Compare Undiscovered Ireland - Small Group by Insight Vacations vs Tale Of Two Irish Capitals | Self Drive Program by Sky Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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0 | Poor
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| Duration | 14 days | 6 days |
| Price From | $ 4,775 | $ 1,650 |
| Price Per Day | $ 341 | $ 275 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Travel Themes | N/A |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Ground transport included |
| Activities | N/A |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
Daily breakfast |
| Description | Setting out from Shannon, this all new itinerary charts the road less travelled in Ireland with a chance to experience the country’s favorite sport—hurling, the breathtaking views of the Clare shoreline from the 700-feet tall Cliffs of Moher and an all Irish trip to a local Pub, where you’ll be serenaded by the musicians of Kilkenny. From here it is a short way to Tipperary and Blarney Castle—home of the kissing stone, before journeying onwards to the port of Cobh, the Titanic’s final port of call before it set sail for New York. Spanning two immersive weeks, this exploration includes a stay at the Carton House, Queen Victoria’s favorite retreat in Dublin. |
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: Welcome to Ireland
Transfers to your hotel depart from Shannon airport at 07:00 and 13:00. Relax and settle into your hotel or perhaps head for the nearby Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. At 17:30, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant with the opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers.
Falls Hotel & Spa, Ennistymon.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: Cliffs and Delights of Galway
Journey to the incredible West Coast and the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre where you can enjoy breath-taking views of the Clare shoreline and the Atlantic Ocean. Your next stop is Galway, the City of Tribes. See the St Nicholas Cathedral, the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square on your orientation, before indulging in a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Arrive in quaint and colourful Westport in Co. Mayo, on the Clew Bay.
The Wyatt Hotel, Westport.
Breakfast, Lunch with Wine
Day 3: Explore Westport
Explore Westport with Insight Choice. Choose to join a Local Expert on a culinary walk through the town, sampling the best sweet and savoury artisan dishes. Alternatively, travel to Ballycroy National Park for a nature walk through lush countryside, with panoramic views of Achill Island and the Nephin Beg mountain range.
The Wyatt Hotel, Westport.
Breakfast
Day 4: Co. Donegal and the Wild Atlantic Way Relaxed Start
Visit the historic Lissadell Estate, childhood home of Irish revolutionary Constance Markievicz, who went on to becoming the first Irish Cabinet Minister. Meet the owners who have lovingly restored the house and gardens to its former glory and listen to their story as you enjoy tea and scones. Follow the Wild Atlantic Way to Donegal, then head inland for the market town of Letterkenny in the heart of the Northwest. Tonight, enjoy hearty Irish fare as your dine in the home of a local family.
McGettigan's Hotel, Letterkenny.
Breakfast, Morning Tea, Dinner with Wine
Day 5: Wilderness of the Northwest
Experience the beauty and tranquillity of Ireland's northernmost wilderness as you travel through Glenveagh National Park, along the shores of Lough Veagh. Visit Glenveagh Castle, originally built as a romantic highland retreat, with a Local Expert. Spend time in the tartan-and-antler-encrusted music room and the blue room, where guests Greta Garbo and Ella Fitzgerald once stayed. Learn how the estate has played a central role in the conservation efforts of the National Park.Continue through Creeslough across the true wilds of Donegal. See Doe Castle, historical stronghold of Clan Sweeney, then on to the Atlantic Drive. Part of the Wild Atlantic Way, it is one of Ireland’s best kept secrets, offering pristine and unspoilt scenery. Continue back to Letterkenny via Mulroy Bay and Milford, and return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
McGettigan's Hotel, Letterkenny.
Breakfast
Day 6: Dublin, the capital
Journey across the Emerald Isle to Dublin, see the Custom House, St Patrick’s Cathedral, and travel along River Liffey on your orientation with your Travel Director. Explore Dublin with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the world-famous Guinness Storehouse Brewery and learn how to pour the perfect pint. Alternatively, join a Local Expert to visit Trinity College and see the Book of Kells. Arrive at the historic Carton House Hotel, a favourite retreat of Queen Victoria, newly renovated. Tonight, enjoy a cooking demonstration and savour a delicious dinner at the hotel’s gastropub.
Carton House, County Kildare.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 7: A Day at Leisure Relaxed Start
Today take advantage of the activities available at your hotel. Stop on the estate grounds and look out for rare birds. Take your chance at fishing, play a round of golf or pamper yourself at the spa. Transfers are also available for guests wishing to further explore Dublin.
Carton House, County Kildare.
Breakfast
Day 8: Gardens of Ireland
Your first stop this morning is at the Powerscourt House, in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, where you join a gardener for a walk through one of the world’s greatest estates. Your next stop is at Glendalough where a Local Expert takes you on a walk in the ‘valley of the two lakes’. This evening, arrive in Kilkenny, where your Travel Director shows you the medieval city, with its majestic castle and river walk. The evening is at your leisure.
River Court Hotel, Kilkenny.
Breakfast
Day 9: Active Kilkenny Relaxed Start
Kilkenny holds a long history for Ireland’s national sport – hurling. Meet an experienced player to gain an exciting insight into this unique Irish cultural experience, and have a go for yourself on the pitch. Tonight, enjoy a pub dinner where local musicians entertain you in true Irish tradition.
River Court Hotel, Kilkenny.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 10: Castles on the way to Cork
Cross County Tipperary as you travel to 15th-century Blarney Castle, home of the famous Stone of Eloquence ! In Cobh, visit the Queenstown Story exhibition, offering a glimpse into the hardships of the early emigrants to British overseas colonies. The ill-fated Titanic also called to the port on its voyage to New York, and the ocean liner Lusitania was struck by a torpedo just off the shore of the town.
Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City.
Breakfast
Day 11: Walks in Nature
Explore Kinsale, one of the most picturesque towns on the southwest coast of Ireland. Visit Charles Fort, one of the finest surviving examples of a 17th-century star-shaped fort. Overlooking the town and the mouth of the Bandon River, it provides breath-taking views of the county. An easy and peaceful walk takes you to the Old Head of Kinsale, to see the memorial to the crew of RMS Lusitania and the ruins of Downmacpatrick Castle.Enjoy the freshest seafood this evening on your Sea-to-Table dinner.
Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 12: County Tipperary and Adare
Travel across County Tipperary to Brookfield Farm and join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Meet Ailbhe Gerrard, a passionate farmer and beekeeper, who shares her secrets to crafting the most delicious honey of the island, crafted sustainably, vital for the preservation of biodiversity in the region.Continue to Adare, Ireland’s prettiest village, for a walk among thatched cottages.Tonight, toast to your travels and memories made at your Celebration Dinner.
Bunratty Castle Hotel.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 13: Farewell Ireland
Your journey comes to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Shannon airport at 05:30 and 09:00.
Breakfast
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.
