YOUR ITINERARY:

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

Day 1, Saturday | Arrive Ireland! Dublin – Navan Centre & Fort - Derry

From Dublin Airport we travel (departure time approximately 9:45 am*) to Armagh and the Navan Centre & Fort, the 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. Then it’s on to the lively city of Derry, immortalized in Lisa McGee’s “Derry Girls.” Of course, there’s a great deal more to Derry than an award-winning Netflix show can convey, so after a warm welcome at our city center hotel we’ll relax before meeting our expert guide for a walking tour of this historic city. The evening is free, so dine on your own and enjoy the many pubs and entertainment venues on offer. Overnight in Derry.

(*Flights arriving after transfer time will not be able to avail of the group transfer. In these instances, it is advised to book a pre-night stay so that you can avail of the group transfer.)

Day 2, Sunday | Derry - Titanic Museum

After breakfast, depart for the historic city of Belfast, the birthplace of C.S. Lewis and Kenneth Branagh, the site of Liam Neeson’s stage debut, and home to Ireland’s tallest building. After a panoramic tour (via the coach) of the city, we visit the astonishing multidimensional exhibit known as Titanic Belfast. However much (or little) you may know about the Titanic, this installation uses more than nine galleries to tell the story of the “unsinkable” ship that has captured imaginations for well over a century. Overnight in Derry. (B,D)

Day 3, Monday | Derry – Giants Causeway - Donegal**

Off to the Antrim Coast this morning to visit the Giant’s Causeway and Museum. These fantastic volcanic columns were formed from active lava more than 60 million years ago, and feature prominently in Irish fables and folklore. From here, we leave Northern Ireland and head to Donegal and our 4-star hotel in Ballybofey for a delightful dinner. Overnight in Donegal.** (B,D)

Day 4, Tuesday | Atlantic Coast - Glenveagh Castle - Glenties

Ireland’s wild side comes into focus once we reach the Atlantic Coast. Today we travel via Glenties, a small village where the best of Irish crafts are on display. We take the scenic route from Maas to Gweebarra Bay, to Dungloe and then onto Glenveagh for a beautiful day out at Glenveagh Castle and Gardens in the National Park. Return to our Donegal hotel for dinner. Overnight in Donegal**.  (B,D)

(**Select departures (May 4, Jun 15, Aug 03, and Aug 24) overnight in Sligo at the Sligo Park Hotel as an alternative to Donegal on these dates)

Day 5, Wednesday | Donegal * - Killybegs - Slieve League -Belleek - Sligo - Roscommon

The road leads south along Donegal Bay to Killybegs and the spectacular Slieve League Cliffs looking out over the Atlantic. Slieve League translates to “mountain of stone pillars,” and our minibus transfer allows up-close access to revel in their dramatic beauty and take in the scenic views of Malin Bay. Our tour continues with a visit the famed Belleek China showroom to see the iconic Irish pottery that’s been made here since 1884. Southwest to the long, sandy beaches of Rosses Point, overlooking Sligo Bay, and then to Kilronan Castle Hotel for a fabulous dinner and a stay fit for Celtic royalty. (Overnight in Roscommon.) (B,D)

(* Note, slight change to route when tour overnights in Sligo.)

Day 6, Thursday | Roscommon - Sligo - Roscommon

Enjoy a leisurely departure from Kilronan Castle Hotel and get ready to go “all in” at the Arigna Mining Experience in Roscommon, where we’ll tour the historic 400-year-old coal mine and the exquisite scenery that surrounds it, deep in Ireland’s hidden heartland. Stunning Lough Allen provides a backdrop as we head to Dromahair and the Lake Isle of Innisfree, the peaceful, dreamy retreat that inspired one of William Butler Yeats’ best-known poems. This is Yeats Country, and when we continue on to Sligo Town you’ll see the poet's statue -- and you can visit the Yeats Library and Art Gallery or just enjoy Sligo's street life. Then it's back to our castle to relax before dinner. Overnight in Roscommon. (B,D)

Day 7, Friday | Roscommon - Cliffs of Moher - Adare - Killarney

With a royal wave goodbye to Kilronan Castle we’re off to the iconic Cliffs of Moher, towering over the Clare Coast on the Wild Atlantic Way. The spectacular Burren views unfold as we head to Killarney, passing the seaside town of Lahinch with its broad golden strand, and beautiful Adare with its thatched-roof cottages. Killarney has long been celebrated as one of Ireland’s loveliest towns, and after dinner at our hotel this evening you’re free to explore its traditional music scene, visit its pubs, or attend a top-rated Irish Cabaret show, which can be pre-booked at the time of your reservation for $49 per person. Overnight in Killarney. (B,D)

Day 8, Saturday | Killarney - Ring of Kerry

From the lakes of Killarney to the Ring of Kerry - get ready to embark on a truly magical drive that starts in the town of Killorglin, gateway to Ireland’s Reeks Region and world-famous for its traditional Puck Fair. As we skirt the coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula, passing through the towns of Glenbeigh, Cahirciveen, Waterville, and Sneem, the scenery offers a spectacular panorama. Take in the mysterious lakes, hidden valleys, and majestic mountains that make the Ring of Kerry a must-see. With visions of its beauty still dancing in our imaginations, we’ll circle back to Killarney to venture out independently and enjoy the fine dining and nightlife there. Overnight in Killarney. (B)

Day 9, Sunday | Blarney - Cobh - Waterford

Off to Blarney, in County Cork, where the 600-year-old Blarney Castle, famed for its Blarney Stone, is an optional visit, as is Blarney Woollen Mills. Kiss the stone for the gift of gab or grab some gifts in one of Ireland’s favorite shopping spots - your choice! We’ll travel to nearby Cobh (Queenstown), the charming harbor town that was last port of call for the Titanic and the last glimpse of Ireland for generations of emigrants. Then it’s on to the ancient Viking city of Waterford for dinner and an overnight stay. Overnight in Waterford. (B, D)

Day 10, Monday | Waterford - Dublin

Crystal visions come alive with a visit to the House of Waterford to see the exquisite glass for which the city is famous. We’ll make our way back to Dublin via Kildare, Ireland’s horse-breeding capital. An afternoon check-in allows time to relax before heading out to a traditional Irish cabaret and dinner show in Dublin and returning to our hotel. Overnight in Dublin. (B,D)

Day 11, Tuesday | Dublin

Our last morning tour is, literally, EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum. This interactive experience blends history and culture, revealing stories of the Irish diaspora and tracing the travels of Irish people around the world. Then it’s off to the Guinness Storehouse, a magical spot where we’ll learn all about Ireland’s iconic brew. This afternoon wander about the capital city, take in the sights, and enjoy dinner on your own before the final overnight in Dublin. (B)

Day 12, Wednesday: Dublin - Tour ends

An early morning transfer takes you to Dublin Airport for the return flight home. Pick up last-minute gifts at the duty-free shops, board your flight, and take a last glimpse over the green fields you’ve come to know so well. Arrive home the same day. (B)