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Day 1: Sunday – Dublin to Belfast

Titanic Experience Belfast on your Wild West and North Tour of Ireland

We begin the first day of your adventure with a visit to the magical stone age passage tomb at Newgrange which is richly decorated by megalithic art. After exploring this Neolithic structure we will travel north to Belfast.

Next up this afternoon is 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

The Ultimate Tour of Ireland - Small Groups, Big Experiences on your Overland Ireland Ultimate Small Group Tour

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 of this tour and it 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 Londonderry, 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

Carrick-a-Rede Bridge on your Wild West and North Tour of Ireland

Traditional Music Sessions and Local Craft Beers on your Ultimate Ireland Small Group Tour

Day 3: Tuesday – Derry to the Hills of Donegal

Londonderry on your Wild West and North Tour of Ireland

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, on to Maghera Beach and by Assaranca Waterfall.

One of our highlights today will be the stunning views and a walk along one of the highest cliffs in Europe – Slieve League which stands over 600m above the Wild Atlantic Ocean. Our accommodation tonight is in the picturesque village of Ardara, County Donegal.

Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Comfortable Accommodation on your Overland Ireland Small Group Tour

Day 4: Wednesday – Westport to Connemara

Today’s 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 Connemara 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

Experience Westport on your Wild West and North Tour of Ireland

Your Fully Guided Overland Ireland Small Group Tour Lets You Meet Friendly Locals

Day 5: Thursday – The Aran Islands

Aran Islands on your Wild West and North Tour of Ireland

After a short drive cross country to Rossaveal Pier on Galway Bay we take 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. 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

Its Your Holiday, Do It Your Way - Your Ultimate Ireland Small Group Tour

Day 6: Friday – Galway to Dublin

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.

Transportation is provided with the GoBus, a direct bus from Galway to Dublin city centre or Dublin Airport in case you need to catch a flight home.

Total driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes

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.