Travel Ireland in style. During your trip you’ll visit historic cities such as Belfast, take in the breath-taking views from Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland and the Slieve Leauge Cliffs on the western coast. Then make your way inland to visit the famous Ashford Castle. As you round your way back to Dublin you’ll travel the coast through Galway and the Cliffs of Moher.
Arrive in Dublin where you’ll be greeted by your Irish drive who will be with you for your stay in Ireland. Upon arriving you’ll head two hours north to Belfast where you’ll spend 2-nights at a 5-star hotel.
During your first day you might want to tour the city and visit the Titanic Belfast Museum or take a Black Taxi tour of the International Wall of Murals. Perhaps enjoy a 2-hour food tour taking in the best cuisine and dining locations Belfast has to offer.
If you feel like a bit more exercise you can always check out The Gobbins, a 3-mile cliffside walk which involves a narrow walking path, tunnels and bridges over the crashing waves of the Irish Sea.
Following a good night’s sleep and breakfast you might consider visiting attractions such as Carrikfergus Castle or test your courage crossing the “nail-biting” Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
Next, head to the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway. Take in the beauty while learning about its ancient geology and mythology. Following your visit at Giant’s Causeway continue on to Dunluce Castle which is tucked away on a cliffside west of Giant's Causeway.
After breakfast your driver will meet you to continue on to Donegal, most recently awarded the “coolest place on the planet” by National Geographic. On your way to Donegal you may consider a stop in the walled city of Londonderry.
This evening head into Donegal town where you can enjoy a few pints along with Irish music and dance.
Meet your driver the following morning and set out for the Slieve League Cliffs, Europe’s tallest sea cliffs. Enjoy the breathtaking views and numerous photo-ops. On the slopes of Slieve League you can see remains of an early Christian monastic site with chapel and beehive huts.
Continue to one of Ireland’s few remaining Gaeltact regions – this is real Ireland with its Gaelic traditions and crafts. Visit the Glenveagh National Park and the Glenveagh Castle. Enjoy afternoon tea and the Walled Garden which is a horticulture masterpiece.
Upon meeting your driver you will head one hour south for a stop in Sligo and Leitrim as you make your way to Ashford Castle. In Sligo and Leitrim explore Yeats Country. Board the Rose of Innisfree Tour boat and enjoy stories of Yeats’s work and visit his burial place.
Just 90 minutes from Sligo lies Ashford Castle. Built in 1228 and situated on the banks of Lough Corrib and the River Cong, Ashford Castle lends itself perfectly to a range of activities: horse riding, fishing, falconry, golf, cycling, kayaking and more. Tonight enjoy dinner at the Castle or the Lodge.
During your stay here you’ll have the opportunity to explore the grounds of the castle. Enjoy a picnic or falconry demonstration. You may also chose to explore Galway and the Connemara Coast, one of the few last Gaelic speaking areas in Ireland.
Consider getting off-the-beaten-track and visit villages such as Barna, Inverin, and Roundstone. Perhaps visit Achill Island, which is a bit further away. Achill Island is marked by rugged mountains, tall sea cliffs and clean beaches.
If you’re in the mood for a more formal dinner one evening, consider George V Dining Room.
Your driver will greet you this morning and you’ll head to Dingle by way of the Galway coast road and Killarney. On your drive through Galway visit the Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy lunch in the quaint village of Adare before continuing on to Killarney.
In Killarney stop at Muckross House for a traditional pony and trap ride up to the Torc Waterfall. Following your stop in Killarney, set off west to the fishing village of Dingle.
During your second day in Dingle explore the Dingle peninsula. Take a drive down Mount Brandonand and hike the highest peak on the peninsula. At the top you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views.
A trip to Inch Beach would be time well spent. You may also enjoy stops in Annascaul or the Great Blasket Islands. Consider an afternoon Dingle Harbor Boat Tour or a tour of The Dingle Distillery.
Today you’ll be getting on the road early making your way towards Kilkenny. On your way stop at the Rock of Cashel which is a grouping of medieval buildings steeped in rich history. Then continue on to Kilkenny which is known as the Marble City and is Ireland’s most historic and compact medieval town.
Upon arriving in Kilkenny consider a guided tour of the grand Kilkenny Castle which built in 1195 by Norman occupiers. Along with Kilkenny Castle, the town is also rich in well-preserved churches and monasteries. Before leaving town enjoy lunch at Langtons, Foodworks, or Zuni.
Continue on to Dublin and check into your hotel. Enjoy dinner at Taste or in the Patrick Guilbauld restaurant. Reservations are must at each.
The city of Dublin presents many opportunities for sightseeing:
Another option for today is visiting the beautiful landscape of Glendalough which is about 1.5 hours outside of Dublin.
Tonight join the Literary Pub Crawl which leaves from Dukes Pub or join a Traditional Irish Music Pub Crawl.
Say farewell to The Emerald Isle. Your driver will meet you at your hotel and take you to the airport.
Old Sod Travel specializes in memorable and luxurious trips to Ireland, Scotland, and England. We work with each of our clients to create customized trips filled with amazing experiences and lifelong memories.
