Small Group Tour: 2013 Signature Tour of Ireland

You will meet your guide and fellow adventurers for your multi day small group tour this morning and Staunton's on the Green Hotel for an 08.30am departure. You are advised to be at the lobby for 8am.(Stauntons on the Green: 83 St Stephens Green, Dublin).

Your tour departs from Dublin where you begin your journey to the amazing prehistoric site at Newgrange (entry to tomb itself conditional on availability). Here, step back into the mists of time, to almost the very beginning of history. This New Stone Age passage grave is regarded as among the most impressive prehistoric monuments in Europe. Next, stop at the site of the Battle of the Boyne, one of the defining events in the history of Ireland, where the Protestant William of Orange defeated James II’s troops. Ultimately, this battle led to the continuation of Protestant supremacy in Ireland. Even now, celebrations of this battle are an important and controversial event in the North of Ireland.

From here you travel a short distance to the Hill of Tara, historically the foremost spiritual and political centre of Ireland. Afterwards you will make your way towards Belfast where you will overnight.

Enjoy an escorted tour of Belfast's political murals on a famous Belfast Black Cab tour. Learn more about the city’s turbulent past as we drive through both sides of this divided city, seeing the many famous murals along Falls Road and Shankill Road before finishing in the Titanic Quarter. You will have time to see the Titanic museum.

This afternoon, visit the intriguing Giant’s Causeway, a World Heritage Site and the jewel in the crown of the fabulous coast of Antrim. The sheer strangeness of the place and the bizarre regularity of the 37,000 basalt columns have made it the subject of many legends. Finally, you head to your friendly Irish accommodation along the winsome Northern Ireland coastline.

This morning, enjoy a historical guided walk along the ancient city walls of Derry and hear how the shutting of the city gates, prohibiting entry to an English king, led to over 300 years of hostility. The day continues with a visit to an Iron Age fort, Grianan Aileach, offering stunning views of Lough Foyle and Lough Swilly. The coastal drive will take you to the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal, a lesser known, but one of the most enchanting and beautiful parts of Ireland.

Drive through Buncrana and then through the breath-taking mountain pass of the Mamore Gap. At the Isle of Doagh Visitor Centre you will hear an alternative view of the devastating Irish Famine.  

Your day commences at the Ulster-American Folk Park. Arguably one of the best of its kind, it examines why two million people left Ulster for the New World in the 18th and 19th centuries. The park has more than thirty historic buildings, including a variety of thatched Irish cottages, a Pennsylvanian farmstead, a reconstructed shopping street and a full size replica emigrant ship.

Stop in Belleek, home to Ireland’s oldest pottery, and pass through County Fermanagh to County Sligo and W.B.Yeats country. For those already familiar with the great 20th century poet, a visit to sites associated with him will be a real highlight and for those as yet unfamiliar with his work and times, it will be a fascinating introduction. These sites include Drumcliffe Church, located at the foot of magnificent Ben Bulben and the location of Yeat’s grave, as well as Parkes Castle, a well preserved 17th century fortified Plantation manor house on the shore of lovely Lough Gill.

It is a relaxing drive to the picturesque 18th century town of Westport, in County Mayo, where you will enjoy a rest before heading westward towards Connemara. The west of Ireland is often one of the principle motivations for visiting the country and the Connemara region is considered by many to be ‘the best of the west’. Connemara is much visited, but there are many scenic roads you travel down, such as the spectacular Sky Road overlooking Clifden Bay. You will also visit the award winning Connemara Heritage Centre which offers an insight into the history and heritage of the region. Complete your journey today with a walking tour of the wonderful city of Galway.

There is time to enjoy the freedom of Galway City on a day of “organised independence”. Your guide will offer advice on how to make the most of this small jewel in Ireland’s crown. Galway is a “walking city” so you may enjoy wandering its shopping alleyways, cathedral, waterfront areas and local pubs at your own pace.

Enjoy a seashore walk only five minutes stroll from the city centre. Cross the Wolfe Tome Bridge at the bottom of Quay Street, turn left and walk towards the ocean. You can walk along by the seashore to the end of Salthill Promenade at Blackrock, with views out to Galway bay and back to the city centre. The walk is approx. 1.5 miles/ 2 km.

Walk along high Street in Galway for a pleasurable way to pass an hour or two. Start at Kenny's Bookshop on High Street. The labyrinth is both an art gallery and quality bookshop with second hand and new books. All along the short cobblestoned stretch of the road, known as High street are small, interesting unique shops. Kelly's Crafts has a good range of goods, especially knits and pottery. Three Bags Full will sell you the wool to knit your own sweater or jacket. A left turn at the bottom of High Street brings you to Cross Street and The Silver Lining Gift Shop which sells glassware, China and novelty gift items. Traditions sells Aran knits, and across the road in the Curiousity Corner, the shelves are spilling over with all kinds of lovely, unusual gifts. To the right of High Street, is La Maison, a shop selling quality European made gifts. Opposite is Judy Green's Pottery Workshop selling pretty, handthrown pottery. Large items can be wrapped and posted home to you. Exclusive, very attractive designer knitwear is sold at Margaret Joyce in Quay Street directly opposite is Twice as Nice, where one can find a fine selection of vintage linen, lace and clothes. The Quay Lane Gallery is a small shop at the bottom of Quay Street which sells framed prints, as well as original work. Next door is Cobwebs, widely considered the prettiest shop in Galway with a delightful, seemingly infinite stock of pretty goods on display.

You have a wonderful day planned ahead, with a mix of must-see icons and sights, as well as a range of additional attractions that are not always visited by the tourist masses. Following the coastal road you visit some traditional Galway Bay harbours such as the charming Kinvara and then tour through the lunar-like landscape of the Burren, including a stop at the prehistoric burial site of the Poulnabrone Portal Tomb. In the afternoon you will visit the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most visited attractions. Over 214m high and eight kilometres long, these majestic cliffs are home to colonies of seabirds.

Enjoy dinner this evening in a great local restaurant.

The stunningly beautiful Dingle Peninsula, once described by National Geographic as the "most beautiful place on earth", is a magnet for visitors attracted by its incredible scenery. This morning you will uncover countless historical sites, ancient churches, stone forts and beautiful beaches before visiting the Blasket Islands Centre. Learn more about the unique community who once lived on the Great Blasket Island and the flora and fauna of the surrounding area.

Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Dingle.

Just when you thought that the scenery you’ve seen couldn’t be bettered, it does! See the MacGillycuddy’s Reek, home to the highest peak in Ireland, and the Killarney Lakes, which are sure to impress. Then take the mountain road from Killarney to the enchanting town of Kenmare. Nestled at the mouth of Kenmare Bay, Kenmare is one of Ireland’s most idyllic spots. Spend time exploring its colourful shops and stunning scenery.

Leaving Kenmare, journey over the breathtaking Healy Pass, a spectacular drive en route to Bantry Bay where you visit Bantry House, renowned for its magnificent setting among formal gardens overlooking the bay. Then on to Blarney, where you might want to kiss the famous Blarney Stone in the Castle or maybe visit the Blarney Woollen Mills for a little shopping.

The harbour of Kinsale, considered by some to be the prettiest in Ireland, is your first stop of the day. The town is renowned as the gourmet centre of Ireland but it also has a fascinating history, with two forts as well as a tower house. Enjoy a walking tour of Kinsale accompanied by a local guide. Learn about the town’s history and maritime traditions and admire the 800 year old Church of Saint Multose and the unique star-shaped Charles Fort.

In the afternoon, travel to the city of Cork for a panoramic tour of the city before you head to the coastal town of Cobh, where you will find the Midleton Distillery. Learn about the production of whiskey and taste what is considered by many to be the finest whiskey in Ireland! Return to Blarney, explore the town's many attractions and dine at your leisure.

Start today’s tour with one of Ireland’s most popular icons, The Rock of Cashel, located on a high rocky outcrop overlooking the plains of Tipperary. You can explore the site, which incorporates the ruins of a medieval cathedral, a beautiful Romanesque church and a striking round tower. Next you will travel through rural Tipperary to Kilkenny, Ireland’s “most perfect medieval city” and your base for this evening. There is plenty of time to relax and explore the many sights here, including Kilkenny Castle, St Canice’s Cathedral, Rothe House and Black Abbey.

Before returning to Dublin, you will cross the Wicklow Mountains to Glendalough, one of the best preserved and most beautiful monastic sites in Ireland. The monastery was founded by St Kevin in the 6th century and much survives, despite many raids by both Vikings and the English before its final dissolution during the Reformation. 

Leaving Glendalough, drive passing through some of the wilder terrain of the Wicklows, to the Sally Gap. Descend to the Powerscourt Estate with its beautiful formal gardens in a superb setting within view of Sugar Loaf Mountain. From here it is only a short journey to Dublin, where you complete your fascinating Small Group Irish tour.

Your Small group tour will finish at Stauntons on the Green on St. Stephens Green, Dublin at approximately 5.30pm.

Enjoy an evening of hearty Irish fare and traditional Irish music in the16th century Abbey Tavern - a genuine tavern located in the lovely fishing village of Howth, with blazing turf fires, original stone walls flagged floors and gas lights. The "Traditional Irish Evening" in The Barn, features the Abbey Tavern singers and musicians with a live performance of music, song and Irish dancing. The Restaurant has a warm and unique atmosphere, and offers a tasty menu selection with local specialties from the Harbor each evening. The Pub is one of the oldest in Dublin and enjoys a genuine old world atmosphere. A car and driver service can be arranged if desired - please contact your Sales Advisor if you would be interested in adding this service for your evening. In order to give as much flexibility as possible, we have not included entrance fees and these can be paid in person on site.

Meet your driver for an airport transfer in a private vehicle.