11 DAY DISCOVER IRELAND TOUR SAMPLE ITINERARY ANTI-CLOCKWISE

Transcription

1 11 DAY DISCOVER IRELAND TOUR SAMPLE ITINERARY ANTI-CLOCKWISE IMPORTANT: Please note that this itinerary is a framework for the tour. The overnights are pretty much set in stone and then we base each tour on the items in the list below. Your guide will discuss the options with you throughout the tour and plan from there. This gives us flexibility to adapt each tour to suit you and fit in with the weather conditions. This of course means that some things may not be included in your tour, but if there is something that you particularly want to do or see on your tour, mention it to your guide and he or she will see if it can be included. Please also note that this tour runs in both directions. Both are the same but if you have other travel plans or you plan to meet up with anyone along the way, please do check with Vagabond at the time of booking. HIGHLIGHTS: REVEL AT SOME OF EUROPE S VERY BEST SCENERY : Ireland s highest mountain range "The Macgillycuddy Reeks" The Green fields and stone walls of Dingle Connemara s mountains, lakes, beaches and rivers Ireland s wild and rugged Atlantic coastline The River Shannon The Burren Limestone Plateau The Caha Mountains of the Beara Peninsula The green inland scenery of areas such as the Golden Vale in Tipperary The Glens of Antrim The Wilds of Mayo ENJOY SOME OF IRELAND S MOST POPULAR AND WORTHWHILE TOURIST DESTINATIONS : Blarney Castle and gardens Killarney National Park The Cliffs of Moher The Giant's Causeway VISIT SOME OF IRELAND S GREAT HOUSES AND GARDENS : Muckross Gardens Bantry House and Gardens Garnish Island Gardens Kylemore Abbey and Grounds WONDER AT SOME OF IRELAND S HISTORICAL TREASURES: Visit The Rock of Cashel Ancient Neolithic Stone Circles, Celtic Ring Forts, Castles, Monastic Sites and Burial Tombs The Grianán of Aileach

2 Learn about the modern-day history of Northern Ireland, especially on the walking tour of Derry and the Black Cab tour of Belfast SOME FUN LITTLE SIDE TRIPS: Visit a working sheep farm for a sheep herding and shearing demonstration Take a boat trip to see Dingle s most friendly resident - Fungie the Dolphin Visit Bushmills Irish Whiskey Distillery, the oldest working distillery in the world Test your fear of heights at the Carrick a Rede rope bridge EXPLORE THREE OF IRELAND S MOST DIVERSE SOUTH WESTERN PENINSULAS : The majestic Iveragh peninsula (better known as the Ring of Kerry) The rugged Beara Peninsula (also known as the undiscovered peninsula ) The rolling hills of the Dingle Peninsula TAKE SOME FREE TIME TO EXPLORE LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND MEET THE IRISH PEOPLE: The vibrant and buzzing Galway city The galleries and pubs (about 54 in total!) in Dingle town (pop. about 2500) The shops and boutiques of picturesque Kenmare and Westport The resurgent Northern Irish cities of Derry and Belfast AND AT NIGHT: Live music and excellent food in some of Ireland s best pubs and restaurants. Overnight in quality, locally owned guesthouse and small hotel accommodation in small, friendly local communities. Live like a Lord or Lady and spend a night in a castle hotel

3 DAY 1 Dublin to Antrim We re off and we re going north! We will be crossing the border into Northern Ireland and making for the historic and fascinating city of Belfast before journeying north to spend the night in a castle overlooking the sea. Meet at reception of the Grand Canal Hotel, Dublin 4 at 08.10am. 1. Head north from Dublin with a stop at the Monasterboice Monastic site with its superb examples of Celtic high crosses 2. Drive into Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland for lunch and then choose from the following options: Optional Black Cab tour of the city. This tour is very highly recommended as it gives visitors an incredibly close hand experience of the city and its turbulent past. (Cost: GB 10 per person) Take an optional trip to the newly opened 100 million Titanic Experience visitor centre (GB pp seniors ) Enjoy lunch in the historic city of Belfast 3. Follow the coast road out of Belfast and around the base of the Glens of Antrim - you might well see Scotland on a clear day (Average drive time: 3 hours 30 minutes) Overnight in the Ballygally Castle Hotel in County Antrim.

4 DAY 2 Antrim to Derry A great day exploring the beautiful Antrim Coastline, tasting a bit of whiskey and visiting some iconic Irish landmarks before moving on to Derry, Northern Ireland s second city. 1. Test your head for heights at the Carrick a Rede rope bridge (summer only - Entrance fee: GB 7) 2. Experience the natural phenomenon of the Giants Causeway 3. Possible lunch stop at Ballintoy Harbour, made famous by the Game of Thrones 4. Optional visit to Bushmills Whiskey distillery. The oldest whiskey distillery in the World (entrance fee: GB 7pp) 5. Explore the historic village of Bushmills 6. Visit the ancient McDonald Stronghold of Dunluce Castle (Entrance fee: GB 3 ) or simply take photos from outside (Average drive time: 3 hours) Overnight in Beech Hill House Hotel, Derry.

5 DAY 3 Derry to Mayo Before leaving Northern Ireland, we head into Derry city for the highly-acclaimed walking tour and time in the city. It's then time to cross back in the Republic and veer south towards Sligo and County Mayo, an off-the-beaten-track afternoon with plenty of history. 1. Optional walking tour of the city including the Bogside area synonymous with the tragic events of Bloody Sunday (highly recommended - GB 4 per person) 2. Cross the border from Northern Ireland to Donegal in the Republic of Ireland 3. Stop at the ancient stone fort of Grianán of Aileach and enjoy views of the sea and the Inishowen Peninsula 4. Visit Donegal Castle (included in tour price) 5. Lunch in Donegal town 6. Visit the grave of W.B. Yeats in Drumcliffe. (Average drive time: 3 hours 30 minutes) Overnight in luxury at The Mount Falcon Manor Hotel, Ballina

6 DAY 4 Mayo to Clifden Today we visit one of Ireland s national museums, one of the world s holiest mountains and Ireland s only fjord. Plus, there is the chance to see a masterly display of sheep dog handling from a Connemara farmer. 1. A visit to the National Museum of Country life near Castlebar (free entry) 2. Explore Westport town, one of Ireland s most attractive small towns. You could even drop into Matt Malloy s Pub, owned by the flute player from traditional Irish group The Chieftains 3. Take time to enjoy lunch in a traditional Irish setting in the town of Westport 4. Visit the holy pilgrimage mountain of Croagh Patrick. Also, just over the road is Ireland s National Famine Memorial and the beautiful shore-side ruins of Murrisk Abbey 5. Scenic drive through the Doolough Valley in the shadow of Mweelrea Mountain 6. Quick pints in The Field Pub, named after the movie which was filmed here, at the head of Killary Harbour 7. Visit a working sheep farm. Wonder at the harmony of farmer and dog as they round up the sheep before you get a chance to feed some lambs or try your hand at shearing. All to the simply stunning backdrop of Killary Harbour Ireland's only fjord (Average drive time: 3 hours) Overnight in Connemara, at the Station House Hotel in the heart of Clifden for two nights

7 DAY 5 Connemara Day There is no need to pack up today as we are staying in Clifden for two nights. You have the option of taking the day off and spending it exploring Clifden, or coming with us to discover Connemara - a place which can only be described as savagely beautiful. 1. Tour of Kylemore Abbey and gardens - Ireland s most romantic building! (included in price) 2. Drive south along beautiful Inagh Valley through the Connemara National Park into the heart of the region 3. Possible stop to learn about Irish peat bogs and their role in Ireland myths, history and daily life 4. Dropping in to Roundstone for lunch and a visit to the workshop of Malachy Kearns, the renowned Bodhran (Irish drum) maker (He makes them for Riverdance) 5. Drive around the corner to the white sands of Dog s Bay Beach or Gurteen beach 6. Then onto Ballyconneely and back via Derrygimla (landing site of the first transatlantic flight) (Average drive time: 2 hours) Overnight in Connemara, at the Station House Hotel in the heart of Clifden for two nights

8 DAY 6 Clifden to Clare A great day on tour started with a drive around Galway Bay. Later we venture into Galway City and south through County Clare. 1. Visit the restored Aughnanure Castle, ancestral home of the Ferocious O Flaherty clan for the excellent guided tour (included in tour price if you haven t visited Donegal Castle) 2. The vibrant Galway city for lunch and soaking up the atmosphere 3. Quick stop at Kinvara village with: Dunguaire Castle ancient seat of the High Kings of Munster, and Hookers Local to this area 4. Visit Poulnabrone Dolmen, an ancient Megalithic tomb and one of Ireland s greatest treasures 5. Drive down and through the Burren Region, and its Limestone Lunar landscape 6. After dinner watch the sun go down on Galway Bay before strolling back to the hotel (Average drive time: 3 hours 15 minutes) Overnight in The Wild Atlantic Lodge, Ballyvaughan, County Clare

9 DAY 7 Clare to Dingle We are now in the ancient province of Munster and the unique Karst Glacial lunar landscape of the Burren, rich in archaeology and edged with one of Ireland s most famous natural wonders - the Cliffs of Moher. Then it's south across the mighty River Shannon in County Kerry towards the Dingle Peninsula. There is a bit more driving today, but still loads to see and do. 1. A tour highlight, it s off to the Cliffs of Moher 700 ft sea cliffs (entrance fee included in tour price) 2. Take the ferry across the River Shannon into County Kerry (ferry ticket included) 3. Detour to Carrigafoyle Castle at its vantage point overlooking the Shannon 4. Possible lunch stop in Tralee, home of the Rose of Tralee beauty pageant or in the pleasant market town of Listowel 5. Have a pint in the South Pole Inn, established by intrepid three-time Antarctic explorer, and Annascaul s most famous son, Tom Crean (Average drive time: 3 hours 30 minutes) Overnight in Dingle Town a town of 2500 people and 54 pubs in Dingle Benners Hotel

10 DAY 8 Dingle Day A great day spent enjoying Dingle town and the Peninsula. We can do as much or little as you like on day eight as we spend two nights here in the town. At some stage while we are in Dingle we normally take the group out on a tour of the Peninsula to the most westerly point in Ireland that you can drive to and a selection of the stops we see along the way are below. Plus, we can also organise other options for you if you would like something more active, or relaxing. The Dingle Peninsula Tour out to Slea Head: Head out along the Slea Head Drive past Ventry beach. Stop at ancient Beehive Huts once the dwellings of 5th Century Monks. Scenic stop at Europe's most westerly point with views over the Blasket Islands. Walk down to Coumeenoole Beach (Film set of Ryan s Daughter). Photo stop at Smerwick Head with views back up the Dingle Peninsula and of Mount Brandon. Visit Louis Mulcahy Pottery or a local crystal cutter and see some of Ireland s most skilled craftsmen at work. Dingle Options (All are only a short walk from your hotel): 1. Chill out in Dingle Town 2. Explore the picturesque town of Dingle, with its brightly coloured streets, numerous shops, excellent galleries, numerous local craftspeople, restaurants and of course pubs. 3. Dingle Brewing Company - visit one of Ireland s leading craft breweries (Price: 7 including a pint of beer), or, Dingle Distillery ( 15pp). Both options do, of course, include mandatory tasting! (15/20 minute walk) 4. Boat trip to see Fungi the Dolphin (Price: 16 per person) 5. Golf Play a round on The Dingle Golf Links (fees would apply and there may be a transfer fee one way by taxi if the guide and vehicle are busy with other group members) 6. Galleries and shops there are several excellent galleries and numerous local artisan crafts 7. Walks from town - Go for a self-guided walk along the Dingle Way from the centre of town up into the hills or along the coast (Average drive time: 1 hours 30 minutes) Overnight in Dingle Town a town of 2500 people and 54 pubs in Dingle Benners Hotel

11 DAY 9 Dingle to Kenmare We leave Dingle behind and head for Killarney, the National Park, the Ring of Kerry and the highest mountains in Ireland. There is some of Ireland s most majestic scenery, greatest stately home and some truly local experiences. Before leaving Dingle, you can stand atop Ireland s highest road, at the Conor Pass. 1. Enjoy a scenic drive along the southern coast of the Dingle Peninsula, with a photo stop and perhaps a stroll along the beach at Inch Strand 2. Visit the Killarney National Park and Muckross House & Gardens Jaunting Car (traditional Irish horse and carriage) ride through the National Park to Muckross House (Optional extra: 15) Option for a traditional Irish pub lunch in the National Park Explore the restored ruins of Muckross Abbey in the grounds of the National Park 3. Leaving Killarney behind and heading into the hills we have a photo stop and stroll to Torc Waterfall 4. If you haven't already visited a working sheep farm, there is another option to do so today 5. Indulge in a coffee and purchase some Irish craft at Avoca Handweavers 6. Various photo stop opportunities (normally weather dependent) at Ladies view and Molls Gap (Average drive time: 3 hours) Overnight in The Landstown Arms Hotel in Kenmare

12 DAY 10 Kenmare to Gougane Barra Leaving Kenmare, we continue south out on the undiscovered Beara Peninsula, one of Ireland s least visited but most beautiful areas. It's rugged and wild and totally off the beaten track. 1. Go back to the Bronze Age at the Uragh Stone circle 2. Drive up and over the Healy Pass, one of the most scenic drives in Ireland 3. Lunch at MacCarthy's Bar in Castletownbere 4. Boat trip to Garnish Island and its Italian formal gardens (Optional extra: 16) 5. Take a short walk to do some Seal Spotting in Glengarriff and see Maureen O Hara s house in the distance 6. Visit the stately Bantry House, one of the few grand homes still in private hands, owned by the Shellswell-White family since the 18th century (included in tour price) 7. Leave the Atlantic Coastline at Bantry Bay and head inland to the tranquil location of Gougane Barra (Average drive time: 3 hours ) Overnight in Gougane Barra Hotel or the Castle Hotel, Macroom

13 DAY 11 Gougane Barra to Dublin Sadly, it s the last day of the journey and time to head home to Dublin, but first we have some major attractions to see! You can kiss the world-famous Blarney stone and visit the iconic Rock of Cashel. 1. Depart hotel after breakfast before heading northeast through counties Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, Kildare and Dublin 2. Follow the River Lee down towards Cork 3. Kiss the world-famous Blarney Stone or get away from the crowds and explore the extensive grounds and gardens. (Included in tour price) 4. Pass through Cork, Ireland's second city 5. The Magnificent Rock of Cashel one of Ireland s greatest historical sites (included in tour price) 6. Drive through the Curragh Racecourse once used as the Braveheart film set (Average drive time: 4 hours 30 minutes) Arrive back in Dublin between 5 and 6pm. Drop off at the Grand Canal Hotel, Dublin 4

14 Tour Price: 2,619 Single Supplement: 445 Whats included: Journey of discovery in a Driftwood mini coach tour vehicle Services of highly trained professional Driftwood tour guide 11 full days on tour 10 nights accommodation 10 Full Irish breakfasts Most daily activities and visits Entrance fees to Blarney Castle, The Giant s Causeway, The Cliffs of Moher, The Rock of Cashel, Bantry House, Aughnanure or Donegal Castle and a Working Sheep Farm Shannon ferry tickets All relevant taxes Guaranteed departure and tour price from the moment you make your deposit Loads of laughs Optional Extras: Prices are correct at time of publication of Itinerary Black Cab tour of Belfast City GB 10 Titanic Experience visitor centre GB seniors Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge Summer only GB 7 Bushmills Whiskey distillery GB 7 Dunluce Castle GB 3 Walking tour of Derry GB 4 Dingle Whiskey 15pp or 13 group rate Boat trip to see Fungi the Dolphin Adult 16 Child (under 12) 8 Jaunting Car ride through the National Park 15 Boat trip to Garnish Island 16 Dingle Brewing Company 7

15 Booking Information: OVER THE PHONE: From Ireland From the USA BY Contact Megan ONLINE: By visiting our website

16 11 DAY DISCOVER IRELAND TOUR SAMPLE ITINERARY CLOCKWISE IMPORTANT: Please note that this itinerary is a framework for the tour. The overnights are pretty much set in stone and then we base each tour on the items in the list below. Your guide will discuss the options with you throughout the tour and plan from there. This gives us flexibility to adapt each tour to suit you and fit in with the weather conditions. This of course means that some things may not be included in your tour, but if there is something that you particularly want to do or see on your tour, mention it to your guide and he or she will see if it can be included. Please also note that this tour runs in both directions. Both are the same but if you have other travel plans or you plan to meet up with anyone along the way, please do check with Vagabond at the time of booking. HIGHLIGHTS: REVEL AT SOME OF EUROPE S VERY BEST SCENERY : Ireland s highest mountain range "The Macgillycuddy Reeks" The Green fields and stone walls of Dingle Connemara s mountains, lakes, beaches and rivers Ireland s wild and rugged Atlantic coastline The River Shannon The Burren Limestone Plateau The Caha Mountains of the Beara Peninsula The green inland scenery of areas such as the Golden Vale in Tipperary The Glens of Antrim The Wilds of Mayo ENJOY SOME OF IRELAND S MOST POPULAR AND WORTHWHILE TOURIST DESTINATIONS : Blarney Castle and gardens Killarney National Park The Cliffs of Moher The Giant's Causeway VISIT SOME OF IRELAND S GREAT HOUSES AND GARDENS : Muckross Gardens Bantry House and Gardens Garnish Island Gardens Kylemore Abbey and Grounds WONDER AT SOME OF IRELAND S HISTORICAL TREASURES: Visit The Rock of Cashel Ancient Neolithic Stone Circles, Celtic Ring Forts, Castles, Monastic Sites and Burial Tombs

17 The Grianán of Aileach Learn about the modern-day history of Northern Ireland, especially on the walking tour of Derry and the Black Cab tour of Belfast SOME FUN LITTLE SIDE TRIPS: Visit a working sheep farm for a sheep herding and shearing demonstration Take a boat trip to see Dingle s most friendly resident - Fungie the Dolphin Visit Bushmills Irish Whiskey Distillery, the oldest working distillery in the world Test your fear of heights at the Carrick a Rede rope bridge EXPLORE THREE OF IRELAND S MOST DIVERSE SOUTH WESTERN PENINSULAS : The majestic Iveragh peninsula (better known as the Ring of Kerry) The rugged Beara Peninsula (also known as the undiscovered peninsula ) The rolling hills of the Dingle Peninsula TAKE SOME FREE TIME TO EXPLORE LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND MEET THE IRISH PEOPLE: The vibrant and buzzing Galway city The galleries and pubs (about 54 in total!) in Dingle town (pop. about 2500) The shops and boutiques of picturesque Kenmare and Westport The resurgent Northern Irish cities of Derry and Belfast AND AT NIGHT: Live music and excellent food in some of Ireland s best pubs and restaurants Overnight in quality, locally owned guesthouse and small hotel accommodation in small, friendly local communities Live like a Lord or Lady and spend a night in a castle hotel

18 DAY 1 Dublin to Gougane Barra We re off! Today we are heading southwest through some of Ireland s best inland scenery to the remoteness of West Cork. Along the way, we have some major stops such as the Rock of Cashel and the Blarney Stone. Meet in reception at the Grand Canal Hotel, Dublin 4 for an 8.10am departure and leave Dublin behind. 1. Drive through the Curragh Racecourse once used as the Braveheart film set 2. The Magnificent Rock of Cashel one of Ireland s greatest historical sites. (entrance fee included in tour price) 3. Pass through Cork, Ireland's second city 4. Kiss the world famous Blarney Stone or get away from the crowds and explore the extensive grounds and gardens. (Included in tour price) 5. Follow Lee Valley to the source of River Lee, Gougane Barra (Average drive time: 4 hours 30 minutes) Overnight in Gougane Barra Hotel or the Castle Hotel, Macroom

19 DAY 2 Gougane Barra to Glengarriff Today we arrive at Ireland s Wild Atlantic Way and start our journey north along the world s longest continually defined coastal touring route. We spend the day far from the tourist trail, enjoying some truly local experiences. 1. First a stroll in the Gougane Barra Forest Park 2. Drive down to meet the Atlantic Coastline at Bantry Bay 3. Detour south to visit the magnificent Bantry House and Gardens, one of the few grand homes still in private hands, owned by the Shellswell-White family since the 18th century (included in tour price) 4. Option to enjoy a boat trip to Garinish Island and its Italian formal gardens ( 16 per person) or short walk to see Maureen O'Hara s house in the distance or free time in Glengarriff 5. Head out onto the wild and rugged Beara Peninsula, the undiscovered Peninsula 6. Lunch at MacCarthy's Bar in Castletownbere 7. Drive up and over the Healy Pass, one of the most scenic drives in Ireland 8. Go back to the Bronze Age at the remote Uragh megalithic stone circle (Average drive time: 3 hours) Overnight in Glengarriff Park Hotel

20 DAY 3 Glengarriff to Dingle After leaving Glengarriff and spending some free time exploring the shops (Kenmare was famous for lacework products) and galleries of Kenmare we depart for Dingle, via the Ring of Kerry and Killarney. There is some of Ireland s most majestic scenery and colourful local towns. 1. Join the Ring of Kerry scenic route on the Iveragh Peninsula at Moll s Gap (possible shop stop at the Avoca Handweavers shop) 2. Photo stop and stroll to Torc Waterfall 3. We then arrive in Killarney National Park, where there is loads to do and see: Optional Jaunting Car (traditional Irish horse and carriage) ride through the National Park to Muckross House - 15 per person Muckross Gardens Explore the restored ruins of Muckross Abbey in the grounds of the National Park Option for a traditional Irish pub lunch in the Killarney National Park 4. After leaving Killarney we follow part of the Ring of Kerry before joining the Dingle Peninsula 5. Scenic drive along the southern coast of the Dingle Peninsula, with a photo stop and perhaps a stroll at Inch Strand, one of Ireland s best known beaches 6. On arrival in Dingle you can stand atop Ireland s highest road, the Conor Pass (Average drive time: 2 hours 30 minutes) Dingle Town a town of 2500 people and 54 pubs in the coastal Dingle Bay Hotel

21 DAY 4 Dingle Day A great day spent enjoying Dingle town and the Peninsula. You can do as much or little as you like on day eight as we spend two nights here in the town. At some stage while we are in Dingle we normally take the group out on a tour of the Peninsula to the most westerly point in Ireland that you can drive to and a selection of the stops we see along the way are below. Plus, we can also organise other options for you if you would like something more active, or relaxing. The Dingle Peninsula Tour out to Slea Head: Head out along the Slea Head Drive past Ventry beach. Stop at ancient Beehive Huts once the dwellings of 5th Century Monks. Scenic stop at Europe's most westerly point with views over the Blasket Islands. Walk down to Coumeenoole Beach (Film set of Ryan s Daughter). Photo stop at Smerwick Head with views back up the Dingle Peninsula and of Mount Brandon. Visit Louis Mulcahy Pottery or a local crystal cutter and see some of Ireland s most skilled craftsmen at work. Dingle Options (All a short walk from your hotel): 1. Chill out in Dingle Town 2. Explore the picturesque town of Dingle, with its brightly coloured streets, numerous shops, excellent galleries, numerous local craftspeople, restaurants and of course pubs 3. Dingle Brewing Company - visit one of Ireland s leading craft breweries (Price: 7 including a pint of beer), or, Dingle Distillery ( 15pp). Both options do, of course, include mandatory tasting! (15/20 minute walk from hotel) 4. Boat trip to see Fungi the Dolphin (Price: 16 per person) 5. Golf Play a round on The Dingle Golf Links (fees would apply and there may be a transfer fee one way by taxi if the guide and vehicle are busy with other group members) 6. Galleries and shops there are several excellent galleries and numerous local artisan crafts 7. Walks from town - Go for a self-guided walk along the Dingle Way from the centre of town up into the hills or along the coast (Average drive time: 1 hours 30 minutes) Dingle Town a town of 2500 people and 54 pubs in the coastal Dingle Bay Hotel

22 DAY 5 Kerry to Clare It s always hard to leave Dingle, but it s time to venture north. There is a bit more driving today but there is still plenty to do and see as we travel through North Kerry and across the River Shannon into County Clare, including the breath-taking Cliffs of Moher 1. Some free time in morning in Dingle town depending on previous day s activities 2. Possible lunch stop in Tralee, home of the Rose of Tralee, a uniquely Irish beauty pageant, or in the pleasant market town of Listowel 3. Detour to Carrigafoyle Castle at its vantage point overlooking the Shannon 4. Take the ferry across the River Shannon into County Clare 5. A big highlight of the Cliffs of Moher 700 ft. sea cliffs (entrance fee included in the tour price) 6. And after dinner, watch the sun go down over Galway Bay (Average drive time: 3 hours 30 minutes) Overnight in The Wild Atlantic Lodge, Ballyvaughan, County Clare

23 DAY 6 Clare to Connemara A very flexible day on tour started with a drive around Galway Bay. Later we venture into Galway City and south through County Clare. 1. Drive up and through the Burren Region, and its Limestone Lunar landscape which is rich in flora, archaeology and folklore 2. Visit Poulnabrone Dolmen, an ancient Megalithic tomb and one of Ireland s greatest treasures 3. Stop in Kinvara village for a coffee and photo of: Dunguaire Castle ancient seat of the High Kings of Munster Hookers Traditional sailing boats unique to the area 4. Spend time in Galway city where you can have a leisurely lunch and enjoy the energy of this vibrant city 5. Visit the restored Aughnanure Castle, ancestral home of the Ferocious O Flaherty clan for the excellent guided tour (included in tour price) 6. Head west and north into the savagely beautiful region of Connemara (Average drive time: 3 hours) Overnight in Connemara, at the Station House Hotel in the heart of Clifden for two nights

24 DAY 7 Connemara Day There is no need to pack up today as we are staying in Clifden for two nights. You have the option of taking the day off and spending it exploring Clifden, or coming with us to discover Connemara - a place which can only be described as savagely beautiful. 1. Tour of Kylemore Abbey and gardens - Ireland s most romantic building! (included in price) 2. Drive south along beautiful Inagh Valley through the Connemara National Park into the heart of the region 3. Possible stop to learn about Irish peat bogs and their role in Ireland myths, history and daily life 4. Dropping in to Roundstone for lunch and a visit to the workshop of Malachy Kearns, the renowned Bodhran (Irish drum) maker (He makes them for Riverdance) 5. Drive around the corner to the white sands of Dog s Bay Beach or Gurteen beach 6. Then onto Ballyconneely and back via Derrygimla (landing site of the first transatlantic flight) Possibility to visit a working sheep farm today, if not the sheep farm visit will take place on Day 8. (Average drive time: 2 hours) Overnight at the Station House Hotel in the heart of Clifden.

25 DAY 8 Clifden to Mayo Leaving Clifden behind we track around the northern half of Connemara before crossing over into County Mayo, one of the least populated areas of Europe. The hauntingly beautiful landscape holds within it a wealth of Irish history, including the Great Hunger, the arrival of Christianity and the hardships of past life in rural Ireland. We suggest a prompt start today, as there is loads to see and do. 1. Visit a working sheep farm. Wonder at the harmony of farmer and dog as they round up the sheep before you get a chance to feed some lambs or try your hand at shearing. All to the simply stunning backdrop of Killary Harbour Ireland s only fjord (This is an option if we haven t already visited a sheep farm on tour) 2. Morning coffee in The Field Pub, named after the movie which was filmed here, at the head of Killary Harbour 3. Scenic drive through the Doolough Valley in the shadow of Mweelrea Mountain 4. Visit the holy pilgrimage mountain of Croagh Patrick - one of the holiest mountains in the world 5. Take in our National Famine Memorial, marking The Great Hunger of The beautiful shore-side ruins of Murrisk Abbey 7. Free time in the picturesque town of Westport, one of Ireland s most attractive small towns. You could even drop into Matt Malloy s Pub, owned by the flute player from traditional Irish group The Chieftains A great option in Westport is to enjoy lunch in a traditional Irish pub 8. A visit to the National Museum of Country life near Castlebar (free entry) 9. If time allows we can drop in to Foxford Woollen Mills - a great example of local enterprise keeping old traditions alive (Average drive time: 3 hours) Overnight in The Mount Falcon Estate, Ballina, County Mayo

26 DAY 9 Mayo to Derry Today we cross the border into Northern Ireland and visit the historic Maiden City of Derry with a locally guided walking tour. Plus, we have a literary connection, a castle and an ancient ring fort along the way. Starting in County Mayo, we visit Counties Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal before ending the day in County Londonderry/Derry. 1. Visit the grave of WB Yeats in Drumcliffe 2. Visit Donegal Castle (entrance fee included in tour price if you haven't already visited Aughnanure Castle ) leaving time to enjoy lunch in Donegal town 3. Stop at the ancient stone fort of Grianán of Aileach and enjoy views of the sea and the Inishowen Peninsula 4. Cross the border from Donegal in the Republic of Ireland, to Northern Ireland 5. Optional walking tour of the city including the Bogside area synonymous with the tragic events of Bloody Sunday (highly recommended - GB 4 per person) (Average drive time: 3 hours 30 minutes) Overnight in at the Beech Hill House Hotel, Derry

27 DAY 10 Derry to Antrim A great day exploring the beautiful Antrim Coastline, tasting a bit of whiskey and visiting some iconic Irish landmarks before overnighting in a castle! 1. Visit the ancient McDonald stronghold of Dunluce Castle (Entrance fee: GB 3 ) or simply take photos from outside 2. Explore the historic village of Bushmills 3. Optional visit to Bushmills Whiskey distillery. The oldest whiskey distillery in the World (entrance fee: GB 7pp) 4. Possible lunch stop at Ballintoy Harbour, made famous by the Game of Thrones 5. Experience the natural phenomenon of the Giant's causeway (included in tour price) 6. Test your head for heights at the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge (summer only - entrance fee: GB 5.90) (Average drive time: 3 hours) Overnight in Ballygally Castle Hotel, County Antrim

28 DAY 11 Antrim to Dublin Sadly, it is the last day on tour after an 11 days that has taken us around Ireland and shown us possibly more of this great island than many Irish people have ever seen. Today, we follow the coast road around the base of the Glens of Antrim and then down into Belfast, a thriving city shaped by its industrial and turbulent past. Then we cross back into the Republic (The South ) and head for Dublin. 1. Follow the coast road around the base of the Glens of Antrim - you might well see Scotland on a clear day 2. Drive into Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland for lunch and then choose from the following options: Black Cab tour of the city. This tour is very highly recommended as it gives visitors an incredibly close hand experience of the city and its turbulent past(cost: GB 10 per person) Visit the award winning Titanic Experience visitor centre (GB pp seniors ) Enjoy lunch in the historic city of Belfast 3. Head south to Dublin with an optional stop at Monasterboice Monastic site and the Celtic high crosses (time permitting) (Average drive time: 3 hours) Arrive back in Dublin between 5 and 6pm. Drop off at the Grand Canal Hotel, Dublin 4

29 Tour Price: 2,619 Single Supplement: 445 Whats included: Journey of discovery in a Driftwood mini coach tour vehicle. Services of highly trained professional Driftwood tour guide 11 full days on tour 10 nights accommodation 10 Full Irish breakfasts Most daily activities and visits Entrance fees to Blarney Castle, The Giant s Causeway, The Cliffs of Moher, The Rock of Cashel, Bantry House, Aughnanure or Donegal Castle and a Working Sheep Farm Shannon ferry tickets All relevant taxes Guaranteed departure and tour price from the moment you make your deposit Loads of laughs Optional Extras: Prices are correct at time of publication of Itinerary Black Cab tour of Belfast City GB 10 Titanic Experience visitor centre GB seniors Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge Summer only GB 7 Bushmills Whiskey distillery GB 7 Dunluce Castle GB 3 Walking tour of Derry GB 4 Dingle Whiskey 15pp o 13 group rate Boat trip to see Fungi the Dolphin Adult 16 Child (under 12) 8 Jaunting Car ride through the National Park 15 Boat trip to Garnish Island 16 Dingle Brewing Company 7

30 Booking Information: OVER THE PHONE: From Ireland From the USA BY Contact Megan ONLINE: By visiting our website