Travel Experts- Ireland September

Day 1 - Friday 20^th September - Arrival- Titanic Belfast

Arriving in Dublin, your private guide/ driver will be ready to take you in the comfort of your private vehicle, on the 2 hour drive north into Belfast. Here, after a delicious brunch, you will explore some of Belfast Titanic history.

Built in Belfast’s Harland and Wolff shipyards, the ill fated Titanic and Belfasts history are linked forever. This afternoon, visit Belfast’s Titanic Quarter to enjoy the ultimate Titanic day out with a White Star Premium Pass. Explore a retelling of the iconic Titanic story before joining the award-winning Discovery Tour and SS Nomadic, the last remaining White Star vessel.

This evening, your guide will take you to one of Belfasts up and coming restaurants where local produce is at its core.

Overnight: Belfast | The Merchant Hotel
Room Type: Victorian Suite
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2 - Saturday 21^st September - Belfast Food Tour

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: Victorian Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Sunday 22^nd September - A Giant Landscape

Today you will follow the stunning causeway coastal route out of Belfast along the northernmost coast, stopping at the massive basalt hexagon columns said to be thrown by an angry  Scottish giant, partaking in a local whiskey tour, and meandering on into Donegal where your castle hotel awaits.  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.
This evening check into one of Donegals only 5 star hotels, Lough Eske Castle Hotel.

Overnight: Donegal | Lough Eske Castle
Room Type: Deluxe Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Monday 23^rd September - Sligo Foragaing

Leaving Donegal, we track south along the coast line to Sligo. 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. This part of Ireland is dominated by the mighty Benbulben Mountain and an afternoon walk in its mighty shadows is a must before moving on to Galway this evening.

Overnight: Galway | Glenlo Abbey
Room Type: Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Tuesday 24^th September - Connemara National Park with Golf

Take to the fairways and putting greens today and enjoy a challenging game at Galway’s only Links Course, Connemara Links.
Designed by the great Eddie Hackett, the course recently celebrated it’s 50th year. When playing Connemara you are mesmerised by the landscape around you, with views of Slyne Head Lighthouse, the 12 Ben Mountains, the Atlantic Ocean, white sandy beaches or Grainne O’Malley’s Castle, there is something special on every hole.
Head back to your hotel via the stunningly beautiful Kylemore Abbey and Gardens to tour the grounds and hear the romantic story behind this iconic site.

Overnight: Galway | Glenlo Abbey
Room Type: Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Wednesday 25^th September - Biking the Aran Islands

It’s hard to resist the allure of one of the many islands that dot the Irish coastline and today you and your guide will take to the water and ferry to The Aran Islands. The history of these islands goes back millennia and today Gaelic is still the daily spoken language of the inhabitants. The Aran islands seem to defy their size by all they have to offer: breathtaking scenery, mediaeval castles, cliffs and prehistoric forts are all to be found on this little group of islands.

Inis Mór, the largest of the three islands, is your destination today and best explored by bike. The first port of call is a goat farm, here Gabriel, fisherman-come-goat farmer and island native will introduce you to his flock of extraordinarily cute goats. You’ll taste his award-winning cheese, but more importantly, you will leave with his wealth of knowledge on the island’s history, language and culture. We will make sure you don’t miss the incredible prehistoric cliff top fortress at Dun Aenghus as well as some hidden spots along the island’s shore.

To celebrate your week in Ireland, your guide will join you this evening to dine in style at Ireland’s most unique dining experience. Step back in time and dine aboard the Pullman Restaurant. Comprising of two original carriages from the Orient Express, beautifully restored and set on the grounds of the hotel.

Overnight: Galway | Glenlo Abbey
Room Type: Superior Double
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7 - Thursday 26^th September - Depart

Saying goodbye to Galway and Ireland today, your guide will take you to Shannon Airport in time for your departing flights.

We hope your time in Ireland has been memorable we would love the opportunity to welcome you to our shores once again.

Meals Included: Breakfast