8 Day Northern Discovery Tour

Welcome to Ireland!

On arrival into Shannon Airport, collect your hire car and take a lovely scenic drive to Galway City.

Cliffs of Moher

First stop off and see the amazing Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s top Visitor attractions and are a designated UNESCO Geo Park. The Cliffs are 695 ft high at the highest point and range for 5 miles over the Atlantic Ocean on the western seaboard of County Clare. Tour on through the Burren – an area of limestone hills which supports a wide range of flora.

Galway City

Travel onwards to Galway City and enjoy exploring the pedestrianized streets of this vibrant city and view Eyre Square, Spanish Arch, the Claddagh District and Galway Cathedral which is built on an island in the River Corrib on the site of an old prison. Surrounded by pubs and cafés, Eyre Square green is a classic meeting spot where you’re sure to experience the true local atmosphere and culture of this much loved city.

Accommodation: 4* Hotel, Galway City – 2 night

Connemara

Today you will travel through the Connemara region which is known for its mountains, the Twelve Bens and the beauty of the landscape, with its changing colors. You will see the Connemara Marble Factory just outside Moycullen and then “The Quiet Man” bridge which featured in the famous film, just outside Oughterard. Enjoy the breath-taking views as you travel through the Maam Valley in the shadow of the Maamturk Mountains.

Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey and the Victorian Walled Garden was originally built as a Castle in 1867 as a romantic gift by Mitchell Henry who was inspired by his love for his wife. Kylemore Abbey and the surrounding mountains and lakes are steeped in history. Learn of tales of tragedy, romance, engineering initiatives and royal visits. Visit the beautiful Gothic Church which is a short stroll from the Abbey.

Travel back to Galway for your overnight accommodation.

Slieve League

Swooping down from the mountain of Slieve League, these cliffs are among the highest sea cliffs in Europe. From the highest point on the cliffs, it’s a staggering 609m (1,998 feet) drop into the swirling Atlantic Ocean below. Before you come to the cliffs themselves, you’ll come across the Slieve League Cliffs Centre. Inside, this family-run centre is packed full of local history and culture. The craft shop stocks locally made knitwear and artworks and, come summertime, you can even catch a traditional Irish music session.

Donegal Town

Carry on to Donegal Town, famous for its tweeds and woollen goods. You’ll have a chance to shop at Magee’s of Donegal, before you tour out along the coast to Killybegs. On to explore Donegal Town; stroll about this interesting old town with 16th century castle ruins, a 17th century church and a ship’s anchor shorn from one of Napoleons frigates when his fleet unsuccessfully tried to thwart the British in an Irish uprising in 1798.

Accommodation: 4* Hotel, Donegal Town – 1 night

Cross into the North, tour to Enniskillen and Omagh where you will visit the Ulster-American Folk Park.

Ulster American Folk Park

Visit the Ulster American Folk Park which is both an indoor and outdoor museum. The folk park brings to life the human drama behind 3 centuries of Irish emigration, telling the remarkable story of the vast human tide that crossed the Atlantic for the New World of America.

Derry City & Museum

See the massive City Walls and Gates and the Guild Hall where the City Council sits. Visit the Derry City Museum, which takes you back through time from St. Columcille in the 5th century to the ‘Troubles’ of the late 20th century. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon exploring and shopping in this vibrant city.

Accommodation: 4* Hotel, Derry Hotel – 1 night

Depart Derry and drive along the Antrim Coast to Dunluce Castle

Dunluce Castle

Dunluce Castle is a McDonnell Castle which sits precariously on a cliff edge. The iconic ruin of Dunluce Castle bears witness to a long and tumultuous history.

Giant’s Causeway

Continue to tour along the Antrim coast to the Giant’s Causeway. This impressive area of hexagonal columns was formed over 60 million years ago by cooling lava and has given rise to many legends as the basalt resembles giant steps. The legend has it that Finn McCool, the mythical giant, built this bridge to Scotland to reach his beloved.

Continue to Belfast for where you will spend the next two nights.

Accommodation: 4* Hotel, Belfast City – 2 nights

Hop-On-Hop-Off sightseeing tour bus

Explore historic Belfast in an open-top double-decker Hop-On-Hop-Off sightseeing tour bus. With your 24-hour pass, create your own adventure with possible stops at wall murals in the Falls and Crumlin Road, St George’s Market, Titanic Dock, and Albert Clock.

Titanic Center

Visit the ‘must see’ Titanic Center. The newly built center is located on the slipways where RMS Titanic was built. Titanic Belfast is the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience, exploring the Titanic story in a fresh and insightful way.

St George’s Market

If you have time, visit the must see St George’s Market. It is one of Belfast’s oldest attractions. Enjoy the best food tastes and smells brought by local producers, as well as a fusion of tempting continental and speciality foods from around the world. Customers can sample the produce or relax with a coffee and a newspaper against a backdrop of live music from top local bands and solo artists.

Today you will travel south to county Meath before arrival at Dublin Airport

Bru Na Boinne Visitor Center

It presents one of Europe’s great archaeological mysteries, along the Boyne Valley, and Newgrange or Knowth Neolithic burial tomb, which predates the pyramids.

Continue south as you return to Dublin for your final night in Ireland.

Accommodation: 4* Dublin Airport Hotel – 1 night

This morning you will take the shuttle bus from your Airport Hotel to the Airport and check-in in time for your flight home.

Fly home with memories that will last a lifetime!

Slan go Fhoill (Goodbye For Now!)