8-Night The Mysterious Side of Ireland

Day 2

Accommodation

Golf & Beach Hotel - Portmarnock, County Dublin

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 4.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 12.00 noon

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.

Must-See Sites

Belfast Botanic Gardens, County Antrim

First established in 1828, the Belfast Botanic Gardens became a public park in 1895. Situated near Queens University Belfast, the Botanic Gardens is an important part of Belfast’s Victorian heritage and a popular meeting place for residents, students and tourists. Designed by Charles Lanyon, The Garden's Palm House is one of the earliest examples of a curvilinear cast iron glasshouse. Its construction was initiated by the Belfast Botanical and Horticultural Society in the 1830s, and the two wings were completed in 1840. Over the years, the Palm House has acquired a reputation for excellent plant collections. The cool wing houses year-round displays of color and scent, using plants such as geranium, fuchsia, begonia in bespoke displays. The Tropical Ravine, or Fernery, completed in 1889, is a fine example of horticultural Victoriana. The plants grow in a sunken glen overlooked by a balcony. The stove wing and dome area contain a range of temperate and tropical plants with particular emphasis on species of economic value.

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.

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.

Enroute Sightseeing

Carlingford, County Louth

On the Map: Carlingford is located in the northeast of Ireland, and splits the distance between the major cities of Dublin (to the south) and Belfast (to the north). From the main M1 motorway connecting Belfast & Dublin, Carlingford is accessed via the R173, intersecting just north of Dundalk.

The small fishing village of Carlingford on the Cooley Peninsula nestles between Slieve Foy, Carlingford Lough and the Mourne mountains. A unique blend of natural beauty, spectacular panoramas, myths and legends combine to make Carlingford a very special place. It is Ireland's best preserved medieval town giving it a unique feel and atmosphere. Carlingford is also the Oyster capital of the country and every August the oyster festival draws huge crowds into the pretty village of white washed cottages and ancient clustered buildings. The mythical Tain Way walking route starts in the town and completing even a short portion of it will reward you with magical views of Carlingford Lough and the Mourne Mountains.

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

Golf & Beach Hotel - Portmarnock, County Dublin

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 4.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 12.00 noon

Included Unique Activities

Game of Thrones Studio Tour

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

Apple Orchard Tour & Tasting

For the McKeevers cider-making is a family affair. They invite you into a legacy of apples: growing, harvesting and preparation at home and in the factory. During your orchard walk, Pat, Catherine and their son Peter, will explain how their apple growing business has developed with each generation building on the last. Visitors will see the trees that Pat and Peter tends, the same trees planted over 50 years ago by Peter’s grandfather and go behind the scenes of this award-winning and expanding 21st century cider, juice, and cider vinegar business. Catherine will share some of her family recipes, old and new with an engaging demonstration in The Bramley Barn. Here visitors can relax and linger in the orchard while sampling local chutneys, tasting a range of Long Meadow ciders, juice, and cider vinegar, and indulging with a fresh baked scone or apple tart.

During the changing seasons of the year, you can expect to see winter pruning November through February, early bud burst in March, early pink flowers and buds in April, and apple blossoms in May. In the summer months of June through August, you'll see the formation of young apples and summer pruning, and in September and October, you'll witness the glorious autumn apple harvest. 

Must-See Sites

Portadown, County Armagh

Portadown (from Irish Port a' Dúnáin, meaning "landing place of the little fort") is a town in County Armagh, Northern Ireland. The town sits on the River Bann in the north of the county, about 23 miles (37 km) south-west of Belfast.

Banbridge, County Down

Day 4

Accommodation

Luxury Historic Hotel - Derry, County Derry

Check in policies:

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

Included Unique Activities

Dunluce Castle Admission

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. 

Visit Derry - 2 Day Pass

The Visit Derry Pass is the Official Sightseeing ticket for the Walled City of Derry~Londonderry. It is valid for two days and provides access to 10 handpicked attractions, saving money on admission fees whilst seeing the best the city has to offer. See attractions like: the Tower Museum, the Guildhall, St Columb's Cathedral, and more. 

Must-See Sites

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.

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.

Enroute Sightseeing

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. 

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!

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.

Overnight Location

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.

Day 5

Accommodation

Luxury Historic Hotel - Derry, County Derry

Check in policies:

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

Included Unique Activities

Derry Girls Afternoon Tea

Enjoy a spot of Afternoon Tea at the Everglades Hotel in Derry-Londonderry. There are pots upon pots of aromatic brews. Plates of dainty sandwiches, fluffy scones, buttery cakes and pastries. Stir in some sugar and add lashings of cream and gossip. There’s no better way to spend an afternoon!

We have recently launched our Derry Girls Afternoon Tea at The Everglades Hotel – the menu itself is inspired by the hit Channel 4 show and features the Cream horn shared by Granda Joe & his floosy, a cone of chips in homage to the Chippy fiasco, the famous Derry sausage roll baps (so unnecessary... but so good!!), a classic Tayto Cheese & onion crisp sarnie, as well as a host of local tray bake favourites that would make Ma Mary proud. 

Must-See Sites

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.

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.

Day 6

Accommodation

Historic Luxury Castle Hotel - Mohill, County Leitrim

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 4:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 12:00pm.

Free parking is available on site.

Enroute Sightseeing

Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, County Sligo

On The Map: Carrowmore is located just 4 kilometres southwest of Sligo Town, and is reached via the R292 (Strandhill) road which intersects with the main N4 to Dublin.

This is the largest cemetery of megalithic tombs in Ireland and is also among the country's oldest, with monuments ranging from five and a half thousand to six and a half thousand years old. Archaeologists have recorded over 60 tombs of which 30 are visible. A restored cottage houses an exhibition relating to the site. Access to the tombs may be difficult for people with disabilities. Visitors are advised to wear shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain.

Glencar Waterfall, County Leitrim

On The Map: Glencar Waterfall lies about 8 miles north of Sligo town, and 5 miles west of Manorhamilton, just off the N16 road that connects the two towns.

With a drop of approx. 50 feet, Glencar Waterfall is not the largest in the world. It does however occupy a wonderfully scenic and romantic location, and is particularly impressive after rain. The setting and charm of the waterfall inspired Ireland's famous poetic son, W.B Yeats, and is mentioned in his poem, 'The Stolen Child'. The falls are accessed via a lovely wooded walk and on-site picnic facilities are provided. There are more waterfalls visible from the road, but none are quite as romantic as this one! The waterfall is adjacent to serene Glencar Lake on the Sligo / Leitrim border - a most enchanting area.

Boyle Abbey, County Roscommon

On the Map: Boyle is located in County Roscommon in the northwest of Ireland. The N61 road passes through town, just south of where it intersects with the major N4/M4 road that connects the cities of Dublin (to the east) and Sligo (to the north).

The famous Abbey at Boyle was the first successful foundation in Connacht of the Cistercian order of monks, which had opened its first Irish house at Mellifont, County Louth, in 1142. Though mutilated during the 16th & 17th centuries, when it was used to accommodate a military garrison, Boyle Abbey is nevertheless a very well preserved monastery. Dominated by a squat square tower dating from the 13th century, the Abbey has certainly retained its ability to impress visitors. The Abbey design was influenced by styles from Burgundy, from where Cistercians came to Ireland. The decorated corbels and capitals were likely carved by local masons, some of them members of the so called ‘School of the West’. This same School is responsible for creating some of the most inventive architectural sculpture of the 13th century in Ireland's west. A restored gatehouse dating from the 16th & 17th centuries houses an exhibition.

Overnight Location

Mohill, County Leitrim

On the Map: Mohill is located in County Leitrim in the northwest of Ireland. From the main N4/M4 road connecting Sligo town (to the northwest) & Dublin City (to the southeast), Mohill is accessed via the R202, which intersects with the N4 just south of Carrick-on-Shannon.

Leitrim's name derives from the Irish Liath Druim, meaning "grey ridge."  In ancient times Leitrim formed the western half of the Kingdom of Breifne. The Kingdom of Bréifne (also Breffny, Brefnie, Brenny) was the traditional territory for an early Irish tribal group known as the Uí Briúin Bréifne. The Bréifne territory included the modern Irish counties of Leitrim and Cavan, along with parts of County Sligo.  Breifne means hilly in Irish, a description which describes the topography of this part of Ireland. It is also believed to mean a place of great beauty. Leitrim has a dramatic hilly and mountainous landscape in its northwest and is relatively flat in the southeast, each separated from the other by Lough Allen in the middle of the county. It is an unspoiled, peaceful land of great natural beauty, consisting of lofty mountains, deep valleys, pastures, lakes, rolling hills and rivers. Leitrim is not a landlocked county as it has a short length of Atlantic coastline (5km) between Sligo and Donegal in the northwest.

Day 7

Accommodation

Historic Luxury Castle Hotel - Mohill, County Leitrim

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 4:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 12:00pm.

Free parking is available on site.

Must-See Sites

Croagh Patrick, County Mayo

On The Map: Croagh Patrick is a 764 metres mountain, located just 8 kilometres southwest of Westport town in County Mayo. Croagh Patrick is Ireland's sacred mountain, and has been since ancient times. In pre-Christian Ireland it was the focus of the harvest festival of Lughnasa, traditionally held around August 1. The mountain was especially important for women, who would sleep on the summit during Lughnasa to encourage fertility. According to Christian tradition, St. Patrick went up the sacred mountain at festival time in 441 AD. After fasting at the summit for 40 days, he banished all the snakes and demons from Ireland. The site quickly became an important place of Christian pilgrimage & a stone oratory dating from between 430 and 890 AD was recently discovered on the summit. Nowadays, as many as one million pilgrims and visitors make the trek to the top to pray at the stations of the cross, participate in Mass, do penance (in which case the rocky journey is undertaken barefoot!) or simply to enjoy the spectacular view.

Westport, County Mayo

On the Map: Westport enjoys a coastal location in County Mayo, in the west of Ireland. The town is accessed via the N59 road from Clifden (to the south), or N5 road from Castlebar (to the east).

Westport is a postcard-pretty town with as lovely a main street as you'll be likely to find anywhere in Ireland. The town lies in the shadow of Croagh Patrick with Clew Bay and its 365 islands just to the west. While in Westport be sure to visit Westport House and climb at least a little of Croagh Patrick. Westport House dates from 1730 and offers everything from a dungeon to a zoo! Croagh Patrick is a 765-meter hill where St. Patrick is said to have banished the snakes from Ireland. This hill is climbed (often barefoot) by thousands of Catholic pilgrims each July. South of Westport are some stunning scenic drives leading into the Connemara region. A trip northwards will bring you to remote Achill island which is accessible by a small bridge. Even further off the beaten path is Belmullet in the northwest corner of County Mayo. Westport also boasts a great selection of traditional pubs, among them Matt Molloy's of the Chieftains. 

Achill Island, County Mayo

On the Map: Achill Island is located off County Mayo on the west coast of Ireland. The island is accessed via land bridge from the N59 road connecting the cities of Westport & Bangor. 

Achill Island is the largest island in Ireland at 60 square miles and is accessible from the mainland by a land bridge. Here you can visit the quaint villages of Dooagh and Dooega, the high cliffs at Slievemore and Minaun and the magnificent beaches at Keel and Keem, under Achill Head. No visit to the Island would be complete without taking a journey of scenic splendour on the famous Wild Atlantic Way Drive which circuits the island. Achill's beautiful unspoiled, remote scenery and clear waters make it ideally suited to outdoor pursuits. You can explore the island's peaceful countryside with a beach walk, hill walk, or even a road walk! You can rent bicycles on the island if you would like to cover more distance. You can climb the highest mountain on the island, Mt. Slievemore (about 1800 feet), with ease and have a remarkable view of the area, or opt take a walk up the third highest point, Mt. Minaun and walk along the Minaun cliffs.

Day 8

Accommodation

Magnificent Castle Hotel with Landscaped Grounds - Kingscourt, County Cavan

Check in policies:

Check-in time is from 3:00pm-11:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00am.

Free parking is available on site.

Must-See Sites

Dun na Ri Forest Park, County Cavan

On The Map: Dun na Ri Forest Park is located just 1.5 kilometres north of Kingscourt in County Cavan, and lies adjacent to the Cabra Castle Estate. From Kingscourt, take the Carrickmacross Road (R179) which initially heads east out of town, before shortly turning north.

The 565 acre Dun na Ri Forest Park runs along the banks of the River Cabra, and features a dramatic gorge embracing part of the Cabra Castle Estate. The area is steeped in both legend & history. It is said that Cuchulain (Ireland's Ancient Superman!) camped in the Park at night, while by day conducting a single-handed defence of Ulster against the armies of Queen Maeve. In the 1600s, the glen echoed to the sounds of Cromwell's marauding British armies. There are four walks of approximately 1.5-2km in length, all with points of interest and plentiful, varied wildlife. Some more unusual highlights of a visit to Dun na Ri are the Ice House, Toba na Splinne Holy Well and Cromwell’s Bridge (pictured). The ruins of Fleming's Castle can still be seen as well as Sarah's Well. Sarah's Bridge, built in 1801, is the starting point of many of the walks in the park. The Park also has an extremely varied plant community and as a result it is rich in a wide range of wild animals. Red and grey squirrels are common, as are stoats and rabbits. Mink flourish along the river and otters have been spotted occasionally. The Irish hare is a resident of the Park as is the pigmy shrew. Norway spruce and oak are two important species in the Park.

Cavan, County Cavan

On the Map: The county is bordered by County Monaghan, County Leitrim, County Longford, County Meath, County Westmeath and County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland.

Cavan is known as 'The Lakeland County' and is reputed to contain 365 lakes. The O'Reilly clan (still a very common surname in the area) established a castle in Cavan town in the late 13th century. A Franciscan monastery was also established at around the same time. In the 15th century the local ruler, Bearded Owen O'Reilly set up a market which attracted merchants from Dublin and Drogheda. King James I granted the town a charter in 1610. Later, during the seventeenth century, local administrative influence and power transcended to the Maxwell family, descendants of the Bishop of Kilmore from the 1640's, who later became titled Lords Farnham. Development in Cavan during the early 19th century saw the building of a new wide street that still bears the name Farnham Street.

Enroute Sightseeing

Boyle Abbey, County Roscommon

On the Map: Boyle is located in County Roscommon in the northwest of Ireland. The N61 road passes through town, just south of where it intersects with the major N4/M4 road that connects the cities of Dublin (to the east) and Sligo (to the north).

The famous Abbey at Boyle was the first successful foundation in Connacht of the Cistercian order of monks, which had opened its first Irish house at Mellifont, County Louth, in 1142. Though mutilated during the 16th & 17th centuries, when it was used to accommodate a military garrison, Boyle Abbey is nevertheless a very well preserved monastery. Dominated by a squat square tower dating from the 13th century, the Abbey has certainly retained its ability to impress visitors. The Abbey design was influenced by styles from Burgundy, from where Cistercians came to Ireland. The decorated corbels and capitals were likely carved by local masons, some of them members of the so called ‘School of the West’. This same School is responsible for creating some of the most inventive architectural sculpture of the 13th century in Ireland's west. A restored gatehouse dating from the 16th & 17th centuries houses an exhibition.

Overnight Location

Kingscourt, County Cavan

On the Map: Kingscourt is located in the southeast corner of County Cavan, in the northeast midlands of Ireland. From the main N2 road connecting Monaghan town (to the north) & Dublin (to the south), Kingscourt is accessed via the R165, which intersects with the N2 just south of Ardee town. Kingscourt is a busy market town. With Cabra Castle hotel and several B&Bs in the locality, visitors to the town are spoiled for choice. Kingscourt's Catholic Church, sitting on a ridge high above the town, displays excellent stained glass windows by the renowned Irish artist Evie Hone, who also provided designs for Eton College Chapel. Visitors can explore Dun a Rí Forest Park or play 9 holes of golf at Cabra Castle Golf Course. Situated one mile from Kingscourt, Dun a Rí Forest Park is a place of beauty. Situated in a tranquil glen, Dun a Rí is home to stoat, hare, mink, rabbit and otter, as well as red and grey squirrel along the banks of the River Cabra, which runs through the park. Take a romantic walk through deep, leafy glades & over old bridges. See marvellous views north to Slieve Gullion in County Armagh and the Mountains of Mourne. Some interesting features in the park include Cromwell's bridge, a wishing well and an ice house. There are four walks of approximately 1.5 -2km in length around the park.

Day 9

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!