email: cathriona.o'[email protected]
tel: 1-844-235-6240
Duncan Family Ireland Proposal
Sunday 19th May – Tuesday 28th May 2024
Sunday 19th May – Tuesday 28th May 2024
Picturesque coastal towns and villages, green pastoral fields, soaring cliffs, wild barren landscapes, the crash of the ocean, the laugh of a local. Ireland is romantic, authentic, a home away from home where both old and modern seem to cohabit seamlessly on a small island in the middle of the sea. Packed with history and tradition your days are spent exploring the island of Ireland’s famous and of the beaten track sites of natural, cultural and political interest. A world renowned food scene means your evenings are spent dining in style and with the promise of a pub just around the corner, music and laughter are never far away. Your trip to Ireland will surprise and delight you but the people of Ireland will stay with you, long after your journey has taken you home.
Arriving in Ireland today, a private transfer will pick you up from the airport and whisk you city to your 5 star hotel in the city centre. Check-in is at 3pm however feel free to leave your bags, freshen up, or have a bite to eat.
Head out in the afternoon to enjoy a walking tour with a local private guide through this vibrant capital city, with its mix of 1,000 years of architecture from the mediaeval to Georgian to modern. See the Georgian style Merrion Square, lush St. Stephen’s Green and Fitzwilliam Square, as well as O’Connell Street, the site of the ‘1916 Uprising’ that led to Ireland’s independence in 1922. Your guide is also a historian who will bring the city to life with colourful tales of life in the city in times gone by.
Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion Hotel
Room Type: Superior
Meals Included: None
Indulge your senses in the world of Guinness with our exclusive private experience at the Guinness Storehouse. For the discerning connoisseur, this journey delves deep into the history and origins of the iconic stout. From the moment you step inside this historic establishment, you’ll be immersed in the rich heritage of Guinness, tracing its roots back to its founding by Arthur Guinness in 1759. Your expert guide will walk you through the intricate brewing process, sharing the secrets and traditions that have been passed down through generations. You’ll have the privilege of tasting various Guinness brews, savouring their unique flavours and gaining a profound understanding of what makes each pint truly exceptional.
Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion Hotel
Room Type: Superior
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you will take a trip north across the border, to the bustling Belfast, a city that has managed to grow and thrive into a cosmopolitan hub, effortlessly showcasing its burgeoning foodie scene, its love of tradition and proud history.
But first, embark on an exhilarating journey as you delve into the heart of Irish culture during a morning filled with adventure and camaraderie. Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and together you will have the unique opportunity to try your hand at Gaelic Games, guided by a knowledgeable local expert. This insightful session will introduce you to the history and intricacies of Gaelic and Hurling, two sports deeply intertwined with Irish heritage. Whether you’re hurling the sliotar or attempting to score a point, get ready to embrace the Irish spirit and create lasting memories while learning the art of these traditional Irish pastimes.
Overnight: Belfast | The Merchant
Room Type: Deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
You may prefer to skip breakfast this morning as you join a couple of locals on a private Food Tour of Belfast. Start in the historic St George’s Market, meeting producers, and tasting yummy local products, before heading around Belfast to visit traditional bars, world-class shops and more, eating and drinking some of the best local food and drink along the way.
This evening, you will be introduced to Belfast culture with a unique twist, joining a local Black Cab tour to visit some of the city’s historical and political sites. Belfast was at the heart of The Troubles for over thirty years and you’ll see firsthand how this shaped the city and its residents.
Overnight: Belfast | The Merchant
Room Type: Deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Today you will follow the stunning causeway coastal route out of Belfast along the northernmost coast to Portrush, Co Antrim. The Causeway Coastal Route is possibly one of the world’s greatest road trips, featuring castles, temples, cliff top walks, caves, Game of Thrones filming sites, remote islands and its most famous attraction, The Giant’s Causeway.
En route you will visit the Gobbins Cliff Path, which is a spectacular cliff walk that offers breathtaking views of the Irish Sea. As you embark on the cliff walk, you would be able to witness the sheer natural beauty of the area, including stunning waterfalls, diverse birdlife, and rugged cliffs.
Your guesthouse tonight offers breathtaking views as it overlooks the stunning Atlantic Ocean.
Overnight: Portrush | Blackrock House
Room Type: Classic
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Sail along the Causeway Coast today to Rathlin Island – many tales of myth and mystery surround Rathlin Island, though the most famous tells of Robert the Bruce. In 1306, the Scottish King was driven from Scotland by Edward I of England and took refuge on Rathlin where he watched a spider persevering again and again to bridge a gap with its web. Eventually it succeeded. Taking heart from the spider’s efforts, he returned to Scotland and eventually regained his crown. You’ll boat out to the island and explore by foot today, visiting the bird sanctuary and discovering the lighthouses on the island’s east and west coasts. You may even spot the resident island Puffins!
Overnight: Portrush | Blackrock House
Room Type: Classic
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
This morning after breakfast, embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Northern Ireland’s enchanting countryside – with a twist! Once you’ve got to know your horse, explore the beautiful terrain from Benone beach traveling to Mussenden Temple on horseback. Ride along the golden sands, through sand dunes, and stop to view the waterfalls cascading off of the majestic cliffs of Binevenagh mountain. Enjoy some time in the spray of the Atlantic, allowing for plenty of photographic opportunities along the way with the Donegal mountains and where the cliffs come down to the sea.
This afternoon, it’s time to head to Derry City, 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. You will meet a local who will lead you on a tour of the ancient walls. Together you will take a stroll through time, from the city’s mediaeval foundation to its central position in “The Troubles” and Northern Ireland’s turbulent recent history.
Overnight: Derry | Bishop's Gate
Room Type: Deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
This morning, depart Northern Ireland as you head for the hills of Donegal and the beautiful National Park at Glenveagh where you will visit the castle, learning about its many owners. Glenveagh National Park is a hauntingly beautiful wilderness of craggy mountains, pristine lakes, tumbling waterfalls and enchanted native oak woodland, dominated by Mount Errigal’s glittering quartzite peak. On a walk along the nearby lake shore, keep an eye out for the herd of red deer that roam the hills.
Your destination tonight is one of Ireland’s premier castle hotels, nestled within the forests of County Donegal upon a serene lake. Settle in and relax in luxury.
Overnight: Donegal | Lough Eske Castle
Room Type: Deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Exploring south Donegal today, your guide will introduce you to the region’s history and culture. The folk village at Glencolmcille is an opportunity to step back in time, getting a sense of what life was like in Ireland in the early 20th century, when emigration was a daily reality for many in rural parts. Three times taller than the Cliffs of Moher, the Slieve League Cliffs are some of Europe’s highest sea cliffs and today you will get the chance to stand atop their edge as you hike to the summit.
This evening, your guide will join you for a farewell dinner as you reminisce over your favourite memories of the week.
Overnight: Donegal | Lough Eske Castle
Room Type: Deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
After enjoying a relaxing morning at Lough Eske Castle, it is time to leave the west coast and return to Dublin. Your guide will take you directly to Dublin airport or to your hotel if choosing another night in the city pre-departure. We do hope your time in Ireland has been memorable and we once again have the opportunity to welcome to our shores.
Meals Included: None
