12 Day Complete Ireland

Welcome to Ireland! After your arrival at the airport, make your own way to the hotel and enjoy your first day at your own leisure. Perhaps visit Trinity College to see the famous book of Kells, or maybe get to know the Guinness Storehouse. Join your fellow tour participants for a welcome drink tonight.

Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.

This morning meet your driver and guide at the hotel reception, we will cross the border into Northern Ireland heading for Belfast. Along the way, travel through the Boyne Valley and visit the 5,000-year-old Hill of Tara, the seat of the ancient High Kings of Ireland. At the Glyde Inn, experience a unique VR adventure that transforms you into a Viking. Continue to Hillsborough Castle, the official Royal Palace for Northern Ireland, for a tour of its fascinating history and stunning State Rooms.

This morning we will explore Belfast's rich heritage and vibrant culture on a panoramic city tour, passing by landmarks like City Hall and Queen's University. We then visit Titanic Belfast to learn the story of the world's most famous ship. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, exploring Belfast's many attractions.

Depart from your hotel this morning and travel along the spectacular North Antrim Coastline, taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Atlantic Ocean and the dramatic cliffs. Upon arrival at the Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marvel at the over 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, formed by a volcanic eruption over 60 million years ago. Explore this unique natural wonder at your own pace, walking along the different paths, admiring the columns from different angles, and learning more about their history and geology at the interpretive centre.

Continue to Derry, Ireland's only fully intact walled city, steeped in rich history and culture. Take a walk along the historic city walls, offering stunning views of the surrounding area, including the River Foyle and the iconic Peace Bridge.

After breakfast we will visit Belleek Pottery, a world-renowned pottery factory in business since 1857. See firsthand how this beautiful pottery is created, and learn about its rich history and heritage.

Travel to the Marble Arch Caves, a fascinating natural underworld of rivers, winding passages, and lofty chambers. These caves, located in the heart of the UNESCO Global Geopark, were formed in limestone rock by water flowing through the rock over millions of years. Join a guided tour to explore the chambers, passages, and systems of these amazing caves.

This morning, we will travel to County Clare and the Burren Region, a UNESCO Global Geopark known for its unique limestone landscape and dramatic coastline. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland's most popular tourist attractions. Rising to over 200 metres in places, the cliffs offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding coastline.

After exploring the Cliffs of Moher, return to Galway to enjoy some time at leisure in the city. You can visit the Galway Cathedral, take a walk through the Spanish Arch, or enjoy a traditional Irish meal at one of the city's many pubs.

This morning we will drive south through the rolling hills of Ireland, passing by the charming town of Limerick, founded by the Vikings in the 9th century. Continue on to Blarney, a picturesque village nestled in the heart of County Cork.

In the afternoon, arrive at Blarney Castle, a majestic medieval fortress perched atop a limestone outcrop. Wander through the castle's ancient halls and chambers, and learn about its rich history, dating back to the 13th century. Don't forget to visit the castle's most famous attraction, the Blarney Stone. Legend has it that kissing the stone will grant you the gift of the gab.

Today we will explore the highlights of the Ring of Kerry, one of the most scenic drives in the world. Take in the breathtaking views of Molls Gap and Ladies' View, two of the most iconic spots on the route.

Finish the day with a relaxing jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park. Jaunting cars are a traditional Irish form of transportation, and your jarvey will be able to tell you all about the area's history and culture.

Today we will visit the Midleton Distillery Experience, founded by the Murphy Brothers in 1825. This world-famous distillery still produces more than 24 million bottles of whiskey yearly. Take a guided tour to learn about the whiskey-making process, from grain to glass, and finish your visit with a tasting of this famous Irish whiskey.

Continue towards Waterford and visit the House of Waterford in the city's Viking Triangle. On this tour, witness how Waterford Crystal masterpieces are crafted, from initial design to final engraving. Learn about the history of this iconic Irish crystal company and see for yourself why Waterford Crystal is prized all over the world.

This morning we will visit the Dunbrody Famine Ship, a full-scale replica of the original ship built in 1845 for the Graves family of New Ross and which carried thousands of emigrants from Ireland to North America over thirty years. As you board the ship, you will be transported back in time. You will see the cramped and squalid conditions in which the emigrants travelled, and you will learn about the hardships they faced, such as disease, hunger, and overcrowding. You will also hear stories of the emigrants' hopes and dreams for a better life in North America.

In the afternoon, enjoy some leisure time in the picturesque medieval city of Kilkenny. Wander through the narrow streets and admire the historic buildings, such as Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice's Cathedral.

This morning we will depart Kilkenny and travel to Dublin, where we will visit the EPIC Museum and find out why over 10 million people emigrated from Ireland. As we uncover the stories of the emigrants, you’ll realise that emigration is not about what people leave behind but what they bring with them.

This afternoon enjoy free time to explore Dublin at your leisure.

Today marks the end of your magnificent and unforgettable tour through Ireland. We hope you have thoroughly enjoyed your inspiring tour. After a final Irish breakfast, at the appropriate time please make your way to the airport for your onward journey.