Day 1
Accommodation
Elegant Stylish Hotel - Dublin, County Dublin
Room Type: Double
Check in policies:
Check-in time is after 4:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00am.
Hotel parking is available on Fenian Street within a 3-minute walk of the hotel. The overnight rate for guests is €15 (in line with our check in time of 4pm and our check out time of 11am). The hourly fee before and after those times is €3 per hour. Guests need a code to access this car park, which can be obtained by our reservations or reception teams by telephone or upon checking in.
Included Unique Activities
Guinness Storehouse Tour
Dublin, County Dublin
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.
Meet & Greet Private Airport Transfer - Dublin
Dublin, County Dublin
Your tour includes a luxurious private transfer from Dublin Airport to your Downtown Hotel. Once you have your luggage, proceed through to the Arrivals Hall, and look for your driver. He or she will be holding an iPad with your name clearly on it. They will quickly escort you to your ride, taking you to your Dublin City Center Hotel. There is no searching for shuttles, cabs, or trying to decide which route to take. This is the perfect start to a well-deserved, relaxing vacation. Your Irish adventure begins with Authentic Vacations’ 5-star customer service!
Arrive at
Arrive at Dublin Airport, County Dublin
Arrive at Dublin Airport after your overnight flight if you are coming from the U.S. or Canada.
Dublin is Ireland's main airport - located just north of Dublin City.
If you are heading downtown, it takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic.
There are 2 terminals at Dublin Airport, the second of which opened to air traffic in November 2010.
Most flights from the U.S. (on Aer Lingus, Delta, United, US Airways & American Airlines) arrive into Terminal 2.
Must-See Sites
Grafton Street, County Dublin
Location: Grafton Street runs from Saint Stephen's Green in the south to College Green in the north
Grafton Street is without doubt Ireland's premier shopping street - in terms of retail rent, it's the fifth most expensive in the world! With beautiful historic buildings housing iconic Irish businesses such as Brown Thomas, Weir & Sons and Bewley’s Grafton Street Café, Grafton Street offers an experience that cannot be found elsewhere in the country. Since the 1980s, the street has been mostly pedestrianized, with the exception of a short stretch that runs between Nassau Street and College Green and contains the 18th century Trinity College Provost's House, home to the head of the college. If shopping's not your thing, Grafton Street is still worth checking out. It's a bustling, atmospheric spot, and high quality street performers including musicians, poets and mime-artists commonly perform to the shopping crowds.
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.
Temple Bar, County Dublin
Location: Temple Bar lies in the heart of Dublin City. Located on the south bank of the River Liffey, and just west of Trinity College and Grafton Street.
The lively and vibrant Temple Bar District - Dublin's Cultural Quarter, is well worth a visit. Best known for being Dublin’s major nightlife center, Temple Bar comes alive after dark, with many pubs, restaurants and nightclubs to choose from. For those visiting during the day, the area boasts a timeless charm, with narrow cobbled streets and a plethora of cultural organizations, such as the Irish Film Centre & Project Arts Centre. There are also a variety of small galleries and stores - perfect for a day of shopping. While Temple Bar after dark might not be for everyone, the area is the perfect spot to spend a sunny afternoon.
Trinity College, County Dublin
On The Map: Trinity College is located in the heart of Dublin City. Just south of the River Liffey, the campus grounds are bordered by Grafton, College, Pearse, Nassau & Leinster Streets.
Time spent in Dublin would not be complete without a visit to Trinity College. Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth 1st, it is one of the oldest universities in the British Isles, and the very oldest in Ireland. Standing on a self contained site in the very heart of Dublin, the College itself covers some 35 acres of cobbled squares and green spaces surrounded by buildings which represent the accumulated architectural riches of nearly three centuries. Although Trinity offers much of interest to the visitor, the crown jewel is without doubt the Book of Kells. The Book is an 'illuminated manuscript', globally celebrated for its lavish decoration. The manuscript contains the four Gospels in Latin based on a Vulgate text, written on vellum (prepared calfskin), in a bold and expert version of the script known as 'insular majuscule'. Written in the 9th century, it has been on display in the Old Library at Trinity College Dublin from the mid-19th century, and attracts over 500,000 visitors a year.
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 2
Accommodation
Landmark Historic Hotel - Belfast, County Antrim
Room Type: Double
Check in policies:
Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00 am.
Valet car parking is available. Car parking is available at Value Car Parks which is situated on Grosvenor Road (two minutes walk) and offers discounted parking rates for our guests.
Must-See Sites
Titanic Belfast, County Antrim
Address: 1 Olympic Way, Queen's Road, Belfast BT3 9EP, United Kingdom. Titanic Belfast is located on Queen's Road in Belfast's northeastern 'Titanic Quarter'. The land on which it stands was formerly owned by the famous Harland & Wolff Shipping Company - builders of Titanic in 1912.
Opened on March 31, 2012, Titanic Belfast is a very impressive, state-of-the-art facility that covers more than 130,000 square feet. The striking building took more than 4 years to construct at a cost of GB 77 million pounds. It stands at 126 feet high - the exact same height as the hull of the famous, doomed ship. 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.
Enroute Sightseeing
Tollymore Park (GoT's "The Haunted Forest"), County Down
Address: Bryansford Rd, Newcastle BT33 0PR, United Kingdom. Tollymore Forest Park is located in the southeast of Northern Ireland. It's just 18 miles east of Newry along the A25, Newry & Bryansfords Roads. GPS Coordinates: 54.224085, -5.944178
Tollymore is a rare treat. A barn dressed up to look like a church, stone cones atop gate piers and gothic-style gate arches, all show the influence of renowned designer, Thomas Wright. A walk along the Shimna river is marked by many curiosities, natural and artificial - rocky outcrops, bridges, grottos and caves. Oak wood from Tollymore was the preferred material for the interiors of the White Star liners including the 'Titanic' which was built in Belfast. Tollymore featured in several Season 1 Game of Thrones scenes.
Featured Scenes:
Season 1: This is the haunting forest in which a member of the Night's Watch rides through the snowy forest and stumbles upon dismembered Wildling bodies. It's also where Ned Stark and his sons come across the gored stag and direwolf pups.
Audley's Castle (GoT's "Robb Stark's Camp"), County Down
On The Map: Audley's Castle is located just north of Castle Ward (Winterfell), near Strangford in east Northern Ireland. GPS Coordinates: 54.381067, -5.572069.
The castle is named after its late 16th-century owners, the Audleys, an Anglo-Norman family who held land in the area in the 13th century, It was sold, with the surrounding estate, to the Ward family in 1646 and used in 1738 as an eye-catching focus of the long vista along Castle Ward's artificial lake, Temple Water. Audley's Field is currently being used as a filming location in HBO's epic series Game of Thrones, where a lot of dramatic scenes unfold.
Featured Scenes:
Season 2: Audley's Field is the backdrop for Robb Stark's Camp, and the place where he first meets Talisa. Later on, Audley's Field is where Alton Lannister is imprisoned with Jaime (and doesn't live to tell the tale).
Castle Ward (GoT's "Winterfell"), County Down
Address: Castle Ward is located at Strangford, Downpatrick BT30 7BA, United Kingdom. Near the coast in the east of Northern Ireland. The town of Strangford is just 2.5 miles to the east of Castle Ward.
GPS Coordinates: 54.367600, -5.581151
Castle Ward is full of personality. Situated in a stunning location overlooking Strangford Lough, the lawns rise up to the unique 18th century house and its Gothic façade. This fascinating house features both Gothic and Classical styles of architectural treatment, internally and externally. Inside the beautiful 820 acre walled demesne you will find an exotic sunken garden and paths that wind their way through woodland and suddenly open onto the quiet shores of the Lough. Castle Ward is the prime Game of Thrones location for Winterfell and the surrounding lands of the North.
Featured Scenes:
Season 1: This is where King Robert Baratheon and his retinue arrive and are met by the Starks. Also where Bran & Osha's Season 1 scenes are filmed.
Season 1 & 2: Castle Ward was used for Winterfell’s Courtyard & Archery scenes.
Overnight Location
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.
Day 3
Accommodation
Landmark Historic Hotel - Belfast, County Antrim
Room Type: Double
Check in policies:
Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00 am.
Valet car parking is available. Car parking is available at Value Car Parks which is situated on Grosvenor Road (two minutes walk) and offers discounted parking rates for our guests.
Must-See Sites
Downhill Beach (GoT's "Dragonstone"), County Derry
Location: Downhill Beach is located on the north coast of Northern Ireland. The Beach is accessed via the A2 road that connects the towns of Limaviddy (to the southwest) & Coleraine (to the southeast). GPS Coordinates: 55.167088, -6.822065
This stretch of beach is one of the most scenic in Ireland and visitors can enjoy views to Counties Donegal, Antrim and Derry. The nearest town to Downhill Beach is Castlerock, a small coastal town offering accommodation, pubs, restaurants, and excellent rail and transport links to Coleraine, Belfast and Dublin. Other nearby destinations includes the seaside resorts of Portrush and Portstewart. Downhill Beach was transformed into Dragonstone on Game of Thrones.
Featured Scene:
Season 2: This is where the Seven Idols of Westeros were burned on the beach, and Melisandre, flames dancing into the night sky, proclaims: “For the night is dark and full of terrors.”
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.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, County Antrim
On The Map: Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge is located near the small town of Ballintoy, in County Antrim Northern Ireland. The rope bridge connects the mainland to the tiny island of Carrick in the northeast corner of Northern Ireland.
Spanning a chasm some eighty feet deep is the famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, it's construction once consisted of a single rope hand rail and widely spaced slats which the fishermen would traverse across with salmon caught off the island to which it leads. The single handrail was subsequently replaced by a two hand railed bridge, and the current, caged bridge was installed by the National Trust during Easter of 2000 as a further safety measure. Although no-one has ever been injured falling off the old or new bridge, there have been many instances of visitors being unable to face the return walk back across the bridge, resulting in them being taken off the island by boat, so not an activity for the faint-hearted!
Glens of Antrim, County Antrim
On The Map: County Antrim is located in the northeast corner of Northern Ireland.
The Glens of Antrim (there are 9) are beautifully unique and a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Within twenty square miles you can enjoy natural landscape that covers glacial valleys, sandy beaches, vertical cliffs, tundra plateau, boglands, wooded decidious glens, coniferous forests, waterfalls and picturesque villages! Antrim's coast, from the busy port of Larne to the resorts of Portrush and Portstewart, is dotted with beaches and rocky inlets. Ancient sites and places of intrigue abound too. In addition to wonderful scenery, the landscape is dominated by spectacular ruins of fortresses built by Gaelic chieftains and Norman invaders. Ireland's first inhabitants, nomadic boatmen from Scotland, are believed to have landed in this area around 7000 BC.
Larrybane Head (GoT's "Renly Baratheon's Camp"), County Antrim
On The Map: Larrybane Head is located adjacent to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, near the small town of Ballintoy, in County Antrim Northern Ireland.
GPS Coordinates: 55.239595, -6.335038
Located along the stunning North Coast close to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge lies Larrybane headland, which used to stretch out towards Sheep Island. Its large caves once served as a home to boat builders and a safe haven from winter storms. While in the area be sure to cross the 80 foot high Rope Bridge - not for the faint of heart!
Featured Scene:
Season 2: Larrybane was the dramatic spot chosen for Renly Baratheon's camp in Season 2. This is where Catelyn Stark agrees a treaty with Renley on behalf of her son Robb. You might remember Renly swearing he will avenge Ned's death and bring Catelyn Joffrey's head. It's also where Brienne beats Ser Loras in a tourney and is given a place in Renly’s Kingsguard as a reward.
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.
The Dark Hedges (Bregagh Road, Ballymoney), County Antrim
Location: The Dark Hedges are located in the northeast of Northern Ireland, just 2.5 miles from the village of Armoy. From Armoy, head west on Carrowreagh Road. Turn left on Ballykenver Road, then right on Bregagh Road - The Dark Hedges Avenue. GPS / SATNAV: 55.1272, -6.3633
This beautiful avenue of beech trees was planted by the Stuart family in the eighteenth century. It was intended as a compelling landscape feature to impress visitors as they approached the entrance to their Georgian mansion, Gracehill House. Two centuries later, the trees remain a magnificent sight and have become one of the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland. And all this before George R.R. Martin had even the earliest inkling of his wonderful Song of Ice & Fire series! Since then the iconic avenue has been used as a filming location in HBO's epic Game of Thrones - representing the King's Road in the show - and global notoriety has of course ensued! Please note that this a pedestrianized avenue - free parking is available nearby at The Hedges Hotel.
Featured Scene:
Season 2, episode 1: On the King' s Road, Arya Stark has escaped from King’s Landing, disguised as a boy. She is with Yoren, Gendry, Hot Pie and others who are to join the Night’s Watch, in a cart, travelling north on the King’s Road.
Day 4
Accommodation
Charming Country B & B - Donegal, County Donegal
Room Type: Double/Twin
Check in policies:
Check-in time is between 2:00pm & 6:00pm on your day of arrival. If you expect to arrive outside these hours, please contact the B&B owners in advance on 074 972 2302.
Included Unique Activities
Game of Thrones Studio Tour
Banbridge, County Down
Located at the authentic filming location of Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, Northern Ireland, ‘Game of Thrones Studio Tour’ welcomes visitors into the Seven Kingdoms and beyond to explore the making of all eight seasons of HBO’s global hit series. Step onto original sets, including the iconic Great Hall at Winterfell where Jon Snow was proclaimed the “King in the North,” and view genuine set pieces including Daenerys Targaryen’s imposing Dragonstone throne. See first-hand the intricate detail of the costumes, weapons and props imagined by award[1]winning designers and artisans and encounter interactive elements to relive some of the most memorable scenes from the show. Covering over 10,000 m2, this world-class attraction invites you to peek behind the scenes to discover all the elements that went into bringing the epic world of Game of Thrones to life.
Game of Thrones Studio Tour is a self-guided experience, allowing you to shape your own visit. Studio Tour guests can choose their own pace, deciding which areas to explore for longer, helping to make the tour a personalised experience. You can purchase an audio guide through your online ticket purchase, upon arrival at The Studio Tour or through the Game of Thrones Studio Tour app. This provides deeper insights to the tour as well as access exclusive content such as interviews with key creators from behind the scenes. The average Studio Tour visit is between 2-3 hours
Must-See Sites
Banbridge, County Down
Banbridge Ireland is a quiet town in County Down, Northern Ireland. Its location on the site of a bridge crossing the river Bann gave it its name – Ban-bridge. It has a rapidly growing population currently around 20,000. One of the reasons it is popular is its location.
Banbridge is a relatively recent town. It grew gradually as a stopping point on the main road from Belfast to Dublin at the crossing point of the river Bann. The bridge over the river was built in 1712. Its economy depended in part on the traffic between the island’s two main cities, in part on farming. Gradually and by the late 1700’s, Banbridge had become a leader in other areas, namely the linen industry. Two of the leading companies are still based in Banbridge. During the Troubles Banbridge escaped the worst of the violence and remained relatively quiet. Today the town remains a rural town compared to the larger urban centres of Belfast, Lurgan, Newry, Portdown all within 25 miles. Farming still forms a substantial part of the local economy, but services and the retail industry contributing a fair percentage.
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.
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 5
Accommodation
Charming Country B & B - Donegal, County Donegal
Room Type: Double/Twin
Check in policies:
Check-in time is between 2:00pm & 6:00pm on your day of arrival. If you expect to arrive outside these hours, please contact the B&B owners in advance on 074 972 2302.
Must-See Sites
Slieve League, County Donegal
On the Map: Slieve League is located in County Donegal on the northwest coast of Ireland. The area is accessed via the R263 road that heads west from the fishing village of Killybegs.
The Slieve League cliffs are said to be the highest and one of the finest marine cliffs in Europe. To fully enjoy the spectacle of Slieve League, it is best to leave your car at the car park and walk the few miles to the cliffs so as not to miss the exciting scenery of the area. (You can lift the gate and drive to the top if you are unable to walk. Note there is only a small parking area at the top) There are terrific views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Sligo Mountains and Donegal Bay as you walk towards the exceptionally high top of Slieve League, where the cliff face of Bunglas rises over 600 metres above the raging seas below. Experienced walkers only should venture beyond the viewing point onto One Man's Pass which loops around onto the Pilgrim's Path.
Glenveagh National Park, County Donegal
On The Map: Glenveagh National Park lies in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains in the northwest of County Donegal, in the northwest corner of Ireland. Access from Letterkenny Town is via the N56 road through Kilmacrennan, turning left onto the Gweedore road - R255, or alternatively via Church Hill, and past Gartan and Akibbon Lakes on the R251.
Glenveagh National Park is a remote and hauntingly beautiful wilderness of rugged mountains and pristine lakes. Donegal gets fewer tourists than other locations in Ireland, but with the remarkable backdrops of Mount Errigal (Donegal’s highest mountain) and Muckish, this is one of the most tranquil and scenic national parks in the country. Populated with red deer, the Park, which covers more than 40,000 acres, consists of three areas. The largest of these is the former Glenveagh Estate, including most of the Derryveagh Mountains. To the west are the quartzite hills around Crocknafarragh and to the south, the peatlands of Lough Barra bog, Meenachullion and Crockastoller. Glenveagh Castle and Gardens are at the heart of the park. The castle was built in the 19th century by the controversial John Adair, who evicted no less than 244 tenants from the homes, because they were spoiling his view! Access to the interior is by tour only, but morning and afternoon teas are served in the castle tearooms all season. The Park Visitor Centre houses exhibitions and an audio-visual show.
Killybegs, County Donegal
On the Map: Killybegs is a County Donegal coastal town in the northwest of Ireland. The town is accessed via the N56 and R263 from Donegal town (30 minutes away to the east).
Killybegs is Ireland's premier fishing port. Located on the northwest coast of Ireland, this natural harbour provides a perfect gateway to the Atlantic Ocean. It is an excellent place to base yourself when touring the south west of Donegal. A lively fishing town with Ireland's largest fleet of trawlers. Killybegs is a bustling town where local and foreign ships tower over the quayside. With large numbers of both trendy and modern restaurants and the more traditional pubs, Killybegs offers the visitor a variety of good food, drink and entertainment.
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
Elegant View Hotel - Boyne Valley, County Meath
Room Type: Double
Check in policies:
Check-in time is after 2.00pm. If your arrival will be earlier, please call the property in advance on 01 801 3500.
Enroute Sightseeing
Marble Arch Caves, County Fermanagh
On The Map: The Marble Arch Caves Geopark is located in Couty Fermanagh in the southwest of Northern Ireland. The Caves are just 12 miles southwest of Enniskillen, along the A4, Swanlinbar and Marble Arch Roads. GPS Coordinates: 54.259212, -7.813083
At the foothills of Cuilcagh Mountain an incredible subterranean world awaits at the Marble Arch Caves Geopark. The exterior of Pollnagollum Cave appears in Game of Thrones, when Beric Dondarrion hides out there in season 3. Pollnagollum is Irish for “hole of the doves”. The cave is fed by a waterfall toppling down from the top of a limestone cliff and is swollen to a torrent during harsh weather. Visitors to the area can follow the Belmore Forest walk which leads to a viewing point for the cave.
Ulster American Folk Park, County Tyrone
On The Map: The Ulster American Folk Park is located 5 miles north of Omagh town in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, on the main A5 road between Omagh and Strabane.
The Ulster American Folk Park is an open-air museum in Castletown, just outside Omagh, in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. The Park explores the historical link between Ulster and America, focusing particularly on the lifestyle and experiences of those immigrants who sailed from Ulster to America in the 18th and 19th centuries. Immerse yourself in the world famous story of Irish immigration at the museum that brings it to life. Follow the immigrant trail as you journey from the thatched cottages of Ulster, on board a full scale immigrant sailing ship leading to the log cabins of the American Frontier. Meet an array of costumed characters on your way with traditional crafts to show, tales to tell and food to share.
Boyne Valley, County Meath
On the Map: The Boyne Valley is a fairly large region located in the east of Ireland in County Meath. Only 30 minutes/ 20km north of Dublin City, the Boyne Valley is accessed via the N2 or N3 roads heading northwest from the city.
The Boyne Valley contains the largest and most decorated megalithic sites in all of Ireland and has been described as "the largest and most important expression of prehistoric megalithic art in Europe". The large Megalithic sites were built over 5000 years ago between 3800 and 3200 BC, built before both Stonehenge in England and the great pyramids in Egypt. Within a three square mile radius in the Boyne Valley are grouped more than 30 prehistoric monuments including the great passage tombs and their satellite structures, standing stones, barrows and other enclosures. The great sites of the Boyne Valley include Newgrange, Knowth, Dowth, Loughcrew, Fourknocks and the Hill of Tara. Neolithic communities built these sites over earlier sacred spots and it is suspected that they were used for a combination of different purposes, including use as burial tombs, sacred temples and astronomical observatories. The nearby towns of Trim, Slane and Navan make ideal bases from which to explore the area.
Overnight Location
Boyne Valley, County Meath
On the Map: The Boyne Valley is a fairly large region located in the east of Ireland in County Meath. Only 30 minutes/ 20km north of Dublin City, the Boyne Valley is accessed via the N2 or N3 roads heading northwest from the city.
The Boyne Valley contains the largest and most decorated megalithic sites in all of Ireland and has been described as "the largest and most important expression of prehistoric megalithic art in Europe". The large Megalithic sites were built over 5000 years ago between 3800 and 3200 BC, built before both Stonehenge in England and the great pyramids in Egypt. Within a three square mile radius in the Boyne Valley are grouped more than 30 prehistoric monuments including the great passage tombs and their satellite structures, standing stones, barrows and other enclosures. The great sites of the Boyne Valley include Newgrange, Knowth, Dowth, Loughcrew, Fourknocks and the Hill of Tara. Neolithic communities built these sites over earlier sacred spots and it is suspected that they were used for a combination of different purposes, including use as burial tombs, sacred temples and astronomical observatories. The nearby towns of Trim, Slane and Navan make ideal bases from which to explore the area.
Celbridge, County Kildare
On The Map: Celbridge is located 23 miles west of Dublin City. It is most easily accessed by the R403 & R405 roads, which intersect with the main M4 Motorway connecting Dublin & Galway Cities.
The development of Celbridge commenced with the building of Kildrought House in 1720. The present day houses on Main Street and in the town center were built over the subsequent two hundred year period. Celbridge boasts several important historical buildings and famous sons. Number 22 Main Street was for a time occupied by Richard Guinness and his son Arthur was born there. Arthur went on to form the Guinness Brewery. Castletown House (pictured), was constructed in 1722, and is situated at the end of an avenue extending from the main street of Celbridge. Castletown is Ireland's largest and arguably finest Palladian Country House. Two features of particular note are the 80-foot blue and gold Long Gallery, and the main cantilevered staircase. Reputedly, only three staircases of this kind were ever constructed, and one lies at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, aboard the doomed Titanic. Celbridge Abbey was built in 1703, and is another beautiful structure, with many tales of woe to tell. In recent years Celbridge has expanded dramatically, yet most of the towns services and amenities still center on the single main street.
Day 7
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!
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