Day 1: Following your home taxi collection, you will join our luxury touring coach as we head north to the Scottish border and our overnight hotel the Dryfesdale Country House Hotel in Lockerbie.
Day 2: This morning we travel to Cairnryan, where we board the ferry to Belfast. Upon arrival, we continue to our hotel for the next two nights, the fabulous four-star Stormont Hotel, on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.
Day 3: After breakfast, we head into Belfast for a guided coach tour. We will hear about the city’s turbulent past, thriving present, and hopes for the future. Highlights include major landmarks such as City Hall, Queen’s University, and Stormont Castle—the seat of the Northern Ireland Assembly and a striking sight as it is gradually revealed along the rising approach road.
During the tour, you will also see West Belfast’s celebrated Peace Wall, the political murals of the Shankill and Falls Roads, and the ultra-modern developments of the regenerated docks area, crowned by the impressive Titanic Quarter.
After lunch, we rejoin the coach and head to Titanic Belfast, which stands on the site where RMS Titanic was constructed over a century ago. Developed both as a tribute to the city’s shipbuilding heritage and in commemoration of the ill-fated liner that sank on her maiden voyage in 1912, Titanic Belfast is a dramatic, innovative and immersive presentation of the story of the famous ship.
Wander through its nine fascinating galleries, housed in one of the most striking buildings to have been constructed in the UK in recent years. The ship’s conception, construction, tragic sinking and aftermath, as well as its rediscovery in 1985, are brought vividly to life through audio-visual presentations, life-size reconstructions, interactive features, and even a shipyard ride. You will leave with a real sense of the scale—and human cost—of one of the most fateful events of the 20th century.
Day 4: This morning we enjoy one of Europe’s finest coastal drives, the Antrim Coast Road, with its spectacular scenery centred around the Nine Glens of Antrim. We follow the coastal route through Carnlough, Cushendall, and the National Trust village of Cushendun, before continuing to Bushmills for lunch.
We then continue to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Giant’s Causeway. Long associated with the legendary Irish giant Finn McCool, this remarkable formation of closely packed basalt columns, rising like stepping stones from the Atlantic towards the dramatic cliffs above, was formed by volcanic activity around 60 million years ago.
Your visit includes entry to the Visitor Centre, where you will receive a free audio guide and have time to explore the exhibition. You may take the shuttle bus from the Visitor Centre to the Causeway (approximately £1.50 each way, payable locally and not included in the cost of your holiday), or walk the mile-long cliff path for breathtaking views.
We then continue to Kee’s Hotel in Ballybofey for our two-night stay.
Day 5: Today we visit Donegal Town, situated on the River Eske at the head of Donegal Bay. This lively town is steeped in O’Donnell clan history and features an imposing Jacobean castle and an ancient marketplace.
Whilst here, you may wish to take the 70-minute waterbus trip (not included) around Donegal Bay, offering a scenic perspective of the area—especially on fine days. Back on shore, there is no shortage of pubs and restaurants for lunch.
Day 6: This morning we travel to Galway, one of the most vibrant and intriguing cities in the west of Ireland. It marks the halfway point on the Wild Atlantic Way and is the only city on the entire 2,500 km route.
Galway is full of culture, creativity, exceptional food, and live music. A popular seaside destination with long sandy beaches, it is also a thriving and cosmopolitan city. Its cobbled streets, colourful shopfronts, and lively café and bar culture make it a joy to explore.
You will have time to discover all that medieval Galway has to offer before we continue to the Lough Rea Hotel & Spa for a two-night stay.
Day 7: This morning we travel through Ballyvaughan and Lisdoonvarna, continuing south to Doolin, where we stop for lunch. Known as the traditional music capital of Ireland, a stroll along Fisher Street is one of the most popular things to do in this colourful village, with its postcard-perfect painted buildings.
This afternoon we visit the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most iconic visitor experiences. Rising over 700 feet above the rugged County Clare coastline, the cliffs offer spectacular views across the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands. Walk the safe, paved pathways and enjoy the dramatic scenery.
Entry to the Visitor Centre is included, where you can explore the interactive exhibition covering the geology, wildlife, and human history of the cliffs. The centre is arranged around four main themes: Ocean, Rock, Nature, and Man.
We then return to the hotel via the Burren, a vast limestone landscape and one of Ireland’s most extraordinary natural regions. This unique area features limestone pavements, caves, fossils, rare plant life, and ancient monuments that pre-date the Egyptian pyramids.
Day 8: This morning we travel to Killarney, calling at Bunratty en route. Here we visit Bunratty Castle, regarded as the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland. The 15th-century fortress offers a fascinating insight into medieval life, with furnished rooms, historical displays, and stories of battles and bravery.
The surrounding grounds include gardens, parkland, and Bunratty Folk Park, featuring traditional cottages, a church, a pub, and period shops. Later, we continue to Killarney and check into the Killarney Towers Hotel for a three-night stay.
Day 9: Today is at leisure in Killarney. We include a jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park along the edge of Lough Leane to Ross Castle. The Tangney family, whose jaunting car business has operated for over 220 years, will welcome you aboard for a traditional pony and trap experience.
As this is the driver’s rest day, we return to Killarney by local coach and the remainder of the day is free for you to explore at leisure.
Day 10: This morning we are joined by a local guide for a full-day excursion along the famous Ring of Kerry. The Iveragh Peninsula has attracted visitors for centuries due to its outstanding natural beauty.
Enjoy a spectacular journey along its coastal roads, passing through colourful villages and dramatic scenery dominated by the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks. At Ladies View, you will experience some of the most famous panoramic views in Ireland.
Day 11: We depart Killarney this morning and travel to Dublin. This historic medieval city is rich in culture, with world-class museums, galleries, and architecture reflecting its fascinating past.
Dublin’s parks and gardens bring a peaceful charm to the city, while the Temple Bar area is a must-see for its lively atmosphere. You may also wish to visit Trinity College, home to the magnificent Long Room in the Old Library and the famous Book of Kells, a 9th-century illuminated manuscript.
Later, we continue to our final hotel, the four-star Talbot Hotel Stillorgan.
Day 12: After an early departure, we travel to Dublin Port and board our ferry. Breakfast is included on board. Upon arrival in Holyhead, we continue our journey back to Norfolk, making suitable comfort stops along the way. We then rejoin our door-to-door taxi service for the final transfer home.
Holiday Information:
10 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
1 Night Bed & Dinner (breakfast will be onboard the ferry)
Price: £2235pp
Single Supplement: £430 (May be allocated a true single at some hotels, most will be twins/doubles for sole occupancy but not guranteed)
Tour Reference: AWE5469
Deposit Required: £70pp
Balance Due: 10 weeks prior to departure