Irish Craic & Culture

Ireland has it all; from postcard-perfect coastlines, ruffled hillsides and small cities with big personalities. Must-sees include historic Belfast, where we discover the story of the Titanic in all its grandeur, the sweeping scenery of the train journey from Coleraine to Derry~Londonderry and vibrant Dublin; alive with traditional music and its famously friendly culture. We also have the chance to visit the renowned Giant's Causeway on this bustling break that promises to be great craic.What's Included?
Includes- Return coach travel & ferry crossings- 2 nights at a selected hotel in the Dublin area (JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast*- 3 nights at the Ramada by Wyndham Hotel, Belfast (JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast- Excursions to Dublin, Belfast, Titanic Belfast, Giant's Causeway, Derry~Londonderry & Guinness Storehouse Brewery- Locally guided city tours of Dublin & Belfast- Scenic train journey from Coleraine to Derry~Londonderry- Self-guided tour of the Guinness Storehouse Brewery- Services of a tour manager in Ireland*Please note: due to our early departure, breakfast on the final morning will be taken on the ferry.

Itinerary
ItineraryDay 1We catch the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin where our tour manager joins us. We continue onwards to our overnight hotel in the Dublin area.Day 2 - Guided city tour of DublinWe start the morning with a city tour of Dublin led by a local guide. This pint-sized city is full of character, where layers of history are on display from a patchwork of medieval castles and cathedrals. Highlights of our tour include St Stephen's Green, Trinity College and many iconic landmarks in between. Cameras at the ready for the Molly Malone statue, before we enjoy some time at leisure as we explore the city at our own pace.This afternoon we leave Dublin and make our way to the Ramada by Wyndham Hotel in Belfast city centre, our base for the next three nights.Day 3 - Guided city tour of Belfast & Titanic BelfastThis morning provides the chance to explore the lively city of Belfast during a tour led by a local guide. Northern Ireland's best-known city has undergone a striking transformation, and we learn all about its fascinating history as an industrial dynamo at the centre of many successful trades from tobacco, linen and, of course, ship building.A day out in Belfast would not be complete without taking the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the men who built the world's most famous ship; the RMS Titanic at Titanic Belfast. This state-of-the-art multimedia exhibition located at the original shipyard, is easily the city's most visited attraction.Day 4 - Giant's Causeway & Coleraine-Derry~Londonderry TrainToday we head to the incredible Giant's Causeway, known the world over for its striking natural rock formations. Like a huge game of Jenga that got out of hand, these hexagonal volcanic columns are guarded by the foaming ocean and dramatic cliffs.From here we head to catch the Coleraine to Derry~Londonderry train, described by Michael Palin as 'one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world'. We sit back, relax and soak up the stunning views of lush green countryside, golden sands, rolling waves and striking cliffs before we disembark in Derry~Londonderry for some free time to explore at leisure.Day 5 - Dublin & Guinness Storehouse BreweryChecking out of our hotel, we return to Dublin where we enjoy a self-guided tour of the Guinness Storehouse Brewery. Every great afternoon in Dublin starts with a pint of the 'black stuff' and today is no different as we explore seven fascinating floors all dedicated to the tale of Ireland's most iconic beer. We make our way through a series of audio-visual experiences exploring the history, brewing process and advertising successes of the beverage, before we enjoy a picture-perfect pint in the rooftop Gravity Bar.After our tour, we enjoy some free time at leisure before we head off to our overnight hotel in the Dublin area.Day 6We check out of our hotel very early to catch the ferry back to Holyhead; a voucher will be provided to enjoy breakfast on board. On arrival in Holyhead, we continue our journey home.Due to ferry times, coach pickup times may be very early in the morning.

Dublin
The fair city of Dublin is a beautiful medieval city, with a long and colourful past - its museums, art galleries and wonderful architecture, all chronicling its fascinating history.
Tracing its origins back to a small Viking settlement, it has much history to offer its visitors. See the Book of Kells, written around 800AD, one of the most beautifully illustrated manuscripts in the world or visit the many castles in the area.
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Belfast
Wonderful Belfast, a cosmopolitan city rich in art, culture and history. Once the home of the Irish linen industry, tobacco production, rope making and shipbuilding, its many famous sons include George Best, Kenneth Branagh and Barry McGuigan.
Whatever you're looking for from a coach break, you're sure to find plenty to interest you in Belfast - buzzing with life and adventure there is something for everyone to enjoy. Split into quarters, each with its own personality, today it is bursting with fun and excitement.
Hotel
Ramada by Wyndham Hotel, BelfastJG3 ratingThe Ramada by Wyndham Hotel is situated in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter and within two minutes' walk of the Titanic Quarter and many exciting shops. The hotel offers comfortable en-suite rooms complete with power shower, tea and coffee-making facilities, and 40-inch flat-screen TV. There is also a bar and a restaurant.Selected HotelJG3 ratingWe also spend the first and last night of our stay at a conveniently located hotel in the Dublin area.Hotel RatingJG3 ratingHotels with a JG3 rating tend to be a more formal style of hotel, often part of a hotel chain, or are very-welcoming family-owned properties. Generally, they offer a greater range of facilities and services, and bedrooms tend to be a little more spacious with additional features. Public areas are larger and include lounge seating, bar and restaurant with good quality food served either buffet style or waiter service.