Compare Highlights of Ireland by G Adventures vs Tale Of Two Irish Capitals | Self Drive Program by Sky Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 9 days | 6 days |
| Price From | $ 1,983 | $ 1,650 |
| Price Per Day | $ 220 | $ 275 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch |
Daily breakfast |
| Description |
We’re all a little bit Irish come March 17, but if you’re in the market for something more meaningful than a pint of green beer, hop aboard this delightful nine-day adventure to the Emerald Isle. Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, traditional music in a local pub... seriously, it doesn’t get much more quintessentially Irish than this. We mix the essential sites and time in the villages to really round out the experience. Even if Ireland isn’t the Old Country for you, this trip will make you feel as though you’re back home. |
Join us on a magical journey visiting both capitals on the island of Ireland – Belfast and Dublin, an amazing opportunity to take in all of the highlights in less than a week. Compact, lively, boasting of breathtaking architecture and history, this trip will be etched in your heart forever. Soak in the many sights and attractions, visit world famous pubs and eateries and best of all be welcomed by the Irish smile and hospitality. Perfect self-drive program to start your exploration of the Emerald Isle.
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Day 1 Dublin
Arrive at any time.
We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this lively city. There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
If you wish to explore Dublin before the tour begins, consider booking pre-tour accommodation with us. Please speak to a G Adventures representative about booking accommodations in Dublin before Day 1 of this itinerary.
Day 2 Dublin
Take a free day to roam the cobblestone streets of this historic city.
Walk along the riverside, or marvel at the city's medieval castles and cathedrals. Don't tire yourself out too much - you'll want to get out later tonight and experience the nightlife that the Temple Bar area is known for.
Day 3 Dublin/Killarney
Continue on to Killarney with free time to enjoy the town or explore the nearby national park.
Day 4 Killarney
Enjoy a day trip to experience some sights along the famous Ring of Kerry. Return to Killarney for another night in town.
Day 5 Killarney/Galway City
Travel to Ireland's west coast to Galway. Set off on a guided walking tour before enjoying a free afternoon to explore the city's colourful streets and bohemian atmosphere.
Day 6 Galway City
Travel to the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. Hike the picturesque countryside along the cliffs. Gaze out at the splendour before returning to Galway for the evening. Opt for a night out at the local pub.
Spend a few hours following the Wild Atlantic Way from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher. Soak in the views as you hike the trail. Opt for a picnic along the way.
Day 7 Galway City/Belfast
Travel along the coast towards Northern Ireland. Stop for lunch in the historic city of Derry, then visit the mysterious Dark Hedges. End the day in Belfast.
Day 8 Belfast
Stop at the Giant's Causeway and marvel at the natural phenomenon of its volcanic columns. Continue on to Bushmills Distillery for a guided tour of the oldest working distillery in Ireland. Return to Belfast.
Day 9 Belfast
Depart at any time.
If you wish to extend your stay in Belfast, consider booking post-tour accommodation with us. Please speak to a G Adventures representative about booking accommodations in Belfast after your tour ends.
DAY 1 – FAILTE
Arrive and transfer to the north of Ireland. Overnight Belfast area
DAY 2 – WALK IN THE FOREST AND BREAD MAKING IN TRACEY’S HOME
Enjoy a day trip in County Down starting with an exciting walk from Tollymore Forest Park to Newcastle, a scenic seaside town. Tollymore Forest Park is located in the foothills of the Mourne Mountains and is home to woodlands, streams, grottos and caves. The forest was used in several scenes of the popular TV series Game of Thrones. In the afternoon enjoy a traditional bread making demonstration with local food tasting in the family kitchen of Tracey Jeffery, located in a very scenic setting
along Strangford Lough. Everyone gets to enjoy a feast of homemade bakes and treats.
DAY 3 – BELFAST AND BREW
This morning enjoy a walking tour of Belfast, Northern Ireland’s capital and largest city. Belfast today is a very alive and cosmopolitan city, progressive in spite of its recent unsettled past. Note its architecture, hear about the history of the city, its industrial glory and divided past. Belfast City Hall is one of Belfast’s most iconic buildings – enjoy a visit and explore some of its finest features. Stop also at the Botanic Gardens, an important part of the city’s Victorian heritage. Of particular note
is the glasshouse made from curved iron and glass and the Palm House’s tropical plants and birds of paradise. This afternoon return to the Boyne Valley and visit Slane Distillery. Housed in the 250 year old stables of the iconic Slane Castle estate, privately owned by the Marquis of Conynham, Lord Henry Mountcharles and his family. The distillery pays homage to the resilient nature of the family heritage and the surrounding lands that they call home. Enjoy the tour and whiskey tastings to follow! Slane Castle is also well known as a concert venue – Bruce Springsteen, Queen, Rolling Stones to mention just a few of the performers over the years.
DAY 4 – THE BOYNE VALLEY
A day of ancient history awaits you! Some of Ireland’s oldest archaeological treasures – cairns built in 4000 BC as burial chambers – can be found upon the hills above Loughcrew. There is an energetic walk to get up the hill of Loughcrew where the cairns are located. Fore Abbey is located not far from Loughcrew, in a tranquil green valley in the village of Fore. Here you view the site where St Fechin founded a Christian monastery in the 7th century. In the afternoon you will have a stop in Trim, an ancient town well located on the River Boyne and so significant that a 5th century fort and an early monastery were sited here. Visit Trim Castle, which was built in
1172 shortly after the arrival of the Anglo-Normans in Ireland. There have been adaptations to the castle over the centuries but much of its fabric has remained unchanged since the height of the AngloNorman power in Ireland. The film Braveheart shot many scenes at this impressive castle.
DAY 5 – DUBLIN’S FAIR CITY AND WHISKEY
Travel to the capital city of the Republic of Ireland for a walking tour of Dublin. Built around the 7th century on the River Liffey, Dublin is now a small and vibrant city showcasing interesting medieval, Georgian and modern architecture. During your tour you will see some impressive cathedrals, Georgian squares, government buildings and the Phoenix Park – Europe’s largest public city park. Enjoy a visit to the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology on Kildare Street. From prehistoric Ireland to Ancient Egypt, visitors can see important archaeological artefacts dating from 7000 BC up to the 20th century. Highlights include Iron Age ‘bog bodies’ and an exhibition of prehistoric Irish gold. Enjoy free time in the city.
DAY 6 – FAREWELL
Its time to say au revoir – transfer to the airport for your onward journey or extend your stay to discover other parts of glorious Ireland.
