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, 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 beautiful day out at Glenveagh Castle and Gardens in the National Park - the second-largest in Ireland. 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.