8 Day Mystical Ireland

Authentic Local Experiences:

• Immerse yourself in the life, work and times of St. Patrick, the iconic patron saint of Ireland.
  Discover the colourful histories of Belfast, Derry, and Westport on walking tours with local guides.

Dining Experiences:

7 breakfasts (B) and 5 dinners (D) including a medieval-style banquet in a castle.

This tour is run by CIE tours.

Mystical Ireland – 8 days / 7 nights / 10 meals

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

Day 1 Dublin City Tour | Pearse Lyons Distillery

Your tour departs at 2:00 PM from your Dublin hotel. Take a panoramic tour of Dublin, seeing such sights as elegant Georgian townhouses, St. Stephen’s Green and the River Liffey. Visit the Pearse Lyons Distillery, Dublin’s only independent, family-owned distillery, in the former St James’s Church in the Liberties. Taste the whiskey and hear tales dating back to the 12th century as you tour this lovingly restored church. Enjoy a welcome drink with your group before dining independently.

Day 2 Down Cathedral | The St Patrick Centre | Crumlin Road Gaol | Belfast

Visit Down Cathedral where St Patrick’s historical burial site is marked by a huge boulder. Immerse yourself in his work, life, and times in the nearby St. Patrick Centre. Explore Crumlin Road Gaol and see what prison life was like through the ages. Head to central Belfast for some time to relax before dinner at your hotel.
(B, D)

Day 3 Titanic Belfast | Belfast Walking Tour

Tour central Belfast to see Victorian buildings, the imposing City Hall in Donegall Square, and the shipyards where RMS Titanic was built in 1912. Visit Titanic Belfast to learn about the ill-fated liner, which was built in the city. In the afternoon, join a local guide for a walking tour of Belfast before spending time on your own.
(B)

Day 4 Giant’s Causeway | Derry Walking Tour | Walled City Brewery

Drive north along the Nine Glens of Antrim for views of mountains, valleys, and coastline. This scenic region is one of the locations for “Game of Thrones.” Stop for photos at the ruins of Dunluce Castle. Explore the Giant’s Causeway, enormous hexagonal columns formed by volcanic activity 60 million years ago. In Derry join a local guide for a short walking tour around the defensive walls that encircle the compact old city. Then visit the Walled City Brewery for dinner and a flight of their craft beers.
(B, D)

Day 5 Westport | Westport Walking Tour

Travel through the rugged countryside of Donegal, renowned for heathery hills, sheep and the many tweeds made from their wool. Stop at Triona Design in Ardara, for a demonstration of handweaving. Drive around Donegal Bay and through Counties Sligo and Mayo. Take a walking tour of historic Westport with a local guide, stopping in a pub for a drink. Dine in your hotel this evening.

(B, D)

Day 6 Sheepdog Demonstration | Westport House

Enjoy views of the pilgrimage mountain of Croagh Patrick and stop in the beautiful town of Leenane. Head to a local farm to watch skilled dogs herd sheep. View Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord. Back in Westport, take a guided tour of Westport House, an 18th-century home complete with its original contents including portraits, furniture, silver, and porcelain. Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening enjoying the lively town of Westport at your leisure.
(B)

Day 7 Galway | Cliffs of Moher | Medieval Castle Banquet

Travel to Galway for some free time to explore the lively heart of this vibrant city, with its street musicians, cafes, and medieval streetscape. Head on to visit the Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700 feet above the Atlantic. Spend your evening in an authentic castle enjoying a medieval-style banquet.
(B, D)

Day 8 Tour ends in Limerick

Your program ends after breakfast today.
(B)

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner