12 Day Emerald Ireland – APT
Itinerary
12 Day Small Group Discovery from Dublin to Dublin with APT
Immerse yourself in Ireland’s natural wonders on this small group land journey. Explore Slieve League Cliffs, Ring of Kerry and uncover the Titanic’s history. For travel between 01 Mar 2020 – 31 Dec 2020
Day By Day
Day 1 Arrive Dublin
Arrive in Dublin for the start of your Irish adventure. We will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel. Tonight, get to know everyone at a welcome reception. Stay: Dublin, Brooks Hotel
Day 2 Dublin, Belfast
Travel to Northern Ireland’s Belfast in the United Kingdom and visit Titanic Belfast, the world’s largest Titanic experience that offers an incredible insight into the story of the ship. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner. Stay: Belfast, The Merchant Hotel
(D)
Day 3 Belfast, Giant’s Causeway, Derry, Donegal
Head to the Giant’s Causeway, a series of approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption. Call into Derry and take in its rich history from the Siege of Derry to the Battle of the Bogside. Later, arrive at your five-star castle set upon a secluded lakeside estate, which is associated with the O’Donnell Clan, the founding fathers of Donegal. Here, savour dinner this evening. Stay Two Nights: Donegal, Lough Eske Castle, a Solis Hotel and Spa
(B/D)
Day 4 Donegal, Slieve League Cliffs
Enjoy your Signature Experience at the Slieve League Cliffs. The afternoon is yours to explore.
Signature Experiences:
Absorb panoramic sea vistas from the Slieve League Cliffs, which contains the tallest sea cliffs in Ireland. Be guided by local resident Paddy Clarke, an ex deep-sea fisherman of 20 years and Slieve League Cliffs specialist. Gain an incredible insight into life in this rugged and remote region, from the Spanish Armada’s arrival in the past to fishing of the present, via his incredible local knowledge. Afterwards, enjoy traditional Irish cuisine at Paddy’s unique Ti Linn Cafe, finishing off with an authentic Irish coffee to help you through the day.
(B/L)
Day 5 Donegal, Drumcliff, Ballina
Visit the historic village of Drumcliff, where you will visit the grave site of W. B. Yeats, a prominent Irish poet and one of the foremost figures of 20th-century literature. Continue to Ballina and visit the family-owned boutique Connacht Irish Whiskey Distillery, which sits on the banks of the beautiful River Moy. Here, gain an insight into the unique distillation and barrel-age methods adopted in this rural environment that produce a refined taste. Stay Two Nights: Ballina, Mount Falcon Estate
(B/D)
Day 6 Ballina
Take a morning drive through County Mayo, teeming with natural ancient beauty. Back at your hotel, watch on in awe as you take in a falconry display.
(B)
Day 7 Ballina, Adare, Killarney
Venture past some of the most fascinating scenery as you pass Burren’s karst landscapes of bedrock on your way to the magnificent Cliffs of Moher. Call in at Adare, affectionately known as Ireland’s prettiest village, before arriving in Killarney. Stay Two Nights: Killarney, Europe Hotel & Spa
(B/D)
Day 8 Killarney, Ring of Kerry
You have a choice of sightseeing. Then travel along the Ring of Kerry, where you will stop to capture some stunning scenery. Later, enjoy your Signature Experience.
Freedom of Choice:
Perhaps enjoy horse riding, a pony and trap ride or relax at the ESPA. Then travel along the Ring of Kerry, where you will stop to capture some stunning scenery.
Signature Experiences:
Get set for an evening of fun at the Killarney School of Music, and attend an exclusive Celtic concert, including incredible instrumental and vocal performances, as well as an Irish dancing demonstration guaranteed to have you clapping along.
(B)
Day 9 Killarney, Cobh, Cashel, Kilkenny
Travel to Cobh, the last port of call for the Titanic. Here, you may wish to visit the Heritage Centre. Afterwards, enjoy your Signature Experience, then see the Rock of Cashel on the way to Kilkenny, then arrive at your estate. Dinner this evening is served in a fine Michelin star restaurant. Stay Two Nights: Kilkenny, Mount Juliet Estate
Signature Experiences:
Pay a visit to Shankill Castle, home to Geoffrey and Elizabeth Cope since 1991. Elizabeth, an artist and Geoffrey, a historian, will share with you their insights into the local Irish history, the creative people they have hosted in their home for the past 25 years and the hardships involved in reviving a castle in the present day.
(B/D)
Day 10 Kilkenny
This morning, tour the Legends Hurling Museum and gain insight into Gaelic games played in Ireland. You will also see O’Loughlin Gaels Stadium and learn about the 3,000-year-old Celtic tradition of Gaelic football. The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps enjoy a round of golf, enjoy a soothing spa experience, try your hand at lake fishing, embark on a walk through the woodlands or ride a bike through the glorious estate.
(B)
Day 11 Kilkenny, Avoca, Dublin
Farewell Kilkenny as you make your way to your final destination, Dublin. Along the way, discover the Wicklow region with a stop in historic Avoca, which has been a popular filming location for several films and television series, including the BBC’s Ballykissangel. Arrive in Dublin and be guided on a unique walking tour that brings to life the 1916 Rebellion. Later this evening, sit down to a delicious farewell dinner. Stay: Dublin, Brooks Hotel
(B/D)
Day 12 Depart Dublin
Be transferred to the airport.
(B)
Trip Inclusions
- Experiences in 10 destinations
- Freedom of Choice Inclusions in Killarney
- Expert tour director
- Transfers, porterage and gratuities
Journey Highlights
- Be guided by Paddy Clarke, an ex deep-sea fisherman of 20 years and Slieve League Cliffs specialist
- Attend this Celtic concert, including instrumental and vocal performances, as well as an Irish dancing demonstration
- Visit Shankill Castle and be shown around by Geoffrey and Elizabeth Cope, who will offer an insight into the local history
Included Meals
- Luxury dining – a total of 17 meals are included throughout this tour
Accommodation
- 11 nights authentic accommodation
- Your hand-picked accommodation offers the perfect blend of luxurious, unique and authentic properties
Trip Notes
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Prices are for land/cruise and internal flights as specified only. Flights not specified are not included.