Day 1: Following your home taxi collection, you will join our luxury tour coach and we will head North to the Scottish border and our overnight hotel.
Day 2: This morning we head for Cairnryan where we board the ferry to Belfast. Upon arrival we make our way to our hotel for the next 2 nights, the fabulous four star Stormont Hotel, on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.
Day 3: After breakfast we head into Belfast for a guided coach tour. We will hear about the city's turbulent past, thriving present and hopes for the future. Highlights will include major landmarks such as City Hall, Queen's and Stormont Castle - seat of the Northern Ireland Assembly and a stunning sight gradually revealed from the rising approach road. During the tour you'll also see West Belfast's celebrated Peace Wall, the political murals of the Shankhill and Falls roads, and the ultra-modern developments of the regenerated docks area, crowned by the breathtaking Titanic Quarter. After lunch we will rejoin the coach and head to Titanic Belfast, which stands on the site where RMS Titanic was constructed over a century ago. Developed as much as a tribute to the days of shipbuilding in the city as in commemoration of the ill-fated liner that met her untimely end on her Maiden Voyage in 1912, Titanic Belfast is a dramatic, innovative and exciting presentation of the real story of the famous ship. Wander through its nine fascinating galleries, housed in one of the most eye-catching buildings to have been built in the UK for years. The ship's conception, construction, tragic sinking and its aftermath, as well as its rediscovery in 1985, are brought vividly to life with audio-visual presentations, life-size reconstructions, interactive features and even a Shipyard Ride. You'll leave the exhibition with a real sense of the enormity - and the human cost - of one of the 20th-century's most fateful events.
Day 4: This morning we enjoy one of the finest marine drives in Europe, the Antrim Coast Road, with its spectacular scenery centered round the nine Glens of Antrim. We follow the coast road, through to Carnlough via Cushendall and the National Trust village of Cushendun, before heading up to Bushmills town where we stop for lunch. We then continue onto the World-Heritage listed Giants Causeway. Long associated with legendary Irish hero Finn McCool, this astonishing collection of closely packed basalt columns, which rise like stepping stones from the Atlantic to the wild, windswept cliffs above, was formed after a volcanic eruption 60-million years ago. Your visit will include entry to the Visitor Centre, where you'll receive a free audio-guide to take to the stones, and have the chance to explore the exhibits in the active interpretation area. Take the short minibus trip from the visitor centre to the Causeway or walk the mile or so along the cliff path to take in the breathtaking views and sea air. (The shuttle bus is subject to a small fee of approximately £1.50 each way, which is not included in the cost of your holiday). We then make our way to the Kee’s Hotel in Ballybofey for our 2 night stay.
Day 5: Today we head to Donegal town. Situated on the River Eske at the head of Donegal Bay, this lively town is steeped in O’Donnell clan history, and has an imposing Jacobean castle, and ancient marketplace. Whilst here, you may wish to take the 70-minute waterbus trip (not included) around Donegal Bay, which offers another scenic perspective on this attractive town – especially on fine days. Back on shore you'll find no shortage of pubs and restaurants where you can grab a spot of lunch.
Day 6: This morning we head to Galway, one of the brightest and most intriguing jewels of the West of Ireland. It marks the halfway point on the Wild Atlantic Way and is the only city on the entire 2500km route. The city is full of culture, artistry, exceptional food and music. As well as being a popular seaside destination with long sandy beaches, Galway is also a thriving and cosmopolitan city centre. It is always a joy to explore with its wonderful cobbled streets, colourful shop facades, and its offbeat café/bar culture. You will have time to discover all that medieval Galway has to offer, before we continue to the Lough Rea Hotel & Spa for the next two nights.
Day 7: This morning, we make our way to Ballyvaughan and Lisdoonvarna. From here, we continue south to Doolin where we stop for lunch. Known as the music capital of Ireland, A ramble along Fisher Street is arguably one of the most popular things to do in Doolin. This colourful little ‘street’ is like something whipped straight from a postcard thanks to its brightly painted buildings.
This afternoon we head to the Cliffs of Moher. One of Ireland’s favourite visitor experiences, the Cliffs of Moher tower 700 feet over the rugged West Clare coast. Walk the safe, paved pathways and view the famous Cliffs on Europe’s western frontier and enjoy the spectacular vistas over the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands.
We also include entry into the visitor centre where we have access to the Cliffs exhibition. Nestled into the hillside, its unique cave-like structure accommodates a full range of facilities and attractions underground. The centrepiece of the Visitor Centre is a circular exhibition space that has a domed roof structure, with a diameter of 25 metres. You’ll be immersed into an interpretative exhibition, which not only animates the story of the Cliffs, presenting the geology, wildlife and human aspects but draws stories and information from all around County Clare and Ireland. To bring to life the many different aspects of the Cliffs, the dome is organised into four main themed areas: Ocean, Rock, Nature and Man.
From here, we make our back to the hotel over the Burren, a rocky limestone paradise on the Wild Atlantic Way. The vast, moon-like Burren in County Clare is one of Ireland's most compelling landscapes. Here, cool grey rock etched with crevices and cracks tumbles down to the wild blue Atlantic Ocean. The result is one of nature's most extraordinary phenomena: a huge rocky pavement dotted with rock formations, caves and fossils, as well as an incredible array of flowers, from native species to Arctic, Alpine and Mediterranean plants. It is also home to megalithic tombs and monuments which pre-date the Egyptian pyramids.
Day 8: This morning we head to Killarney. On route we will call in at Bunratty. Here, we visit what is considered to be the most complete and authentic castle in Ireland – Bunratty Castle. The 15th century castle offers a glimpse of what life was like in medieval times, as visitors wander through its chambers, hear stories of battles and bravery, and marvel at the finest collection of medieval furniture in the country. Aside from the main castle building, the grounds surrounding Bunratty also feature gardens and parklands, and the Bunratty Folk Park which contains a church, farmhouses, a pub, shops, and a lovely garden. Later, we continue to our hotel for the next 3 nights, the Killarney Towers Hotel.
Day 9: Today is spent at leisure in Killarney. We have included a Jaunting car ride that runs through the Killarney National Park and along the edge of Lough Leane to Ross Castle. The Tangney family, whose jaunting business has been in operation for over 220 years, will welcome you on board their pony and trap rides and take you on an exciting tour of the area. As today is the drivers rest day, we return to Killarney by a local coach and the rest of the day will be yours to explore at your leisure.
Day 10: This morning we are joined by a local guide for today’s excursion, which takes us to the famous ‘Ring of Kerry’. The Ring of Kerry, or Iveragh Peninsula as it is also known, has attracted visitors for hundreds of years on account of its outstanding natural beauty. You will enjoy the spectacular journey around the narrow coastal road of the Iveragh Peninsula, dominated by MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, passing through a myriad of colourful seaside villages. At Ladies View, you too can witness the fabulous views of the lakes below.
Day 11: We depart our hotel this morning and head to Dublin. This beautiful medieval city has a long and colourful past and its museums, art galleries and wonderful architecture, all chronicle its fascinating history. Dublin’s parks and gardens are very much the life of this stunning city, and the temple bar area is a must see. You could also take a stroll through the elegant Trinity College. The biggest draw is the barrel-vaulted Long Room in the Old Library - home of one of Ireland's greatest cultural treasures, including the Book of Kells; a beautifully-illuminated Gospel manuscript that dates back to the 9th century. Later, we continue to our final hotel, the four star Talbot Hotel Stillorgan
Day 12: After an early departure from our hotel, we head for Dublin Port. Once we board our ferry, breakfast will be included on board. Upon our arrival in Holyhead, we begin our journey back to Norfolk, making suitable stops along the way. We then rejoin our door to door taxi service who will be waiting to take you home.
Holiday Information:
10 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
1 Night Bed & Dinner (Breakfast will be onboard the ferry)
Price: £1968pp
Single Supplement: £377 (Will be allocated a twin or double room for sole occupancy at all hotels, except the Lough Rea hotel could be a true single or room for sole use)
Insurance: TBC (Insurance not currently available)
Tour Reference: AWE5082
Deposit Required: £70pp
Balance Due: 10 weeks prior to departure