Grand Tour of Ireland

Ireland is one of the most enchanting holiday destinations in the world, offering a host of vibrant cities bursting with culture and breathtaking natural scenery. On this captivating break we blend the country's panoramic landscapes of rolling hills and sparkling lakes with its historic towns and lively cities, including charming Dublin. We combine guided tours with time at leisure for a wonderful exploration of this beloved isle. We also visit Northern Ireland to discover cosmopolitan Belfast and the geological wonder of the Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland's only UNESCO World Heritage Site.What's Included?
Includes- Return coach travel & ferry crossings- 7 nights at a selected hotel in Ireland (JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast*- Excursions to Belfast, Titanic Belfast, Giant's Causeway, Derry~Londonderry, Sligo, Galway, Limerick, Ring of Kerry, Killarney & Dublin- Guided city tours of Belfast, Galway, Limerick & Dublin with our tour manager- Guided walking tour of Derry~Londonderry with our tour manager- 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 we meet our tour manager. We continue onwards to our hotel in Belfast, our base for the next two nights.Day 2 - Guided city tour of Belfast & Titanic BelfastToday our tour manager takes us on a guided tour of Belfast, Northern Ireland's most famous city, and now a thriving, modern metropolis with a colourful history - as a key player in the Industrial Revolution; it was the centre for the Irish linen and tobacco industries. We take in the city's highlights before visiting Titanic Belfast, a fantastic exhibition located on the site of the original shipyard in which the famous liner was built. The exhibition brings the maiden voyage of the Titanic to life in the city where it all began.Day 3 - Giant's Causeway, Derry~Londonderry & DonegalWe make our way to the Giant's Causeway, named for the enormous volcanic columns that make this National Trust-owned site such an incredible place to visit. From here we head to Derry~Londonderry - the only completely walled city in Ireland. We enjoy a guided walking tour with our tour manager where highlights include the gleaming Peace Bridge across the River Foyle and St Columb's cathedral. Later, we check in to our Donegal hotel where we spend the night.Day 4 - Sligo & GalwayLeaving Donegal, we travel to the pretty coastal town of Sligo. Surrounded by rugged landscapes, the peaceful town boasts a castle, medieval abbey, traditional pubs and a myriad of shopping opportunities.Next stop is Galway where we enjoy a guided city tour with our tour manager. This thriving, cosmopolitan city was named European Capital of Culture in 2020. It may be the fastest growing city in Ireland but it has managed to retain its friendly atmosphere. We continue on to our hotel where we stay overnight.Day 5 - Limerick & TraleeWe head for Limerick where we enjoy a guided city tour with our tour manager. Set on the River Shannon, the city is overlooked by the 13th-century King John's Castle and has a rich history, which we learn about on our tour. From here we travel to our hotel in Tralee, the county town of County Kerry, where we spend the next two nights.Day 6 - The Ring of Kerry & KillarneyOur tour manager takes us on a scenic guided tour of the Ring of Kerry, journeying through an untouched landscape of tranquil lakes and rolling hills, passing through charming towns such as Killorglin, Waterville and Kenmare. We then head to pretty Killarney, famed for its jaunting cars (horse-drawn carts) operated by the local jarvies that take visitors on guided tours of the town.Day 7 - DublinFinally, we head to Dublin and enjoy a guided tour with our tour manager. With its fascinating past, iconic landmarks and plethora of convivial pubs serving up the perfect pint of Guinness, Dublin never fails to charm its visitors. After our guided tour we enjoy free time in the city before spending the night in our hotel in the Dublin area.Day 8We check out of our hotel very early to catch the ferry back to Holyhead; therefore 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.

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.


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.
See moreHotel
Selected HotelsJG3 ratingWe'll stay at a selection of comfortable hotels (JG3 rating) during our exploration of Ireland's highlights such as the Ramada Encore in Belfast (JG3 rating) / Abbey or Central in Donegal (JG3 rating) / Treacy's West County in Ennis (JG3 rating) / The Earl of Desmond in Tralee (JG3 rating) / The Bonnington in Dublin (JG3 rating) All are of a similar, well-appointed standard with en-suite facilities and in-house bar and restaurant.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.