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.

2020 Mystical Ireland – 8 days / 7 nights / 12 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.

( D)

Day 2: St. Patrick’s Grave & Crumlin Road Gaol

• 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 the 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 and Walking Tour

• In the morning, take a tour around central Belfast and see Victorian buildings, City Hall and the shipyards where RMS Titanic was built in 1912.
• Visit Titanic Belfast visitor attraction to learn about the famous liner through state-of-the-art displays and interactive galleries.
• That afternoon, a local guide will take you for a walking tour around part of central Belfast. Afterwards, spend time independently for shopping and dining.
  (B)

Day 4: Giant’s Causeway and Derry Walk

• Head north and drive along the Glens of Antrim for views of rolling mountains, deep valleys and the beautiful coastline. The region was the location for many scenes in the Game of Thrones television show.
• Visit the Giant’s Causeway, and marvel at the vast area of interlocking basalt columns created by volcanic activity 60 million years ago.
• View the ruins of Dunluce Castle
• Next stop is Derry where a local guide will take you for a short walking tour around the city’s medieval defensive walls.
  (B, D)

Day 5: Donegal & Westport

Travel through the rugged countryside of Donegal, renowned for heathery hills, sheep and the many tweeds made from their wool Drive around Donegal Bay and through Counties Sligo and Mayo. Head to Westport for a walking tour of this historic town with a local guide, and enjoy dinner in your hotel.

(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

The Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

• Travel to Galway for some free time to explore the city. Head out to see the majestic Cliffs of Moher, which soar 700 feet above the Atlantic. Enjoy an evening at a medieval-style banquet in an authentic Irish castle.(B, D)

Day 8: Your Tour Ends at Bunratty

Your program ends after breakfast today.
(B)

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner