Welcome to Ireland • Dublin City • Irish Music & Dancing

Morning

Arrive in Dublin and settle into your accommodation. Take some time to relax before beginning your first taste of Ireland’s vibrant capital.

Activities:

• 4:00 PM — Dublin Walking Tour: Enjoy a guided walking tour through the heart of Dublin, passing Trinity College and discovering the history and atmosphere of the city.

• Grafton Street: Explore Dublin’s famous pedestrian shopping street, known for its lively atmosphere, street performers and musical character.

• St Stephen’s Green: Visit this elegant Victorian park in the heart of the city.

• Enjoy some free time to explore Dublin independently, browse the shops, enjoy a coffee or soak up the atmosphere.

Dinner

6:30 PM — Welcome Dinner: Enjoy dinner at an iconic traditional Irish pub, accompanied by traditional Irish music and dancing.

Morning

After breakfast at the hotel, depart Dublin at approximately 9:00 AM and travel south through the Irish countryside towards Kilkenny.

Distance: Approximately 125 km
Travel time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

Activities:

• Kilkenny — Ireland’s Medieval Gem: Explore one of Ireland’s most atmospheric historic towns, known for its medieval architecture, winding streets and lively arts scene.

• Guided Kilkenny Walking Tour: Discover the town’s medieval lanes, historic churches and important landmarks.

• Kilkenny Castle: Enjoy free time to explore this historic castle and its surrounding parkland.

• Browse local artisan stalls and the Makers Market for Irish crafts, artwork and locally produced goods.

• Lunch: At leisure.

Dinner

Morning

Explore Cork’s famous English Market and discover its selection of local produce, fresh foods and Irish culinary specialities.

Activities:

• The English Market: Take time to explore one of Ireland’s best-known food markets.

• Lunch: At leisure.

• Cobh — Ireland’s Maritime Gateway: Explore the colourful harbour town and learn about its deep connection with Irish emigration and maritime history.

• Discover Cobh’s connection to the Titanic, which made its final port of call here before crossing the Atlantic.

• Cobh Heritage Centre & Migration Museum: Learn about generations of Irish emigrants and their journeys overseas.

• Optional Private Genealogy Session: Available for guests particularly interested in tracing their family history.

• Optional Titanic Experience: Discover more about Cobh’s connection with the famous ship.

• Enjoy the evening in Cobh.

Dinner

6:30 PM — Dinner at leisure

Morning

After breakfast, depart Cobh and travel west towards Killarney and the spectacular landscapes of County Kerry.

Activities:

• Muckross House & Killarney National Park: Enjoy lunch at Muckross House before exploring the historic estate, gardens and surrounding national park.

• Discover the magnificent nineteenth-century Muckross House and Ireland’s country-house heritage.

• Torc Waterfall: Visit one of Killarney National Park’s best-known natural attractions, surrounded by lush woodland.

• Optional Jaunting Cart Ride: Take a traditional jaunting cart ride towards Muckross Abbey.

• Killarney: Enjoy free time to explore the town’s welcoming pubs, cafés, restaurants and shops.

Dinner

Morning

After breakfast, depart Tralee at approximately 9:00 AM and travel towards the Dingle Peninsula, enjoying scenic viewpoints along the way.

Activities:

• Explore the spectacular landscapes and viewpoints of the Dingle Peninsula.

• Spend time in the seaside town of Dingle.

• 12:30 PM — Lunch at Dirty Nelly’s: Enjoy lunch near Bunratty Castle.

• Bunratty Castle & Folk Park: Explore the impressive medieval castle and discover Ireland’s rural past through traditional buildings, cottages, farms and village scenes.

• Continue to Ennis, County Clare, and settle into your accommodation.

Dinner

6:30 PM — Town Hall Bistro

Morning

Begin the day at Ennis Library before travelling towards Ireland’s spectacular Atlantic coastline.

Activities:

• Ennis Library — Family History & Archives: Meet Executive Librarian Michael Talty and explore historical archives and Ireland’s documentary heritage.

• Wild Atlantic Way: Depart Ennis at approximately 9:00 AM and travel through the dramatic landscapes of the Atlantic coast.

• Cliffs of Moher: Experience one of Ireland’s great natural landmarks and enjoy spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean.

• The Burren: Enjoy lunch at the Burren Heritage Centre before exploring its extraordinary limestone landscape.

• Poulnabrone Dolmen: Visit one of Ireland’s most recognisable prehistoric monuments.

• Doolin: Discover this small coastal village renowned for traditional Irish music.

Dinner

6:30 PM — Traditional Irish Music Dinner: Enjoy dinner in a welcoming Doolin pub accompanied by traditional Irish music.

Morning

Begin the day with a visit to Galway Cathedral, followed by morning tea or coffee at the historic Hardiman Hotel.

Activities:

• Galway Cathedral: Visit one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.

• The Hardiman Hotel: Enjoy morning tea or coffee overlooking Galway’s main square.

• Guided Galway City Tour: Explore Galway’s historic centre, colourful streets and strong connection to Irish culture.

• Enjoy free time to browse local heritage shops, visit the Galway City Museum or wander through the city.

• Optional Tig Cóilí Visit: Experience a live traditional Irish music session at one of Galway’s best-known traditional pubs.

Dinner

6:30 PM — Dinner in Galway, with the option to continue the evening with live Irish music.

Morning

After breakfast, depart Galway at approximately 9:00 AM and travel towards the picturesque village of Cong.

Distance: Approximately 40 km
Travel time: Approximately 40 minutes

Activities:

• Cong — The Quiet Man: Explore the village famous as a filming location for the classic film The Quiet Man.

• Cong Abbey: Discover the remarkable medieval ruins and their fascinating history.

• Enjoy lunch at Pat Cohan’s Pub, associated with The Quiet Man.

• Ashford Castle & Lough Corrib: Continue to the magnificent surroundings of Ashford Castle.

• Lough Corrib Boat Cruise: Enjoy a peaceful two-hour boat cruise from Ashford Castle to Inchagoill Island.

• Explore Inchagoill Island and discover its rich monastic history.

• Return to Ashford Castle and enjoy time to relax.

• Optional Mrs T’s Tearoom: Enjoy scones with jam and cream, subject to availability and timing.

Dinner

6:30 PM — Dinner

Morning

Travel into Connemara, one of Ireland’s most evocative landscapes, surrounded by mountains, lakes, rugged stone walls and open countryside.

Activities:

• Scenic Drive Through Connemara: Experience the region’s dramatic scenery and changing landscapes.

• Kylemore Abbey: Visit one of Ireland’s most romantic and recognisable landmarks.

• Explore the historic Victorian house and Gothic church.

• Wander through the beautifully restored Victorian Walled Gardens.

• Enjoy the woodland trails and surrounding scenery, with the possibility of seeing Connemara ponies.

• Lunch: At leisure on site.

• Westport: Spend the afternoon exploring this welcoming town, known for its colourful streets, Georgian architecture, independent shops and community atmosphere.

Dinner

6:30 PM — Dinner in Westport

Morning

Enjoy a local walking tour around Westport and free time for lunch in town.

Activities:

• Westport Walking Tour: Discover the town and its local character on foot.

• Lunch: At leisure in Westport.

• Country Life Museum: Visit the museum in the afternoon and discover aspects of Ireland’s rural heritage.

• Visit an ancient round tower and church.

• Continue north towards Letterkenny, the gateway to County Donegal.

• Enjoy the changing landscapes as the journey moves into Ireland’s northwest.

Dinner

6:30 PM — Dinner at the hotel

Morning

Begin the day travelling through Donegal, exploring ancient Ireland, living history and local hospitality.

Activities:

• Grianán of Aileach: Visit the ancient stone ring fort positioned on the summit of Greenan Mountain.

• Take in panoramic views across Lough Swilly, Lough Foyle and the Donegal countryside.

• Doagh Famine Village: Explore this open-air museum and learn about rural Irish life, the Great Famine and the resilience of local communities.

• Tea & Lunch in a Private Local Home: Spend time with local people over tea and homemade food while hearing stories about the area, family traditions and life in Donegal.

• Continue onwards towards Belfast.

Dinner

6:30 PM — Dinner in town

Morning

Explore Belfast and discover both the complex history and hopeful future of Northern Ireland.

Activities:

• Belfast Peace Walls Tour: Explore the history of Belfast’s divided communities and the period known as the Troubles.

• See murals, memorials and the Peace Walls while hearing stories of those who experienced these events firsthand.

• Learn about the peace process and the themes of reconciliation and hope shaping Belfast today.

• Belfast City Hall: Visit one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks and admire its architecture, stained-glass windows and historic interiors.

• Optional Titanic Belfast: Discover Belfast’s shipbuilding heritage and the story of the RMS Titanic.

• Or — Afternoon Tea at Titanic Hotel: Enjoy afternoon tea within the historic former offices of Harland & Wolff.

Dinner

6:30 PM — Dinner in Belfast

Morning

Set out on a day trip exploring the incredible coastline of Northern Ireland, travelling from Bushmills to Ballycastle.

Activities:

• Giant’s Causeway: Explore one of Northern Ireland’s most famous natural landmarks.

• Travel along the spectacular northern coastline from Bushmills to Ballycastle.

• Lunch at Bushmills Inn.

• Bushmills Whiskey Distillery: Visit the famous distillery.

• Enjoy scenic stops along the coastline before returning to Belfast.

Dinner

Dinner in Belfast

Morning

Enjoy a slow start before departing at approximately 10:00 AM.

Activities:

• St George’s Market: Explore the market and enjoy lunch while tasting one of Belfast’s famous Belfast baps.

• Spend the afternoon exploring Belfast.

• Irish Set Dancing Class: Watch or join in an Irish set dancing class.

Dinner

Dinner at Dunadry

Continue to Scotland • Glasgow City • Loch Lomond • The Scottish Highlands

Morning

For guests continuing on the Scotland component, the journey continues from Belfast towards Larne for the ferry crossing across the Irish Sea to Scotland.

Activities:

• Ferry to Scotland: Travel to Larne and board the ferry for the crossing to Scotland.

• Glasgow: Continue to Scotland’s largest city, a vibrant centre of culture, architecture and history.

• Guided Glasgow City Tour: Discover some of the city’s notable landmarks and historic streets. Depending on time, highlights may include George Square, Glasgow Cathedral, the River Clyde and Glasgow’s impressive Victorian architecture.

• Loch Lomond: Leave Glasgow behind and travel north into the countryside towards Loch Lomond, at the heart of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.

• Take in beautiful Highland scenery surrounded by mountains, forests and the famous loch.

• Journey to Arrochar: Follow the western shores of Loch Lomond towards the picturesque Highland village of Arrochar.

• Admire the surrounding Arrochar Alps, including the distinctive mountain known as The Cobbler.

Dinner

Scottish Highlands • Glencoe • Ben Nevis • Loch Ness • Eilean Donan Castle

Morning

Journey through the spectacular Scottish Highlands, passing some of Scotland’s most recognisable landscapes before continuing to the Isle of Skye.

Activities:

• Glencoe: Travel through the spectacular landscapes of Glencoe.

• Fort William: Visit the Highland town of Fort William.

• Ben Nevis: Take in views of Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest mountain.

• Fort Augustus: Visit the picturesque village at the southern end of Loch Ness.

• Loch Ness & Caledonian Canal: Enjoy views of the famous loch and the historic Caledonian Canal.

• Eilean Donan Castle: Stop at one of Scotland’s most recognisable castles.

• Continue onwards to the Isle of Skye.

Dinner

Morning

Spend the day exploring the Isle of Skye, discovering its dramatic landscapes, historic sites and island heritage.

Activities:

• Explore the spectacular Isle of Skye.

• The Storr & Old Man of Storr: See one of the island’s most recognisable natural landmarks.

• Duntulm Castle: Visit the historic ruins overlooking the coastline.

• Skye Museum of Island Life: Discover traditional island life and the history of Skye.

• Fairy Glen: Stop at this unique and picturesque landscape.

• Return to Portree.

Dinner

Island Landscapes • Scenic Exploration • Relaxed Day

Morning

Enjoy another day on the Isle of Skye, with more time dedicated to experiencing the island and its beautiful surroundings.

Activities:

• Enjoy a full day on the Isle of Skye.

• Explore more of the island at a relaxed pace.

• Take in the island’s distinctive landscapes and surroundings.

Dinner

Morning

Leave the Isle of Skye and travel by ferry to the Outer Hebrides, beginning your exploration of the Isles of Harris and Lewis.

Activities:

• Travel from Portree to Uig.

• Ferry to the Isle of Harris: Travel from Uig to Tarbert.

• Isle of Harris: Begin exploring the distinctive landscapes of Harris.

• Isle of Lewis: Continue your journey through the Outer Hebrides and explore Lewis.

• Continue to Stornoway

Morning

Spend the day experiencing the Outer Hebrides and discovering more of this distinctive island region.

Activities:

• Enjoy a full day in the Outer Hebrides.

• Explore the islands and their surrounding landscapes.

• Take time to experience the unique character and scenery of the region.

Morning

Continue your time in the Outer Hebrides with another day dedicated to exploring and experiencing the islands.

Activities:

• Continue exploring the Outer Hebrides.

• Enjoy another full day discovering the island region.

• Experience more of the landscapes and surroundings at a relaxed pace.

Morning

Farewell the Outer Hebrides and return to mainland Scotland, travelling through the Highlands towards Inverness.

Activities:

• Ferry to Mainland Scotland: Travel from Stornoway to Ullapool.

• Ullapool to Inverness: Continue through the Scottish Highlands towards Inverness.

• Inverness City Tour: Enjoy a brief tour of the city and discover the capital of the Highlands.

Morning

Travel south through Scotland, stopping in Pitlochry before continuing towards the historic town of St Andrews.

Activities:

• Depart Inverness and begin the journey south.

• Pitlochry: Stop in this picturesque Scottish town.

• Tay Bridge: Travel via the Tay Bridge as the journey continues south.

• Continue to St Andrews, one of Scotland’s most historic towns.

Morning

Discover several of Scotland’s historic landmarks before continuing to Edinburgh for an introduction to the capital city.

Activities:

• Stirling Castle: Visit one of Scotland’s most historically significant castles.

• Wallace Monument: Visit the famous monument dedicated to Scottish hero William Wallace.

• Falkirk Wheel: See this remarkable feat of modern Scottish engineering.

• The Kelpies: Visit Scotland’s iconic horse-head sculptures.

• Continue to Edinburgh.

• Edinburgh City Tour: Discover Scotland’s historic capital and some of its notable sights.

Farewell Scotland • Gretna Green • Liverpool • The Beatles

Morning

Today marks the end of the 25-Day Ireland & Scotland Tour, while guests joining the Wales extension continue their journey south towards Liverpool.

For Guests Finishing the 25-Day Tour:

• Enjoy your final morning as the Ireland & Scotland journey comes to an end.

• Say farewell to your fellow travellers.

• Depart Edinburgh for your onward travel or flight home.