The Best of the Emerald Isle - 8 Days / 7 Nights
Join Mark and Margaret Charles for an exclusive journey around Ireland, covering the most popular attractions as well as an immersion into its rich history and culture. We will be exploring some iconic religious sites and delving into the impact of Irish emigration all around the world. This is a tour that is not to be missed. We look forward to you joining us.
To secure your place, head to the below link or click 'Book Now' before selecting your room preference and whether or not you wish to include flights:
Itinerary and Specifics
Included:
- Return flights to and from Dublin (for those purchasing the complete package)
- Full sized touring coach
- Professional local tour guide
- 4* Accommodation on a Bed & Breakfast basis
- All lunches except days 1 and 6
- Entrances to all attractions with guided services where possible
Not included:
- Dinners unless specified
- Gratuities for tour guide and driver - we typically recommend a minimum of $10 USD per person per day
- Travel Insurance - we do have exclusive rates on our site (www.globaldreamtravel.co.uk/trip-insurance) via our Insurance section
- Any personal expenses (shopping, souvenirs etc.)
Full Itinerary:
Day 1 Tuesday 10th June
Arrive Dublin airport at 0645
Depart for a panoramic coach tour of Dublin, covering significant sights and expert commentary
Visit the Book of Kells at Trinity College
Explore the EPIC Museum to learn about Irish emigration and its impact around the world, something that is very popular especially with North American travellers.
Depart to hotel in Athlone before enjoying a welcome dinner
Accommodation: Sheraton Athlone (90 minute drive from Dublin)
Day 2 Wednesday 11th JuneDepart for Kilkenny for a panoramic tour and a visit to Kilkenny Castle - a stunning 13th century castle built with a very strategic purpose.
Lunch in Kilkenny
Visit to Rock of Cashel - initially built at the start of the 12th century and is a very picturesque complex with collections of Celtic art and Medieval architecture.
Return to Athlone
Day 3 Thursday 12th JuneHead to the Cliffs of Moher - take in the iconic views out across the Atlantic
Lunch in Doolin
Depart for Galway
Take a Galway walking tour taking in claddagh, the "Galway girl" and stories of the pirate Queen Grace O'Malley and the city tribes on the "long walk".
Return to AthloneDay 4 Friday 13th June
Depart for Newgrange. This is an exceptionally grand ancient passage tomb gravesite which is even older than Stonehenge - it dates back to 3200 BC
Lunch
Visit to the Ulster Scots Centre in Belfast
Continue for a panoramic coach tour of the city (Castle, Falls and Shankill Road)Check-in to hotel
Confirmed Accommodation: Ten Square HotelDay 5 Saturday 14th June
Depart for Derry / Londonderry, walking tour and visit to St. Columbās Cathedral. Lunch at the Old Docks.
Visit to Gracehill Moravian Church on way back to BelfastDay 6 Sunday 15th June
Depart for St Georgeās Market. (option for lunch / brunch / free choice)
Crumlin Road distillery
Hillsborough CastleDay 7 Monday 16th June
(Photo stop in Portrush Golf Course on way to Giantās causeway)
Giantās Causeway
Castle Rock - Mussenden Temple 20/30 minute addition to drive
Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge
Lunch in Ballycastle Fullenton Arms
Take a boat tour around Rathlin Island - wildlife watching with puffins, seals and dolphins in the area. (2 hour tour)
Return to Belfast
Farewell DinnerDay 8 Tuesday 17th June
Depart for Dublin airport