Magical Ireland Escorted Vacation

Welcome to Dublin Airport. Make your own way to your city centre hotel. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy all that Dublin has to offer. This evening meet your fellow tour participants for a welcome drink.

Depart from the hotel with your driver and guide to Belfast. Along the way, journey through the Boyne Valley and visit the ancient Hill of Tara, steeped in 5,000 years of history as the seat of Ireland's High Kings. Experience a one-of-a-kind Viking adventure at the Glyde Inn through a VR experience. Next, explore Hillsborough Castle, the official Royal Palace of Northern Ireland. Delve into its rich history, including tales of celebration, diplomacy, and negotiation, while marveling at its breathtaking State Rooms. (B)

Belfast City, nestled at the head of Belfast Lough, is a dynamic and heritage-rich modern city. Explore its evolution from a market town to an industrial powerhouse on a panoramic city centre tour. See key landmarks such as City Hall and Queen’s University before a visit to the iconic Titanic Belfast, narrating the story of the Titanic. Spend your afternoon at leisure in Belfast. (B)

This morning, complete your hotel check-out and embark on a journey along the stunning North Antrim Coastline. Immerse yourself in one of Northern Ireland's most iconic attractions: The Giant's Causeway. This geological wonder features approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed as a result of a volcanic eruption. Recognized for its significance, UNESCO designated it as a World Heritage Site in 1986. Following your exploration of this natural marvel, your travels will take you to Derry, the sole fully preserved walled city in Ireland. Concluding your tour, you'll stroll along the historic walls of Derry, which have borne witness to centuries of dramatic events. (B,D)

Our initial destination for today will be Belleek Pottery, a company with a rich history dating back to 1857. Gain an up-close and personal insight into the craftsmanship behind this globally acclaimed pottery. Next, proceed to the Marble Arch Caves and venture into a captivating natural subterranean realm filled with meandering rivers, intricate passages, and expansive chambers. These caves, situated within the heart of the UNESCO Global Geopark, were sculpted from limestone rock as water gradually dissolved the stone, creating a network of chambers, passageways, and systems that you can explore with the guidance of a tour. (B,D)

Begin your day by journeying to County Clare and exploring the Burren Region. Make a stop at the Cliffs of Moher, where you can relish breathtaking vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. These cliffs, reaching heights exceeding 200 meters at certain points, rank among the tallest coastal cliffs in Western Europe and extend approximately 8 kilometers along the Atlantic shoreline. Afterward, return to Galway and take advantage of some free time to enjoy the city at your leisure. (B)

Head southward in the direction of Cork. On your way, you'll traverse Limerick City, originally established by Vikings in the 9th century. In the afternoon, reach Blarney, where you'll have the opportunity to explore Blarney Castle. This castle is situated within more than 60 acres of picturesque parkland, featuring an array of rare and unique plants and trees, and is steeped in historical significance. Additionally, visitors can acquire the gift of eloquence by kissing the legendary Blarney Stone, also known as the "stone of eloquence." (B)

Experience the best of the Ring of Kerry today as you soak in the breathtaking landscapes at Molls Gap and Ladies' View. To conclude the day, enjoy a leisurely Jaunting Car Ride within Killarney National Park. Transport yourself back in time by embracing Ireland's most classic means of transportation, a Jaunting Car Tour via horse and carriage, allowing you to appreciate Killarney's most cherished natural wonders. Gain insights into the region's rich history from your knowledgeable jarvey, many of whom are second or third-generation experts in this traditional craft. (B)

Explore the nearby Midleton Distillery Experience, established by the Murphy Brothers back in 1825, and which to this day continues to produce over 24 million bottles of whiskey annually. Conclude your visit with a delightful tasting of this renowned Irish whiskey. Next, journey on to Waterford, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the House of Waterford located within the city's Viking Triangle. During the tour, you'll gain insight into the intricate craftsmanship behind Waterford Crystal masterpieces, witnessing the entire process from initial design to the final engraving. (B)

Explore the Dunbrody Famine Ship, an authentic replica of the original vessel constructed in 1845 for the Graves family of New Ross. This ship played a pivotal role in transporting thousands of emigrants from Ireland to North America during a three-decade period. In the afternoon, take some free time to immerse yourself in the charms of Kilkenny, a captivating medieval city, and uncover its picturesque beauty. (B)

During your time in Dublin, explore the EPIC Museum and delve into the reasons behind the emigration of over 10 million individuals from Ireland. As you uncover the narratives of these emigrants, you'll come to understand that emigration isn't solely about what people leave behind; it's equally about what they carry with them. Following your museum visit, take the remainder of the day to relax and enjoy your leisure time. (B)

After a final Irish breakfast, transfer to Dublin Airport for your departure flight home under own arrangements.