Compare Northern & Southern Ireland by Intrepid Travel vs Celtic Highlights by Tours4Fun

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 ARRIVE IN GLASGOW, SCOTLAND

Welcome to Glasgow! Free time the remainder of the day. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Day 2 GLASGOW - FORT WILLIAM - INVERNESS

GLASGOW Orientation drive to see the 12th-century cathedral, university buildings, and Georgian squares.
HIGHLANDS Scenic drive along Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, Glen Coe, and Loch Linnhe.
FORT WILLIAM See the gateway to Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak.
LOCH NESS Visit the legendary lake. (B,D)
178 mi / 286 km

Day 3 INVERNESS - CULLODEN - BLAIR ATHOLL - EDINBURGH

CULLODEN Visit the Culloden Moor battlefield site and visitor center.
BLAIR ATHOLL Visit Blair Castle. (B)
178 mi / 286 km

Day 4 EDINBURGH

EDINBURGH Morning city sightseeing with a Local Guide includes the New Town, Old Town and a visit to Edinburgh Castle to see Scotland's Crown Jewels. Visit Holyrood Palace (when available, excluding August and other occasional dates). Free time in the afternoon.
EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO Attend the world-renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo performance. (Departures August 8, August 15 and August 22 only). (B)

Day 5 EDINBURGH - GRETNA GREEN - GRASMERE, ENGLAND - LIVERPOOL

GRETNA GREEN See where the blacksmith would wed runaway couples.
LAKE DISTRICT (a UNESCO World Heritage site ) Scenic drive.
GRASMERE Visit Wordsworth's beloved village and [LF] try the original Grasmere gingerbread.
LIVERPOOL Visit The Beatles Story. (B)
235 mi / 378 km

Day 6 LIVERPOOL - NORTH WALES - DUBLIN, IRELAND

NORTH WALES Scenic drive through Betws-y-Coed and Snowdonia National Park.
Ferry crossing from Holyhead to Dublin. (B)
131 mi / 210 km

Day 7 DUBLIN

DUBLIN Orientation drive to see O'Connell Street, Georgian squares, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and Trinity College. Free time. (B)

ENHANCE YOUR FREE TIME in Dublin with a dining experience at the famouse Guinness Storehouse. This and many more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app.

Day 8 DUBLIN - KILDARE - CASHEL - BLARNEY - KILLARNEY

KILDARE [LF] Visit the Irish National Stud.
CASHEL See the Rock of Cashel, where St. Patrick preached.
BLARNEY Visit the village renowned for its magical Kissing Stone with free time to explore.
KILLARNEY Free time. (B,D)
231 mi / 372 km

Day 9 KILLARNEY - RING OF KERRY - ADARE - LIMERICK

RING OF KERRY Panoramic drive around the island's southwestern tip.
ADARE Stop at the quaint village to see its pretty thatched cottages.
LIMERICK Free time. (B)
167 mi / 268 km

Day 10 LIMERICK - CLIFFS OF MOHER - GALWAY - SLIGO

CLIFFS OF MOHER Visit 668-foot-high cliffs above the Atlantic Ocean.
GALWAY Free time. (B,D)
188 mi / 302 km

Day 11 SLIGO - DERRY, NORTHERN IRELAND - GIANT'S CAUSEWAY - BELFAST

DERRY [LF] Walk on the city walls with a Local Guide.
GIANT'S CAUSEWAY See more than 40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed millions years ago. (B,D)
187 mi / 301 km

Day 12 BELFAST - GLASGOW, SCOTLAND

BELFAST Visit Titanic Experience museum. Ferry crossing to Cairnryan on the west coast of Scotland. (B,D)
82 mi / 132 km

Day 13 GLASGOW

GLASGOW Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)