Compare Northern & Southern Ireland by Intrepid Travel vs Unforgettable Ireland (Canada Special) by Indus Travels

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).

Today make your own way to your gateway airport for your overnight flight to Dublin. Enjoy inflight meals and services on your flight.

Arrive at Dublin Airport and find your own way to your hotel in Dublin. You are free to explore the city at your leisure this afternoon (your hotel will be within walking distance of the city centre).

Overnight in Dublin

This morning you will meet your English-speaking driver/guide and coach and depart Ireland’s capital to visit the town of Blarney, home to the famous Blarney Castle. Dating from 1446, the castle is a tower house built on solid limestone within wonderful grounds.  At the top of the Tower you will find the legendary Stone of Eloquence; kiss it and you’ll never again be lost for words. Enjoy some time for shopping at Blarney Woollen Mills, perhaps the largest quality craft shop in Ireland, before continuing on to Killarney in Kerry in the southwest of Ireland.

Overnight in Killarney

Today you will enjoy a tour of the Iveragh Peninsula, which will give you the opportunity to explore the Ring of Kerry. Taking in spectacular scenery such as mountains, peat, bogs, lakes and magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. Leaving Killarney you will pass through Killorglin, famous for its Puck Fair, then to Glenbeigh (where the cliff road affords panoramic views of the Dingle Peninsula and Dingle Bay), the sea town of Waterville and Sneem Village, famous for its brightly coloured houses.  Next, you can enjoy transportation of a different kind! Relax aboard a jaunting car as your Jarvey (driver) takes you through the magnificent scenery of the National Park. Today enjoy dinner on your own in one of the many restaurants or pubs in Killarney town.

Overnight in Killarney

Today you will depart Kerry and travel northwards to Tarbert, where you will take a short boat ride across the mouth of the River Shannon to land on Clare’s shore at Killimer. From here you will travel along the coast to the Cliffs of Moher, the most majestic cliffs in Ireland.  Enjoy a tour of the Burren Region (“Burren” means “large stones”); often described as lunar, the Burren is a high plateau of porous limestone situated in Northern Clare between Ballyvaughan and Kilfenora. The rocks hide many caves and “Turloughs”, an interesting phenomenon which transforms lakes into fields during the summer. After this tour you will travel to Limerick.

Overnight in Limerick 

This morning you will travel to Galway, a beautiful place that has attracted many musicians and artists over the years. Galway is a delight with its narrow streets, wooden shop fronts and busy pubs. Your visit starts at Galway’s modern Cathedral, one of the largest and most impressive buildings in Galway.  Afterwards enjoy a cruise on Lough Corrib with scones and an Irish coffee - this journey on the Corrib Princess takes passengers along the majestic River Corrib and on to the lake, providing visitors with wonderful views of historic monuments and scenery, which make this one of the most spectacular waterways in Ireland. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon at leisure.

Overnight in Galway 

Today you will travel through the beautiful Connemara Region, a land of lakes and rivers, bogs and mountains; a land of small villages where Gaelic is still the spoken language.  Connemara is a vast peninsula bordered by the arid and rocky coastline of Galway Bay in the south. On its northern shore the land is harsher, with spectacular views of the ocean, the fjord of Killary Harbour, as well as the steep mountains overlooking numerous lakes and large bog areas; a haven for nature lovers. Enjoy some time at leisure in Connemara National Park. You will also visit historic Kylemore Abbey before returning to Galway. Kylemore Abbey was built in 1868 by Mitchell Henry, there you will see its most famous feature: the miniature Cathedral, home of the Benedictine nuns since 1920.

Overnight in Galway 

Today you will depart Galway and visit Clonmacnoise. Situated in the wilds, on the banks of the Shannon, sixth century Clonmacnoise is now partly in ruins.  Visit the Visitor Centre where the original Celtic crosses are exhibited, and tour the site to see the eleventh century cathedral and the wonderful reproductions of the High Crosses.  After the tour, you will continue on to Dublin for a tour of this Fair City.  Visit Trinity College, the oldest University in Ireland, founded in 1592 by Elizabeth I. Visit the ancient library to see the ninth century Book of Kells, famous for its precious illuminations.

Overnight in Dublin

After a final Irish breakfast, transfer to Dublin Airport for your flight home on your own arrangements.