The Emerald Isle 2024

Day 1: Dublin (Republic of Ireland)

Historic and full of character, Dublin is where we’ll meet the group and begin our adventure. This evening is an opportunity to get to know one another over a delicious welcome dinner. Accommodation: Ashling Hotel (or similar)

Day 2: Dublin – Belfast (Northern Ireland)

After breakfast, we’ll make tracks to the fascinating Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre. Then, a visit to the Titanic Museum to discover the personal stories surrounding the infamous ship’s fateful journey. After a history-filled day (a taste of what’s to come), the evening will be yours to explore Belfast at your leisure. Accommodation: Malone Lodge (or similar)

Day 3: Belfast – North Irish Coast (Republic of Ireland)

You don’t have to delve deep into Northern Ireland’s past to see its influences on contemporary culture – and this morning’s Black Cab tour of Belfast’s street art and political murals will serve as proof. After lunch, it’s time to explore Ireland’s natural geological wonder – the Giant’s Causeway. Next, you’ll settle into your hotel on the North Irish Coast and tuck into a delicious included dinner. Accommodation: Redcastle Hotel (or similar)

Day 4: North Irish Coast – Derry – North Irish Coast

After a morning spent exploring Londonderry’s old city walls with a local guide, we’ll board the mini-coach and head to the North Irish Coast for the day. At the Isle of Doagh, we’ll pay a visit to the Famine Village and Visitor Centre to gain an insight into Irish life during the time of the Great Famine. We’ll round off the day with some free time to relax back at the hotel. Accommodation: Redcastle Hotel (or similar)

Day 5: North Irish Coast – County Roscommon

More fascinating history is on the cards today! Kick things off with a visit to the Ulster American Folk Park, where we’ll learn why two million Irish people sailed away to start a life in the New World. A visit to the Belleek Pottery Centre (the home of Ireland’s oldest working fine china pottery) is on this afternoon’s agenda, before moving on to County Roscommon, where we’ll regroup for an included dinner. Accommodation: Kilronan Castle (or similar)

Day 6: County Roscommon – Galway

After breakfast, we’ll pay a visit to the homestead of Dan O’Hara (he of the famous ballad), where we’ll gain a unique insight into prefamine life and culture. Then, it’s time to turn our attention to the harbour city of Galway where we’ll enjoy an evening of leisure. Accommodation: The Dean (or similar)

Day 7: Galway

Today we’ll see the likes of the Spanish Arch, Galway Cathedral and Eyre Square on an orientation tour of the city. Then: the afternoon will be yours to spend exploring brightly coloured pubs, tasting local seafood and listening to the ever-present assembly of tuneful street performers. Buzzing, bohemian and utterly charismatic, you’re sure to fall for Galway’s many charms! Accommodation: The Dean (or similar)

Day 8: Galway – Cliffs of Moher – Dingle Peninsula

Out of Galway and onwards to the karst landscapes of the Burren. Before we reach our accommodation in the Dingle Peninsula, we’ll round off the day with a visit to the magnificent Cliffs of Moher – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that is bound to take your breath away. Tonight, share stories with your travel companions over an included dinner. Accommodation: Dingle Benners Hotel (or similar)

Day 9: Dingle Peninsula

Today will begin at one of the Dingle Peninsula’s most famous landmarks: the Gallarus Oratory, a unique stone chapel that resembles an upturned boat. After that, there’s one more stop in store – the fascinating Blasket Centre, which celebrates the history of the beautiful Great Blasket Island. Upon our return to Dingle, we’ll have plenty of free time to explore the quaint fishing port and dine at one of the many local restaurants at our leisure. Accommodation: Dingle Benners Hotel (or similar)

Day 10: Dingle Peninsula – County Cork

Peaks and lakes are on the menu today! First, we’ll take in the views across the stunning Lakes of Killarney. Then, we have an appointment to keep with a true Irish icon: Blarney Castle. Legend has it that you’ll be blessed with the ‘gift of the gab’ if you kiss the famous Blarney Stone – a block of limestone built into the castle’s battlements. Tonight, we’ll make the most of our new-found eloquence over dinner. Accommodation: Vienna Woods (or similar)

Day 11: County Cork – Kinsale – County Cork

After boarding the mini-coach in County Cork, the port town of Kinsale will be our first stop of the day where we’ll have some time to soak up fishing town’s laid-back atmosphere. Then, it’s time to turn our attention toward the world-renowned Jameson Distillery. After an afternoon tour and whiskey tasting, we’ll return to the hotel to enjoy the evening at our leisure. Accommodation: Vienna Woods (or similar)

Day 12: County Cork – Kilkenny

As we approach the final few chapters of the tour, we’ll stop in to admire the delicate detailing of a traditional cottage orné. After that, it’s time to spend the afternoon acquainting ourselves with Kilkenny – Ireland’s ‘most perfect’ medieval city. Our Tour Leader will take us for a leisurely walk around town before we come together for our last hurrah: a delicious farewell dinner. What an adventure it’s been! Accommodation: The Hibernian (or similar)

Day 13: Kilkenny – Dublin

After breakfast, we’ll return to cosmopolitan Dublin – where our tour will come to a close.