast it at their last glance. Visitors to Inishtrahull today can explore the haunting remnants of this community – the walls of homes that once brimmed with life, a school where the laughter of children echoed, the solemn graveyard, and, of course, the old lighthouse, a beacon for those navigating the treacherous waters surrounding the island. The new lighthouse, now the most northerly in Ireland, continues to guide seafarers, a lone sentinel on this island touched by history, loss, and the indomitable spirit of its former residents. Enjoy a boat trip to this little-visited place, and hopefully, you’ll spot some playful dolphins en route.

Overnight: Ballyliffin | Ballyliffin Townhouse
Room Type: x2 Classic
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Tuesday 2^nd September - Glenveagh National Park

This morning you will head to South Donegal via Glenveagh National Park, one of Ireland’s 6 National Parks nestled in the wild and rugged landscape of the Derryveagh Mountains. You can take in remote mountain and lake vistas and explore the forlorn castle tucked into a romantic mountain backdrop. Afterwards, you’ll continue to your castle hotel, located on the shimmering shores of Lough Eske.

Overnight: Donegal | Lough Eske Castle
Room Type: x2 Courtyard Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Wednesday 3^rd September - Cliffs & Crafts in Donegal

Spend some time today exploring South Donegal with your guide. 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. Later, you’ll meet 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 | Lough Eske Castle
Room Type: x2 Courtyard Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 - Thursday 4^th September - Yeats' County

You’ll journey one hour south this morning to what is known as Yeats’ County, a region that captured the imagination of Irish national poet W.B. Yeats. You’ll pay an early morning visit to his grave in the village of Drumcliffe, which is set against the striking backdrop of the Benbulben Mountains. Sligo is one of the wildest parts of the Wild Atlantic Way and is known around the country for its delicious and fresh seafood. Later today you’ll join a local guide in the heart of Sligo Town for a tasting of Wild Atlantic Sligo Oysters, accompanied by a chilled glass of white wine, of course!

Overnight: Sligo | The Address
Room Type: x2 Club Kings
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 12 - Friday 5^th September - Secrets of Sligo

Today you’ll explore the hidden gems of this quiet corner of Ireland with your guide, and there is plenty to do! Options include a visit to the oldest and the densest concentration of Neolithic tombs in Ireland, or a visit to the childhood home of a famous Irish revolutionary and suffragette. Great local seafood and secret sand beaches are the icing on the cake.

Overnight: Sligo | The Address
Room Type: x2 Club Kings
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 13 - Saturday 6^th September - Visiting Ashford Castle

Today your guide will take you to your final destination in Galway City, a bohemian town, full of artisans, musicians, playwrights and poets. You’ll stop en route at Ashford Castle to become acquainted with the magnificent birds of prey who call the 800-year-old castle home. On your private hour-long hawk walk you have 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. Enjoy dinner in one of Galway’s lovely restaurants before retiring for the night.

Overnight: Galway | The Hardiman Hotel
Room Type: x2 Deluxe Doubles
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 14 - Sunday 7^th September - An Irish Goodbye

Known as the ‘town of the tribes’, Galway’s small centre of cobblestone streets and colourful storefronts is vibrant, fun, and cosmopolitan. Spend some time here this morning, take a walk down at the Spanish Arch, grab a coffee, or people-watch along Shop Street. This evening join a local whiskey guide who will lead you around the streets of Galway into some of the oldest pubs to discover the finest Irish whiskey. Tasting the Uisce Beatha (water of life) will certainly leave you in the mood to go to your final stop, a unique traditional Irish Dancing performance with talented dancers from “Lord of the Dance” and “Riverdance”.

Overnight: Galway | The Hardiman Hotel
Room Type: x2 Deluxe Doubles
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 15 - Monday 8^th September - Depart

This morning, your guide will drop you at the airport just in time for your flight home. We hope your time in Ireland has been memorable and we look forward to welcoming you to our shores once again.

*Airport options are Shannon, Knock or further afield, Dublin

Meals Included: Breakfast