Northern Ireland and The Atlantic Coast

Highlights / General details

Day 1:

Departing Dublin at 9:00am you will travel north towards the border with Northern Ireland with a stop in the cathedral town of Drogheda. From here it is a short journey into the city of Belfast famous for its industrial past and turbulent history. After a tour of some of the key areas of the city you will arrive in the newly redeveloped Titanic Quarter where you will have time for lunch and a visit to the award-winning new museum. In the afternoon experience the contrasts between the busy city and beautiful scenery of the Antrim Coast and Glens. The tour follows part of this coast from Ballycastle along to the world famous Giants’ Causeway – a stunning piece of coastal scenery. You will spend time exploring this area before arriving in the holiday town of Portrush for the night.

Day 2:

Today the tour makes its first stop in the historic walled city of Derry - designated as UK City of Culture for 2013. You will have some free time to explore the old city or one of the many museums or galleries before crossing the border again back into the Republic of Ireland. You will now travel into one of the most remote and unspoilt parts of the country – County Donegal with its stunning scenery and strong Gaelic culture. The route passes Glenveagh National Park and Errigal Mountain then follows the coast through traditional fishing villages. Along the way there will be plenty time for walks, photos and soaking up the local culture. If time allows it may be possible to drive round the Sliabh Liag peninsula before arriving at your overnight stop in Donegal.

Day 3:

Travelling south along the coast from Donegal will take you into County Sligo – and grave of famous poet WB Yeats. Nearby are the beautiful beaches at Rosses Point and the dramatic mountain scenery of Ben Bulben – great for photographs! Near Sligo Town at Carrowmore is the largest collection of megalithic tombs in Ireland dating back over 6000 years. The route now turns westwards into County Mayo, an area hit hard by the great potato famine and from where many people emigrated to North America. The road takes you through large areas of farmland, bog and open moor with views to distant hills before coming back to the Atlantic Coast and Achill Island. Here you really are right on the edge of Europe and you will have time to savour the peace and quiet of this beautiful area. From her it is a short drive to Westport – your base for the next 2 nights.

Day 5:

After a leisurely start you will leave Westport behind and travel inland through the heart of Connemara to the village of Cong on the shore of Lough Corrib – where the classic film “The Quiet Man” was made. There will be time for a visit to Cong Abbey or the Quiet Man Museum. From here you pass through the Maam Valley and then on to Galway City, where you have some free time for lunch and explore the vibrant city centre. For those customers continuing on the 9 Day All Ireland Tour, you will be dropped off at your accommodation in Galway before the rest of the group depart for Dublin with a stop at Locke’s Distillery in Kilbeggan on the way. Arrival back in Dublin about 7:00pm.

Inclusion

Transportation by top of the range Mercedes minicoach for a more personal experience with a maximum of 16 passengers on tour.

Services of a professional driver/guide.

All road tolls.

Exclusion

Gratuities, Meals and refreshments, Entrances to all Visitor Attractions.

Hours of operation

Tour is available Wednesday: April 29 – September 23.

Location

Tour departs from Dublin Nassau Street opposite the Kilkenny Shop and return to the same place.

Additional Information

Clothing: Because we believe in time off the bus and give clients the opportunities to take nature walks, we recommend to bring suitable clothing and footwear on the tours.

Participant restrictions

Child rate applies to children aged 5-15, based on 1 child sharing a room with parents or 2 children in a twin room. No children under 5 permitted.

Policies

If you are reserving for a single passenger, you must reserve a Single room. Double room can be booked ONLY if you are reserving for 2 or more.

Guests are requested to check in 15 minutes before departure.

Depending on the conditions and tours may return about half an hour earlier. In winter (November to March), some castles are not open but can be viewed from outside.

**All information requested must be supplied or booking is subject to automatic cancellation**