Fantastic Ireland: Republic and Northern Ireland
Dublin
8 days
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Itinerary
- Arrival in Dublin, capital of the Republic of Ireland. Regular or shared transfer from the airport to the tour hotel. Rest of the day free to rest, start discovering the city on your own, or enjoy the atmosphere of the Irish capital. Bed and breakfast at the Camden Court Hotel, Hampton by Hilton Dublin, Academy Plaza Hotel, The Croke Park Hotel, or similar.
- In the morning, after breakfast, we will take a walking tour of approximately two hours, departing directly from the hotel, as a first contact with the city of Dublin. We will begin the tour in the southern area of the historic center, passing by the surroundings of the two great medieval cathedrals, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral (both visited from the outside), as well as the Dublin Castle area, a symbol of the city's historical past. We will continue toward the surroundings of Trinity College, the oldest university in Ireland, and later venture into the lively Temple Bar area, known for its cobbled streets, vibrant atmosphere, and traditional pubs. The walk then takes us to Moore Street Market, a reflection of local daily life, and we will cross the emblematic Ha’penny Bridge, one of the city's most photographed icons. In the northern area of the center, we will walk along O’Connell Street, one of the capital's main arteries, where you can find the General Post Office (GPO), a symbol of the 1916 Easter Rising, the Spire, an emblem of contemporary Dublin, and the nearby Garden of Remembrance. Before finishing, we will contemplate the elegant Custom House, one of the best examples of 18th-century neoclassical architecture in Ireland. The tour concludes in the city center, leaving free time to continue exploring Dublin at your own pace. Bed and breakfast at the Camden Court Hotel, Hampton by Hilton Dublin, Academy Plaza Hotel, The Croke Park Hotel, or similar.
- After breakfast, departure from Dublin towards Northern Ireland, crossing the characteristic green landscape of the northeast of the island. During the journey, we will make a brief stop in Drogheda, a historic city located on the banks of the River Boyne and one of the main walled enclaves of medieval Ireland. There we can contemplate some of its most representative remains, such as the imposing St. Laurence's Gate, the old entrance to the city, and see the surroundings of St. Peter's Church, linked to the religious history of the country. This brief stop will allow you to get a feel for the local atmosphere before continuing the route. Next, we will proceed to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, where we will enjoy an immersive visit that allows you to step into the universe of the famous series through original sets, costumes, and production elements, offering a detailed view of its creative process. You will have free time to explore the studios at your own pace, as well as to have lunch at your leisure inside the venue and enjoy the full experience. In the afternoon, we will continue to Belfast, capital of Northern Ireland, where we will do a short panoramic tour. During the tour, we will learn about its industrial and naval past, represented by the iconic "David and Goliath" cranes, and pass by the surroundings of the Titanic Quarter, the area where the famous ocean liner was built, today transformed into a modern cultural space and symbol of the city. We will also admire the silhouette of Cave Hill, associated with the inspiration for Gulliver's Travels, and walk through some of its most representative neighborhoods, where the well-known political murals are preserved, reflecting the recent history of the city. Bed and breakfast at the Holiday Inn Belfast or similar.
- In the morning, you will have free time in Belfast to continue discovering the city at your own pace or visit the lively St. George’s Market, one of the city's most representative historic markets. This covered space, with a Victorian structure, offers an interesting sample of local life, combining traditional stalls, gastronomy, and artisanal products that reflect the cultural identity of Northern Ireland. Later, we will meet to begin our bus journey to Derry, crossing the geographical heart of Northern Ireland along one of its most representative scenic routes. As we leave Belfast behind, the landscape opens up into a mosaic of green fields, traditional farms, and rolling hills that evoke the rural essence of the island. The route progressively ascends towards the Glenshane Pass, where the surroundings transform into a wilder landscape, with vast expanses of peat bogs, heather, and imposing open valleys offering panoramic views of great beauty. After crossing this mountainous area, we will begin a descent towards the Roe River valley, with views of Mount Benbradagh, before continuing through small villages and wooded areas that announce the proximity of our destination. The arrival in Derry offers one of the most iconic sights of the tour, crossing the River Foyle with the city's historic walls dominating the urban skyline. We will take a walking tour of this fascinating city, one of the best-preserved walled towns in Ireland, which combines a rich historical past with a vibrant contemporary cultural life, driven in part by the global success of the series Derry Girls. Bed and breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express Derry City Centre or similar.
- After breakfast, we will leave Derry (Londonderry) to discover one of Northern Ireland's most spectacular landscapes: the Antrim Coast, famous for its cliffs and natural formations of great beauty. Our first stop will be in Portrush, an elegant coastal town next to the Atlantic, known for its wide beaches, its promenade, and its relaxed atmosphere, from where we will begin to enjoy the first views of this impressive coastline. We will continue towards Dunluce Castle, where we will make a photo stop. This spectacular ruined fortress, dramatically perched on a cliff facing the sea, offers one of the most iconic images of the region; its location, surrounded by the Atlantic, and its history linked to ancient Irish clans make it one of the most evocative places in the north of the island. The route will then take us to the famous Giant’s Causeway, one of Ireland's great natural icons and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This unique landscape, formed by thousands of volcanic basalt columns, has given rise to numerous legends linked to giants and Celtic mythology. Afterwards, we will visit the famous Dark Hedges, an impressive avenue of intertwined beech trees that has become one of Ireland's most recognizable backdrops, especially after its appearance in the Game of Thrones series. After this day of unforgettable landscapes, we will return to Derry, where you will have time to continue enjoying the city's atmosphere. Bed and breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express Derry City Centre or similar.
- After breakfast, we will leave Derry towards the northwest of Ireland, entering County Donegal, one of the most authentic and less-traveled regions of the country. Along the way, we will enjoy open landscapes, with green hills, lakes, and small rural towns that reflect the purest essence of traditional Ireland. Our route will take us to Donegal Town, where we will make a brief stop to stroll through this lively town of medieval origin, located at the mouth of the River Eske facing Donegal Bay. The town center revolves around The Diamond, its characteristic triangular square and a meeting point for local life. During the tour, we can see Donegal Castle, a 15th-century fortress built by the O’Donnell clan, as well as the surroundings of the ruins of Donegal Abbey, an old 15th-century Franciscan monastery. We will proceed to Sligo, a historic coastal city located in the province of Connacht, whose Gaelic name Sligeach refers to the abundance of shells in its estuary. Considered the cultural center of the Irish northwest, Sligo is deeply linked to the figure of the poet W. B. Yeats, whose work was inspired by the landscapes of the region. Upon our arrival, we will take a brief tour of the center, including the surroundings of Sligo Abbey, a 13th-century Dominican monastery located in the heart of the city. Time permitting, we will continue to Knock Shrine, one of Ireland's main pilgrimage sites, famous for the Marian apparition of 1879 and today recognized as an important spiritual center. Dinner, bed and breakfast at the McWilliam Park Hotel (Claremorris), The Connacht Hotel (Galway), Nox Hotel Galway (Galway), Maldron Hotel Sandy Road Galway (Galway), or similar.
- After breakfast, we will transfer to Galway, where we will spend the morning enjoying this bohemian port city, located at the mouth of the River Corrib into the Atlantic Ocean. Known as the City of the Tribes and considered the cultural capital of the Connacht region, it stands out for its dynamic atmosphere and its close connection with local music and tradition. Founded in the 13th century and governed for centuries by powerful merchant families, the city retains an open and creative character today. You will have time to explore the lively Latin Quarter, with its cobbled streets and colorful facades, stroll around the Spanish Arch, the old gateway to the port, or enjoy the atmosphere in its traditional pubs and small shops. You can also visit Eyre Square or contemplate the imposing Galway Cathedral, located next to the river. After lunch, departure from Galway heading east to begin the return to Dublin. During the journey, we will cross the inland landscape of Ireland, with its extensive green meadows, rolling hills, and small rural villages that reflect the country's tranquil essence. Bed and breakfast at the Camden Court Hotel, Hampton by Hilton Dublin, Academy Plaza Hotel, The Croke Park Hotel, or similar.
- Breakfast and free time in Dublin until the scheduled time for the transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Included
- Accommodation: 1 night half-board (dinner and breakfast) + 6 nights bed and breakfast in the mentioned hotels or similar.
- Transfers: Arrival and departure transfers between Dublin Airport and the tour hotel in Dublin.
- Tickets: Entrance to the Game of Thrones Studios, visit to the Giant's Causeway, and photo stops at Dunluce Castle and the Dark Hedges.
- Panoramic tours: Belfast. Walking tours: Dublin, Derry, and Galway.
Not included
- Porterage: Porterage service is not included in the package price. You will be responsible for handling your own luggage.
