Grand Tour of Ireland
13 Days / 12 Nights
The Grand Tour of Ireland is exactly that, a perfect all encompassing journey in this ancient land. We commence in Dublin and here can visit the museums or also take time to visit the Guinness Storehouse to see the origins of the famous Irish stout. Next day we journey to Cork via the ancient city of Kilkenny and see its famed castle. You will drive the Ring of Kerry here which is a highlight of any trip to Ireland. We then explore further on the west coast to Galway and the inimitable wilds of the National Park of Connemara including a visit to the beautiful Kylemore Abbey. The final leg of this great journey visits Belfast in Northern Ireland. En-route we visit the UNESCO site of The Giants Causeway and the ancient Bushmills Whiskey Distillery. Onward to Dublin and final departure. You will be forever enriched from the great journey you have achieved across this mystical land.
The Itinerary
DAY 1 – DUBLIN ARRIVAL
Welcome to Dublin Airport! Transfer into the city and check into your hotel. Depending on your arrival time spend some time exploring this historic capital city. Perhaps visit Trinity College to see the famous book of Kells, or maybe get to experience the Guinness Storehouse.
Overnight: Dublin area
DAY 2 – CORK
On your way to Cork visit Kilkenny. Kilkenny's heritage is evident in the city and surroundings including the historic buildings such as Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice's Cathedral and round tower, Rothe House, Shee Alms House, Black Abbey and St. Mary's Cathedral.
Overnight: Cork area.
DAY 3 - KILLARNEY
Before you leave Cork explore the English Market. Situated in the heart of Cork City, the English Market is a roofed food market and has been trading since 1788. Alternatively visit the Titanic Experience in Cobh. The location marks the departure point for the last 123 passengers who boarded the Titanic on its fateful maiden voyage to America. Continue onwards to The ‘Kingdom’ of County Kerry.
Overnight: Kerry area
DAY 4 – RING OF KERRY
Today depart for the town of Killarney and visit Killarney National Park and onward to the Ring of Kerry. The Ring of Kerry brings you along the Atlantic Coast and is one of the highlights of a trip to Ireland. The breath-taking beauty of the landscape on the peninsula will delight you.
Overnight: Kerry area
DAY 5 – DINGLE PENINSULA – LIMERICK
This morning enjoy another beautiful scenic route. The Dingle Peninsula has something to offer to everyone. Among other things: sandy beaches safe for swimming, walking routes for all abilities, a thriving Irish language community, a rich musical tradition, fine dining, sea angling, arts and film festivals, talented craftspersons and some of the best surfing in Ireland.
Overnight: Limerick area
DAY 6 – GALWAY
On the way to Galway you will cross the Burren region, which is often likened to a moonscape because of the lack of vegetation. You can also visit nearby Cliffs of Moher – majestic cliffs which rise 215 metres out of the Atlantic and stretch for more than 7 kilometres. Continue on to Galway City. The centre of the city is conveniently compact enough to ramble around comfortably. Continue on to your overnight hotel.
Overnight: Galway area
DAY 7 – CONNEMARA
Discover the wilderness of Connemara today. Connemara, whose inhabitants still speak Irish, is without doubt the wildest and most romantic part of Ireland. Bewitchingly hidden between mountains and lakes and surrounded by rhododendrens, lies the gothic style Kylemore Abbey. Afterwards visit Connemara National Park. This impressive park is situated at the foot of the Diamond Mountain, which is 727 metres high.
Overnight: Galway area
DAY 8 – SLIGO
On your way through Sligo you can visit the Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery which has over 60 stone circle and passage tombs making it one of the largest Stone Age cemeteries in Europe. A must for visitors interested in Archeology. After your visit continue towards Donegal town.
Overnight: Donegal area
DAY 9 – DONEGAL
Today we visit the Slieve League Cliffs. Europe's highest sea cliffs, although less famous than the Cliffs of Moher in Co. Clare, Slieve League's Cliffs reach almost three times higher, but you won’t really notice. As most part of Co. Donegal this site is largely untouched by tourism and walks through a largely unspoilt landscape gives you a spectacular view of the coast and the cliff face. Also you can visit the Glenveagh National Park. A spectacular 16,500 hectares (40,000 acres) of scenic mountains, lakes, glens and woods, with a herd of red deer, Glenveagh is one of Ireland's protected natural parks managed by the State. The Visitor Centre houses exhibitions and an audio-visual show on the area.
Overnight: Donegal area
DAY 10 – DERRY
Derry has a heavy historical past and has suffered the 'Troubles'. Today Derry enjoys the advantages of the new peaceful atmosphere in Northern Ireland politics and its city center is again lively and pleasant. You will appreciate a walk in the colorful and well looked after historical city, which boast good shopping, pubs and cafes.
Overnight: Derry area
DAY 11 – BELFAST
En-route to Belfast visit the Giant’s Causeway. The new visitor centre explores the major themes of mythology, geology, landscape, ecology, culture and social history based on the UNESCO World Heritage site that consists of 40,000 basalt polygonal columns formed 60 million years ago after a volcanic eruption. In 2015, Conde Nast Traveler magazine included hopping the stones of the Giant's Causeway as one of the '50 things to do in Europe before you die'. Also you can visit the Old Bushmills Distillery. A guided visit commences with an excellent short film on the history and distillation of Irish whiskey, followed by a 20-minute tour of the distillery. The visit finishes in the distillery pub with a tasting
Overnight: Belfast area
DAY 12 – DUBLIN
Depart for Dublin and visit the Boyne Valley. The Boyne valley is without a doubt the most historical region of the whole island, therefore it is not surprising to find here the most important Irish monuments such as Newgrange, Knowth or Loughcrew Cairns. These are megalithic tombs, dating from 2500 B.C, located along the valley of the river Boyne.
Overnight: Dublin area
DAY 13 – DEPARTURE
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight back home.