Day 1: Belfast
Welcome to Belfast, Northern Ireland!Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. You’re now in the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland, a place that reflects the complex history between Protestants and Catholics. Since the 1998 peace agreement, Belfast, which houses several important institutions, has undergone a remarkable transformation, becoming a vibrant and lively city. You’ll have free time to explore. We highly recommend visiting the Titanic Museum, Belfast’s most popular attraction. The museum, with its striking architecture, is in the historic shipyard where the famous ocean liner Titanic was built, once one of the world’s leading shipbuilding centers.
Day 2: Belfast - Cushendun - Ballycastle - Causeway of the giants - Derry
After breakfast, we’ll depart and pass through the village of Cushendun (tickets included), a conservation area since 1980, recognized for its architectural significance and its stunning location along the Antrim Coast and Glens, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Around noon, we’ll stop for lunch in Ballycastle, a lively seaside village known for its great food and rich folklore. After lunch (not included), we’ll visit the stunning Giant´s Causeway (admission included), a remarkable site of basalt columns sticking out of the Atlantic Ocean, inspired by the legend of an Irish giant who built the path after being challenged to a fight by a Scottish giant. The site features 40,000 hexagonal stones, nearly 60 million years old, formed by the cooling of volcanic eruptions. You’ll have time to explore—comfortable shoes and warm clothes are recommended. We’ll then arrive in Derry, a historic walled city that blends tradition with modernity. Free time for a walk before checking into your accommodation.
Day 3: Derry - Monea - Marble arch - Belfast
We’ll depart for Monea Castle, which dates to the early 17th century and is now in ruins. Next, we’ll visit the spectacular Marble Arch Caves (tickets included), one of the most impressive cave systems in Europe. Formed over 330 million years ago, these caves stretch more than 11 km and continue to evolve as groundwater erodes the limestone, creating a strange and fantastic underground world. There will be time for lunch (not included). After the visit, we’ll continue to Belfast. Arrival and accommodation.
Day 4: Belfast - Dublin
We’ll depart for Hillsborough Castle (tickets included), located on the outskirts of Belfast and serving as the official residence of the government in Northern Ireland. This grand 18th-century Georgian house features typical royal family amenities. The castle’s surroundings are equally impressive, with vibrant woodlands, wild meadows, and beautifully manicured gardens. We’ll return to Belfast in the late morning.
Day 5: Dublin
We’ll start the day with a panoramic tour of Dublin, the peaceful capital of Ireland. We’ll stroll along the banks of the River Liffey, visiting its parks, historic university, and vibrant downtown streets. We will see the exterior of Trinity College. The afternoon will be free for you to explore at your leisure.Note: Occasionally, depending on our arrival time in Dublin and the daylight hours, the tour may take place the previous afternoon.
Day 6: Dublin - Powerscourt - Kilkenny - Cashel - Cork
We will depart from Dublin and head to Powerscourt, located nearby. We will visit the magnificent Powerscourt Gardens, designed in the 18th century and considered the most beautiful in Ireland (admission included). Admire its fountains, Japanese Gardens, and pet cemetery. Afterwards, we’ll travel to Kilkenny, where there will be time for lunch and to stroll around this lively town. Further south, we will stop to visit the impressive Rock of Cashel (admission included), a medieval fortress symbolizing the Irish struggle against England. We will arrive in Cork in the evening, with time for a stroll in the center of Ireland’s second-largest city. Dinner will be included.
Day 7: Cork - Kinsale - Killarney - Limerick
We will depart for Kinsale, stopping at Charles Fort to admire the stunning ocean views beside this 17th-century fortress. You´ll have time to explore the historic center of Kinsale, a seaside town considered one of the most beautiful coastal towns in Ireland. Afterwards, we´ll travel to Killarney, a popular tourist town in the heart of Ireland. You´ll have time for lunch and a stroll around town. Afterwards, you´ll enjoy a romantic Jaunting Car Tour through the National Park (included), taking you through gardens and along the lake to Ross Castle with its beautiful lakeside views. We’ll also include a short cruise to enjoy the scenic surroundings of the lake. Next, we’ll make a brief stop in Adare, a charming village that still preserves its stone and thatched-roof cottages and the ruins of an old abbey. By mid-afternoon, we will arrive in Limerick. You´ll have time to explore the city center, visit the castle, walk along the river, explore the cathedral, or check out the shopping center. Dinner will be included.
Day 8: Limerick - Cliffs of moher - Galway
Today we will visit Folk Park in Bunratty (tickets included), a wonderful park where we’ll learn about life in Ireland in the past, with its traditional cottages and old markets. The park also features a castle that accurately represents what life was like in the Middle Ages. We will then continue to Caherconnell, where the Poulnabrone Dolmen is located. Here, we might be lucky enough to see some dogs herding sheep. Afterwards, we will visit the impressive Cliffs of Moher, which overlook the ocean (admission included). Those who wish can walk to O’Brien’s Tower. Our route will continue through Burren National Park, showcasing stunning landscapes. Finally, we’ll arrive in Galway.
Day 9: Galway - Clonmacnoise - Dublin
We will depart for Cong, a picturesque village in a beautiful lake area. We will visit the ruins of the Royal Abbey and stroll around Ashford Castle, a stunning medieval castle that has been turned into a hotel. Next, we will travel to Clonmacnoise, where we will visit the Celtic monastic ruins (tickets with guided tour included). We will then continue our journey to Dublin, arriving in the evening.
Day 10: Dublin
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
