Day 1
Accommodation
Central 5-Star Boutique Hotel - Dublin, County Dublin
Room Type: Double
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
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!
Suggested Sightseeing
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.
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.
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.
St Stephen's Green, County Dublin
On The Map: St Stephen's Green is located in the heart of Dublin City, at the southern end of bustling Grafton Street - the city's premier shopping street. The famous Stephen's Green Shopping Centre is adjacent to the northwestern corner of the Green itself.
Stephen's Green is Ireland's best known Victorian public park. Originally enclosed by a wall in 1664, access to the 22 acre Green was restricted to local residents until 1880. The Green has been maintained in the original Victorian layout with extensive perimeter tree and shrub planting, as well as spectacular spring and summer Victorian bedding. The herbaceous border also provides colour from early spring to late autumn. Sanctuary from inclement weather can be obtained in the Victorian lakeside shelter or in the Victorian Swiss shelters in the center of the park. Over 3.5 km of pathways are accessible for all users. The waterfall and Pulham rock work on the western side of the green are worth of a visit, likewise the ornamental lake which provides a home for waterfowl and a garden for the visually impaired. A number of sculptures are located throughout the green. A children's playground is a popular attraction of the park. Lunchtime concerts are performed during the summer months.
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.
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
Central 5-Star Boutique Hotel - Dublin, County Dublin
Room Type: Double
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
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.
Celtic Nights Show & Dinner at the Arlington Hotel
Dublin, County Dublin
The show runs all year round and continues to excite audiences from every corner of the world with its energy, passion and what we like to call the “craic”. Located in the heart of Dublin city, next to the famous O’Connell Bridge overlooking the river Liffey, this show is choreographed for maximum audience participation and full family entertainment. It includes World Championship dancers and All-Ireland winning musicians showcasing some of Ireland’s ‘sean nos’ (old style) Irish dance & the famous Brush Dance. Your Evening will take place at the Arlington's Knightsbridge medieval bar, which boasts the very best in traditional Irish food, drink and entertainment. Your ticket also includes 3 Course Traditional Irish Dinner. Drinks are not included.
Suggested Sightseeing
O'Connell Street, County Dublin

On The Map: Located in the heart of Dublin city, the street's layout is simple but elegant. Within O'Connell Street and it's side streets you'll find endless historical monuments, dining choices and shopping districts, both traditional and high street.
O'Connell Street has often been centre-stage in Irish history, attracting the city's most prominent monuments and public art through the centuries, and formed the backdrop to one of the 1913 Dublin Lockout gatherings, the 1916 Easter Rising, the Irish Civil War of 1922, the destruction of the Nelson Pillar in 1966, and many public celebrations, protests and demonstrations through the years – a role it continues to play to this day. State funeral corteges have often passed the GPO on their way to Glasnevin Cemetery, while today the street is used as the main route of the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, and as the setting for the 1916 Commemoration every Easter Sunday. It also serves as a major bus route artery through the city centre.
Attractions:
General Post Office (GPO), Statue of Daniel O'Connell, The Spire, Staute of James Stewart Parnell, Clery's Department Store, Major Shopping Districts.
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.
Guinness Storehouse, County Dublin
On The Map: The Guinness Storehouse is centrally located in Dublin City at St. James Gate, just off Crane Street and south of the River Liffey. The Storehouse is a leisurely 20 minute stroll west of Trinity College.
Come and explore Ireland’s top visitor attraction, providing an unforgettable welcome and a magical journey deep into the heart of the world famous Guinness brand and company. The Guinness Storehouse is located in the heart of the Guinness Brewery at St James’s Gate, Dublin. Housed in an old fermentation plant, the seven-story visitor experience tells the epic tale of Ireland’s iconic drink and brings to life the heritage of Guinness from early days to growth as a global brand, known all around the world. The experience starts standing at the bottom of the world’s largest pint glass, which rises through the building. It’s a dramatic story that begins over 250 years ago and ends in The Gravity Bar where visitors will receive a complimentary pint of Guinness while relaxing and enjoying spectacular views over Dublin.
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.
Old Jameson Distillery, County Dublin
On The Map: The Old Jameson Distillery is located in the Smithfield area of Dublin City. Walking from Trinity College (approx 20 minutes), head west on Dame Street to Lord Edward Street to Christchurch Place. Carry on past Christchurch Cathedral and take the next right onto Bridge Street. Head straight over Merchants Quay and Fr. Mathew bridge across Arran Quay. Walk up Church Street past St. Michans Cathedral and then take the next left onto May Lane /Bow Street. Alternately, the Distillery is Stop 20 on the 'hop-on, hop-off' Dublin Bus tour.
Set in the heart of Ireland’s thriving capital city, Dublin, The Old Jameson Distillery captures the imagination and the spirit of Ireland. Originally built in 1780, this Distillery was once considered one of the largest and finest Distilleries in the world. Tours operate 7 days a week all year, except selected dates at Christmas. The journey begins with an audio visual presentation. Expert guides then lead you through the fascinating story of Jameson, one of the world’s most famous whiskies. Follow the path through malting, milling, mashing, fermenting, distilling and maturing. The journey is completed with a visit to the Jameson Discovery Bar where you can enjoy the ultimate whiskey tasting experience - a complimentary glass of Jameson and mixer plus a chance for selected volunteers to become a "Qualified Irish Whiskey Taster". After your tour, browse in the gift shop or lunch in the restaurant or bar and soak up the unique atmosphere.
National Gallery of Ireland, County Dublin
The National Gallery of Ireland is home to the Irish national collection of Irish and European art. It is located in the centre of Dublin with one entrance on Merrion Square, beside Leinster House, and another on Clare Street. It was founded in 1854 and opened its doors ten years later. The Gallery has an extensive, representative collection of Irish painting and is also notable for its Italian Baroque and Dutch masters painting. You can admire European works of art from the late Middle Ages to the end of the 19th century. As well as Irish artists, the Gallery also boasts works by Angelico, Goya, Gainsborough & Reynolds, to name but a few. The current director is Sean Rainbird. Entry is free.
Dublin Museums, County Dublin

Dublin has long been recognized as a center of art & culture. The city is literally awash with interesting museums and galleries of all types and sizes.
It's impossible to make note of them all, but three of the best are:
The Chester Beatty Library: Alfred Chester Beatty, a New Yorker donated a fantastic collection of books to the city of Dublin. Highlights include papyrus scripts, valuable copies of the Koran, Buddhist & Far Eastern literature, as well as early mediaeval manuscripts.
National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology: Enter this museum and be transported back in time to almost 7000BC! Gold and other treasures recount a varied Irish history through Christian and pre-Christian times. A range of exhibitions also present artifacts from many other cultures and regions.
National Gallery: Here you can admire European works of art from the late Middle Ages to the end of the 19th century. As well as Irish artists, the Gallery also boasts works by Angelico, Goya, Gainsborough & Reynolds, to name but a few.
Day 3
Accommodation
Belfast City Center 5-Star Hotel - Belfast, County Antrim
Room Type: Double
Check in policies:
Check-in time is between 3.00pm and 6.00pm. Please call the hotel in advance if you expect to arrive earlier or later. Check-out time is before 12.00 noon. If calling from within Northern Ireland please dial: 028 9044 2080. If calling from the Republic of Ireland dial: 044 28 9044 2080.
Included Unique Activities
Train from Dublin Connolly to Belfast
Dublin, County Dublin
Today you'll enjoy a pleasant train journey from Dublin Connolly Station to Belfast Station, with the rolling Irish countryside providing a perfect picturesque backdrop. Train fare is included in your tour price, and we are happy to assist with making a reservation at the appropriate time on your behalf.
Your train departs from Dublin Connolly railway station and after approximately 2 and a half hours will arrive at Lanyon Place Station (formerly Belfast Central Station).
Suggested Sightseeing
Belfast City Hall, County Antrim
Location: City Hall is located at Donegall Square N, Belfast BT1 5GS, in the city center.
Featuring towers at each of the four corners, with a lantern-crowned 173 ft copper dome in the centre, City Hall dominates Belfast's skyline. Plans for the City Hall began in 1888 when Belfast was awarded city status by Queen Victoria. This was in recognition of Belfast's rapid expansion and thriving linen, rope-making, shipbuilding and engineering industries. Construction began in 1898, and was completed in 1906 at a cost of £369,000. The exterior is built mainly from Portland stone and is in the Baroque Revival style. The interior has a number of notable features including The Porte-Cochère and Grand Entrance, The Grand Staircase, The Reception Room and The Great Hall. The gardens surrounding the City Hall are a popular summer lunch spot, and various statues adorn the grounds. These include a granite column dedicated to the American Expeditionary Force, many of whom were based in Belfast prior to D-Day in 1944. Interesting and informattive public tours of City Hall are available Monday thru Saturday. Led by experienced guides, tours last one hour and are free!
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
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 4
Accommodation
Belfast City Center 5-Star Hotel - Belfast, County Antrim
Room Type: Double
Check in policies:
Check-in time is between 3.00pm and 6.00pm. Please call the hotel in advance if you expect to arrive earlier or later. Check-out time is before 12.00 noon. If calling from within Northern Ireland please dial: 028 9044 2080. If calling from the Republic of Ireland dial: 044 28 9044 2080.
Included Unique Activities
Titanic Experience Belfast
Belfast, County Antrim
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.
Suggested Sightseeing
Belfast Castle and Cave Hill, County Antrim
On The Map: Belfast Castle is located just 4 miles north of the city centre on the slopes of Cave Hill. It is well signposted from the nearby Antrim Road.
Belfast Castle Estate is adjacent to one of the highest spots in Belfast, Cave Hill - at 400 feet above sea level, the castle offers stunning views over Belfast Lough and the city. Built in the 19th century, Belfast Castle is a Scottish Baronial style castle featuring unrivaled views of the city of Belfast. While the area played host to two castles before the one that stands today, the current Belfast Castle was finished in 1870. After serving the Shaftesbury family, the castle and its surrounding estate was presented to the city of Belfast in 1934. Between 1945 and 1970s, the castle was a popular venue for weddings, dances and afternoon teas. After a period of refurbishment between 1978 and 1988, the castle reopened and continued to host weddings, business meetings, and events. Head to the castle to explore its grounds and enjoy a meal at the Cellar Restaurant.
Cave Hill Visitor Centre is located on the second floor of Belfast Castle. This intriguing museum is open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 10pm, and Sundays from 9am to 5.30pm, and admission is free!
The Cellar Restaurant within the castle is open every day from 11am-5pm serving snacks, light refreshments, and lunch.
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.
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 5
Depart From
Depart from Belfast Airport, County Antrim
Return to Belfast Airport 2 hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure. This will allow ample time to check in for your flight home.