Compare Splendors Of Ireland 9 Day Luxury Package by Pilgrim Tours vs Wild West and North Tour by Overland Ireland

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.

Day 1: Sunday – Dublin to Belfast

Titanic Experience Belfast on your Wild West and North Tour of Ireland

We begin the first day of your adventure with a visit to the magical stone age passage tomb at Newgrange which is richly decorated by megalithic art. After exploring this Neolithic structure we will travel north to Belfast.

Next up this afternoon is the full Titanic experience at Titanic Belfast. This splendid interactive visitor centre was voted the world’s leading tourist attraction in 2016. Prepare to be moved by the wonderful stories told about the world’s most famous ship.

We will finish the day with an enthralling black cab tour of Belfast. This tour is optional but highly recommended. Alternatively, if you just need to take a breath and chill, you can spend some time exploring the city’s coolest pubs, shops and restaurants.

Total driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes

The Ultimate Tour of Ireland - Small Groups, Big Experiences on your Overland Ireland Ultimate Small Group Tour

Day 2: Monday – The Giant’s Causeway to Derry

Today will be both a test of mental strength and a celebration for your soul. The Giant’s Causeway is one of the most anticipated features of this tour and it never disappoints. The Causeway Coastal Route is breath-taking and while crossing Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge you will feel the exhilaration of the air beneath your feet while the anticipation builds.

Game of Thrones fans will have officially landed in their spiritual home as we take a sneak peak of one of its most famous filming locations, The Dark Hedges.

Our next stop is Londonderry, Northern Ireland’s second largest city, steeped in rich history. Explore the city by night and look forward to a tour of the walled city on day 3.

Total driving time: 3 hours

Carrick-a-Rede Bridge on your Wild West and North Tour of Ireland

Traditional Music Sessions and Local Craft Beers on your Ultimate Ireland Small Group Tour

Day 3: Tuesday – Derry to the Hills of Donegal

Londonderry on your Wild West and North Tour of Ireland

Before leaving Derry, let our friends take you on a walking tour of the city. Understand the struggles of our past and the long road to current peaceful times in the North.

Now it is time to venture into the wild northwest – The hills of Donegal. We continue our exploration of Northern Ireland and embark on a magnificent drive over the Glengesh Pass, on to Maghera Beach and by Assaranca Waterfall.

One of our highlights today will be the stunning views and a walk along one of the highest cliffs in Europe – Slieve League which stands over 600m above the Wild Atlantic Ocean. Our accommodation tonight is in the picturesque village of Ardara, County Donegal.

Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Comfortable Accommodation on your Overland Ireland Small Group Tour

Day 4: Wednesday – Westport to Connemara

Today’s road trip will take you through William Butler Yeat’s County – Sligo and down towards Ireland’s favourite town – Westport!

Our time in Westport begins with a wonderful walking tour of the town and a fabulous lunch to set yourself up for an unforgettable journey through Connemara National Park and the famous Famine Trail.

We will arrive at Kylemore Abbey in the heart of Connemara in the afternoon. You will have time to roam the abbey and Victorian Walled Garden on this 1000 acre estate overlooking Kylemore Lake and the majestic Connemara National Park.

Stay in Clifden and discover some great bars, restaurants and nightly music and have a chat with the locals over a pint of the Black Stuff!

This year we have added the option of staying in Ballynahinch Castle!

Total driving time: 4 hours

Experience Westport on your Wild West and North Tour of Ireland

Your Fully Guided Overland Ireland Small Group Tour Lets You Meet Friendly Locals

Day 5: Thursday – The Aran Islands

Aran Islands on your Wild West and North Tour of Ireland

After a short drive cross country to Rossaveal Pier on Galway Bay we take the ferry to the Aran Islands. We will land on rugged Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands.

We explore the Island by bicycle or by special request jaunting. Our route will take in the stone fort of Dún Aonghasa, which lies 100m over the ocean before making our way back to the mainland. While you are there you might pick up a few words of “Gaelic” from the locals and maybe get an original Aran Sweater!

Our departure from Rossaveal is the start of our Galway adventure. We will hug the coastline into bustling bohemian Galway. Expect a great atmosphere, entertaining street performers and plenty of craic in this much celebrated town.

Total driving time: 2 hours

Its Your Holiday, Do It Your Way - Your Ultimate Ireland Small Group Tour

Day 6: Friday – Galway to Dublin

Galway is a city that has its Medieval history at its very heart.

Now that you have a “feel” for Galway, our guide will take you down the narrow medieval streets where you can duck in and out of brightly coloured shops.

Try on Claddagh Rings, Galway shawls and pass through The Spanish Arch to take in the famous Claddagh fishing village.

Transportation is provided with the GoBus, a direct bus from Galway to Dublin city centre or Dublin Airport in case you need to catch a flight home.

Total driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes