IRELAND, THE NORTHERN ‘CLASSIC’ TOUR
DAY 1 : DUBLIN ARRIVAL
Pick up your car rental and make your way to County Louth.
Take the day to discover County Louth, known as the “wee county”. From the River Boyne & the historic Boyne Valley to the dramatic scenery around Carlingford Lough and the mountainous Cooley Peninsula. Take some time to discover this region on the Capital’s doorsteps.
Overnight: Louth area
DAY 2 : BELFAST CITY
Discover Belfast and its rich history. Walk towards Albert Memorial Clock tower and the Opera House, which is one of Belfast’s great landmarks. You will pass by the City Hall, The Crown Liquor Saloon, Queens University and the Botanic Garden. Visit the Titanic Experience, located in the heart of Belfast, the attraction recreates the story of the world’s most famous ship.
Overnight: Belfast area
DAY 3 : GIANT'S CAUSEWAY & DERRY
Leave Belfast for a drive along the Antrim Coast, which runs north from Larne and curves around the base of steep headlands, through which the beautiful glens of Antrim open to the sea. On the northern coast the Giant's Causeway is truly aweinspiring.
After visiting the famous UNESCO site, continue through Portrush & Portstewart to arrive in Derry. Derry has a heavy historical past and has suffered a lot through violence. Today it enjoys the advantages of the new peaceful atmosphere in Northern Ireland politics.
Overnight: Derry area
DAY 4 : GLENVEAGH NATIONAL PARK
Discover one of Ireland’s most secret and wild regions. You can for example explore Glenveagh National Park, formerly an enormous private estate of over 9,500 hectares in extent. The present day National Park now includes elements of another large estate and has a total area of over 16,500 hectares, making it Ireland's largest.
Overnight: Donegal Town area
DAY 5 : DONEGAL TO MAYO
Join the Wild Atlantic Way and enjoy the scenery of Ireland’s very own Surf Coast. Take the time to stop at Sliabh Liag, one of the highest accessible sea cliffs in Europe providing some of the finest views from the Wild Atlantic Way.
Continue towards county Mayo along the coast. Your next stop should be at Downpatrick Head. Continue towards County Mayo, your home for the night.
Overnight: Mayo area
DAY 6 : CONNEMARA
Travel to County Galway and visit Connemara, a land of small villages where Gaelic is still the spoken language and where little has changed since the beginning of time. It is without a doubt the wildest and the most romantic part of Ireland.
On its northern shore the land is harsher and more secret, with spectacular views of the Ocean and the beautiful fjord of Killary Harbour, Connemara is a real paradise for Nature lovers and those in search of strong emotions.
Overnight: Mayo area
DAY 7 : MAYO TO MEATH
Leave the West coast of Ireland to return towards Dublin. On the way, get off the beaten track and discover Lough Key Forest Park, a forest park comprising of some 350 hectares of mixed woodlands, a lake and a number of islands. Continue towards county Meath and the Boyne Valley for your last night.
Overnight: Meath area
DAY 8 : DUBLIN DEPARTURE
Travel to Dublin Airport for return flight home.
End of our services.
Our services include :
- 7 nights accommodation with daily breakfast
Our services do not include :
- International flights
- Rental Car
- Visa
- Insurance
Accomodation :
- Louth : Carrickdale Hotel
- Belfast : Ramada By Wyndham
- Derry : Withe Horse Hotel
- Donegal : Mill Park Hotel
- Mayo : Ballina Hotel
- Meath : Knightsbrook Hotel
Ireland, often referred to as the "Emerald Isle," is a country known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. Located in the North Atlantic, it is part of the British Isles and is divided into the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. This guide will focus on the Republic of Ireland, offering insights into its major cities, attractions, cultural experiences, and practical travel tips.
Getting There:
Ireland is accessible via several international airports, the main ones being Dublin Airport (DUB), Shannon Airport (SNN), and Cork Airport (ORK). Direct flights are available from many major cities in Europe, North America, and beyond.
Where to Stay:
Ireland offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels and quaint bed-and-breakfasts to budget hostels and self-catering cottages. Popular areas to stay include:
Dublin: The capital city offers a range of accommodations from luxury hotels like The Shelbourne to budget-friendly options such as Generator Hostel.
Galway: Known for its lively arts scene, Galway offers charming guesthouses and hotels, including The Galmont Hotel & Spa.
Cork: The second-largest city in Ireland has a variety of accommodations, such as The River Lee Hotel and Kinlay House Cork.
Killarney: A gateway to the Ring of Kerry, it offers a mix of upscale and budget accommodations like The Killarney Park Hotel and Neptune’s Hostel.
Top Cities and Attractions:
Dublin:
Trinity College and the Book of Kells: Home to Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure, the Book of Kells.
Guinness Storehouse: Learn about the history of Ireland's famous beer and enjoy a pint with panoramic views of the city.
Temple Bar: A cultural quarter with cobbled streets, lively pubs, and street performers.
Dublin Castle: A historic site with gardens, museums, and guided tours.
Galway:
Eyre Square: A bustling public park in the heart of the city.
Galway Cathedral: A stunning example of modern architecture.
Salthill Promenade: A beautiful coastal walk offering scenic views of Galway Bay.
Galway Arts Festival: An annual event showcasing local and international artists.
Cork:
Blarney Castle: Home to the famous Blarney Stone, which is said to bestow the gift of eloquence.
English Market: A historic indoor market offering local produce, meats, and cheeses.
Fitzgerald Park: A picturesque park with a museum, sculptures, and playgrounds.
Killarney:
Killarney National Park: Explore the stunning landscapes, lakes, and waterfalls.
Muckross House and Gardens: A 19th-century mansion with beautiful gardens.
Ring of Kerry: A scenic drive offering breathtaking views of mountains, lakes, and coastal landscapes.
Limerick:
King John’s Castle: A medieval castle with interactive exhibitions.
The Hunt Museum: A collection of artifacts and artworks spanning several millennia.
St. Mary’s Cathedral: A beautiful and historic church in the city center.
Cultural Experiences:
Traditional Music and Dance:
Experience traditional Irish music and dance in pubs and cultural centers. The city of Galway is particularly renowned for its vibrant music scene.
Festivals:
St. Patrick’s Day: Celebrated on March 17th with parades, music, and festivities across the country.
Galway International Arts Festival: A major event featuring theater, music, visual arts, and street performances.
Literary Heritage:
Visit the homes and museums dedicated to Ireland’s famous writers, such as James Joyce, W.B. Yeats, and Oscar Wilde.
Irish Cuisine:
Sample traditional Irish dishes like Irish stew, soda bread, and seafood chowder. Don’t miss trying local specialties such as black pudding and boxty.
Practical Tips:
Currency: The Euro (€) is the official currency in the Republic of Ireland. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s useful to carry some cash for smaller purchases.
Language: English is the main language, although Irish (Gaelic) is also spoken, particularly in rural areas.
Transportation: Ireland has a well-developed public transportation system, including trains, buses, and ferries. Renting a car is also a popular option for exploring the countryside.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is from April to September when the weather is milder and many festivals take place. However, Ireland’s scenery is beautiful year-round, and off-season travel can offer fewer crowds and lower prices.
Health and Safety: Ireland is a safe destination with good healthcare facilities. It’s advisable to have travel insurance for any unexpected medical expenses.
Ireland offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from its vibrant cities and cultural heritage to its stunning natural landscapes and welcoming people. Whether you’re exploring historic castles, enjoying traditional music in a cozy pub, or hiking through lush green valleys, Ireland promises a memorable and enchanting travel experience. Embrace the warmth of the Irish spirit and the beauty of the Emerald Isle on your next adventure.