Compare Dublin & Belfast by Rail by Great Value Vacations vs Ireland Uncovered by Tours of Distinction
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| Trip |
4 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 6 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 1,223 | $ 3,200 |
| Price Per Day | $ 204 | $ 320 |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | NA | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
8 Full Irish Breakfasts | 6 Dinners |
| Description |
Explore two capital cities on this five-night getaway! Begin in lively Dublin, where you can knock back a drink in the famous Temple Bar after a whirlwind of castles, museums, bridges, and cathedrals. The Dublin Pass will give you two days of entry to Dublin's most popular attractions as well as hop-on/hop-off bus privileges. While you're there, don't miss the famous Dublin zoo or the Irish Whiskey Museum. After that, you'll be whisked away to Belfast. Explore the birthplace of the RMS Titanic and tour landmarks such as Belfast City Hall, Ulster Museum, and the Botanic Gardens. Enjoy brunch at one of the city's top-rated restaurants and enjoy a bike tour through the cobbled streets on the C.S. Lewis Trail. You will return to Dublin to complete the trip, grab a few last pints, then return home. |
Ireland’s beauty has inspired romantics, poets and dreamers for centuries. Its towns and villages exude unforgettable charm, cheer, and the rich tapestry of Gaelic culture. Explore storied pasts in magnificent castles that dot the landscape, discover mysteries along Ireland’s stunning seascapes, emerald lakes and moss covered bogs on this tour to Island. Visit Dublin voted the 3rd friendliest city on earth, marvel at Waterford Crystal, and feast on Irish hospitality – it’s a country where locals love a chat. Start your conversation on this small group tour of Ireland. |
Day 1 Welcome to Dublin!
Arrive at the airport and collect your belongings. After checking in, activate your Dublin Pass so you can jump right into exploring. Once settled, venture forth and discover the city at your leisure! Treat yourself to an authentic Irish dinner or perhaps a drink at Dublin's oldest pub, The Brazen Head, which has been pouring pints since 1198.
Day 2 Dublin
Take advantage of your included Dublin Pass, which gives you access to more than 30 of Dublin’s top attractions. Explore the historical and spiritual highlights of the city, from the Christ Church Cathedral (also Dublin's oldest building) to the imposing St. Patrick's Cathedral. In the afternoon, wind down with a stroll through the courtyard of Dublin Cathedral. You could also take a deep dive into Dublin's drinking culture; pay a visit to the Guinness Storehouse or the Teeling Whiskey Distillery and discover the magic behind brewing your favorite Irish sips and spirits.
Day 3 Dublin - Belfast
Take the train to Belfast today and experience a ride on the comfortable Irish Rail. Once settled in, head over to Belfast Castle and explore its stunning exterior and vast territory. Thanks to its position 400 feet above sea level, you'll also be treated to panoramic views of the city.
Day 4 Belfast
Explore the highlights of Northern Ireland's capital city; pay a visit to the award-winning Titanic Belfast, the most popular tourist attraction in Northern Ireland! You'll have the chance to explore nine galleries telling the story of the Titanic, from its creation in Belfast in the early 1900s, to its famous maiden voyage and tragic end. You'll also learn about the discovery of the wreck and the contemporary undersea exploration. Time willing, consider paying a visit to the Botanical Gardens, an important part of Belfast's Victorian history. Visit the picturesque rose garden or stroll through the tropical palm house. Within the property of the gardens you'll also find the Ulster Museum, home to a massive collection of works from painted masterpieces to important archaeological finds.
Day 5 Belfast - Dublin
Take the Irish Rail back to Ireland's capital city today. Explore the literary gems of the city; the illuminated manuscript the Book of Kells is a must-see. You may recognize Trinity College's iconic Long Room, which has served as inspiration for many film sets. Head to the courtyard of Dublin Castle, where you'll find the Chester Beatty Library - a museum dedicated to the art of the written words with permanent and rotating collections sure to satisfy any bibliophile. In the evening head to the Temple Bar district to experience its famed nightlife; treat yourself to a pint of Guinness at a local pub (preferably one offering live music) - the perfect way to celebrate your last night in Ireland.
Day 6 Depart Ireland
Make your way to Dublin Airport (DUB) in accordance with your flight today.
Day 1 - Depart for Dublin, Ireland
Today, transfer to the airport for your tour of Ireland and board your overnight flight to Dublin.
Day 2 - Arrive Dublin
Arriving at Dublin International Airport, you will be met by your local guide and escorted to your awaiting motor-coach. This morning, you will enjoy a tour of Dublin City; originally founded as a Viking settlement, Dublin has been home to the Irish Parliament since the creation of the Irish Free State in 1922. On your tour, witness Georgian Squares with their 18th Century houses, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Trinity College with the Book of Kells, Phoenix Park (biggest town park in Europe), statue filled O’Connell Street and the fashionable Grafton Street. Later, no visit to Dublin would be complete without a visit to the Guinness Brewery founded in 1759 by Arthur Guinness. Here, you will enjoy a guided tour which concludes with a leisurely pint of Guinness in the 360-degree roof top bar while enjoying some spectacular views of Dublin City. After, check-in to the Camden Court Hotel for our overnight stay and Welcome Dinner.
Day 3 - Waterford
After breakfast, we depart Dublin and travel south to County Wicklow, known as The Garden of Ireland. Your first stop will be Powerscourt House and Gardens. Powerscourt House which was badly damaged by fire in 1974 has been refurbished and opened to the public. The gardens at Powerscourt were laid out when the house was rebuilt in 1731. From here, you continue to Glendalough (Valley of Two Lakes) where you travel back in time to the 7th century with a guided tour of this remarkable early monastic settlement. Your tour continues through the beautiful Vale of Avoca to the Avoca Hand Weavers (the oldest in Ireland). We tour the weaving cooperative and get our own chance to try weaving!
Day 4 - Killarney
House of Waterford Crystal awaits today! See highly skilled local craftsmen demonstrate crystal blowing and cutting in the new state of the art visitor center. After, continue along the southern coastline to Blarney where you will have an opportunity to visit and kiss the famous Blarney Stone - said to bestow the gift of eloquence on all those who dare. Following this adventure, continue to Killarney for a two-night stay in the Killarney Towers Hotel.
Day 5 - Dingle Peninsula
Today, you will enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the Dingle Peninsula, once cited as the most beautiful place on earth by National Geographic. You will stop at the Brian de Staic studio in Dingle which specializes in Celtic jewelry. This jewelry is handcrafted and engraved with ancient Celtic symbols and the letters of the ogham alphabet, an ancient Irish form of writing. As you continue around Slea Head, you will get some breathtaking views of the Atlantic coastline and see some beehive huts (early monastic settlements) dating back over a thousand years. Plus, we visit the westernmost point in Ireland where you can view the Blasket Islands. You will also see the locations for such films as Ryan’s Daughter and the more recently filmed Far and Away which starred Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. You will have some free time in Dingle for lunch before returning to Killarney.
Day 6 - Galway
This morning, you bid farewell to Killarney and travel to Tralee, capital town of County Kerry and famous for The Rose of Tralee Festival. You continue to Tarbert where you board the Shannon Ferry and cross the Shannon Estuary to Killimer. From here, you travel the coast to the majestic Cliffs of Moher, which rise to a height of 600 ft. over the Atlantic Ocean. Following some free time to view the cliffs, your tour continues through the ‘lunar’ type landscape of the Burren, from the Irish word ‘bhoireann’ meaning, ‘a stony place’ or ‘a rocky place.’ This is the perfect description for this 350 sq. kilometer limestone plateau in North Clare. Later, you continue along the shores of Galway Bay to Galway City and check-in to the Galway Harbour Hotel where we have dinner.
Day 7 - Westport
Today you depart Galway and travel through Connemara with an abundance of mountains, lakelands and boglands. Because of its wild and rugged beauty, it has been the location for many films - “The Quiet Man” with John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara and, in more recent times, “The Field,” starring Richard Harris. Kylemore Abbey is our next stop. Built in 1866, it was home to Benedictine Nuns from 920 to 2008. You can also visit the Abbey’s Victorian Walled Garden which is completely enclosed by a brick and limestone wall and beautiful Gothic Church. From here, continue through the scenic Doolough Valley taking in a stretch of road known as the famine walk and follow in the footsteps of the many people who left their home in search of food during the great famine. You will visit Glen Keen Farm and enjoy some freshly baked scones followed by a sheep herding demonstration. From here you continue by the foothills of Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s Holy Mountain to Westport. We unpack here for our two-night stay at the Hotel Westport.
Day 8 - Achill Island
After breakfast, travel to Mulranny and cross the Michael Davitt Bridge to Achill, Ireland’s largest offshore island. We follow the coastline and experience breathtaking views on the island’s spectacular Atlantic Drive and visit the deserted village at Slievemore. This village consists of 80 - 100 stone cottages (booley homes) on the southern slopes of Slievemore Mountain. There is a pub stop on Achill Island for lunch before returning to Westport, where you will have the remainder of the afternoon free. Take time to explore this picturesque town with its cheerful, multi-coloured shop fronts and an attractive selection of pubs, cafés and restaurants.
Day 9 - Dublin
Bid farewell to Westport this morning as we travel to the town of Knock, where Our Lady appeared in 1879, and has since become a great place of pilgrimage with thousands of people visiting each year. Then, continue to Dunboyne Castle Hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel.
Day 10 - Depart Dublin
After breakfast, we transfer to Dublin International Airport with fond memories, newly acquired accents and many stories. Upon arrival in the USA, transfer home.
