Irelands Grand Tour

Day 1

Departing from your home area early morning for a sailing from Cairnryan to Belfast before travelling to the welcoming Carrickdale Hotel and Spa near Dundalk for a 1 night stay dinner, bed and breakfast.

Day 2

After breakfast, we continue south through Ireland’s rolling countryside towards the historic Viking city of Waterford. Known for its rich maritime history and famous crystal heritage, Waterford offers plenty to explore, from charming streets and riverside walks to traditional Irish pubs and shops. Tonight we will be staying at the Dooley’s Hotel for a 1 night stay dinner, bed and breakfast.

Day 3

Today we travel on to Co. Cork, home of the legendary Blarney Woollen Mills with its extensive range of clothes, crafts and classic Irish souvenirs. Continue to one of Ireland’s most popular towns set amidst spectacular mountains and countryside. We enjoy a 3 nights stay at the Killarney Towers Hotel dinner, bed and breakfast.

Day 4

Today is a free day to enjoy Killarney at your leisure. Set in the Irish Lake District and internationally renowned for its scenic beauty, with a myriad of pastimes to ensure you will never be left at a loose end. The most popular way to learn about the town and its lakes is to take a traditional Jaunting Car ride (not included in tour price). The Tangney family has been running these excursions from the centre of Killarney for five generations. The tour runs through the Killarney National Park and along the edge of Lough Leane to Ross Castle. From here you could catch the 'Lily of Killarney' to cruise across the lake (not included in tour price) a memorable way to view the surrounding mountains. Why not explore Killarney town or maybe visit the magnificent Muckross House, Gardens and Traditional Farm. The Victorian mansion is elegantly furnished fully befitting one of its most famous guests, Queen Victoria.

Day 5

Today we will visit the world famous Ring of Kerry in the company of a true local guide, whose stories, humour and deep rooted knowledge of the Kingdom will bring this breath taking corner of Ireland to life. Savour 100 miles of spectacular scenery as you travel along the narrow coastal road of the Iveragh Peninsula. The journey begins at Killorglin, home of the world’s oldest market, the famous Puck Fair, through Glenbeig. Continue through the villages of Rossbeigh and Kells, with their beautiful golden beaches to Caherciveen for lunch. Travel through Waterville and Derrynane, overlooking Ballinskelligs Bay to Caherdaniel, hometown of political hero Daniel O'Connell. Continue through Sneem, a quaint town with its own village green, and Kenmare to Moll's Gap, a cutting between bleak bogland and mountains. The winding road passes Ladies View, aptly named after Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting who were so impressed with the view of the lakes and the entrance to Muckross, finishing in Killarney.

Day 6

Depart Killarney after breakfast we make our way through Co. Limerick and visit the Foynes Flying Boat Museum, a unique chapter in the country’s aviation history. Enjoy the attached Maritime Museum and a sample of traditional Irish Coffee, invented here at Foynes. In 1942, the chef at Foynes airbase, Joseph Sheridan, served whiskey in his coffees to help revitalise a group of weary passengers delayed by bad weather and a legend was born! From here continue to the Loughrea hotel your next 2 nights stay, dinner, bed and breakfast.

Day 7

Today discover the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. Enjoy visits to the Burren Visitor Centre in the morning and the official Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre in the afternoon, the latter having breath taking views 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. These towering cliffs stretch for 8 kilometres and have become a national icon, home to thriving seabird colonies and visited by seals, porpoises and even basking sharks. This afternoon spot the Aran Islands as you follow the dramatic coastal route around Black Head and Ballyvaughan Bay before returning to Loughrea and your hotel.

Day 8

Take a quick look at the city of Galway, known as the City of Tribes, and famous today for a calendar crammed full of festivals and events celebrating everything from oysters to opera. Perhaps take a walk along the Old Quays to visit the Spanish Arch and the Claddagh, which pay testament to Galway’s maritime history, or visit Eyre Square, a relaxing spot, amongst the maze of streets offering a variety of stores, pubs and restaurants. Then head north via Claremorris and Knock, home of the famous Knock Shrine which once saw ½ million people greet Pope John Paul II. We will then continue to Sligo on the banks of the River Garavogue for a short refreshment stop before completing the journey to Ballybofey for a 2 nights stay at the Kee’s hotel dinner, bed and breakfast.

Day 9

Today we will visit the town of Donegal. Explore at your leisure, why not visit Donegal Castle, the abbey ruins or Magee’s home of Donegal hand-woven tweeds. Alternatively enjoy a cruise around Donegal Bay: the cruise is subject to tidal restrictions, takes approximately 80 minutes.

Day 10

Leaving Ballybofey today, travel across the border into Northern Ireland and over to the mighty Giant’s Causeway. Created by volcanic activity a more romantic legend is that the giant Finn MacCool laid a path across the sea to his lady-love in Scotland. A regular shuttle bus escorts visitors from the visitor centre down to the shore. Following lunch travel along the Antrim Coast Road built in the 1800's to provide employment for famine-stricken workers, passing the spectacular scenery centred round the nine Glens of Antrim. Continue onto Belfast for a 2 nights stay at the Stormont Hotel Belfast dinner, bed and breakfast.

Day 11

Begin your day with a Guided Tour of the city sights taking in the Botanical Gardens, Queen’s University, the Waterfront Hall and the famous leaning Albert Clock. Close to City Hall and the Belfast Opera House is the Crown Liquor Saloon, a beautifully preserved Victorian public house with gas lamps and drinking snugs, owned by the National Trust. In the afternoon we will visit the new Titanic Belfast Visitor Centre. This iconic attraction opened in April 2012 in the heart of the city beside the slipways where RMS Titanic was built, and where visitors can re-live the entire Titanic story from her birth in Belfast to the fateful maiden voyage and her eventual discovery on the seabed. Return to the hotel for dinner.

Day 12

After breakfast, travel to Belfast Port for the return ferry crossing back to Cairnryan, bringing your unforgettable Grand Tour of Ireland to a close.

Additional Notes

Please note Euros may be required on this tour along with Photo ID for the ferry crossing.

You will arrive late evening on day 1 and will return to your drop off point late evening on day 12.

This tour is our ultimate Grand Tour of Ireland and has been designed to showcase as much of the country as possible. As a result, it is a busy and comprehensive itinerary, involving travel between several regions and accommodation in multiple hotels. While this means there will be a number of hotel changes throughout the tour, it allows you to experience a wide variety of Ireland’s most iconic sights, stunning scenery and unique local cultures within a single holiday. We recommend this tour for travellers who enjoy an active sightseeing programme and are comfortable with a fast-paced itinerary.