The Smith Family's Irish Adventure

Day 1 - Wednesday 23^rd April - Arrive in Belfast & Drive to Donegal

Arriving in Belfast today, pick up your rental car and it’s time to head to the northwest and the hills of Donegal. We will recommend some stops to break up the journey, or alternatively, you can head straight to your family’s house.

Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Thursday 24^th April - Derry City Walls & History Tour

This morning, your journey back west and stop in 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. Your private walking 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. Afterwards, you’ll hit the road again and head to Bushmills, home of the famous whiskey.

Booking ref: BK008543

Overnight: Bushmills | The Bushmills Inn
Room Type: x2 mill house classic
Meals Included: None

Day 3 - Friday 25^th April - The Giant's Causeway & Bushmills Distillery

Today you pay a morning visit to the awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway, a geological wonder of hexagonal basalt columns that attracts visitors from around the world. Later, you visit the oldest licensed distillery in the world for a private tour, where you learn about the art of whiskey-making and sample some of the finest Irish whiskeys.

Overnight: Bushmills | The Bushmills Inn
Room Type: x2 mill house classic
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Saturday 26^th April - The Causeway Coastal Route

Leaving your accommodation this morning, you embark on explorations through the stunning northern coast, where you’ll be treated to magnificent views of rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and charming villages, a stunning coastal route known as the “secret” way to travel along the Causeway Coast! You stop at 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. Once in Belfast, drop your rental car back at the airport and check in to your hotel.

Booking ref: 407518809 & 407518823

Overnight: Belfast | The Grand Central Hotel
Room Type: x2 Deluxe Doubles
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Sunday 27^th April - Black Cab Tour & Dublin

This morning, join a local guide and explore Belfast from the comfort of a black cab. Here, you 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 conflict, and check out historical photographs with narration from a local man who lived through it. Afterwards, a private transfer will take you to Dublin, where you can meet the rest of your family and enjoy dinner together.

Booking ref: 307573797, 307570950, 307572988

Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion Hotel
Room Type: x2 Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Monday 28^th April - Newgrange & Dublin

This morning, meet your private guide in the lobby of your hotel, and after some short introductions, you will head to take a tour of the Neolithic historical site, Brú na Bóinne. This is Ireland’s richest archaeological landscape and is situated within a bend in the River Boyne. Brú na Bóinne is famous for the spectacular prehistoric passage tombs of Knowth, Newgrange, and Dowth, which were built circa 3200 BC. These ceremonial structures are among the most important Neolithic sites in the world and contain the largest collection of megalithic art in Western Europe. Back in Dublin, explore on foot or using public transport such as the LUAS, our light rail system. Many of Dublin’s highlights are within walking distance, and indeed, you will discover it is in the act of wandering from one to another where you will soak up Dublin’s authentic atmosphere.

Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion Hotel
Room Type: x3 Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Tuesday 29^th April - Tullamore Dew & Kilkenny

You meet your Linda in the lobby of your hotel this morning, and together, you begin the next leg of your Irish adventure. You visit Tullamore Distillery for a private tour and tasting. Try whiskey straight from the cask, create your own unique blend, and take it with you for those at home to try! Afterwards, your guide will take you to Kilkenny, an artsy, colourful town full of medieval history. Your guide will join you tonight for a welcome dinner.

Your guide will discuss your departure time with you the evening before.

Overnight: Thomastown | Mount Juliet
Room Type: x3 Hunters Yard
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8 - Wednesday 30^th April - Kilkenny Castle & Gaelic Games

Today you visit probably the most impressive sight in town, Kilkenny Castle. One of the most fascinating castles in Ireland, learn about the massive restoration process behind the castle, following clues back through the years to restore it to its former glory. Next, you take a journey of discovery deep into Irish culture, where our sports and language meet. From hurling, one of the oldest field sports in the world, to Gaelic football you will experience an enthralling energy packed introduction to our National Games that will literally take your breath away and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Your guide will discuss your departure time with you the evening before.

Overnight: Thomastown | Mount Juliet
Room Type: x3 Hunters Yard
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Thursday 1^st May - Waterford Crystal

Waterford is a city with a strong medieval heritage. This morning, you will visit the world-famous Waterford Crystal Factory, enjoy a private tour and a look into the craftsmanship behind the wonderful glass and indulge in a delicious afternoon tea onsite. We recommend a stroll around town afterward, The Medieval Quarter offers a glimpse of Waterford’s Viking, Norman and Georgian past. This compact city is rich in both history and modern charm, making for a delightful experience.

Your guide will discuss your departure time with you the evening before.

Overnight: Waterford | Faithlegg House
Room Type: x1 junior suite, x2 deluxe​
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Friday 2^nd May - Waterford Food Tour

Joining a local food aficionado in town this morning, you’ll sample some of Waterford’s hidden foodie gems from scones and jam to oysters, cheeses to homemade breads and jams. In the late afternoon, your guide can lead you on explorations of the surrounding area, or you can choose to relax at your hotel. Your guide will join you for a farewell dinner tonight and a chance to toast to a week of adventure!

Your guide will discuss your departure time with you the evening before.

Overnight: Waterford | Faithlegg House
Room Type: x1 junior suite, x2 deluxe​
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 11 - Saturday 3^rd May - Ireland's Fair City

After enjoying a relaxing morning at your hotel, your guide will drop you back to Dublin and you are free to explore here for the rest of the day. We’ll give you our favourite pub and restaurant recommendations to make your final night in Ireland one to remember!

Booking ref: 307572988

Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion Hotel
Room Type: x3 Superior Doubles
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 12 - Sunday 4^th May - Depart

This morning, a private transfer will drop you at Dublin airport for your onward flight. We hope your time in Ireland has been memorable and we look forward to welcoming you to our shores once again.

Meals Included: Breakfast