Wild Atlantic Experience

Departure Point – Collection from the Riu Gresham Hotel (23 Upper O’Connell Street, Dublin) between 08:30 am to 08:45 am. Please meet out front of the hotel.
This morning, we depart Dublin and head west through Ireland’s midlands towards Ahascragh, home to Ireland’s first eco-distillery. Here, we’ll dive into the art of crafting Irish whiskey, known as uisce beatha – the water of life. You'll have the chance to enjoy lunch in the distillery's café before experiencing traditional Gaelic sports with Experience Gaelic Games. The evening is yours to explore Galway, the vibrant City of the Tribes. 

Overnight – Hardiman Hotel, Galway

Today we leave Galway and make our way to the seaside town of Doolin, along the Wild Atlantic Way. Here we will board a ferry to Inis Oírr the most easterly of the Aran Islands, with the name reflecting that, Inis Oírr translates to East Island! While on the island, you are free to explore and see what traditional Irish life entailed. The island’s 260 permanent residents still converse in Irish! 

After some free time on the island, we get back on the ferry to experience the scale and majestic beauty of the Cliffs of Moher with a view that is truly breath-taking. From the Cliffs we will meet with our tour guide Ollie who will take you on a mouth-watering tour of all West Clare has to offer, including a freshly caught fish and chip supper. Then we check into the Lahinch Coast Hotel with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.


Dinner/Overnight – Lahinch Coast Hotel, Lahinch
 

After breakfast we continue our journey through the Wild Atlantic Way and make our way down to the Kingdom of Kerry. With its craggy coastline, striking scenery and rich historical sites, you are spoiled for choice in this beautiful county. Enroute, we pass through Limerick on a panoramic tour of the city’s heritage precinct. From Limerick we make our way to the lovely village of Adare, where thatched cottages line the broad main street, here you can enjoy a coffee or a stroll through the quaint village.

We then continue to Killarney where you will step back in time and experience Ireland’s most traditional mode of transport with a jaunting car tour. Learn about the history, folklore and the beauty of Killarney National Park and the majestic 15th century Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Leane. After checking into the hotel, your evening is at leisure, so make sure to explore the town after dinner and catch some live traditional music at the many pubs lining the streets. One we recommend is J. M. Reidys. While it looks small from the outside, the pub has a sprawling interior with loads of cozy nooks that make it feel endless, and with live music almost every night of the year, you’re sure to enjoy a drink or two here.

Overnight – Killarney Plaza Hotel, Killarney

Today, we embark on one of the most scenic drives in Ireland—if not the world—the Ring of Kerry. Filled with picturesque landscapes, stunning coastlines and beautiful villages, it’ll be a wonder if there is any space left on your camera after this enchanting drive. We will traverse through quaint villages like Killorglin, Cahersiveen, and Caherdaniel, each offering glimpses of Ireland's rugged beauty. Pause at Waterville Beach to soak in the stunning coastal scenery before continuing your adventure towards Sneem. As we make our way around the twists and turns of the Ring you will have plenty of opportunities for photos as well as tea, coffee or lunch in one of the many villages along the route. This evening, we have dinner in our hotel followed by Gaelic Roots, a traditional Irish show in Killarney.


Dinner/ Overnight – Killarney Plaza Hotel, Killarney

Leaving Killarney today we head east towards Blarney Castle for a chance to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone and gain the gift of eloquence (optional). Why the stone provides eloquence is shrouded in many different mythical origins, ranging from Queens to goddesses. However, while many legends exist about the origins of the stone, one thing is certain: the only way to experience the gift of the gab for yourself is to kiss the stone. Besides the Castle, Blarney itself is a nice little village for a spot of lunch and some shopping, after which we will make our way towards the Rock of Cashel. Legend has it the devil himself formed it when taking a bite out of a nearby mountain, breaking his teeth and then spitting the rock out which landed at the site in Cashel. However, the medieval buildings, built in 12th, 13th and 15th century, that sit on the rock are the true sight to behold. From here we return to Dublin at approximately 5:30 pm, where your evening is at leisure.


Overnight – Dublin city centre hotel

Departure Point for morning of Day 6:  Collection from the Riu Gresham Hotel in Dublin between 8:45 am to 9:00 am. Please meet out front 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 its 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.