Itinerary

1. *Thursday, May 1 – Arrival in Ireland (Optional Pre-Night)

   This morning land in Dublin Airport. Once you go through passport control, you’ll collect your bags and head to the Arrivals area where you will be met by your pre-arranged transfer to our first hotel. Optional Overnight (Pre-night): Portmarnock Golf Club, North Dublin

2. Friday, May 2 – Welcome to the Emerald Isle!

   Remaining passengers arrive into Dublin Airport. Once through passport control, you’ll collect your bags and head to the Arrivals area where you will be met by your pre-arranged transfer to our hotel. The rooms may not be ready but you can take a stroll in Malahide, grab some breakfast or relax at the hotel. Once you check in, the rest of the day is at your leisure. We will then meet this evening for a Welcome Reception. 

   Overnight: Portmarnock Golf Club, North Dublin.

   

3. Saturday, May 3 – Royal Hillsborough Castle

   This morning after breakfast we will head north to Northern Ireland and the city of Belfast, stopping for a visit with tea and scones at Hillsborough Castle. This lovely castle has been a grand family home of the Secretary of State to Northern Ireland, and residence to the Royal Family when they are visiting Northern Ireland. Viewed by some as a politically neutral venue, Hillsborough has played an important role in the Peace Process in Northern Ireland since the 1980’s. Enjoy the 100 acres of world-famous royal gardens including the 18th-century Walled Garden, the Granville Garden, Lady Alice's Temple and the Lost Garden time in the gardens and some delicious tea and scones. You’ll then continue on to Belfast, checking in to your hotel for the next three nights. This evening we gather together for dinner at the hotel.

   
   Overnight & Dinner: The Hilton Hotel, Belfast.

   

4. Sunday, May 4 – Exploring Belfast

   After breakfast today, you will enjoy a guided panoramic tour of Belfast. You will see all the main sightseeing attractions, including the political murals of West Belfast, the vibrant city center, CS Lewis Square, magnificent government building of Stormont and the student area of Queens University. You’ll have the afternoon at your leisure before we head to the newly developed Titanic Quarter to enjoy dinner and first performance of The Celtic Tenors at an iconic location
    

   Overnight & Dinner: The Hilton Hotel, Belfast.

   

5. Monday, May 5 – Giant’s Causeway & Antrim Coastline

   After breakfast this morning we’ll head out for the day to explore the Antrim Coastline and visit the Giant’s Causeway, an amazing geologic formation of approx. 40,000 basalt stone – some as tall as 130 feet, and mostly hexagonal in shape. This site is one of Northern Ireland’s Premiere landmark stops as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On our way back to Belfast, we will take in the stunning and scenic Antrim coastline. You’ll have some free time this afternoon to explore Belfast and enjoy dinner on your own tonight.
    

   Overnight: The Hilton Hotel, Belfast.

   

6. Tuesday, May 6 – Discovering Derry

   We’ll enjoy breakfast this morning before departing Belfast and heading to Donegal. Along the way, we’ll visit the historic City of Derry - a splendid city full of history, heritage, and a vibrant cultural scene. This is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland and one of the finest examples of Walled Cities in Europe. The Walls were built during the period of 1613-1618 as a defense for early settlers from England and Scotland. After enjoying some free time for lunch, we continue on to Donegal where we’ll check in and explore the beautiful Lough Eske Castle hotel. Over 150 years old, the castle holds history and heritage in every corner. Tonight, we’ll meet for a group dinner in our stunning surroundings!
    

   Overnight & Dinner: Solis Lough Eske Castle Hotel.

   

7. Wednesday, May 7 – Donegal & the Wild Atlantic Coastline

   After breakfast this morning we’ll take a tour of West Donegal, showcasing some of Ireland most breathtaking scenery. We stop in the village of Ardara to meet the family of Triona Design. Experience the history and witness the skill and craft that has gone into creating Donegal Tweed for generations. We’ll watch master weavers working on looms that have been used for centuries. Later, back in Donegal town, enjoy many of the quaint pubs in the cozy center for a coffee or a pint and a bite. After some free time, we’ll head back to the castle where we’ll enjoy dinner and the second performance of The Celtic Tenors.
    

   Overnight & Dinner: Solis Lough Eske Castle Hotel.

   

8. Day 8: Thursday, May 8 – Sligo & Sheepdog Demonstration

   Today we bid farewell to Donegal and head south to Galway. The first stop today is to see some the world’s smartest sheepdogs at work. Atlantic Sheepdogs overlooks the enchanting Streedagh Beach and is nestled beneath the majestic tabletop of Benbulben Mountain, where the farm has silently soaked up much history on its perch along the Wild Atlantic Way. Let Shepherd and Champion Sheepdog Handler Martin Feeney, along with his young family, whisk you away as you are drawn into a life of sheep farming on the edge of the world. After that fun morning, continue into Sligo, the coastal seaport on the Wild Atlantic Way. Enjoy some free time before we continue on our way to Galway and check into our hotel. This lively, cultural city has so much to explore and enjoy. There are many pubs and restaurants that will suit any appetite!
    

   Overnight: Galway Bay Hotel.

   

9. Friday, May 9 – The Cliffs of Moher & Doolin

   After breakfast today we’ll head for the spectacular view that the Cliffs of Moher has to offer. The Cliffs are over 700 feet high at the highest point and range for over 5 miles over the Atlantic Ocean. O'Brien's Tower stands proudly on a headland of the majestic Cliffs. On a clear day you can see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, as well as The Twelve Pins, the Maum Turk Mountains in Connemara, and Loop Head to the South. We’ll make a lunch stop in Doolin, home of traditional Irish Music. We will then return to Galway for our farewell dinner and a third and final performance by the Celtic Tenors!
    

   Overnight & Dinner: Galway Bay Hotel.

   

10. Saturday, May 10 – Farewell to Ireland

    We bid you farewell as you board your flights home. We look forward to welcoming you again soon!