5-Night Capitals of Ireland and Wales

Day 2

Accommodation

Elegant & Stylish 4-Star Hotel - Dublin, County Dublin

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. There is an overnight rate of €18 for guests per 24 hours stayed in the car park. The hourly fee before and after those times is €4 per hour. You will need a code to access this car park which can be obtained by telephone or on reception as you check in.

Included Unique Activities

Wicklow and Glendalough Half Day Tour from Dublin

The tour begins with an introduction to Dublin City, as we head south towards County Wicklow, known affectionately as the "Garden of Ireland". Beautiful lakes, dense forests and romantic brooks make this a wonderful scenic drive and a fine day out from the big city.

See the scenery made famous by films such as Braveheart and P.S. I Love You. We make our way over the Wicklow mountains to Glendalough (minimum 1,5 hrs stop) - the valley of the two lakes. Enjoy a relaxing walk to the Upper Lake and explore the monastic ruins of St Kevin's monastery including its round towers, Celtic crosses and much more.

This half day Wicklow Mountains tour is now available for morning or afternoon departures. 

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.

Day 3

Accommodation

Elegant & Stylish 4-Star Hotel - Dublin, County Dublin

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. There is an overnight rate of €18 for guests per 24 hours stayed in the car park. The hourly fee before and after those times is €4 per hour. You will need a code to access this car park which can be obtained by telephone or on reception as you check in.

Suggested Sightseeing

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.

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.

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.

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 4

Accommodation

Luxury Landmark Lodging - Cardiff, Wales

Check in policies:

Check-in time starts at 2 PM

Check-out time is 12 PM

Included Unique Activities

Cardiff Castle Admission

Guarantee your entry to a site with more than 2,000 years of history by buying an admission ticket to Cardiff Castle in advance. Ideal for families and independent travelers, your entrance pass takes you on a self-guided tour of the castle’s historic chambers such as the Banqueting Hall and Library. Additional tours, including in-depth looks at the Clock Tower and House, are available at your own expense.

-Entrance ticket to Cardiff Castle including audio guide 
-Ideal for families, history buffs, and independent travelers 
-Take a self-guided tour of the 2,000-year-old fortress 
-See highlights such as the Library, the Banqueting Hall, and the Victorian apartments 
-Valid between 10am and 4pm in winter, 5pm in summer

Suggested Sightseeing

Llandaff Cathedral, Wales

On the Map: Llandaff Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral and parish church in Llandaff, Cardiff, Wales.

Llandaff Cathedral stands on one of the oldest Christian sites in Britain. In the sixth century St Dyfrig founded a community close to the ford where the Roman road crossed the river Taff. He was succeeded by St Teilo and then Teilo's nephew, St Euddogwy. These three Celtic Saints remain patron saints of the present Cathedral and are represented by the three mitres in the Cathedral badge. Nothing remains of the original church but a Celtic Cross that stood nearby can still be seen near the door of the Chapter House.

Overnight Location

Cardiff, Wales

On The Map: The City of Cardiff is the Capital of Wales, and is located in a sheltered location on its southern coast. Cardiff is 150 miles / 2.5 hours drive directly west of London on the M4 Motorway.

Cardiff boasts a rich, almost 2000 year history. The first recorded settlers in 55 A.D. were pioneers of the Roman Empire, who constructed a fort on the current site of Cardiff Castle, taking advantage of the city's strategic position at the center of three river systems. The Roman Fort protected local inhabitants for 300 years, before being abandoned as Roman power and influence rapidly declined. Impressive Cardiff Castle (pictured), dating from the 11th century, now occupies the site. Most of the original Roman construction is long since buried beneath the castle, though a portion of the old Roman walls are still visible at the Castle's Interpretative Centre. Visitors can learn more about Cardiff's long & interesting history at The Cardiff Story - a free museum. Cardiff boasts a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, featuring opera, ballet, musicals, and very high quality live music to suit all tastes, not to mention a diverse range of theatres, galleries & museums.

Day 5

Accommodation

Luxury Landmark Lodging - Cardiff, Wales

Check in policies:

Check-in time starts at 2 PM

Check-out time is 12 PM

Included Unique Activities

Cardiff Bay Boat Tour

Enjoy panoramic views over beautiful Cardiff Bay boat tour. You will board in Mermaid Quay at the heart of Cardiff Bay on Marianne and enjoy a relaxing 45 minute trip around the area where you will see the Senedd, Norwegian Church and many more famous sights. Along the way, learn of the regeneration which has shaped the bay we see today and take in top landmarks.

Suggested Sightseeing

Cardiff, Wales

On The Map: The City of Cardiff is the Capital of Wales, and is located in a sheltered location on its southern coast. Cardiff is 150 miles / 2.5 hours drive directly west of London on the M4 Motorway.

Cardiff boasts a rich, almost 2000 year history. The first recorded settlers in 55 A.D. were pioneers of the Roman Empire, who constructed a fort on the current site of Cardiff Castle, taking advantage of the city's strategic position at the center of three river systems. The Roman Fort protected local inhabitants for 300 years, before being abandoned as Roman power and influence rapidly declined. Impressive Cardiff Castle (pictured), dating from the 11th century, now occupies the site. Most of the original Roman construction is long since buried beneath the castle, though a portion of the old Roman walls are still visible at the Castle's Interpretative Centre. Visitors can learn more about Cardiff's long & interesting history at The Cardiff Story - a free museum. Cardiff boasts a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, featuring opera, ballet, musicals, and very high quality live music to suit all tastes, not to mention a diverse range of theatres, galleries & museums.

Mermaid Quay, Cardiff, Wales

Mermaid Quay is set in a stunning waterfront location right in the heart of Cardiff Bay, less than a kilometer from the city centre. It is the perfect place for dining out, grabbing a snack or relaxing over a drink in one of the 30+ restaurants, bars and cafes. With cuisine from around the world – from Welsh ice cream to Turkish meze, Japanese sushi to American burgers and Italian stone-baked pizza – Mermaid Quay is somewhere that caters for all tastes, moods and pockets. Plus there are great coffee shops, food on-the-go takeaways and much more.

Cardiff Bay, Wales

Cardiff Bay is Widely regarded as the most successful in Britain, the superb Cardiff Bay redevelopment covers nearly 2,700 acres of former dockland and is home to high-end housing, offices, hotels, restaurants, theaters, sports grounds and numerous parks. Highlights of a visit include the redbrick Pierhead Building, built in 1897 and now home to displays relating to the history of Wales, and Mermaid Quay with its trendy restaurants, cafés and boutiques. It's also where you'll find the Senedd, the architecturally pleasing new home of the National Assembly for Wales, as well as the wonderful Norwegian Church, an arts center and concert venue in a former church often visited by Roald Dahl. (The writer's importance to the city is widely recognized, and includes Roald Dahl Plass, a large public plaza notable for its summer concerts.) Cardiff Bay is also where you'll find Techniquest, a fun hands-on science center featuring a planetarium and theatre.

Day 6

Depart From

Depart from Cardiff Airport, Wales

Today you will depart out of Cardiff Airport