Compare Northern & Southern Ireland by Intrepid Travel vs Tale Of Two Irish Capitals | Self Drive Program by Sky Vacations

Day 1 Belfast

Welcome to Belfast and the Emerald Isle! Your Irish adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6 pm. As you don't spend much time in Belfast as part of the trip, we recommend you arrive a few days early to make the most of it. If you happen to do so, spend some time wandering the streets of the bohemian Cathedral Quarter, or perhaps visit the leafy suburbs of South Belfast or the stately City Hall in Donegal Square. Make sure you also visit the revitalised waterfront area where you will find the Titanic Belfast monument on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard where the legendary RMS Titanic was built. The monument tells the story of the ship's ill-fated maiden voyage in 1912.

Day 2 Giant's Causeway / Belfast

Take a private transfer to the renowned natural wonder known as The Giant's Causeway (approximately 2.5 hours), travelling along the scenic and rugged wild coast north of Belfast. Giant's Causeway is home to roughly 40,000 basalt columns. The landmark has inspired artists and storytellers for centuries. Depending on the school of thought you wish to believe, they are either the result of an ancient volcanic eruption or a rather big argument between rival giants! Upon return to Belfast in the evening, why not visit the areas that have a connection to the Troubles, such as Shankill Road, the unionist Protestant area, the nationalist and Catholic area, as well as the 'Peace Wall'. Explore the local neighbourhoods to get more of a feel of this regenerated city, perhaps with a visit to a local pub for a meal with your travel crew.

Day 3 Galway

This morning, travel by public bus to the harbour city of Galway – capital of the county of the same name. You will be crossing the border from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland, so you may need to switch your Pounds for some Euros at this point. While you're in Galway, you could visit the impressive Galway Cathedral. Its full name, the Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, is far more elaborate than the simplicity of its building.

Day 4 Aran Islands / Galway

Enjoy a day trip by ferry to the Aran islands, which have been crafted by centuries of wild winds and smashing waves. The islands are one of the few places where the Irish language is still spoken on an everyday basis. You’ll travel by minibus and on foot to explore the native flora and fauna, with visits to the ruins of a church and a lighthouse. There are also some remains from Bronze and Iron Age fortresses to be found. If you're lucky you may even spot a seal lounging on the rocky shore! Return to Galway for a free evening and time for more exploration. The best way to take in the spirit of this city is by attending a live performance in one of the many pubs, accompanied by a pint of Guinness, of course.

Day 5 Cliffs of Moher / Adare / Killarney

The magnificent Cliffs of Moher will leave you in awe with their striking look over the Irish coastline. The daring can walk to the edge and watch puffins nesting along the cliff face (from April to late July). Learn about the history of the famous site and its feathered inhabitants at the Cliffs Exhibition. Next stop is the quaint village of Adare. Arrival into Killarney is in the late afternoon. You'll learn quickly that pubs are the heartbeat of Ireland, whether you're interested in guzzling beer or simply getting to know more about Irish culture, pubs are definitely an important part of any Irish adventure – the place for infectiously cheerful music, tall tales and making friends over a pint or two. The Irish take their beer seriously, so this is a great chance to taste a variety of rich 'real ales'. Get to know classic pub fare such as Irish stew, chowders and fish and chips, while also sampling less familiar dishes such as coddle, boxty and champ.

Day 6 Ring of Kerry / Killarney

Prepare for picturesque rolling green hills and breathe in the salty coastal air as you travel along the Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the Ring of Kerry – a mystical and unspoilt region of Ireland. You'll pass through bucolic villages and enjoy views across some of Ireland's greatest beaches, beautiful lakes and rivers as well as a bit of dramatic coastal scenery. It's the perfect place for a small town crime drama to be set. Travelling by private vehicle will allow you to stop frequently at any of the numerous outlooks along the way for photos. You’ll visit a sheep farm and will see a demonstration of sheep herding – with skilled border collie dogs at work rounding up the sheep, and following commands from the shepherd, they’re no doubt full of practice. Arrive back into Killarney in the early afternoon. If there is enough time perhaps head out to Ross Castle, picturesquely sitting on the shores of Lough Leane.

Day 7 Dublin / Cork

Travel by train to Cork and take a city tour led by your leader. Cork is known as the culinary capital of Ireland, so grab a bite before boarding another train this time bound for the real, proud capital of the Republic of Ireland - Dublin. Spend the evening exploring the cobbled streets of this humming city or drop into the pub for a pint and a yarn. Dublin has much to offer, so make sure you go out and maximise your time here. In the evening, perhaps get your group together and cosy up at a local pub or head into town to find a cool restaurant or bar in Dublin’s Creative Quarter, also known as the city’s 'hipster triangle'.

Day 8 Dublin

As there are no activities planned for today, you are free to head on your way at any time, providing you comply with the accommodation’s internal check-out policy. You might want to return to Belfast by train or further explore Dublin and surrounding area. Your leader can be of assistance in organising train tickets back to Belfast. If you’d like, additional accommodation can be booked in both locations (subject to availability).

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.