Céad mile fáilte—a hundred-thousand welcomes! At 3pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for an afternoon orientation drive to see O’Connell Street, Georgian squares, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Trinity College. Enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
“In Dublin’s fair city where girls are so pretty,” you’ll also find great personality and charm. The charisma of Dubliners and the bounty of pubs here is matched only by the gorgeous Georgian Squares, 12th-century St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and legendary library of Trinity College
Includes meal(s): Dinner
Shannon's Shores & Farmer's Chores The first stop today is in the historic town of Athlone, located right in the center of Ireland and on the banks of the River Shannon. Continue to Rathbaun Farm [LF], try your hand at scone baking, and learn about sheep herding from the farmer before enjoying coffee and your own home-made scones. Overnight in the vibrant coastal city of Galway.
(B)
LOCAL FAVORITE
Someone’s in the kitchen in Rathbaun Farm, just outside of Galway. You can don an apron and whip up your own delicious home-made scones, served with fresh preserves and whipped cream. Learn about the long-time tradition of sheep farming in this beautiful Irish landscape
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
West Is Best Follow the Wild Atlantic Way along Ireland’s west coast to the elegant holiday resort of Westport. Enjoy some free time in this lively town before traveling through some of Ireland’s most dramatic scenery to Donegal, located at the mouth of the River Eske. Letterkenny is your overnight destination.
(B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
The long Wild Atlantic Way of Ireland stretching to Donegal's Inishowen peninsula encapsulates some of the most dramatic landscapes and charming towns, such as Westport, with its Georgian town center and tree-lined promenade, and “The Cathedral Town” of Donegal
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Ancient Walls & Giant Steps Head into Northern Ireland today and enjoy a walking tour with a Local Guide along the city walls of Derry’s Old Town. Follow in the legendary footsteps of Finn McCool as you admire the Giant’s Causeway, composed of 40,000 basalt columns formed millions of years ago. Your accommodation is in Belfast tonight, Northern Ireland’s seat of government.
(B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Follow in the legendary footsteps of giants at the foot of the cliffs along the coast of Northern Ireland, where massive black basalt columns jut out of the sea. Hear the legendary myth of two battling giants that caused the magnificent geological wonder of Giant’s Causeway, which actually evolved through volcanic activity 50–60 million years ago
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
A Grand Ship & Great Sights This morning’s orientation drive in Belfast includes the City Hall, the Albert Memorial Clock Tower, and Queen’s University followed by a visit to the Titanic Experience, at Titanic Belfast, an immersive museum that tells the story of the doomed ship’s maiden voyage, and the tragic events of April 14-15th, 1912. There’s free time this afternoon to discover more of this fascinating city.
(B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Explore the fascinating Titanic Belfast Experience for an in-depth look at the history and mystery of the legendary ocean liner. See artifacts and amazing accounts of Belfast’s boom in shipping and those who built her. Learn about the courage and loss of all involved on a fateful night in April, 1912. Get an immersive look at the launch, sinking, and final resting place of the doomed ship, with myths and reality revealed
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Seaside Charm Leaving Northern Ireland stop in the charming village of Carlingford on the Cooley Peninsula, known for its oyster farms and medieval buildings. Take in more lush scenery as you return to Dublin to enjoy some free time in Ireland’s capital city.
(B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Carlingford is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Ireland, known for its oyster farms, quaint buildings and the 12th-century King John’s Castle overlooking the harbor. Explore this magical place, full of character, and walk through the narrow lanes and small streets including Tholsel Street, where the remains of the medieval walled town's gates can still be seen
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Safe Travels Until We Meet Again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
