YOUR ITINERARY:

Monday(day 1) is the start date in Ireland. Note, with overnight flights, a SUNDAY flight would be needed, to meet the group on Day 01, Monday at Dublin Airport.

Day 01, Monday, October 28 | Arrive Ireland! Enjoy Dublin

On arrival of all international flights booked by Celtic Tours, we have a morning group departure from Dublin Airport (departure time approximately 9:45 am*). Travel along the coastline from Malahide to Portmornock, Howth and Clontarf where we begin to tap into the spooktacular abundance of Ireland. When it comes to the most notable vampire of all time, Dracula is the name on everyone’s blood-red lips. Written by Irishman Bram Stoker and published in 1897, the infamous bloodsucker has spawned countless adaptions across creative media and is the source of an entire vampire genre. It all began in a tiny Dublin hamlet called Clontarf, itself a historical and mystical location known for the Battle of Clontarf, where Irish hero Brian Boru was slain and more than 800 years later, Bram Stoker was born. Continue onto our city center hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is free for your to explore the capital city. Dinner is on your own this evening. Overnight in Dublin. (*Note, transfer may be earlier depending on booked incoming flights).
 

Day 02, Tuesday, October 29 | Dublin

This morning after breakfast enjoy a panoramic tour of the Capital City ending at the EPIC Museum, located in Dublin's Docklands. This fantastic museum covers the history of the Irish diaspora and emigration to other countries. Some free time this afternoon to enjoy the Capital city before our spooktacular evening adventure on a 2-hour Dublin Ghost Bus Tour! Be enlightened by little-known tales of its darker side while journeying with your guide to some of its most sinister spots. Get a new perspective on the Royal College of Surgeons, wander the St. James graveyard, and visit the haunted steps of St Audoens Church. (B)

Day 03, Wednesday, October 30 | To Derry, the Halloween Capital of Ireland

Morning departure from Dublin, we head northwest to the Spooktacular Halloween Capital of Derry. Enjoy a 1.5-hour Derry Girls Tour, beginning at the famous Derry Girls mural on Orchard Street, and walk in the footsteps of your favorite Derry Girls (not forgetting the wee English fella of course!). Learn interesting facts about the show, visit filming locations, and have plenty of craic with your resident Derry Girl Charlene or purebred Derry man Garvin.  We have had the pleasure of hosting many stars from the show on our tour so if it's good enough for the stars then its good enough for you! After the craic, enjoy a guided tour of the famous Guildhall in Derry. Sitting within reach of our famous 400-year-old Walls is one of the City's most recognizable - and arguably one of the most stunning landmarks in Derry. The remainder of the afternoon is free in Derry where there are many spooky adventures to choose from. Return to your hotel for dinner this evening. Overnight in Derry. (D,B)

Day 04, Thursday, October 31 | Halloween Festival in the Walled City

After breakfast, embark on a historic walking tour of the walled city, embracing its troubled past, its peaceful present, with our expert guide. Afterward, be part of Europe’s largest Halloween Festival as the Walled City of Derry welcomes the spirit of Samhain through its historic gates for a festival like no other! Follow the Awakening the Walled City Trail and find out more about the folklore, history and heritage that makes this place so special. The story of Halloween is brought to life through illumination, aerial performance, pyrotechnics, and music, as the spirits cross over to join the festivities, bringing magic and mischief to the streets. Be sure and make your way over to the parade route to watch the Halloween parade, which traditionally involves hundreds of local performers from schools, clubs, and groups right across the City and District, helping it to retain the community spirit that has always been at the heart of Derry’s world-class festivities. Parade begins at 7:00 p.m., followed by the City of Drones at 8:15 p.m. and the Fireworks Finale at 8:30 p.m. The fireworks will take place on the River Foyle.  The best viewing points are along the Quay, from beside the Peace Bridge to Sainsbury’s. Dinner is on your own this evening. Enjoy a bite at one of the many fine restaurants Derry has to offer, before returning to your hotel for overnight. (B)
 

Day 05, Friday, November 01 | Derry - Donegal - Derry

We head out of the walled city today after breakfast we set out to tour some of the most rugged and breathtaking parts of Ireland, the northwest and scenic Donegal. We travel through Letterkenny to Glenveagh National Park, extending over 16,000 hectares of north Donegal, including the Derryveagh Mountains, the Poisoned Glen and part of Errigal Mountain. Time allowed to hike the grounds or alternatively pop into the Tea Rooms in the castle for a snack (on your own). Continue on through towns of Gweedore, Dungloe, Glenties and Ardara. We suggest a stop into the Triona Donegal Tweed Center in Ardara for famous Donegal tweeds and gifts. Return to Derry where you will find more Halloween celebrations continuing. Overnight in Derry. (B)
 

Day 06, Saturday, November 02 | Derry - Navan - Dublin

Leaving Derry behind, we travel south to the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland Armagh, with a stop at Navan Centre & Fort ancient seat of the Ulster kings, for a deep dive into Irish myth and legend. Here at one of Ireland’s most famous archaeological sites, you can walk in the footsteps of Iron Age warriors as 2,000 years of history comes to life. Continue onto the small coastal town of Ballbriggan in Co. Dublin for our last night. Tonight have a farewell dinner at our hotel. Overnight in Ballbriggan.

 

Day 07, Sunday, November 03 | Dublin - Return Home

After breakfast, morning transfer to Dublin Airport with time to check-in and do some last minute duty free shopping before boarding your flight for your return home, with a promise to return.