Up to 14 days ~ from $3,235 + airfare
Optional Single Supplement ~ $695
Bunratty~Dingle~Munster~Kilkenny~Wicklow~Dublin~Belfast~Causeway Coast~Derry~Donegal~Fermanagh
Optional Single Supplement ~ $695
Bunratty~Dingle~Munster~Kilkenny~Wicklow~Dublin~Belfast~Causeway Coast~Derry~Donegal~Fermanagh
2016 Dates & Prices
Special Dates
* 12 days - does not include days 7 & 8 below.
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Itinerary
Day 1: Fáilte ~ Welcome!
Check-in to your accommodation, where your reservation will be waiting for you. Take time to explore Ennis then meet your guide and fellow Adventurers at the B&B at 5 pm for a group meeting before we enjoy an inaugural dinner together. Sleep in Ennis (1 night). No travel. Walking: light.
Day 2: Dingle Peninsula
After breakfast we're off to Europe’s western-most peninsula, described by National Geographic as “the most beautiful place on Earth.” We’ll cross picturesque Connor Pass from which you can view the entire peninsula, then check in to our B&B before heading into Corca Dhuibhne – one of Ireland’s Gaelachtaí, or Irish-speaking areas. Our first stop will be Gallarus Oratory, an early Christian church, then Dún an Óir, the site of an Elizabethan siege that ended in massacre. Next we’ll follow dramatic Slea Head Drive to the Great Blasket Centre to get a peek at these island’s rich literary tradition, and finally Dunbeg Promontory Fort. Sleep in DIngle (2 nights). Travel: 4½ hrs. Walking: medium.
Day 3: Dingle Town
Today we’ll start with a walking tour of colorful Dingle Town, followed by a free day to explore this quaint harbor town. Alternately, take the mini-bus for an optional free day in charming Killarney, including a hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus tour of the town and nearby National Park attractions. After dinner in DIngle, we’ll retire to the local for some traditional Irish music. Travel (optional): 2½ hrs. Walking: light.
Day 4: Munster
Reluctantly, we leave Dingle behind, making our way through Cork and Tipperary to Kilkenny. Along the way, we’ll stop at Torc Waterfall and through Killarney National Park to Kenmare Stone Circle. Then we’re off to kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle, and finally take in the views from atop the stunning Rock of Cashel, ancient capital of Munster, before ending the day in the medieval city of Kilkenny. Sleep in Kilkenny (2 nights). Travel: 5½ hrs. Walking: light.
Day 5: Kilkenny
We'll begin today with a walking tour of Kilkenny, after which you’ll have a free day to explore Ireland’s best preserved medieval city, including beautiful Kilkenny Castle. Alternately, take the mini-bus for an optional free day in Waterford including a lively tour of the Viking Triangle and admission to the Waterford Treasures: the Medieval Museum, Reginald’s Tower and the Bishop’s Palace. Travel: 2 hr. (optional) Walking: light.
Day 6: Wicklow
After breakfast, we’re off to the award-winning Irish National Heritage Park near Wexford to explore Ancient Ireland through 16 archaeological and historical reconstructions located in their natural settings. Then it’s off to Wicklow, “the Garden of Ireland,” where we’ll visit the monastic settlement at Glendalough with its majestic round tower, Powerscourt Waterfall (Ireland’s tallest), and beautiful Powerscourt House and Gardens. Finally, we turn north to Swords, where we’ll enjoy traditional music and share a farewell dinner. Sleep in Dublin (3 nights). Travel: 4 hrs. Walking: medium.
Day 7: Dublin
After breakfast, we begin with a hop-on-hop-off tour of the city. The rest of the day is yours to explore, with free admission to 33 of the city's top attractions and discounts to many others. No travel. Walking: varies.
Day 8: More Dublin
Today you again have access to the hop-on-hop-off bus to continue your exploration of Dublin, with free admission to 33 of the city's top attractions and discounts to many others. Tonight we'll gather over dinner to share our experiences and take in some local color. No travel. Walking: varies.
Day 9: Armagh & Downpatrick
Today we take a journey through Ulster history and legend, beginning with the site of the Battle of the Boyne where King William III and his father-in-law, King James II fought for British throne, French dominance in Europe and Religious power in Ireland. We then travel back into antiquity to visit Navan Centre & Fort, ancient capital of Ulster and site for many great feats by legendary hero Cú Chulainn. Finally, we visit the Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick, the traditional burial site for Ireland’s patron saint, before moving on to modern Belfast. Sleep in Belfast (2 nights). Travel: 4 hrs. Walking: medium.
Day 10: Belfast
After breakfast, we'll take the hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus tour of the city, then a free day to get to know Northern Ireland’s political, commercial and cultural capital. Take a tour of Falls Road and Shankill Road in one of the city’s famous black cabs, visit the Ulster Folk & Transportation Park and the Ulster Museum, or tour Stormont Castle, seat of Northern Ireland’s government. Admission to the Titanic Experience is included with your sightseeing tour. No travel. Walking: light.
Day 11: The Causeway Coast
We leave Belfast for the wonders of Northern Ireland’s famed Causeway Coast. We’ll cross Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (optional), tour the meeting of legend and geology at Giant’s Causeway, take a taste at the Old Bushmills Distillery, and explore the ruins of Dunluce Castle before heading to Derry, Northern Ireland’s walled city. Sleep in Derry (2 nights). Travel: 3 hrs. Walking: medium.
Day 12: Derry
Today we'll begin with a walking tour of Derry highlighting its role in the Plantation of Ulster and “The Troubles,” then a hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus tour. The rest is a free day to explore the sites of city. Alternately, take the mini-bus for an optional free day in County Tyrone, including the Ulster American Folk Park and Tullyhogue Fzort, the coronation site of the O’Neills, then gather in Derry for dinner to share your insights and experiences. Travel (optional): 3 hrs. Walking: light.
Day 13: West Ulster
After breakfast we'll pack up and board our mini-bus for a tour through Donegal and Fermanagh. We'll visit the Grianan of Ailleach Stone Fort and Beltony Stone Circle, tour the Belleek Pottery Factory, and stop at the spectacular Marble Arch Caves before arriving back in Dublin for a farewell dinner and traditional music. Sleep in Dublin (1 night). Travel: 5 hrs. Walking: light.
Day 14: Slán Go Foill ~ Tour Over After Breakfast
Breakfast is provided, but there are no group activities today. You can fly out of nearby Dublin International Airport, take the ferry to Wales, England or the Isle of Man, or take a bus into Dublin – or beyond. Your guide will help you with any post-tour planning. Míle buíochas agus slán go foill ~ a thousand thanks for joining us and we hope to see you again soon
Check-in to your accommodation, where your reservation will be waiting for you. Take time to explore Ennis then meet your guide and fellow Adventurers at the B&B at 5 pm for a group meeting before we enjoy an inaugural dinner together. Sleep in Ennis (1 night). No travel. Walking: light.
Day 2: Dingle Peninsula
After breakfast we're off to Europe’s western-most peninsula, described by National Geographic as “the most beautiful place on Earth.” We’ll cross picturesque Connor Pass from which you can view the entire peninsula, then check in to our B&B before heading into Corca Dhuibhne – one of Ireland’s Gaelachtaí, or Irish-speaking areas. Our first stop will be Gallarus Oratory, an early Christian church, then Dún an Óir, the site of an Elizabethan siege that ended in massacre. Next we’ll follow dramatic Slea Head Drive to the Great Blasket Centre to get a peek at these island’s rich literary tradition, and finally Dunbeg Promontory Fort. Sleep in DIngle (2 nights). Travel: 4½ hrs. Walking: medium.
Day 3: Dingle Town
Today we’ll start with a walking tour of colorful Dingle Town, followed by a free day to explore this quaint harbor town. Alternately, take the mini-bus for an optional free day in charming Killarney, including a hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus tour of the town and nearby National Park attractions. After dinner in DIngle, we’ll retire to the local for some traditional Irish music. Travel (optional): 2½ hrs. Walking: light.
Day 4: Munster
Reluctantly, we leave Dingle behind, making our way through Cork and Tipperary to Kilkenny. Along the way, we’ll stop at Torc Waterfall and through Killarney National Park to Kenmare Stone Circle. Then we’re off to kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle, and finally take in the views from atop the stunning Rock of Cashel, ancient capital of Munster, before ending the day in the medieval city of Kilkenny. Sleep in Kilkenny (2 nights). Travel: 5½ hrs. Walking: light.
Day 5: Kilkenny
We'll begin today with a walking tour of Kilkenny, after which you’ll have a free day to explore Ireland’s best preserved medieval city, including beautiful Kilkenny Castle. Alternately, take the mini-bus for an optional free day in Waterford including a lively tour of the Viking Triangle and admission to the Waterford Treasures: the Medieval Museum, Reginald’s Tower and the Bishop’s Palace. Travel: 2 hr. (optional) Walking: light.
Day 6: Wicklow
After breakfast, we’re off to the award-winning Irish National Heritage Park near Wexford to explore Ancient Ireland through 16 archaeological and historical reconstructions located in their natural settings. Then it’s off to Wicklow, “the Garden of Ireland,” where we’ll visit the monastic settlement at Glendalough with its majestic round tower, Powerscourt Waterfall (Ireland’s tallest), and beautiful Powerscourt House and Gardens. Finally, we turn north to Swords, where we’ll enjoy traditional music and share a farewell dinner. Sleep in Dublin (3 nights). Travel: 4 hrs. Walking: medium.
Day 7: Dublin
After breakfast, we begin with a hop-on-hop-off tour of the city. The rest of the day is yours to explore, with free admission to 33 of the city's top attractions and discounts to many others. No travel. Walking: varies.
Day 8: More Dublin
Today you again have access to the hop-on-hop-off bus to continue your exploration of Dublin, with free admission to 33 of the city's top attractions and discounts to many others. Tonight we'll gather over dinner to share our experiences and take in some local color. No travel. Walking: varies.
Day 9: Armagh & Downpatrick
Today we take a journey through Ulster history and legend, beginning with the site of the Battle of the Boyne where King William III and his father-in-law, King James II fought for British throne, French dominance in Europe and Religious power in Ireland. We then travel back into antiquity to visit Navan Centre & Fort, ancient capital of Ulster and site for many great feats by legendary hero Cú Chulainn. Finally, we visit the Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick, the traditional burial site for Ireland’s patron saint, before moving on to modern Belfast. Sleep in Belfast (2 nights). Travel: 4 hrs. Walking: medium.
Day 10: Belfast
After breakfast, we'll take the hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus tour of the city, then a free day to get to know Northern Ireland’s political, commercial and cultural capital. Take a tour of Falls Road and Shankill Road in one of the city’s famous black cabs, visit the Ulster Folk & Transportation Park and the Ulster Museum, or tour Stormont Castle, seat of Northern Ireland’s government. Admission to the Titanic Experience is included with your sightseeing tour. No travel. Walking: light.
Day 11: The Causeway Coast
We leave Belfast for the wonders of Northern Ireland’s famed Causeway Coast. We’ll cross Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (optional), tour the meeting of legend and geology at Giant’s Causeway, take a taste at the Old Bushmills Distillery, and explore the ruins of Dunluce Castle before heading to Derry, Northern Ireland’s walled city. Sleep in Derry (2 nights). Travel: 3 hrs. Walking: medium.
Day 12: Derry
Today we'll begin with a walking tour of Derry highlighting its role in the Plantation of Ulster and “The Troubles,” then a hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus tour. The rest is a free day to explore the sites of city. Alternately, take the mini-bus for an optional free day in County Tyrone, including the Ulster American Folk Park and Tullyhogue Fzort, the coronation site of the O’Neills, then gather in Derry for dinner to share your insights and experiences. Travel (optional): 3 hrs. Walking: light.
Day 13: West Ulster
After breakfast we'll pack up and board our mini-bus for a tour through Donegal and Fermanagh. We'll visit the Grianan of Ailleach Stone Fort and Beltony Stone Circle, tour the Belleek Pottery Factory, and stop at the spectacular Marble Arch Caves before arriving back in Dublin for a farewell dinner and traditional music. Sleep in Dublin (1 night). Travel: 5 hrs. Walking: light.
Day 14: Slán Go Foill ~ Tour Over After Breakfast
Breakfast is provided, but there are no group activities today. You can fly out of nearby Dublin International Airport, take the ferry to Wales, England or the Isle of Man, or take a bus into Dublin – or beyond. Your guide will help you with any post-tour planning. Míle buíochas agus slán go foill ~ a thousand thanks for joining us and we hope to see you again soon