Rosenblum's Irish Horizons: North to West

Monday 7th July – Thursday 17th July 2025

Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights

Overview

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, and 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 off-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.

V3 19th of May

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Monday 7th July | Céad míle fáilte - One Hundred Thousand Welcomes | Overnight: Dublin 2

Day 2 | Tuesday 8th July | Dublin to Belfast | Overnight: Belfast

Day 3 | Wednesday 9th July | Exploring Belfast | Overnight: Belfast

Day 4 | Thursday 10th July | Countryside & Dark Hedges | Overnight: Ballycastle

Day 5 | Friday 11th July | Chocolates and Castles | Overnight: Ballycastle

Day 6 | Saturday 12th July | The Causeway Coast | Overnight: Ballycastle

Day 7 | Sunday 13th July | Northern Ireland to Connemara | Overnight: Clifden

Day 8 | Monday 14th July | Inishlacken Island Landing Tour | Overnight: Clifden

Day 9 | Tuesday 15th July | Galway City | Overnight: Spanish Point

Day 10 | Wednesday 16th July | 4x4 Experience on Inis Mor | Overnight: Spanish Point

Day 11 | Thursday 17th July | Return to Dublin

Day by Day

Day 1 - Monday 7th July - Céad míle fáilte - One Hundred Thousand Welcomes

Céad míle fáilte – one hundred thousand welcomes – to Ireland’s capital, Dublin. Upon arrival, a private transfer will provide a smooth journey into the city and onwards to the hotel. The rest of the day offers time to explore at a relaxed pace. Dublin reveals itself best on foot or via the LUAS, the city’s light rail system. Many key sites lie within easy reach, with the real charm found in the quiet moments between them – wandering cobbled lanes, browsing independent bookshops, or pausing for a pub lunch. The afternoon is ideal for taking in a few of the capital’s cultural landmarks.

Overnight: Dublin 2 | The Green Hotel
Room Type: Green King/Green Twin
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Tuesday 8th July - Dublin to Belfast

Leaving the vibrant streets of Dublin behind, your journey begins with a scenic drive north through Ireland’s lush countryside in your own rental car. Just outside Banbridge, you’ll step into another world at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, where your bespoke guide awaits to lead you on an exclusive, behind-the-scenes experience through the iconic sets, costumes, and props of the legendary series. After immersing yourself in Westeros, continue your drive into the heart of Belfast, where you’ll settle in for the evening amid the city’s rich history, dynamic culture, and warm Northern Irish charm.

 

Overnight: Belfast | The Bullitt Hotel
Room Type: Comfy Double/Comfy Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Wednesday 9th July - Exploring Belfast

Spend the day exploring Belfast at your own pace, starting with a walk along the city’s famous murals and peace walls to reflect on its history during The Troubles. Visit key landmarks like Stormont, Crumlin Road Gaol, and City Hall, each offering a glimpse into Belfast’s complex past. In the afternoon, choose from top attractions such as the Titanic Belfast Museum, St. George’s Market, or nearby Game of Thrones filming locations. End the day sampling the city’s vibrant food scene, known for its creative take on traditional Irish fare.

Overnight: Belfast | The Bullitt Hotel
Room Type: Comfy Double/Comfy Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Thursday 10th July - Countryside & Dark Hedges

Spend a leisurely morning in Belfast before setting out northwest into the heart of Northern Ireland’s scenic countryside, tracing the footsteps of Westeros along the way. This afternoon as you explore some of the more inland Game of Thrones filming locations, be sure to stop at the hauntingly beautiful Dark Hedges, one of the series’ most iconic backdrops. We’ll provide curated recommendations for must-see spots en route, from hidden gems to dramatic vistas that bring the fantasy world to life.

Overnight: Ballycastle | The Salthouse Hotel
Room Type: Seaview Duplex Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Friday 11th July - Chocolates and Castles

Today explore your senses and taste buds along the northern coast, after a relaxing morning head to meet our friends at a local chocolatier for a tasting and creating experience.

After a lunch stop, top off your day with a visit to the incredible Dunluce Castle. Perched dramatically on the edge of a basalt cliff on Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast, was once the seat of the powerful MacDonnell clan. A striking fact: part of the castle’s kitchen reportedly collapsed into the sea during a storm in 1639, supposedly taking several servants with it—an event that led the lady of the castle to abandon it soon after.

You return to your lovely coastal accommodation once more this evening, perhaps venturing into the town for a lively local tune and some traditional food.

Overnight: Ballycastle | The Salthouse Hotel
Room Type: Seaview Duplex Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Saturday 12th July - The Causeway Coast

Spend today exploring the Causeway Coast, where dramatic cliffs and ancient rock formations define the landscape. Begin with a stop in Cushendun, known for its sea-carved caves—formed over 400 million years ago and featured in Game of Thrones. From there, follow the winding coastal road to the awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of over 40,000 basalt columns created by volcanic activity some 60 million years ago. Further along, the rugged charm of Ballintoy Harbour, also a filming location, offers panoramic views and photo-worthy seascapes. If you’re up for it, cross the historic Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, first built by fishermen over two centuries ago.

Overnight: Ballycastle | The Salthouse Hotel
Room Type: Seaview Duplex Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Sunday 13th July - Northern Ireland to Connemara

Departing from the coast of Northern Ireland in the morning, begin your scenic drive southwest toward County Galway and the town of Clifden, tracing the rugged beauty of Ireland’s northwestern coast. Around midday, take a well-deserved break in Sligo—a charming town known for its literary history and coastal views. Stretch your legs with a walk along the Garavogue River or explore the quaint streets before grabbing a bite at one of the local cafés or pubs offering hearty Irish fare. After lunch, continue your journey through the ever-changing landscapes of Connacht, arriving into the charming town of Clifden for the evening.

Overnight: Clifden | Clifden Station House Hotel
Room Type: Double & Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Monday 14th July - Inishlacken Island Landing Tour

This morning, meet local fisherman Damien at Roundstone Harbour, a fourth-generation seafarer with a lifetime of experience. Explore Roundstone Bay by boat, keeping an eye out for resident seals, dolphins, and basking sharks. Pass the beautiful beaches of Ervallagh, Gurteen, and Dog’s Bay, heading towards the tranquil, deserted island of Inishlacken. Known for its stunning sands, crystal-clear waters, and panoramic views, Inishlacken offers the perfect spot for a bespoke picnic. Once a thriving community, the island is now home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, rabbits, and resident goats, sheep, and donkeys.

Overnight: Clifden | Clifden Station House Hotel
Room Type: Double Room/Twin Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Tuesday 15th July - Galway City

Head south from Connemara this morning towards County Clare, along the way, stop into Galway. Galway is the capital of Ireland’s west. Known as the ‘town of the tribes’ the small centre of cobblestone streets and colourful store fronts is vibrant, fun and cosmopolitan. A local military historian will meet you at the city’s main square to guide you through the bustling alleys sharing Galway City’s important roles in the clash of the French, Spanish, Russian and British Empires from 1700 to 1922, including in Ireland’s revolution for independence.

The Cliffs of Moher, located in County Clare on Ireland’s west coast, are one of the country’s most impressive natural landmarks. Standing up to 214 meters (702 feet) tall and stretching for about 14 kilometers (8.7 miles), the cliffs offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.Visit the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre to learn about the area’s geology, wildlife, and history.

Overnight: Spanish Point | Armada Hotel
Room Type: Classic King Room/Classic Twin Room

Day 10 - Wednesday 16th July - 4x4 Experience on Inis Mor

Today, visit Inis Mór (Inishmore), the largest of the three Aran Islands. Enjoy exploring the island with the aid of off-road adventure vehicles driven by your local guides, Padraig and Aonghus. Learn about the unique Irish culture, traditions, and language of the islanders, the beautiful flora and fauna, and, of course, visit the filming site from the recent Banshees of Inisherin film. This experience is unique in that it provides the opportunity to visit parts of the island not readily accessible to those without both local knowledge and a 4×4 vehicle, making for a very memorable day.

Overnight: Spanish Point | Armada Hotel
Room Type: Classic King Room/Classic Twin Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11 - Thursday 17th July - Return to Dublin

After enjoying a relaxing morning at Armada Hotel, it is time to leave the west coast and return to Dublin. You will drive 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: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 10 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Breakfast each morning
  • Private Airport Transfer on Arrival Day
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Private Walking Tour of Dublin
    • Game of Thrones Tour Experience with Bespoke Guide and Goodie Bag
    • Private Chocolate Workshop
    • Private Walking Tour of Galway
    • Private Boat and Island Experience
    • Public Cliffs of Moher Entrance
    • Private 4×4 Experience on the Aran Islands
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • Maps and Guidebook
  • 24/7 In-Country Support from the Wilderness Team
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for the main driver guide
Notes Read More
  • All suggested accommodations and services are subject to availability at the time of booking.
  • A 25% deposit is required before any accommodation and services will be confirmed.
  • This quote is valid for 14 days from the date quoted, after this time pricing may be subject to revision.
  • Activities are only private if so specified.
Pricing Read More

The price of this trip is €4165 per person and is based on availability at the time of booking.

Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.

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Virtuoso

Rosenblum’s Irish Horizons: North to West

Monday 7th July – Thursday 17th July 2025