TOUR DESCRIPTION:

Relaxing 1 and 2 night stays in fascinating Belfast, Historic Derry, Cong, Galway, Dingle Peninsula, magical Killarney and Corks fair city!

Begin in intriguing Belfast, the most fascinating stop on Europe’s Backpacker circuit! From the glorious Glens of Antrim to the Giants Causeway, you’ll melt at the beauty of our North Coast! 2 nights in Irelands most Historic City, lovely Derry (546 AD). Tour of the walled city, scene of Bloody Sunday (1972). History buff paradise!

Explore the Highlands of Donegal and Mayo. Climb Irelands Holy mountain - Croagh Patrick! Gaelic Galway - Irelands trendiest, medieval Party City. Visit the mind-blowing 750ft high Cliffs of Moher (a lifetime highlight for many people) and the mystical 200 million year old Burren area – botanical and geological wonderland.

Once across the River Shannon, it's the Kingdom of Kerry, for an amazing 3 nights in Irelands most outstanding area of natural beauty! Overnight in cute and lovable Anascaul in your very own Irish Pub, the Randy Leprechaun on the Dingle Peninsula, sing all night, take an Oceanside hike, swim with Fungi the Dolphin…. A super experience will be had by all!

The Ring of Kerry and Dingle, two of the worlds most famous coastal drives. Slea Head and walk the beaches featured in Far & Away (Tom Cruise). A brilliant two-night stay in Killarney – mountains, lakes, Castles, National Park, Live music, Irish Dancing, unforgettable memories!!

Final night in Cork. After exploring Cork city we make our way home via the Golden Vale and county Tipperary, the home of hurling! to Dublin for our grand finale - in the Guinness Brewery, enjoy privileged access a complimentary pint of the Black Stuff!!

ITINERARY:

Day 1: Dublin to Belfast Leave Dublin's Paddy Palace at 8am and begin your adventures at Drogheda where youll see the preserved head of St. Oliver Plunkett (executed 1681) in St. Peters Cathedral. Cross the border at South Armagh. A fascinating evening in Belfast awaits. We strongly recommend the world famous Black Taxi tour (optional) to view the Peace wall and political murals.

Day 2: Belfast to Historic Derry A glorious touring day! Cruise the Beautiful North Coast. You'll see the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge (seasonal, cross at your own risk by making a small charitable donation to the National Trust, the UK registered charity that maintains the Bridge) , walk the Giants Causeway and take fantastic photos of Dunluce Castle. Overnight in Historic Derry. Fantastic traditional music night in Peadar O'Donnells pub.

Day 3: Donegal Day Tour Begin today with an excellent in-depth walking tour of Derry's walls (1601) and the well known Bogside district. After Lunch we'll go off on a marvellous half day tour of Donegal, and the divine Glenveagh National Park. Remote beauty! Overnight in Historic Derry.

Day 4: Derry to Cong Drive through enchanting Sligo visiting the sacred grave of our national Poet, Nobel laureate WB Yeats. Explore the vast archaeological and cultural richness of Irelands North West Coast. Consider taking a seaweed bath (optional) as we make a beach stop at surf hotspot Strandhill. Overnight in charming Cong, setting for John Waynes Hollywood classic – the Quiet Man. Magical scenery.

Day 5: Cong - Westport - Galway This morning we will drive to Irelands tidiest town, Westport, and climb Croagh Patrick, Irelands holy pilgrimage mountain. After Lunch its an evocative drive through the Doolough (black valley) and Connemara. Mesmerising scenery. Hear of famine times from your guide at the numerous memorials. Tonight youll overnight in Galway, Irelands party capital.

Day 6: Galway to Killarney You should take free time this morning to explore the sights and sounds of lively colourful Galway, maybe rise early and walk to see the Spanish Arch and Claddagh area. Onwards then. Today you will have the wild atlantic ocean by your side as we cruise down the West Coast. Run around the lunar landscape of the Burren before gazing in awe at the majesty that is the cliffs of moher. Overnight in Killarney, Irelands premier tourist town. Music Galore.

Day 7: Ring of Kerry Consider an enjoyable Horse led ride through the National Park on the world famous Jaunting Cars (optional). Afterwards we'll embark on a full day tour of the Ring of Kerry, Irelands most celebrated scenic drive. Overnight in Killarney.

Day 8: Killarney to Dingle Today we take a short drive to Dingle, a charming gaelic speaking fishing village. Free time in Dingle to shop and lunch and then a pleasant tour around Slea Head. See Sleeping Giant Island. Tonight youll stay in your very own Irish pub, the Randy Leprechaun in Annascaul on the Dingle Peninsula

Day 9: Dingle to Cork Cross the Cork and Kerry Mountains to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone atop Blarney Castle. Souvenir heaven! Afterwards we'll drive out to exclusive Kinsale, Irelands riviera and culinary capital.  Overnight in Cork City Centre, European capital of Culture 2005.

Day 10: Cork to Dublin: After exploring Cork city we make our way home via the Golden Vale and county Tipperary, the home of hurling! Then to Dublin for our grand finale - in the Guinness Brewery, enjoy privileged access a complimentary pint of the Black Stuff!!

Fogra/Please note: We reserve the right to amend our intineraries without notice in the interests of your enjoyment, safety and/or in extreme circumstances such national strikes, emergencies, days of national mourning, civil unrest (higly unlikely) etc. Itinerary amendments are extremely rare. Please remember we are proud young Irish patriots, we are determined to ensure you love our Motherland as much as we do. Le Meas/With respect