Causeway & Castles

Departure Point – Collection from the Gresham Hotel in Dublin between 08:45am to 09:00am. Please meet outside of the hotel between these times.
Leaving Dublin this morning, and Ireland for that matter, we head north towards Belfast, located in Northern Ireland. En route, we stop at the historic ruins of Monasterboice, an early Christian settlement founded in the 5th century, famous for its well-preserved round tower, two medieval churches, and some of the finest high crosses in Ireland, including the impressive Muiredach's High Cross. Arriving in Belfast we will do a panoramic tour of the Falls and Shankill Roads to learn of the effects The Troubles had on the city and the entire island. Tonight, you’re free to explore Belfast and everything it has to offer. With countless dinner options, you’ll be hard pressed to choose. There’s Robinson’s Bistro, which has been offering delicious pub food for over 100 years, or if you're in the mood to indulge, you can visit Deanes, owned by the renowned Northern Irish chef Michael Deane.
 
Overnight – Ten Square Hotel, Belfast

After breakfast, we make our way to the Titanic Belfast Visitor Centre, where you can learn all about the legendary RMS Titanic—from standing in the shipyard where it was built to exploring its maiden voyage and its lasting place in history. When finished up at the centre, you can avail of our transfer to the city centre where the rest of the afternoon is yours. Tonight, you will enjoy a delicious traditional supper in The Old Inn, established in 1614 the inn is bursting with character from cosy corners and elegant interiors to the stunning views over the beautiful country park.

Dinner/Overnight – Ten Square Hotel, Belfast
 

Today, we head north along the Antrim Coast for a visit to the famous Giant’s Causeway. En route, we make a stop at the Glenariff Teahouse in Glenariff Forest Park for some coffee or tea, with beautiful views of the park. The shop also offers freshly baked goods and delectable scones. When finished we continue along the Antrim Coast until we reach the legendary Giant’s Causeway. The story goes that the Irish giant Fionn mac Cumhaill built the causeway to fight the Scottish giant Benandonner, while others claim it was the result of volcanic activity millions of years ago. Whichever story you believe, what remains true is that the Giant’s Causeway is definitely a sight to behold and one that will leave you in awe when you do. After our lunch stop, we have a guided tour of the amazing Dunluce Castle, followed by a scenic drive to the historic walled city of Derry. Derry was the last walled city to be built in Ireland and the only city whose walls remain completely intact in the country.

Overnight — Maldron Hotel, Derry

This morning, we will be met by a local tour guide and embark on a walking tour of the city to learn all about Derry's turbulent past. Then, we make our way to Irish House in Donegal, where we will have an Irish coffee and a demonstration of how tweed sweaters were originally made as you watch the threads weave in and out on the old wooden loom. You will have the opportunity for lunch in Donegal town before we make our way towards Sligo for a truly memorable sheepdog performance at Atlantic Sheepdogs.  Next, we head to Roscommon and our final overnight property - one of Ireland's most luxurious castle hotels - Kilronan Castle.  After checking into your room, we will be enjoying a lovely dinner in the Castle, after which you can enjoy a drink or some tea by the fireplace in the stunning drawing room.

Dinner/Overnight—Kilronan Castle, Roscommon

After enjoying a leisurely breakfast with time to explore the castle grounds and spa, it is time to make our way back to Dublin.  Leaving Kilronan, we will head to Arigna Mines where you can get a unique perspective into what coal mining life was like in Ireland from the 1700’s all the way to it’s closure in 1990. Once we make our way back above ground, we head towards Dublin. En route, we'll stop at the Shed Distillery in Drumshanbo, home to the renowned Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin. Here, you will be introduced to the basics of distilling, as well as learn the story of this distillery. You will have time to enjoy lunch at the onsite café, which offers a delicious selection of homemade baked goods, specialty teas, coffees, juices, and a variety of exceptional lunch options. Afterwards, we make our way back to Dublin, where sadly our tour ends.

You will be dropped off outside the Riu Gresham Hotel (23 Upper O’Connell Street, Dublin) by approximately 5:00 pm.  The city is your's to discover on your own tonight.