Northern & Southern Ireland, Rugged coastline and charming pubs – Irish style

from 

£1,410

per person
 
Duration: 8 Days
Destination: United Kingdom
Tour Provider: Intrepid
Deal Code: DTO0NN0

 

 

Description

Travel Highlights

Rugged coastline and charming pubs – Irish style

The northern nooks and the regal Republic – see it all on an eight-day adventure on both sides of the Irish border. Travel past green pastures, stunning lakes, striking cliff faces and, in the evening, head straight to the pub for a Guinness (or two). Visit medieval castles and ancient sites filled with folklore and whimsy, and marvel at the views of Ireland's rugged coastline, including the Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher and the Giant's Causeway. Hitting the cities of Belfast and Dublin, don't forget to gather your travel crew together for some pub grub and live music to cap off a tour that hits all the hotspots of Ireland. 

Why you'll love this trip :

  • Walk through Ireland’s unspoilt natural wonders of the Rings of Kerry and see shepherds in action, with a sheep farm visit and herding demonstration for your small group.
  • Scramble about the clustered pillars of Giant's Causeway and decide for yourself if it’s a natural phenomenon, or the work of giants, as legends may say.
  • Explore the rugged coastline of the Aran Islands, with time to explore ruins and remains from the Bronze and Iron Age with your local leader.
  • Stroll through Belfast's city centre and learn about recent historical events brought to life in their monuments and buildings – one most notably being the story of the Titanic.
  • Revel in Dublin's energetic nightlife – it’ll feel like there’s a pub on nearly every corner, and its creative neighbourhoods are teeming with hip bars and eateries.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Ireland can be cold at night throughout the year, especially at the start and end of the season. Please bring appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions, including base layers, hat, gloves, scarf, waterproof clothes/umbrella and anything else that you think may be applicable.
  • As accommodation on this trip is twin share, single travellers will share a room with another traveller of the same gender. This trip is a great opportunity to get to know other like-minded people, so embrace it while you can. However, if you’d prefer not to share, a single room supplement is available at an additional charge (some exceptions may apply). Please ask your travel consultant for more details. Also, hotels in Europe can seem small by Australian or American standards, and often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together/apart.
  • This trip is quite fast paced to make the most of your time in Ireland. We will take you on regular orientation walks, so you'll be on your feet quite a lot. While this may be tiring for some, it’s the best way to get your head around a place and to set yourself up for further discoveries. Please remember that on this trip you don't have a lot of time in Belfast and Dublin at the start and the end of the trip respectively, so if you're keen to explore these spectacular cities in depth we recommend you arrive a day or two before the start of the trip and/or extend your stay at the end.

Inclusions

  • Meals - 7 breakfasts
  • Transport - Train, Public bus, Private vehicle, Ferry
  • Accommodation - Hotel (5 nights), Hostel (2 nights)

Included activities

  • Giant's Causeway - Day Trip
  • Aran Islands - Guided Day Trip by Ferry
  • Cliffs of Moher
  • Killarney - Ring of Kerry Day Trip
  • Killarney - Sheep Dog Trials (seasonal)

Important notes

  • SINGLE SUPPLEMENT - A single supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. Please note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. If you would like to book a single supplement and enquire about availability please speak to your booking agent.
  • ITINERARY - You don't have a lot of time in Belfast and Dublin at the start and the end of the trip respectively, so if you're keen to explore these spectacular cities in depth we recommend you arrive a day or two before the start of the trip and/or extend your stay at the end.

Joining point

The 1852 Hotel (formerly The Crescent Townhouse)

13 Lower Crescent

Belfast

UNITED KINGDOM

Phone: +44 2890323349

Joining point description

Tucked away in the heart of the bustling Queen’s Quarter of Belfast, the historic 1852 Hotel (formerly called The Crescent Townhouse Hotel) is within easy access to the town centre and trendy shops as well as some of Belfast's finest bars and restaurants. Behind the 19th century Regency facade, the hotel is brimming with stories of Victorian Belfast, its maritime legacy and intriguing characters. All rooms are en suite, outside telephone line, LCD TV, tea/coffee making facilities, hairdryer and Wi-Fi.

Joining point instructions

Belfast International Airport (airport code BFS) is located 28kms from the city center. Metered taxis are available in taxi ranks outside the terminal with a journey time of about 40 minutes. Alternatively you can take the Airport Express bus 300, departing every 20 minutes, and arriving at Belfast's Europa Bus Centre. Belfast's second airport is Belfast City Airport (airport code BHD) which serves mostly budget airlines. A taxi to the hotel should take about 10 minutes. Alternatively you can use bus 600, leaving every 30 minutes, also arriving at the Europa Bus Centre. To get to the hotel leave the bus centre through the Glengall Street exit and turn right. Turn right again at Great Victoria Street and continue straight until you hit Shaftesbury Square. Here take a slight left turn into Botanical Avenue and then a right into Lower Crescent. The 1852 Hotel will be on your right. The walk from the bus centre will take about 15 minutes.

Book with Confidence :

No change fees : Change your travel plans up to 28 days before departure, with no fees.

Flexible deposit : Cancel up to 28 days before departure and your deposit becomes a credit for future travel.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Belfast

Welcome to Belfast and the Emerald Isle! Your Irish adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6 pm. As you don't spend much time in Belfast as part of the trip, we recommend you arrive a few days early to make the most of it. If you happen to do so, spend some time wandering the streets of the bohemian Cathedral Quarter, or perhaps visit the leafy suburbs of South Belfast or the stately City Hall in Donegal Square. Make sure you also visit the revitalised waterfront area where you will find the Titanic Belfast monument on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard where the legendary RMS Titanic was built. The monument tells the story of the ship's ill-fated maiden voyage in 1912.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities

Belfast - SS Nomadic Museum - GBP7

Belfast - Botanical Gardens - Free

Belfast - Ulster Museum - Free

Belfast - Titanic Museum - GBP19

Belfast - Black Cab Tour - GBP50

Belfast - History of Terror Guided Tour - GBP18

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Special Information

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. If you would like to spend more time in Belfast, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Day 2: Giant's Causeway / Belfast

Take a private transfer to the renowned natural wonder known as The Giant's Causeway (approximately 2.5 hours), travelling along the scenic and rugged wild coast north of Belfast. Giant's Causeway is home to roughly 40,000 basalt columns. The landmark has inspired artists and storytellers for centuries. Depending on the school of thought you wish to believe, they are either the result of an ancient volcanic eruption or the impressions of a giant's footstep! Upon return to Belfast in the evening, why not visit the areas that have a connection to the Troubles, such as Shankill Road, the unionist Protestant area, the nationalist and Catholic area, as well as the 'Peace Wall'. Explore the local neighbourhoods to get more of a feel of this regenerated city, perhaps with a visit to a local pub for a meal with your travel crew.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Giant's Causeway - Day Trip

Meals Included

Breakfast

Day 3: Galway

This morning, travel by public bus to the harbour city of Galway – capital of the county of the same name. You will be crossing the border from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland, so you may need to switch your Pounds for some Euros at this point. While you're in Galway, you could visit the impressive Galway Cathedral. Its full name, the Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, is far more elaborate than the simplicity of its building.

Accommodation

Hostel (1 night)

Optional Activities

Galway - Cathedral - Free

Meals Included

Breakfast

Day 4: Aran Islands / Galway

Enjoy a day trip by ferry to the Aran islands, which have been crafted by centuries of wild winds and smashing waves. The islands are one of the few places where the Irish language is still spoken on an everyday basis. You’ll travel by minibus and on foot to explore the native flora and fauna, with visits to the ruins of a church and a lighthouse. There are also some remains from Bronze and Iron Age fortresses to be found. If you're lucky you may even spot a seal lounging on the rocky shore! Return to Galway for a free evening and time for more exploration. The best way to take in the spirit of this city is by attending a live performance in one of the many pubs, accompanied by a pint of Guinness, of course.

Accommodation

Hostel (1 night)

Included Activities

Aran Islands - Guided Day Trip by Ferry

Meals Included

Breakfast

Day 5: Cliffs of Moher / Adare / Killarney

The magnificent Cliffs of Moher will leave you in awe with their striking look over the Irish coastline. The daring can walk to the edge and watch puffins nesting along the cliff face (from April to late July). Learn about the history of the famous site and its feathered inhabitants at the Cliffs Exhibition. Next stop is the quaint village of Adare. Arrival into Killarney is in the late afternoon. You'll learn quickly that pubs are the heartbeat of Ireland, whether you're interested in guzzling beer or simply getting to know more about Irish culture, pubs are definitely an important part of any Irish adventure – the place for infectiously cheerful music, tall tales and making friends over a pint or two. The Irish take their beer seriously, so this is a great chance to taste a variety of rich 'real ales'. Get to know classic pub fare such as Irish stew, chowders and fish and chips, while also sampling less familiar dishes such as coddle, boxty and champ.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Cliffs of Moher

Meals Included

Breakfast

Day 6: Ring of Kerry / Killarney

Prepare for picturesque rolling green hills and breathe in the salty coastal air as you travel along the Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the Ring of Kerry – a mystical and unspoilt region of Ireland. You'll pass through bucolic villages and enjoy views across some of Ireland's greatest beaches, beautiful lakes and rivers as well as a bit of dramatic coastal scenery. It's the perfect place for a small town crime drama to be set. Travelling by private vehicle will allow you to stop frequently at any of the numerous outlooks along the way for photos. You’ll visit a sheep farm and will see a demonstration of sheep herding – with skilled border collie dogs at work rounding up the sheep, and following commands from the shepherd, they’re no doubt full of practice. Arrive back into Killarney in the early afternoon. If there is enough time perhaps head out to Ross Castle, picturesquely sitting on the shores of Lough Leane.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Killarney - Ring of Kerry Day Trip

Killarney - Sheep Dog Trials (seasonal)

Optional Activities

Killarney - Ross Castle - EUR5

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

Please note that the sheep dog trials only run seasonally.

Day 7: Dublin

Travel by train to Dublin – the proud capital of the Republic of Ireland. Spend the afternoon exploring the cobbled streets of this humming city or drop into the pub for a pint and a yarn. Dublin has much to offer, so make sure you go out and maximise your time here. In the evening, perhaps get your group together and cosy up at a local pub or head into town to find a cool restaurant or bar in Dublin’s Creative Quarter, also known as the city’s 'hipster triangle'.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities

Dublin - St Patrick Cathedral - EUR8

Dublin - Guinness Storehouse - EUR25

Meals Included

Breakfast

Day 8: Dublin

As there are no activities planned for today, you are free to head on your way at any time, providing you comply with the accommodation’s internal check-out policy. You might want to return to Belfast by train or further explore Dublin and surrounding area. Your leader can be of assistance in organising train tickets back to Belfast. If you’d like, additional accommodation can be booked in both locations (subject to availability).

Meals Included

Breakfast

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Terms & Conditions

Prices listed are per person in Great British Pound, based on twin occupancy, rates for single occupancy may differ, Rates offered are including all discounts unless otherwise stated. All bookings are subject to availability. Other travel periods may be available. Some block out dates may apply. Rates may alter depending upon the dates requested and surcharges if applicable. Final booking confirmation only provided once payment has been processed. Contact our travel team for more details. Our Holiday Centre reserves the right to withdraw this promotion without notice at any time. Flights are not included. Pricing correct as at 4th Jan 2022.