7-Night Authentic Luxury Northern Ireland Tour

Day 2

Accommodation

Central 5-Star Boutique Hotel - Dublin, County Dublin

Check in policies:

Check-in is from 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 12:00 noon.

Full valet parking services are available at a rate of €25 per night per vehicle.

Included Unique Activities

Merry Ploughboy Show

The Merry Ploughboys Live in Concert is widely regarded as Dublin’s finest traditional music and dinner show.  It combines the very best of fresh Irish food with exceptional performances of traditional Irish music and dance. With interaction between the performers and the audience, this is an evening to remember!

The dazzling evening begins with music from the house band—they’ve been lighting up Dublin with their performances for decades. Following the music, the All-Ireland, World Champion Irish Dancers, from Dublin and beyond, will amaze you. After dancing, the musicians ramp up the energy for the finale. They themselves are the pub proprietors, which lends the evening a particularly special air. Your evening includes round-trip transportation to and from the Merry Ploughboy Pub.

Guinness Storehouse Tour

Prepare yourself for an unforgettable Irish welcome, delving deep into the wonder of world-famous Guinness! The brewery is located in the heart of Dublin at historic St. James Gate. Originally a small brewery, it is now a 7-story visitor experience that brings the history, story, and taste of the Emerald Isle’s iconic brew to life.

Imagine the world’s largest pint glass (Guinness did start the Guinness Book of World Records, after all) rising to the top of the building. Amazing. The dramatic story begins 250-years-ago and incorporates a family legacy handed down through generations. You’ll end your time here at the Gravity Bar, enjoying a complimentary pint of Guinness.  Relax and enjoy spectacular views of Dublin. Plan to spend 1 ½ to 2 hours here.

Must-See Sites

Saint Patrick's Cathedral, County Dublin

On The Map: Saint Patrick's Cathedral is located in the heart of Dublin City, just south of the River Liffey, and west of such landmarks as Trinity College and Grafton Street. The Cathedral is located at the junction of Patrick Street and Upper Kevin Street.

Built in honour of Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral has contributed much to Irish life since its founding in 1191. The Cathedral stands adjacent to the famous well, at which St Patrick himself reportedly baptized converts on his visit to Dublin. The writer and satirist Jonathan Swift was Dean of Saint Patrick's from 1713 to 1747, and is buried within the church. In a romantic twist, Esther Johnson (Stella) is buried next to Swift. Although never married, Swift had a life-long, intense and mysterious relationship with Stella, and she was an inspiration for much of his work. Handel's Messiah received its first performance there in 1742, sung by the combined choir of Saint Patrick's and Christ Church. Music has played an integral part in the life of Saint Patrick's since its foundation and it is the only cathedral in these islands to sing two services every day. Living Stones, the cathedral's permanent exhibition, celebrates Saint Patrick's place in the life of the city, its history and its role at the dawn of the third millennium. It emphasises that the cathedral is not a museum, but a building embracing the past to herald the future.

Dublin Castle, County Dublin

Since its foundation in 1204, Dublin Castle has been at the heart of the history and evolution of Dublin.  Today, spanning an area of over 44,000 square meters (11 acres), the site contains 2 museums, 2 cafés, an international conference centre, 2 gardens, Government Buildings and the State Apartments (the most important state rooms in the country). The grounds of the Castle are free to explore, as is the Chapel Royal, the Chester Beatty Library, the Garda Museum and the Revenue Museum.  Access to the State Apartments is by guided tour only and tickets may be purchased from the Apartments in the Upper Castle Yard.

Dublin, County Dublin

On the Map: Dublin, Ireland's Capital City is located on the east coast of the country, and is well served by infrastructure linking it to all parts of the Emerald Isle.

Dublin is a lively cosmopolitan city, filled with personality, pizzazz, and culture. You might spend time strolling the streets, soaking up the atmosphere, relaxing in cafes and pubs, or you could check out a world of historical, literary, and musical delights. A return visit to the Book of Kells, Phoenix Park (twice the size of Central Park), Georgian Dublin, Stephen’s Green, Dublin Castle, the National Museum, Kilmainham Gaol, and the Hugh Lane Municipal Art gallery are all possibilities. Ramble through Grafton Street, a shopper’s paradise, or simply relax and remember this most wonderful tour of the Emerald Isle.

Overnight Location

Dublin, County Dublin

On the Map: Dublin, Ireland's Capital City is located on the east coast of the country, and is well served by infrastructure linking it to all parts of the Emerald Isle.

Dublin is a lively cosmopolitan city, filled with personality, pizzazz, and culture. You might spend time strolling the streets, soaking up the atmosphere, relaxing in cafes and pubs, or you could check out a world of historical, literary, and musical delights. A return visit to the Book of Kells, Phoenix Park (twice the size of Central Park), Georgian Dublin, Stephen’s Green, Dublin Castle, the National Museum, Kilmainham Gaol, and the Hugh Lane Municipal Art gallery are all possibilities. Ramble through Grafton Street, a shopper’s paradise, or simply relax and remember this most wonderful tour of the Emerald Isle.

Day 3

Accommodation

Luxury Pakland Spa - Ballymena, County Antrim

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am.

Included Unique Activities

Titanic Experience Belfast

Visit the birthplace of the Titanic and experience the story. Titanic Belfast extends over nine galleries, with multiple dimensions to the exhibition, drawing together special effects, dark rides, full-scale reconstructions and innovative interactive features to explore the Titanic story in a fresh and insightful way; from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and catastrophic demise. The journey goes beyond the aftermath of the sinking, to the discovery of the wreck and continues into the present day with a live undersea exploration centre.

Dinner at Galgorm Resort

Enroute Sightseeing

Belfast, County Antrim

On The Map: Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is located in the northeastern corner of the country in County Antrim. Belfast is well served by a network of good roads, including the M1 motorway from Dublin City.

Approximately one third of the population of Northern Ireland - about half a million people - live in Belfast. It's setting is very attractive, nestling in a semicircle of hills, where the River Langan enters Belfast Lough. The city got it's name from Beile Feirst  "the mouth of the sandy ford" - and was founded in 1177 when the Anglo-Normans built a castle here. It began to really expand in the 17th century with the development of the local linen and shipbuilding industries (the Titanic was built here).  Sights to see in Belfast City, the Belfast City Hall, built of Portland stone in Classical Renaissance style, dominates the city center.  The Linen Hall Library, founded in 1788 is an absolute delight, a cultural centre with exhibitions, a Theater & Performing Arts Archive and a Genealogy and Heraldry collection. Away from the city center you have the Ulster Museum in the Botanic Gardens, near Queens University which has miles of galleries and exhibitions. This lively and friendly city, with historic buildings standing side-by-side with modern creations is a delight not to be missed.

Overnight Location

Ballymena, County Antrim

On The Map: Ballymena is located in County Antrim, in the northeast corner of the island of Ireland. Belfast is just 30 miles away to the south.

Ballymena, also known as the 'City of the Seven Towers', is an attractive town, with some notable features and history. The town was founded on land given to the Adair family by King Charles I in 1626. The King decreed that in return for the land, the town would hold two annual fairs and a free Saturday market in perpetuity. To this day, the town holds one of the largest two-day agricultural shows in Ireland each year, and the weekly Saturday market continues to run! Ballymena is located just 6 miles from distinctive Slemish Mountain (pictured), the legendary first home of St. Patrick in Ireland. After being brought to the country as a slave in the 5th century, St. Patrick reputedly worked for 6 years as a shepherd on the mountain. In more recent times, Ballymena has produced another famous Irish son in Liam Neeson - the well-known actor was born and raised in Ballymena, and was presented with the 'Freedom of the Borough' in 2013.

Day 4

Accommodation

Luxury Pakland Spa - Ballymena, County Antrim

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am.

Included Unique Activities

Old Bushmills Distillery

Must-See Sites

Giant's Causeway, County Antrim

Location: Bushmills BT57 8SU, United Kingdom. The Giant's Causeway is located in County Antrim on the northeastern coast of Northern Ireland. The Causeway is accessed via Causeway Road that runs north from the main A2 road (connecting Bushmills to the west and Ballycastle to the east).

The Giant's Causeway is a UNESCO Heritage site located in Northern Ireland. During the Paleogene period, County Antrim was subject to intense volcanic activity. As lava rapidly cooled, unique contraction and fracturing occurred, creating the distinctive hexagonal columns seen today. Irish legend of course has an alternate tale of the Causeway's creation!: The Irish giant Fionn MacCumhaill (Fionn McCool) built the causeway to walk to Scotland to fight his Scottish counterpart Benandonner. One version of the legend tells that Fionn fell asleep before he got to Scotland. When he did not arrive, the much larger Benandonner crossed the bridge looking for him. To protect Fionn, his wife Oonagh laid a blanket over him and pretended that the sleeping giant was actually their baby son. When Benandonner saw the size of the 'infant', he assumed the alleged father, Fionn, must be gigantic indeed. Benandonner fled home in terror, ripping up the Causeway in case he was followed by Fionn, and therefore only the Irish coastal steps remain.

Dunluce Castle, County Antrim

On The Map: Dunluce Castle is located on the coast of County Antrim in Northern Ireland. The town is accessed via the A2 road that connects the towns of Portrush to the west & Bushmills to the east.

Dunluce Castle is sited dramatically close to the edge of a headland, along the North Antrim coast. One could spend hours marvelling at such a wondrous feat of construction 500 years ago! Surrounded by jaw dropping coastal scenery, this medieval castle stands where an early Irish fort was once built, and its history can be traced back to early Christians and Vikings. The Castle has a rich and varied history, connected with such famous names as Richard de Burgh, Sorley Boy MacDonnell, and Sir John Perrott. Dunluce Village which once surrounded the castle was destroyed by fire during the siege of 1641, but some archaelogical remnants of walls remain. Also nearby are the ancient church ruins of St. Cuthbert's, and the site was witness to the sinking of the colony ship the Exmouth, bound for Quebec, which broke up on rocks off Islay with 240 deaths in 1847. The site features a visitor centre, shop and guided tours of the ruins, gardens and remnants of the town. As if all that were not enough, Dunluce has become even more alluring to visitors in recent years, since starring in HBO's Game of Thrones. The castle was the perfect location for bleak Pyke of House Greyjoy on the Iron Islands.

Bushmills, County Antrim

On the Map: Bushmills Village located just off the spectacular coast of Northern Ireland in County Antrim. The town is accessed via the A2 road, that connects the cities of Portrush (to the west) and Ballycastle (to the east).

Bushmills is the gateway to the Giant's Causeway, a unique rock formation formed 55 million years ago by cooling lava flows, although according to local legend the symmetrical columns were part of a bridge to Scotland built and then destroyed by the famous Irish giant, Finn McCool. Similar rock formations can be found on the Scottish coast. The Causeway visible today is all that remains of the bridge. If visiting the Causeway be sure to take the cliff walk route so that you descend to the water's edge and approach  the Causeway itself from the east. The views across to Scotland and west along the coast to the mountains of Donegal are magnificient. Bushmills is also famous as the home of the world's oldest whiskey distillery. The license to produce the famous malt whiskey was granted by King James I in 1608. Visitors can take a one hour guided tour which includes a tasting. Just west of Bushmills, the ruins of Dunluce Castle dramatically straddle sheer cliffs that plunge hundreds of feet into the sea. And of course you cannot leave County Antrim without testing your nerves on the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge which can be found just 6 miles east of Bushmills near the village of Ballintoy.

Mussenden Temple, County Derry

On The Map: Mussenden Temple is located in County Derry, on the northern coast of Northern Ireland. The Temple is accessed via the A2 road that connects the towns of Limaviddy (to the southwest) & Coleraine (to the southeast)

Mussenden Temple perches dramatically on a 120 ft cliff top above the Atlantic Ocean, offering spectacular views westwards over Downhill Strand towards Magilligan Point and County Donegal, and to the east Castlerock beach towards Portstewart, Portrush and Fair Head. The temple was built in as a summer library in1785 by Frederick Augustus Hervey, Bishop of Derry and Earl of Bristol (or the 'Earl Bishop'), and its architecture was inspired by the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, near Rome. Both the Temple and the surrounding views are among the most photographed scenes in Ireland. Over the years the Temple was in danger of being lost to the sea due as the cliff-edge drew ever closer. Thankfully, in 1997 the National Trust carried out cliff stabilisation work to prevent the loss of this lovely building.

Day 5

Accommodation

5-Star Elegant Castle Stay - Donegal, County Donegal

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 12:00noon.

Must-See Sites

Donegal Castle, County Donegal

On the Map: Donegal Castle is a castle situated in the centre of Donegal Town in County Donegal in Ulster, Ireland. 

Built by the O'Donnell chieftain in the 15th century, beside the River Eske, the Castle has extensive 17th century additions by Sir Basil Brooke. The Castle is furnished throughout and includes Persian rugs and French tapestries. Information panels chronicle the history of the Castle owners from the O'Donnell chieftains to the Brooke family. Limited access for people with disabilities to the ground floor.

Enroute Sightseeing

The Guildhall, County Derry

Constructed in neo-gothic style, the Guildhall is one of the most prominent buildings in the North West and was originally built in 1887 by The Irish Society. The Guildhall contains stunning examples of stained glass windows and the staircase, main hall organ and corridors give a fascinating insight into the distinctive building. The Guildhall was the scene of many bombings during the Northern Ireland Troubles. One IRA bomb in 1972 destroyed the glass artwork. Amazingly, original plans were still on file and accessible, allowing near exact replicas of the shattered windows to be made.

Derry, County Derry

On the Map: Derry City is located close to the northern coast in Northern Ireland. Derry is accessed via the N15/N13 from Donegal (to the southwest) and the A6 from Belfast (to the southeast).

The story of Derry is a long and tumultuous one. Set on a hill on the banks of the Foyle estuary, strategically close to the open sea, it came under siege and attack for over a thousand years. You can walk along the great 17th-century walls, about a mile round and 18 feet thick, which withstood several sieges and even today are unbroken and complete, with old cannon still pointing their black noses over the ramparts. The great siege lasted for 105 days. Today, there’s an atmosphere of optimism in Derry and the city buzzes with life. It’s an artistic city, with theatres, galleries and other cultural centres and a number of annual festivals. Its people, with their gentle accent, are very welcoming.

Derry Walls Heritage Trail, County Derry

The famous Derry City Walls were built in the early part of the 17th Century. Following this other key periods in the city’s history include: The Siege of Derry, Emigration, Famine in Ireland, Shirt Industry, World War I and II, Easter Rising, Civil Rights Marches, Bloody Sunday, Ceasefires and the Good Friday Agreement. Each of these has in part contributed to the moulding of the city as it is today, with a blend of both the modern and historic; occupied by optimistic and friendly people. The Walled City heritage Trail takes in 200 sites of particular historical importance. Cathedrals, churches, parks, villages, murals and monuments all within the Derry City Council, tell of various tales in the city’s history. The historic sites are easy to find as the city and surrounding countryside have been divided up into distinct areas.

Overnight Location

Donegal, County Donegal

On the Map: Donegal town is located in County Donegal in the northwest of Ireland. The N15 road connecting the cities of Sligo (to the southwest) and Derry (to the northwest) passes-by just east of the town.

Donegal Town is famous for being the former home to the O'Donnell Clan, who played a pivotal role in Irish history. From the 15th to the 17th century, they provided the main opposition to the colonisation of Ireland by England. The town itself contains Donegal castle, on the banks of the River Eske and the remains of a Franciscan abbey which dates back to the 15th century on the Southern shore of the Bay. The Annals of the Four Masters are traditionally thought to have been started in the abbey in the early 17th century. The story of Red Hugh O'Donnell, Lord of Tyrconnell, was the inspiration behind many books and films, not least, Disney's The Fighting Prince of Donegal (1966).

Day 6

Accommodation

5-Star Elegant Castle Stay - Donegal, County Donegal

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 12:00noon.

Included Unique Activities

Sparkling Afternoon Tea at Lough Eske Castle

Traditional Afternoon Tea might have been invented for a castle hotel in Ireland such as Lough Eske. It can be taken here in the Lobby Lounge or if you prefer, in one of the lovely drawing rooms. Enjoy a selection of both savoury sandwiches and sweet pastries with a variety of tea options. You will feel transported back to an era when this elegant ritual was de rigueur. 

Must-See Sites

Donegal, County Donegal

On the Map: Donegal town is located in County Donegal in the northwest of Ireland. The N15 road connecting the cities of Sligo (to the southwest) and Derry (to the northwest) passes-by just east of the town.

Donegal Town is famous for being the former home to the O'Donnell Clan, who played a pivotal role in Irish history. From the 15th to the 17th century, they provided the main opposition to the colonisation of Ireland by England. The town itself contains Donegal castle, on the banks of the River Eske and the remains of a Franciscan abbey which dates back to the 15th century on the Southern shore of the Bay. The Annals of the Four Masters are traditionally thought to have been started in the abbey in the early 17th century. The story of Red Hugh O'Donnell, Lord of Tyrconnell, was the inspiration behind many books and films, not least, Disney's The Fighting Prince of Donegal (1966).

Donegal Abbey, County Donegal

On the map: The ruins of this once stately Donegal Abbey can be found on a scenic parcel of land at the mouth of the Eske River, where it pours into Donegal Bay.

Built in 1474 by Hugh O'Donnell, the abbey withstood ransacking, burning and ravaging before it was finally abandoned in the early part of the 17th century. Known locally as "the old abbey", the only recognizable parts of the ruins today are the south transept, choir, and parts of the cloisters. The adjoining graveyard is filled, providing evidence that people were buried here well into the 18th century.

Originally a Franciscan abbey built in 1474, its ruins are now used as a cemetery. It was at this abbey that four scholarly monks, Michael O'Clery and his three assistants, wrote the "Annals of the Kingdom of Ireland" between 1630 and 1636. The document became known as the "Annals of the Four Masters" leading to the common reference to the abbey as the Abbey of the Four Masters.

Donegal Craft Village, County Donegal

On the map: The Donegal Craft Village is situated 1.5km south of the historic town of Donegal.

The Craft Village was established in 1985 and has become a showcase for contemporary arts and crafts in the country. There are six workshops clustered around a central courtyard. These are occupied by talented artists who are highly skilled craftspeople in their chosen medium. Meet the artists and watch them work with glass, bronze, textiles, wood, paint and precious metals to create unique pieces of art that cannot be found anywhere else. 

A beautifully landscaped picnic area and the quaint Aroma Café can be found on the edge of the courtyard and offer a laid back place to enjoy some fresh ground coffee, and delicious homemade cakes

Salthill Gardens, Donegal, County Donegal

On the Map: Salthill Garden is located less than 200 metres from the sea, just outside Mountcharles, County Donegal. 

This contemporary garden, within 200 yards of the sea, whispers stories of walled gardens of the past. Today it stands independent of trends and restorative themes. The walls have stood for over 100 years and were well maintained. Since 1985 the lawn and cultivated perimeter have been gradually transformed by Elizabeth Temple to the present individually styled garden. The evolution continues season by season, always featuring a good selection of perennials, vegetables and shrubs.

Day 7

Accommodation

Elegant Castle Hotel - Dublin, County Dublin

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2:00pm on your day of arrival (luggage may be left at the hotel prior to this time). Check-out time is before 12:00noon. 

There is free parking available on site.
 

Included Unique Activities

Dinner at Clontarf Castle

Enjoy Dinner tonight at Clontarf Castle. Experience a journey through modern Irish cuisine with carefully designed menus, the best of local produce and impeccable service taking pride of place at Clontarf Castle Hotel. 

Enroute Sightseeing

Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre, County Fermanagh

On The Map: The town of Belleek is situated close to the coast in the northwest of the island of Ireland. Sligo City is just 50 kilometres to the southwest on the N15 & N3 roads.

When you step into the world of Belleek Pottery you enter one of Northern Ireland’s oldest and most fascinating attractions. Original and unique pieces are made using traditional methods passed down from generation to generation. Established in 1857 Belleek Pottery holds a very special place in the cultural and commercial heritage of County Fermanagh. Nestling on the banks of the River Erne this imposing building is home to the world famous Belleek Fine Parian china and also to one of Irelands top five visitor attractions. The building which, up until 1988, was used to produce Belleek has since been refurbished internally and features a museum, tearoom, video theatre and showroom.

Trim Castle, County Meath

On the map: Located in Trim, County Meath, Trim Castle is the largest, best-preserved & easily one of the most impressive Anglo-Norman castles in Ireland.

Trim get its name from the Irish áth Truim, meaning ‘The Ford of the Elder Trees', indicating that this was once an important fording point on the River Boyne. In 1172, shortly after the arrival of the Anglo-Normans in Ireland, King Henry II granted Hugh de Lacy the Kingdom of Meath, along with custody of Dublin. For strategic reasons, de Lacy decided to make Trim, rather than Drogheda, the centre of his newly acquired lordship. The castle was converted from a ringfort into a wooden castle. The castle was seen as a threat by the Gaelic Irish and in 1174 it was destroyed by Rory O'Connor, King of Connacht. The following year work began on a more permanent stone replacement and over the following decades, Hugh de Lacy and his son Walter constructed the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Europe. Most of the castle visible today was completed by 1220.

Overnight Location

Dublin, County Dublin

On the Map: Dublin, Ireland's Capital City is located on the east coast of the country, and is well served by infrastructure linking it to all parts of the Emerald Isle.

Dublin is a lively cosmopolitan city, filled with personality, pizzazz, and culture. You might spend time strolling the streets, soaking up the atmosphere, relaxing in cafes and pubs, or you could check out a world of historical, literary, and musical delights. A return visit to the Book of Kells, Phoenix Park (twice the size of Central Park), Georgian Dublin, Stephen’s Green, Dublin Castle, the National Museum, Kilmainham Gaol, and the Hugh Lane Municipal Art gallery are all possibilities. Ramble through Grafton Street, a shopper’s paradise, or simply relax and remember this most wonderful tour of the Emerald Isle.

Day 8

Depart From

Depart from Dublin Airport, County Dublin

Return to Dublin Airport at least 3 hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure. This will allow ample time to check in for your flight home.

After check-in and passenger security, browse the array of shops on offer at 'The Loop' in Dublin Airport. With an extensive range of stores, bars and cafes, any spare time you have will fly!