Compare Ireland’s Coasts from North to South by Road Scholar vs The Ultimate Tour by Overland Ireland

Day 1: In Transit to Program

In Flight

Day 2: Arrival Day, Belfast

Meals: Dinner

Jury's Inn Belfast

Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Afternoon: Arrivals continue, with free time for those who have already arrived. Before dinner we will have an Orientation in the hotel. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities and answer any questions you may have. We have set aside some free time in the schedule for your personal independent exploration. Please note that program activities, schedules and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: A seated three course dinner will be taken in the hotel dining room with coffee, tea and water. Other beverages are available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure to unpack, relax and prepare for the program ahead.

Day 3: Belfast Murals, Stormont, Belfast

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Jury's Inn Belfast

Breakfast: A full Irish breakfast in the hotel dining room. Choices vary but will include a variety of eggs, bacon, sausages, tomato, potatoes, cereals, fruit, toast, pastries and jams served with water, juices, tea and coffee.

Morning: Enjoy an illustrated talk on the colourful and evocative murals of Belfast, followed by an expert-led field trip to the Northern Ireland Assembly at Stormont.

Lunch: Lunch will be served at a local restaurant such as Molly's Yard in the city centre.

Afternoon: This afternoon, enjoy an expert-led motor coach ride around this endlessly fascinating city.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: At leisure. Your Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions should you wish to further explore Belfast.

Day 4: Amargh & St. Patrick’s Cathedrals, Belfast

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Jury's Inn Belfast

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: We begin this morning with a lecture on "The Legend of St Patrick: Ireland's Revered Saint". We depart by motor coach for Armagh where we will experience an expert-led visit of Armagh Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Lunch: Lunch will be served at a local restaurant such as 4 Vicars in the centre of Armagh.

Afternoon: Following our excursion in Armagh, we will return to Belfast by motor coach for free time.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 5: Transfer to Derry, Giant’s Causeway

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: City Hotel Derry.

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: We board the motor coach to transfer to Derry, stopping en route to enjoy a field trip to Bushmills Whiskey distillery, the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery having first been operational from 1608.

Lunch: Lunch will be served in the village of Bushmills.

Afternoon: This afternoon we visit the Giant’s Causeway, a natural amphitheatre made up of hexagonal shaped basalt rocks, and a UNESCO world heritage site. We will begin in the capable hands of a National Trust expert as we explore the site, before some free time to allow you to make the most of this breathtaking natural phenomenon. The transfer to Derry then continues.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 6: Derry’s City Walls, The Inishowen Peninsula, Derry

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: City Hotel Derry.

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Discover why Derry is regarded as one of the best examples of a walled city in Europe as we set out on foot with a local expert. Following the walk, we depart by motor coach for a field trip to the Inishowen Peninsula to take in the spectacular coastal scenery.

Lunch: Served in a traditional Irish pub in the seaside town of Culdaff.

Afternoon: Our field trip around the Inishowen Peninsula continues.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 7: Transfer to Galway, Yeats at Drumcliff, Galway

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Salthill Hotel

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: We depart by motor coach for Galway – the cradle of Gaelic culture in the West and often referred to as the “city of tribes”, as it was home to 14 famous merchant families. We’ll make a stop at Drumcliffe, the final resting place of famed Irish poet W.B Yeats. Yeats is remembered as an important cultural leader, as a major playwright and as one of the very greatest poets of the century. The epitaph on his gravestone is well known: “Cast a cold eye / On life / On death / Horseman, pass by!”

Lunch: Lunch will be served in a restaurant en route.

Afternoon: The transfer to Galway continues.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 8: Connemara, Galway

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Salthill Hotel

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Today we travel by motor coach for a full day exploring Connemara. A broad peninsula between Killary Harbour and Kilkieran Bay in the west of County Galway, Connemara has long been regarded as the real emerald of Ireland. Expect to see Cong, the Quiet Man and Kylemore Abbey – the oldest Benedictine abbey in Ireland.

Lunch: Served in Kylemore Abbey.

Afternoon: We continue on to explore the sleepy seaside villages of Connemara, stopping at Lough Inagh Lodge in the village of Recess. Enjoy the opportunity to try an Irish Coffee in this beautiful old hunting lodge, nestling on the shores of Lake Inagh. Our day continues with a visit to the award winning Cnoc Suain Heritage Centre for an insight into the rural folklore, traditions and way of life in the west of Ireland.

Dinner: Served at a restaurant in the village of Spiddal.

Evening: Return to Galway by motor coach after dinner, followed by free time.

Day 9: Galway City

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Salthill Hotel

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Take in an informative lecture on “The Celts and the West of Ireland”, followed by an expert-led walking orientation of Galway City in the company of a local historian.

Lunch: Served in a traditional Irish restaurant, Ard Bia on the river at Spanish Arch.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 10: Transfer to Cork, Cliffs of Moher & the Burren

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Imperial Hotel

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: We board the motor coach to transfer to the city of Cork. En route will we stop to take in the natural wonders of the world-famous Cliffs of Moher, with time to linger by the cliffs which rise like a cathedral into the sky some 700 feet above the wild Atlantic Ocean. We’ll then continue onwards towards the Burren to meet a local expert, who will lead us through one of the largest karst limestone landscapes in Europe, stopping for a short hike on its moon-like terrain.

Lunch: Taken in a pub in the village of Kilfenora.

Afternoon: We continue on to Cork City. Ireland’s second largest city, Cork was founded in the 7th Century and is today a bustling, lively little city.

Dinner: Three course served and plated dinner In the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 11: Cobh, The Queenstown Centre, Cork.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Imperial Hotel

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: We travel to Cobh by motor coach, where we will be treated to an expert-led walk of this attractive port town, followed by a visit to the Queenstown Story exhibition. Here we retrace the steps of 2.5 million adults and children who emigrated from Ireland on coffin ships, early steamers and finally on the great liners.

Lunch: Taken out at the Queenstown Centre.

Afternoon: Free time in Cork after returning to the hotel.

Dinner: Dinner will be taken with local host families in Carrigaline.

Evening: Spend some time this evening getting an insight into life in a modern Irish home as you enjoy dinner with your host family.

Day 12: Transfer to Killarney, Blarney Castle

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Earls Court House Hotel

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: We depart Cork by motor coach for Killarney, via Blarney Castle – home of the famous Blarney Stone. Tradition dictates that the gift of eloquence is conferred on all those who kiss the stone!

Lunch: Served in Blarney.

Afternoon: We continue on to Killarney. We’ll have a short orientation walk around the local area before enjoying an Irish coffee demonstration.

Dinner: Three course served and plated dinner In the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 13: Ring of Kerry, Killarney

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Earls Court House Hotel

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: We begin with a talk and slide show, “A Ramble Down the Ol’ Bothrain”, before we depart by motor coach with a local expert to explore the Ring of Kerry. The Ring of Kerry is made up of spectacular coastal and mountain scenery, enveloping the towns of Glenbeigh, Cahersiven, Waterville and Sneem. We’ll enjoy a visit to Muckross House en route, a magnificent Victorian mansion spectacularly situated close to the eastern shore of Muckross Lake

Lunch: Served in Cahersiveen.

Afternoon: The field trip continues.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 14: Transfer to Dublin, Waterford, Tramore

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Ashling Hotel

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Depart by motor coach for Dublin, Ireland’s capital city and your final destination. On the way we’ll visit the world-famous Waterford Crystal visitors centre.

Lunch: Enjoy a community hosted lunch in the seaside town of Tramore, County Waterford.

Afternoon: The transfer to Dublin continues.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 15: St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Ashling Hotel

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Orientate yourself to Dublin with an expert-led field trip of the city, including visits to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Dublin Castle.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: Enjoy an evening on one of Dublin’s many renowned theatres.

Day 16: Brú na Bóinne, Dublin

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Ashling Hotel

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Board the motor coach for an expert led visit of Brú na Bóinne in nearby County Meath. Brú na Bóinne comprises the Neolithic burial chambers of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth. Their survival through more than 5,500 years reflects the sophistication of their design and ingenuity of the Stone Age men who constructed them.

Lunch: Served at Causey Farm.

Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at Causey Farm, a family run cattle and sheep farm. Meet the family, stroll through the farm and discover the traditional practices of Irish farming.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 17: Glendalough, Dublin

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Ashling Hotel

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: We begin with a lecture on “Christian & Monastic Ireland”, before boarding the motor coach and departing for Glendalough. First established in the 6th Century, Glendalough is a Christian Monastic site magnificently situated in a glacial valley between two lakes.

Lunch: Served in Wicklow.

Afternoon: The field trip continues.

Dinner: A farewell dinner at the hotel with an evening of traditional Irish music and song.

Evening: Your farewell continues.

Day: 18: Program Concludes, In Flight

Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast: In the hotel. Some participants may depart prior to breakfast.

Morning: Transfer to Dublin Airport (DUB) for onward flights. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future.

Day 1: Sunday – Dublin to Belfast

This extensive guided, small group tour of Ireland begins with an adventure to the magical stone age passage tomb at Newgrange, richly decorated by megalithic art.

After exploring this Neolithic structure we will travel north to Belfast for the full Titanic experience at Titanic Belfast. This splendid interactive visitor centre was voted the world’s leading tourist attraction in 2016. Prepare to be moved by the wonderful stories told about the world’s most famous ship.

We will finish the day with an enthralling black cab tour of Belfast. This tour is optional but highly recommended. Alternatively, if you just need to take a breath and chill, you can spend some time exploring the city’s coolest pubs, shops and restaurants.

Total driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Day 2: Monday – The Giant’s Causeway to Derry

Today will be both a test of mental strength and a celebration for your soul.

The Giant’s Causeway is one of the most anticipated features in this small group tour of Ireland and never disappoints. The Causeway Coastal Route is breath-taking and while crossing Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge you will feel the exhilaration of the air beneath your feet while the anticipation builds.

Game of Thrones fans will have officially landed in their spiritual home as we take a sneak peak of one of its most famous filming locations, The Dark Hedges.

Our next stop is London
, Northern Ireland’s second largest city, steeped in rich history. Explore the city by night and look forward to a tour of the walled city on day 3.

Total driving time: 3 hours

Day 3: Tuesday – Derry to the Hills of Donegal

Before leaving Derry, let our friends take you on a walking tour of the city. Understand the struggles of our past and the long road to current peaceful times in the North.

Now it is time to venture into the wild northwest – The Hills of Donegal. We continue our exploration of Northern Ireland and embark on a magnificent drive over the Glengesh Pass, and the Assaranca Waterfall. Our accommodation tonight is in the picturesque village of Ardara, County Donegal.

Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Day 4: Wednesday – Donegal to Connemara

Today’s small guided road trip will take you through William Butler Yeat’s County – Sligo and down towards Ireland’s favourite town – Westport!

Our time in Westport begins with a wonderful walking tour of the town and a fabulous lunch to set yourself up for an unforgettable journey through   National Park and the famous Famine Trail.

We will arrive at Kylemore Abbey in the heart of Connemara in the afternoon. You will have time to roam the abbey and Victorian Walled Garden on this 1000 acre estate overlooking Kylemore Lake and the majestic Connemara National Park.

Stay in Clifden and discover some great bars, restaurants and nightly music and have a chat with the locals over a pint of the Black Stuff!

This year we have added the option of staying in Ballynahinch Castle!

Total driving time: 4 hours

Day 5: Thursday – The Aran Islands

Cylce The Aran Islands on your Ireland Tour

After a short drive cross country to Rossaveal Pier on Galway bay, our small group tour will board the ferry to the Aran Islands. We will land on rugged Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands. We explore the Island by bicycle or by special request jaunting cart, if cycling is not for you.

Our route will take in the stone fort of Dún Aonghasa, which lies 100m over the ocean before making our way back to the mainland. While you are there you might pick up a few words of ‘Gaelic’ from the locals and maybe get an original Aran Sweater!

Our departure from Rossaveal is the start of our Galway adventure. We will hug the coastline into bustling bohemian Galway. Expect a great atmosphere, entertaining street performers and plenty of craic in this much celebrated town.

Total driving time: 2 hours

Day 6: Friday – Galway to the Cliffs of Moher

Galway is a city that has its Medieval history at its very heart.

Now that you have a “feel” for Galway, our guide will take you down the narrow medieval streets where you can duck in and out of brightly coloured shops.

Try on Claddagh Rings, Galway shawls and pass through The Spanish Arch to take in the famous Claddagh fishing village.

This day just keeps on giving. We will now travel south west towards The Burren National Park and the jaw dropping Cliffs of Moher. On this adventure we will visit Corcomroe Abbey, a 13th century Cistercian Monstary and the 16th century Dunguaire Castle in the fishing village of Kinvara.

Our cliffs experience will take our small tour group by foot across its stunning natural features with the powerful Atlantic Ocean waves crashing in. The cliffs are one of the most spectacular natural features in Ireland and are sure to leave you lost for words. Our evening is spent in the most welcoming and colourful village of Doolin – the hometown of traditional Irish music.

Total driving time: 2 hours

Day 7: Saturday – Doolin to Dingle

Meet the locals at a sheepdog demonstration

A trip to Ireland is not complete without seeing all the ancient structures. We will bring you to the most famous Dolmen at Poulnabrone. These Neolithic monuments are scattered throughout the country marking burial sites and passage ways dating back to 3000BC.

Short journey from the Dolmen, the farmers at Caherconnell will treat you to a spectacular sheep dog trial. Prepared to be awestruck by the skill of the farmer and his furry friend as they gather up their flock of sheep. This is something not to be missed on your tour.

This evening is yours to absorb the atmosphere in Dingle’s famous quirky pubs and fantastic restaurants. Why not sit in Foxy John’s hardware store, order yourself a drink and strike up a conversation with a colourful local!

Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Day 8: Sunday – Dingle Peninsula

Our morning begins on Dingle Bay where we take our kayaks to visit the town’s biggest celebrity – Fungie the Dolphin and explore the caves in the bay. Alternatively, if kayaking isn’t your thing we will take you on a hike up Mount Brandon where you will be rewarded with 360-degree panoramic views of Dingle Bay and Castlegregory. If you would like a more relaxed start to your day why not choose a stroll around the town for some retail therapy, a coffee and watch the world go by. It’s your holiday – Do it your way.

After lunch your expert Overland guide will take you on an impressive trip along one of Ireland’s most scenic roads – The Slea Head Drive before stopping at the famous Dingle Whiskey Distillery. At the distillery you will sample their award-winning whiskey and gin and get an education on the history of whiskey production around the world. We spend another night in the buzzing town of Dingle, so you don’t need to repack your suitcase. Just relax and enjoy.

Total driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Day 9: Monday – The Ring of Kerry to Kinsale

Killarney National Park on your Spectacular South and West Small Group Tour of Ireland

Say a fond farewell to Dingle and journey towards the Ring of Kerry. Our first stop takes us to Killarney on the Ring of Kerry. The Ring of Kerry is the very definition of the word scenic and you will discover many hidden gems including Moll’s Gap, Torc Waterfall and Ross Castle in Killarney National Park. We will bring you on a tour of Ross Castle where you will learn what life was really like behind the stone walls.

We will stop for some shopping and lunch in the beautiful heritage town of Kenmare. For your last night on tour we are excited to bring you to coastal Kinsale which is famed for its culinary culture, delivered by its many award winning restaurants. The town also has a great tradition of poetry, silver, gold and glassware manufacturing which can be seen throughout its local shops and galleries – boasting local talented artists.

Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Day 10: Tuesday – Cork: Kiss the Blarney Stone

Wake up refreshed and ready to be taken on a guided walking tour through the narrow streets of Kinsale. Before leaving Cork – which is often referred to as Ireland’s REAL capital we will bring you to Blarney Castle. Nobody should leave Ireland without giving the Blarney stone a big fat kiss! Kissing the Blarney Stone is said to give the kisser the treasured ‘gift of the gab’. You can let us know if it works!

Our final stop is the Rock of Cashel. The Rock of Cashel is over 1000 years old and you will get to see its medieval round tower, chapel, cathedral and castle. A fantastic end to your trip.

Our guides will journey back with you to our bustling capital city, Dublin, armed with recommendations of things to see and do if you have a little time left. Perhaps this is just the perfect opportunity to sit back and soak up all that you have experienced over the last 10 days.

Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes