Experience the beauty, history and culture of Northern Ireland as you travel throughout this magical, mythical land. Stay in historical castles that could be taken from a fairytale and see all of the sights - from picturesque towns and villages, to stunning coastlines including the UNESCO site of the Giant's causeway, the pre-historic monument of Newgrange which pre-dates the Pyramids, iron age forts and spectacular mountains and lakes (to name but a few of the highlights!). In the company of a knowledgeable Irish Driver-Guide, you will have the flexibility of spending each day at your own pace, and visiting places that are of paricular interest to you.

Belfast has undergone many changes over the years, from a mere village in the 17th century, to a thriving 20th-century metropolis of half a million people. Ringed by high hills, sea lough and river valleys, Northern Ireland's capital has endured a collective suffering during the years of the Troubles. Today, this city offers an irresistible blend of re-energised urbanity and easy access to natural splendour. Compact and easy to explore on foot, what Belfast might lack in world class attractions it makes up for in attitude. There is an international selection of restaurants, bars and cafés to explore and with the rugged natural splendour of coast, lake and moor just outside the city.

After you are met by your Driver-Guide in Dublin airport, you will be brought for a full day of sightseeing on your way to Belfast. Newgrange is quite simply one of the great wonders of western ancient civilization that need to be seen close up to be fully appreciated. Dating from before the Pyramids it is a complex chamber that is perfectly aligned to catch the morning sun on the winter solstice. There are two other major tombs at Knowth and Dowth, both equally impressive and different in character. Nearby is the River Boyne where the famous Battle of the Boyne took place. The land here is lush and full of ancient and medieval ruins that are testaments to Irelands great heritage. Because you have the flexibility of your own private vehicle with driver-guide, you can spend as much or as little time at the various places of interest en route to Belfast.

This afternoon, you'll be driven through County Down which is arguably, Northern Irelands most scenic mountainous region that has been immortalized in the songs of Percy French and in ancient folklore. Downpatrick is an ancient town with The Fort of Patrick, a hill on which Down Cathedral is placed and reputed to be the final resting place of St Patrick, Ireland's patron Saint. A large granite boulder marks his tomb and this is a place of pilgrimage on Ireland's national holiday. Newcastle is famous for sweeping long beaches and a golf course. Nearby the famed Tollymore Forest park is green and enchanting. The picturesque village of Rostrevor has a history of ancient kings and buried giants and is a beautiful point in which to explore more of Carlingford Lough.

Upon arrival into Belfast, you'll have time to relax and unwind as you settle into your surroundings before thinking of dinner plans for this evening.

A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

All of our driver guides are experts on the areas you will be visiting on your tour of Ireland. We bring experienced driving skills, expert touring routes as well as knowledge and insight into the places you will be visiting and staying on your tour. Our driver guides will also recommend places to shop, have a drink, and dine in the various towns and villages and cities of Ireland. Your driver guide can arrange all kinds of activities, events and generally show you Ireland in such depth and quality that is only possible using a local expert. - Simply the best and most enjoyable way of seeing the Emerald Isle, in style!

The Mercedes S Class Sedan is the preferred vehicle for luxury individual group travel in Ireland. It has an elegant style and grace along with a smooth interior finished with leather, air conditioning, and electric windows, reclining seats and individual climate controls. It allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery in a space that is both comfortable and relaxing. We carry maps, guide books, water, fridge and music to make your journey as comfortable and entertaining as you wish.

The Merchant Hotel Belfast (5*) is an intimate, sumptuous, hotel in Northern Ireland, situated in the historical Cathedral Quarter of Belfast's city centre. The hotel rooms offer a classic design inspired by the richness of the Grade A listed architecture, with 21st century technology and comfort. No two rooms at The Merchant are the same – each has its own unique features, artwork and bespoke furnishings. The Merchant Hotel offers guests 5 different dining opportunities, and a fantastic Concierge that will assist guests in whatever they need.

Overnight at The Merchant (5*).

Belfast City is among the most fascinating places in the world to visit due to the evolving political and cultural shifts taking place weekly.

The oldest quarter in the city is the Cathedral Quarter. It is located closest to the waterfront and dominated by the beautiful Church of Ireland Cathedral, St Anne’s. It was here that Belfast grew from an obscure village to become the vibrant city that it is today. In the city centre Donegal Place is one of Europe's finest squares and many buildings from Belfast glory days as the second city of the British Empire remains such as the Opera House, Town Hall and The magnificent Queens University. On the edge of the city are the great attractions at The Ulster Folk Park and Ulster Transport Museum.

The waterfront was the engine of the extraordinary wealth and industry that saw Belfast transformed from a small town to a mighty city of over 450,000 people by the beginning of the 20th century. The Titanic was designed and built in Belfast between 1909 and 1912 and sent proudly out on her maiden voyage. When RMS Titanic sailed away from Belfast on her maiden voyage on April 10th, 1912, she was hailed as ‘the new wonder of the world’. A remarkable feat of Edwardian engineering and craftsmanship, she was the largest and most luxuriously appointed ship ever seen, and despite her tragic sinking she remains a source of enduring pride in the city where she was built - Belfast.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Overnight at The Merchant (5*).

Donegal town sits at the mouth of the River Eske and Donegal Bay, which is overshadowed by the Bluestack Mountains.  The centre of the town, known locally as the Diamond, is a hub for music, poetic and cultural gatherings in the area. There is evidence for settlements around the town dating back to prehistoric times including the remains of round forts and other earth works.

Among Ireland's most unforgettable beauty spots is the Causeway Coast that stretches from Belfast to Derry along the North Eastern region the Island. Enjoy the spectauclar coastal seascapes on your chauffeur driven drive from Belfast to Donegal town, stopping off at various places throughout the day. Soon we enter the Nine Glens of Antrim as they drop majestically from the Antrim Plateau to the ocean below. Touring the northernmost coast will encompass the beautiful highlights of this unique coast that includes The Distillery at Bushmills, Dunluce Castle and Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge as it hangs precariously over the North Atlantic Ocean. A stop for food or a drink at the historic 16th century Bushmills Inn in Bushmills is also a highlight. The Giants Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage site rated as one of the Natural Wonders of the World. It is made up of 40000 interlocking basalt columns up to 12 metres long that stretch along the coast and into the ocean.

Tucked within the captivating woodlands of Northwest Ireland, Solis Lough Eske Castle (5*) offers luxurious accommodation, stunningly set in a meticulously restored 17th Century castle. Featuring 96 guest suites and a luxuriant spa, this secluded hideaway provides the perfect backdrop to your disocery of this part of Ireland. The pool and Spa treatment building sits in the footprint of the original glass house which once stood in its place. With seven treatment rooms including two couples treatment rooms with jet bath and steam rooms. The hotel's restaurant serves Contemporary Cuisine inspired by fresh local Irish produce; with daily rotating menus focused on the freshest offerings of the season.

Overnight at Lough Eske Castle (5*).

You'll spend the day today in the company of your driver-guide who will show you the sights in the area. Derry City is the second city of Northern Ireland and one of the finest walled cities in the country. It has a large town feel and is dominated by the River Foyle that sweeps through the town. The walls are a historic reminder of the troubles and murals, watchtowers and ramparts are interesting to visit. Around the city is the Ulster American Folk Park, an open-air museum which explores the historical link between Ulster and America, focusing particularly on the lifestyle and experiences of those immigrants who sailed from Ulster to America in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Enjoy the afternoon exploring the beautiful Norhtern coastline. The Inisowen Peninsula is Ireland highest point at Malin Head there are areas of unspoilt and natural beaches with lagoons and raging surf. Lough Swilly to the left and Lough Foyle to the right shape the landscape of this unique peninsula. There are numerous pretty seaside and country towns and villages full of rustic charms including Ballyliffin, Moville and Muff. The highlights of the peninsula tour include Greencastle built by Richard de Burgo in 1305, and the Martello Tower and Fort built in 1805 and 1811 to prevent the possible invasion by Napoleon through this strategic inlet. On the edge of the peninsula is Grianan of Aileach, an Iron Age Fort built by the ancient rulers of Ireland which is still one of the most impressive vernacular structures in Ireland.

Overnight at Lough Eske Castle (5*).

Sligo (from the Irish: Sligeach meaning "shelly place") is the county town of County Sligo in Ireland.  Sligo Town is a busy, atmospheric spot filled with great restaurants, shops and pubs, while the county’s smaller villages are excellent places to escape the frenetic pace of life. Resounding with literary history, Sligo County is one of the  North West’s most scenic areas and was the inspiration for poet WB Yeats, whose final resting place is beneath the beautiful Benbulben Mountains. As well as some truly beautiful mountainous scenery, Sligo is also blessed with still glassy lakes, and some beautiful beaches perched right on the edge of the Atlantic.

Enjoy the day today as you spend your time traveling from Donegal to Sligo in the company of your driver-guide and are shown some of the best sights in the area. West of Donegal Town is one of the most magnificent and fascinating regions in Ireland. The major attractions are the picturesque towns and villages of Killibegs, Ardara where Nancy's is a great lunch stop. Beyond this are the most spectacular and highest sea cliffs in Europe at Slieve League, an awesome sight with the Atlantic crashing below. Glencollumcille is a monastic sight located on the coast road which provides a fitting end to an invigorating day touring. Donegal town has a magnificent castle and some fine shops especially for tweed, the local industry for many generations.

Sligo is an area of extreme beauty and varied landscapes with ancient sights dotted along its coast and mountains. South of the city is Carrowkeel, a five thousand year old megalithic cemetery which is hidden amongst the clambering hills. Ben Bulben is a beautiful Table Mountain where our greatest poet WB Yeats is laid to rest under at Drumcliff where his gravestone with its enigmatic epitaph can be meditated upon. Also in the region are beautiful lakes mystical Islands and pure waterfalls that inspired Yeats with romantic visions.

Markree Castle Hotel (4*) is one of the finest family run castle hotels in Ireland. Home of the Cooper family for more than 350 years it is now run as a small family hotel by Charles and Mary Cooper, 10th generation of the family to live at Markree. Set in a secluded 500 acre estate in County Sligo, peace and relaxation combined with good food, fine wine and old-world charm make a stay at Markree a step back in time.

Overnight at Markree Castle (4*).

The history, charming Georgian architecture and the host of more earthy entertainment on offer will all entice you to Dublin, but it is the people that will leave the biggest impression on you.

Enjoy the trip from Sligo to Dublin today with your Driver-Guide, stopping off along the way at different places. Fermanagh Lakeland region is dominated by Lough Erne to the North and South and the pretty island city of Enniskillen in the centre. The main places of interest are the museum located in the Watergate, The majestic Florence Court, The mysterious and enchanting Marble Arch Caves and the Beleek Pottery craft factory. For the more adventurous we suggest visiting Boa Island and exploring the pre Christian pagan statues.

The Lakelands of Ireland is an area with diverse historical attractions and breathtaking scenery. To the west is excellent Strokestown House and Famine Museum. In the north is Lough Crew megalithic cemetery, a wonder of ancient Ireland. Carrick on Shannon is a busy town with a culture based around cruising the waterways of the river and lakes. Local bars are famous for good fun and impromptu music sessions. This ancient sites of these regions dates back to pre pyramids making them among the oldest human settlements in the known world. Depending on your interests, your Driver-Guide will accomodate you to make sure that you spend the day doing things of most interest to you before you are dropped off at your accommodation in Dublin at days end.

Located in the mature 85 acre woodlands of Northwood Park, minutes from Dublin Airport with our complimentary airport shuttle and a short distance to Dublin City Centre; the award winning Crowne Plaza Dublin – Northwood provides the peaceful atmosphere for business and leisure guests to unwind, yet still have all the required business facilities at your fingertips!

Overnight at Northwood Hotel (4*).

A complimentary shuttle service is provided for guests of the Northwood Hotel to Dublin airport. The shuttle is available 24 hour s a day.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).