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6-Nights Northern Ireland & the Atlantic Coast from $2,540
Goway Travel
OFFER ID 1722982
Active Elements, Epic Scenery, Iconic Landmarks, Rural Charm Discover the captivating landscapes of Ireland, from Belfast’s cultural vibrancy to Connemara’s serene beauty. Experience rich history and legends on this small group journey.
Trip Overview:
This small group experience (maximum 16 participants) gets you off the beaten track so you get a real feel for the country. Our guides are hand-picked for their pride and passion for their country. Transportation is in modern Mercedes Benz mini-coaches and accommodation is in 3 star country hotels.
Depart from Dublin heading north to the city of Belfast. Have a tour of the city which includes the Albert Memorial Clock Tower (compared to the Tower of Pisa), the Opera house, Queen’s University and the Botanical Gardens. Later enjoy the newly opened Titanic Experience where a recreated story of the World’s most famous ship is exhibited complete with interactive exhibition. Continue north into Antrim through its beautiful glens arriving at the coast at Ballycastle. From here, arrive at the fascinating spectacular Giants Causeway which is reputed to be 60 million years old. Legend has it that it was built by a fictitious Irish Giant under the sea all the way to Scotland to the east. Then travel to Portrush for overnight.
Depart the next morning for Londonderry and have a walking tour of this old walled city before heading west to Donegal stopping at the Sliabh Llag Peninsula, a picturesque mountain region with great views of the Atlantic Ocean. Arrive in Donegal for overnight accommodation.
The following day, travel through County Sligo associated with W. B. Yeats. Visit Carrowmore Cemetery with its 60 stone circles and passage tombs which are around 5000 years old and date back to the Stone Age. Also visit Ben Bulben, a rocky mountain formation. Later arrive at Achill Island in County Mayo, the largest island off the coast of the country with a long history and archaeological findings. Arrive at the town of Westport for a 2 night stay.
The next morning, explore Connemara, the land of mountains, rivers, lakes and small villages where the Gaelic language is still widely spoken. This area is the wildest and most remote part of the country. Travel through the wild mountainous Connemara National Park with its diverse flora and fauna. Visit attractive ancient Clifden, the largest town in Connemara and the Twelve Bens, a series of steep sided mountain peaks. The day will end with an 11 kilometre/7 mile drive on the Sky Road which takes in wonderful coastal scenery. Return to Westport.
Your next day brings a further exploration into Connemara including the village of Cong situated on an island. Stop at Cong Abbey with its interesting early Irish architecture dating back to the 12th Century. You will then visit the unusual Quiet Man Museum which depicts aspects of the 1951 movie of the name filmed here starring John Wayne. Continue to Galway City, a bustling town with a lively nightlife, charming pedestrian streets and numerous pubs and cafes. Then it is time to complete your journey heading back to Dublin.
Highlights:
- Begin in Dublin before heading north to Belfast’s Titanic Quarter and the mythical Giant’s Causeway.
- Explore Derry’s historic walls, Donegal’s rugged coast, and ancient Grianan of Aileach fort.
- Visit Sligo’s ancient tombs at Carrowmore and cross to wild Achill Island for windswept Atlantic views.
- Discover Kylemore Abbey’s romantic beauty and the dramatic landscapes of Connemara National Park.
- Stroll through Galway’s lively streets and toast your journey at Ireland’s oldest Kilbeggan Distillery.
Included Services:
- Private arrival airport transfer
- 1 night premium accommodation in Dublin
- 5-day small group tour (max 16 guests) including:
- 1 night moderate accommodation in Portrush
- 1 night moderate accommodation in Donegal
- 2 nights moderate accommodation in Westport
- Touring transportation in a Mercedes minicoach
- Services of a professional driver/guide
- Road, bridge, or ferry tolls
- Breakfast daily (excluding day 1)
Excluded Services:
- Travel Insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Meals and beverages not specifically indicated
- Optional excursions
- Departure transfer
- Items of a personal nature
- Gratuities
- Passport & Visa fees if applicable
6 nights from $2,540 per person
Day 1: Arrive in Dublin
Transfer: Dublin Airportto Dublin - St Stephen's Green
Hotel: The Alex Hotel Dublin - South (4 Star Rating)
The Dublin City center O'Callaghan Alex Hotel was the third hotel in the O'Callaghan Hotels group on the corner of Merrion Square. This hotel welcomes you into its spacious lobby where you will be greeted with a warm welcome. Located off one of the corners of Merrion Square, O'Callaghan Alexander Hotel is close to the Georgian Squares where business and culture are intertwined and is only a few minutes walk from Trinity College and the popular shopping street, Grafton Street.
Day 2: Dublin to Belfast, the Titanic Quarter & Portrush
Departing from Dublin, your journey takes you north, with a brief stop at Stephentown Pond Nature Park for a comfort break. Continuing onward, you arrive in Belfast.
Arriving in Belfast you begin a short city tour which covers the capital's triumphs, tragedies and soul. Your first destination is the globally recognized Falls Road. This historically significant area offers a glimpse into Northern Ireland's complex past, particularly during the period known as The Troubles. As a center of expression, the Falls Road is renowned for its vivid murals, which depict key events, figures, and political messages from this turbulent era. It's a compelling stop for anyone interested in understanding the region's history and the experiences of its people.
Moving on you arrive in the famous Titanic Quarter, a regenerated hub where the famous liner was built and launched in 1911 where you will also have time for lunch. There are a lot of options on how to spend your time here, such as the Titanic Experience, a hop on city bus tour or exploring one of the decommissioned navy ships that are docked here. Your guide will be able to assist you on which might be best to suit your interests! Moving on you head to Ballycastle for an quick tea break before you arrive at the Giant's Causeway.
Made up of 40,000 or so hexagonal-shaped stepping stones created during a volcanic age almost 60 million years ago. Or is that what they want us to think? Legend has it that the Causeway was once a bridge linking Ireland to the Isle of Staffa in Scotland, created by two dueling giants and split during one particularly tumultuous battle. We'll let you decide which to believe! Your last stop is where you will lay your head for the night. You arrive in Portrush ready for your evening meal and to explore this charming fishing village. Overnight Portrush.
Hotel: Moderate Hotel Portrush (3 Star Rating)
We try to reserve accommodation that's no more than a 20-minute walk from the town centre. We regularly check our accommodation partners to ensure they reach a certain standard.
Day 3: Explore Derry & Donegal
You leave Portrush behind, charmed by this small village but ready to explore the bustle of Northern Irelands second biggest city, Derry.
Welcome to the historic walled city of Derry, home to the much-loved TV series ‘Derry Girls'. Here, you'll have ample time to immerse yourself in all that this energetic city has to offer. Choose from walking tours or city bus tours to make the most of your visit and explore as many sites as possible. Alternatively, you can delve deeper into the city's offerings by visiting its fascinating museums, iconic landmarks, or the striking murals scattered throughout. Enjoy the time however you choose before we set off again for a hilltop fort that will take your imagination on a journey through the ancient past.
From here, you head to County Donegal, and your first stop is the jaw dropping hilltop fort of Grianan of Aileach. Rumoured to the site of the baptism of St Patrick, the neolithic burial chamber dates to 200 BC. This imposing structure will show the ingenuity and skill of our ancestors, standing strong now even after centuries. You then head into the picturesque Glenveagh National Park and past the soaring peak of Mount Errigal where you will also stop for a well-deserved lunch in beautiful surroundings, before traveling through the traditional fishing villages of the area. Along the way there will be plenty time for walks on the beach, photos, and soaking up the culture of County Donegal.
After a few photo stops on the way taking in ruined churches, beaches and glens, we arrive at Donegal in the early evening. Your driver guide will give you a short tour of the town to help you get your bearings before you are free to explore and find somewhere to enjoy an evening meal. Overnight Donegal.
Hotel: Moderate Hotel Donegal (3 Star Rating)
We try to reserve accommodation that's no more than a 20-minute walk from the town centre. We regularly check our accommodation partners to ensure they reach a certain standard.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 4: Donegal to County Mayo
Leaving Donegal get ready for a day exploring some of the oldest relics in Ireland and the ancient past they reveal. In the morning, you pass south along the coast near Donegal and into County Sligo. This area is home to dramatic views of the gorgeous mountain, Benbulben. There will be a few surprise stops and a comfort break scheduled into this part of your day.
Outside Sligo Town lies Carrowmore, where you have the chance to visit the largest collection of megalithic tombs in Ireland, some of which date back over 6000 years. The scale and significance of this sight may leave you a little awestruck but you hopefully still have your appetite in tact as we are heading next to the quaint Crossmolina Village for your lunch break.
At Crossmolina, you'll have time for lunch and to ponder over the landscapes, monuments and stories of the morning. Moving westwards, you enter County Mayo, an area that was tragically ravaged by the Great Potato Famine. Winding roads curve through the picturesque farmlands, bogs and open moors, offering views of distant hills and the Atlantic coast, where you'll visit the dramatic Achill Island. Here you have time to savour the rugged sea and peaceful beauty of Keel Beach and the atmospheric deserted village of Slievemore with its 5000-year-old history. The landscape here is more than just beautiful - it’s alive with history, solitude, and soul.
From here it is a short drive to Westport – your base for the next two nights where your guide will do a quick orientation tour and drop offs at where you are staying. Overnight Westport.
Hotel: Moderate Hotel Westport (3 Star Rating)
We try to reserve accommodation that's no more than a 20-minute walk from the town centre. We regularly check our accommodation partners to ensure they reach a certain standard.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 5: Discover Kylemore Abbey & Connemara National Park
You depart from Westport and have a short hours drive to your first stop of today, Kylemore Abbey.
The beautiful monastery at Kylemore Abbey is truly something to behold. Picture grand buildings and magnificent Victorian gardens that jumped off the pages of a storybook. A treat for both the eyes and soul. Next you Explore the Connemara National Park's verdant marshes and incredible historical sites before a well earned lunch stop.
Roam Clifden, site of the first transatlantic flight landing, and home to a delightful castle while you pick one of their charming lunch spots to enjoy. The afternoon itinerary is flexible, and your guide will ensure you take the route that best suits the weather and the interests of the group while ensuring you get a real off the beaten track adventure. You might want to include the legendary Twelve Bens, a famous jagged mountain range of Connemara, or be enchanted by the seemingly infinite blend of earth and sky at sunset on the Sky Road.
You arrive back in Westport for the evening, why not consider sampling some of their delicious local seafood in the town's top-notch restaurants. Overnight Westport.
Hotel: Moderate Hotel Westport (3 Star Rating)
We try to reserve accommodation that's no more than a 20-minute walk from the town centre. We regularly check our accommodation partners to ensure they reach a certain standard.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 6: Cong and Galway to Dublin
Travel inland past Lough Mask to the village of Cong in the heart of Ireland's lake district. Rows and rows of traditional stone homes provided the setting for John Wayne film classic, “The Quiet man”. You're free here to visit the local museum devoted to the movie, or discover the magnificently restored 12th-century Cong Abbey.
Your route then weaves through the Maam Valley, a stunning pass lined by gorgeous mountains. Exiting the valley, you head to Galway City, a vibrant harbour city that combines traditional market life with high quality restaurants and pubs. It's time to discover for yourself why Galway has inspired so many hearts, songs and stories.
Picturesque views, excellent food and cozy pubs await you within this lively town, You have the afternoon as free time to explore the city however you please but we recommend grabbing a leisurely lunch before we on for some whiskey! Now that you have a full stomach after lunch it's the perfect time to head to Kilbeggan Distillery for a dram or two! The oldest licensed distillery on the planet, here you can relax with a glass of their famed whiskey; and grab a bottle to share with friends back home before you head back east to Dublin.
From here, it's time to take the scenic route and a relaxing drive with time to reflect on the past five days as you make your way back to Dublin for the early evening.
You return to Dublin at approximately 7pm.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Hotel: The Alex Hotel Dublin - South (4 Star Rating)
The Dublin City center O'Callaghan Alex Hotel was the third hotel in the O'Callaghan Hotels group on the corner of Merrion Square. This hotel welcomes you into its spacious lobby where you will be greeted with a warm welcome. Located off one of the corners of Merrion Square, O'Callaghan Alexander Hotel is close to the Georgian Squares where business and culture are intertwined and is only a few minutes walk from Trinity College and the popular shopping street, Grafton Street.
Day 7: Depart from Dublin
Transfer: Dublin - St Stephen's Green to Dublin Airport
extensive gardens, which are open to the public; as is the Main House. There is a lovely restaurant in the house, overlooking the gardens and Wicklow Mountains, which offers the finest in Irish artisan, home cooked cuisine. The 34,000 acres of this estate extend along both shores of the River Dargle . Powerscourt is one of the finest properties in Europe, designed and laid out by Daniel Robertson between 1745 and 1767. This property is filled with splendid Greek and Italian-inspired statuary, decorative ironwork, a petrified-moss grotto, lovely herbaceous borders, a Japanese garden, a circular pond and fountain with statues of winged horses, and an occasional herd of deer. Opportunity for shopping at Avoca Handweavers now located in Powerscourt House. Enjoy lunch here at Powerscourt or at a traditional Irish pub in the city centre.
number of city parks, such as St. Stephen’s Green and indeed Merrion Square. The highlights of any tour in Dublin may include a visit to Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse… and –if time permits –St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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Escape Travel Agency
(904) 239-7870