15 Day All Ireland Tour

Day 1: Dublin - Monasterboice - Titanic Belfast / Black Taxi - Belfast

Your driver- guide will collect you from your Dublin accommodations or Dublin Airport this morning. Together you'll travel north towards Belfast, capital of Northern Ireland.

En- route stop at Monasterboice, an ancient monastery ruins complete with a stone round tower and Celtic Crosses depicting scenes from the gospel.

Upon arrival in Belfast enjoy a spin through the political neighbourhoods with a local Black Taxi tour (optional) and / or enjoy a visit to Titanic Belfast, a wonderful museum located in the heart of the docklands where this most famous ship was built.

As one might expect, Belfast has a first rate dining scene and some excellent hotels to choose from. Raise a toast to the first night of your trip and get some well earned rest.

Day 2: Belfast - Dark Hedges - Giants Causeway - Dunluce Castle - Derry

Today's route takes you from Belfast to Derry / Londonderry along the Causeway Coastal Route - one of Europe's finest.

Highlights to choose from include Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (groups of 5 maximum), haunted Dark Hedges, Ballintoy Harbor, Dunluce Castle Ruins (Game of Thrones fan?), Bushmills Whiskey Distillery and UNESCO Giant's Causeway.

NB: Attractions which require ticketing should be requested at time of booking to maximise your experience and avoid disappointment.

Overnight in the city of Derry / Londonderry.

Day 3: Derry Walking Tour - Grianán of Aileach - Glenveigh National Park - Donegal

Explore the city of Derry / Londonderry this morning before leaving Northern Ireland for the beautiful wilderness of Donegal.

Perhaps enjoy a guided walking tour of Derry (optional) and learn about its medieval origins, infamous siege of 1689 and massacre of unarmed civil rights protesters by an elite British Army regiment in 1972 - an event which helped to spark three decades of civil war known as the Troubles.

This afternoon enjoy breathtaking countryside at Glenveigh National Park and marvel at the ancient stone ringfort at Grianán of Aileach.

Overnight in Co. Donegal

Day 4: Donegal - Slieve League - Ardara - Donegal

Explore Co. Donegal in more detail today.

After breakfast maybe stroll through Donegal town to enjoy some last minute retail therapy in the local specialty shops.

If time permits, you may also choose to enjoy a self guided tour of Donegal Castle, an excellent example of a structure built in the 1400s.

In Ardara - a town famous for its craft scene, perhaps enjoy a traditional handweaving demonstration at the artisan studio of Eddie Doherty.

Meanwhile, the sea cliffs at Slieve League are Europe's highest - enjoy the views from dry land or consider an optional boat trip to experience the awesome spectacle from the water.

There is also the possibility of enjoying a sheepdog demonstration today or later in the itinerary. Please ask at the planning stage to discuss options.

Overnight in Co. Donegal

Day 5: Donegal - WB Yeats Grave - Strandhill - Westport - Kylemore Abbey - Ballynahinch or Ashford

This morning depart Donegal and travel down part of the Wild Atlantic Way through counties Sligo and Mayo to Connemara.

Fans of literature may wish to stop at Drumcliffe Church to visit the grave of WB Yeats, Ireland's Nobel poet laureate. Benbulben mountain provides a spectacular backdrop.

Meanwhile the beaches at Rosses Point and Strandhill are famous locally for surfing and world famous for links golf - perhaps enjoy a stroll and some fresh air here.

A little further along the route Westport is a neat little town with great pubs and cafes for lunch.

In the afternoon perhaps visit Kylemore Abbey, a palatial country house in awesome countryside which has been a school for girls and a convent in recent times. Enjoy the gardens, tea rooms and wonderful views over the west of Ireland.

From Kylemore it is a relatively short drive to either Ballynahinch Castle or Ashford Castle, two of the finest castle hotels in all of Europe.

Overnight at Ballynahinch Castle or Ashford Castle (subject to availability - advance booking essential)

Day 6: Ballynahinch or Ashford - Resort Activities - Connemara - Galway

Wake up this morning in luxury and look forward to spending the day like a Lord or Lady.

As one might expect, the breakfast offerings at both Ballynahinch and Ashford are great. Sit back and relax over another pot of tea or coffee and linger over the experience with loved ones.

Resort activities today can include falconry, fishing, horseback riding, shooting, archery, guided walks and wine tasting from the extensive cellars.

Grown ups may wish to visit the spa for a massage or treatment.

Depart the hotel by late afternoon and tour through the incredible national park terrain of Connemara on the way to Galway city. Your driver will point out wonderful features of the Twelve Pins mountain range and the lakes of Connemara as you drive.

Overnight in Galway city

Day 7: Galway - Cliffs of Moher & The Burren - Spanish Point

Wake up in Galway city this morning and look forward to exploring the most Gaelic of towns.

Stroll through John F Kennedy Park at Eyre Square and along Shop Street to soeak up the atmosphere.

Local souvenirs and gifts include Aran Sweaters and Claddagh Rings. Your river can give some some great recommendations for the best stores.

For lunch perhaps try some Galway Bay Oysters (in season) paired with a bottle of Chablis or trusty pint of Guinness.

This afternoon, tour down the west coat through the limestone Burren region to Cliffs of Moher.

The cliffs stretch for almost 10km and are taller than most of Manhattan's skyscrapers. Look forward to awesome views and relaxing cliff walks on the designated paths.

Overnight at nearby Spanish Point (Armada Hotel is recommended)

Day 8: Spanish Point - Limerick - Killarney National Park - Killarney

The next three days are all about the Kingdom of Kerry including all of the highlights from Killarney to Dingle to the Ring of Kerry.

This morning stop in Limerick on route to Killarney where options for exploring include King John's Castle and the Hunt Museum with its wonderful collection of art.

Arrive in Killarney by mid afternoon in time for lunch and refreshments.

Spend the afternoon rambling the streets, shops and pubs of this neat little town or head out into the Kilarney National Park with your driver to discover local favourites such as Muckross House and Gardens, Molls Gap, Lakes of Killarney, Ross Castle and the famous jaunting cars.

Overnight in Killarney

Day 9: Killarney - Ring of Kerry - Killarney

Enjoy a full day private tour of Ring of Kerry today.

Look forward to visiting Killorglin, Dingle Bay, Waterville, Sneem, Killarney National Park and Torc Waterfall.

Overnight in Killarney

Day 10: Killarney - Dingle Peninsula - Killarney

Look forward to a full day of private touring on the Dingle Peninsula today.

Highlights will include Inch Beach, Slea Head, Dingle town, 4000 yeard old beehive huts and Dunquin with views of the Blasket Islands and Sleeping Giant island.

Overnight Killarney

Day 11: Killarney - Kenmare - Healy Pass - Skibbereen - Clonakilty - Cork

Drive through some of the most inspiring landscapes in Ireland today as your private tour takes you through West Cork.

Discover the picture postcard town of Kenmare with its upscale shopping opportunities and continue along the route through the spectacular Healy Pass and onwards through Skibbereen and Clonakilty to Cork city beyond.

This region is a stronghold of Irish language and culture and contributed some of the stiffest armed resistance to the British occupation which culminated in the War of Independence in 1919-1921. 

These days the area is renowned for the quality of its produce and thriving culinary scene with local pubs and restaurants serving up incredible fare from sandwiches to multiple course Michelin star affairs.

Ask your driver to recommend the best spot to stop for lunch or a pint!

Overnight in Cork

Day 12: Cork - Blarney Castle - Kinsale - Cork

This morning your driver will get you to Blarney Castle well ahead of the cruise ship crowds which arrive almost daily through peak season.

Climb the castle steps to the ramparts high above and dangle backwards to kiss the Blarney Stone. If you manage to do it you will receive the mythical Gift of the Gab - 7 years of eloquent speech!

There's a lot more to discover here too and you could speand a few hours. Check out the medieval poison garden at your own risk or enjoy the tax free shopping at the onsite Woolen Mill.

This afternoon head back out towards the coast to Kinsale - part of Cork's riviera. The streets here are full of atmposphere and yachts and pleasure cruisers line the marina in summer.

You may have heard great things about the culinary scene in Kinsale. There are some awesome eateries and pubs to choose from. Perhaps check out FishyFishy for a bottle of white and some tapas or Toddy's at the Bulman for a rake of pints and oysters!

Return back to Cork city by late afternoon. Perhaps enjoy a stroll to check out the gourmet English Market or to hear the famous bells of St. Finbarr's cathedral.

Overnight Cork

Day 13: Cork - Jameson - Waterford Crystal - Waterford or Ardmore

Depart Cork for Waterford this morning.

In the morning visit the Jameson Distillery at Midleton for a tour and tasting. The gift shop here is also excellent and you can invest in some rare bottles for yourself or loved ones. Cheers!

In the afternoon arrive into the Viking city of Waterford. The House of Waterford Crystal is fascinating to visit. Watch the artisans at work creating crystal masterpieces and visit the outlet store to stock up on everything to Champagne flutes to full scale Chandeliers!

Overnight either in Waterford City or in the coastal village of Ardmore nearby.

Day 14: Waterford - Rock of Cashel - Cahir Castle - Kilkenny

Depart Waterford this morning for Kilkenny.

En- route visit Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle in Co. Tipperary.

Arrive in Kilkenny by mid afternoon allowing plenty of time to explore the medieval streets, check out the impressive castle grounds and sample one or two of the great local pubs such as Cleere's. The local red beer is called Smithwick's and it has been brewed here since 1710.

The city is very atmpospheric in the evening and there are some great restaurants to choose from including Rinuccini and Campagne.

Overnight Kilkenny

Day 15: Kilkenny - Glendalough - Powerscourt - Dublin

Depart the medieval city this morning and return to Dublin via the Wicklow Mountains.

Here, in the Garden County, you'll find the Valley of Two Lakes at Glendalough featuring Celtic Monastery ruins set amongst beautiful nature. 

Just down the road at Powerscourt is one of Europe's best preserved aristocratic estates with formal gardens designed centuries ago.

Your private 15 Dat All Ireland tour ends late afternoon at the Dublin address of your choice.

Thank you for choosing Elegant Irish Tours and we wish you a comfortable onward journey!