Compare Northern & Southern Ireland by Intrepid Travel vs Splendors Of Ireland 9 Day Luxury Package by Pilgrim Tours

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).

Day 1: Depart for Ireland

We begin our adventure to the Emerald Isle with an overnight flight to Dublin, Ireland. Sit back, rest and enjoy the in-flight service.

Day 2: Welcome to Ireland

Arrive at Dublin Airport. Transfer to your Dublin hotel under own arrangements. This afternoon you will meet with a local guide and enjoy a walking tour of Dublin. Have some time at leisure before meeting with the rest of the group for a welcome drink at your hotel before dinner.
Overnight: Dublin (Dinner, bed & breakfast)

Day 3: Dublin’s Fair City

First this morning you will visit Trinity College, Irelands oldest University, founded in 1592 by Elizabeth 1st. Visit the ancient library, containing over 20,000 manuscripts & is home to the 9th century Book of Kells. Next board your coach and tour County Wicklow. Enjoy lunch at Ballyknocken House. This charming Victorian farmhouse offers four star accommodation and is home to TV chef and food writer, Catherine Fulvio. Before returning to Dublin, visit Russborough House, built in 1740, this Palladian mansion is often referred to as ‘the most beautiful in Ireland’.
Overnight: Dublin (Bed & breakfast)

Day 4: Dublin to Kerry

Today you will depart Dublin with your driver and travel to Kerry. Stop at the Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens. The Irish National Stud is the only stud farm in Ireland that is open to the public and set within the same site are the magnificent Japanese Gardens of Tully which were created between the years 1906 and 1910. Next visit the Rock of Cashel, which towers over the town of Cashel from its perch on a 200-foot high outcrop of limestone. Continue to Killarney and check into your hotel.
Overnight: Killarney (Dinner, bed & breakfast)

Day 5: Kerry Sightseeing

Today you will tour the famous Ring of Kerry. Visit the Skellig Experience, which is a heritage center dedicated to life on the Skellig Islands. The Skellig Islands are found 12km off the coast of Kerry. The larger island, Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was a monastic site occupied from the 6th until the 12th century. More recently the island has been used to shoot scenes for the Star Wars film, The Force Awakens. Continue along the Ring of Kerry until you are back in Killarney. Visit Muckross House & Gardens. Muckross House is a magnificent Victorian mansion built in 1843 and is one of Ireland’s leading stately homes beautifully situated amidst the spectacular scenery of Killarney National Park. Next today enjoy a pony and trap ride (also known as a Jaunting Car).Relax aboard a jaunting car as your Jarvey [driver] takes you through the magnificent scenery of the National Park.
Overnight: Killarney (Bed & breakfast)

Day 6: Kerry to Galway

This morning travel northwards to Tarbert & take a short boat ride across the mouth of the river Shannon to land on Clare’s shore at Killimer. Travel along the coast to Doolin where you will take a ferry to view the Cliffs of Moher, the most majestic cliffs in Ireland which rise from the Atlantic Ocean & extend for over 7km. Return to the mainland and continue to the Burren Smokehouse, learn about the smoking process, you will also have the opportunity to sample some smoked salmon before departing. Continue to your hotel in Galway. Tonight you will have dinner aboard a restored train at your hotel.
Overnight: Galway (Dinner, bed & breakfast)

Day 7: Connemara

Today you will tour the Connemara Region. Connemara is a land of lakes and rivers, bogs and mountains. Visit Dan O’Hara’s Cottage for a bread making demonstration. Next visit Kylemore Abbey. One of Kylemore Abbey’s most famous features is its miniature cathedral, built in 1870 and known locally as the Gothic church. Return to Galway where you will have the evening at leisure. There will be a return coach transfer into the city center this evening.
Overnight: Galway (Bed & breakfast)

Day 8: Galway to Dublin

This morning you will enjoy a walking tour of Galway with a local guide followed by some free time in the city. Depart Galway and stop in Offaly to visit Tullamore Dew Distillery. Enjoy a guided tour which blends audio-visual and traditional storytelling and then raise a glass of complimentary Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey. Travel to your hotel in Dublin and check in. Tonight you will join for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Dublin (Bed & breakfast)

Day 9: Farewell

Transfer to Dublin Airport under own arrangements for return flight home.