12-Day Private Grand Tour of Ireland

This morning we head to the mystical Boyne Valley to soak up the tales and the folklore. This will include a tour of the prehistoric monument of Newgrange in County Meath with a dedicated tour guide specialist.

Built circa 3100 B.C it is older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. It is an exceptionally grand passage tomb built during the neolithic period and is a World Heritage Site comprising a number of Henges, burial mounds and other standing stones.

Next we visit Belfast, the Capital city of Northern Ireland. Its a city with a unique, fascinating and at times turbulent history.

Belfast has many attractions including the St. Georges Market now a food and craft market popular with city visitors.

In the afternoon we arrive at Titanic Belfast for your unforgettable Titanic Experience. On this Discovery Tour you will see how the world’s most famous ship was built and hear about the tragic personal stories forever linked to its history. In this interactive visitor centre you’ll learn about the shipbuilders and designers who built the Titanic and what happened to her in its last dramatic hours.

Belfast itself has a resurgent buzz to it, as evident in its many lively city restaurants, shops and traditional pubs.

• Newgrange
• Hillsborough Castle
• Belfast Black Taxi Tour

We start at Carrickfergus Castle on the northern shore of Belfast Lough. Its a Norman Castle from 1177 and one of the best-preserved medieval structures in Northern Ireland.

North Coast Drive – we then drive along a coastline that has some of the most stunning and breathtaking scenery in the country with the looming mountains of neighbouring Scotland only 12 miles off the coast.

We then stop at either the splendid fishing harbour of Ballintoy (a Game of Throne filming Location) or weather permitting we can brave a thrilling crossing on the nearby Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge which connects the mainland to a island towering above the Atlantic below.

We travel up to Ireland’s fantastic world-famous North Causeway Coast stopping at the mythical Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has been named as one of the greatest natural wonders in the United Kingdom. It is an area of approximately 40.000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption. Due to the manner in which this basalt rock cooled, it has formed these amazing hexagonal patterned rocks.

• The Titanic Experience
• Belfast Black Taxi Tour
• Coastal Drive and the seven Glens of Antrim
• Carnlough Whiskey Experience or Bushmills Tour

Ballycastle is a small seaside town in County Antrim n the North-eastern tip of Ireland and Glens area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

After having passed through Derry we then pop over to Grianan of Aileach – a majestic, ancient stone ring fort sitting on Greenan Mountain in Donegal. A historic site known for its extensive views and links to Celtic mythology. It’s a National Monument with terraces, passages and stone walls offering panoramic views of nearby Lakes.

We’ll then meander down to Barnesmore Gap – a dramatic mountain pass in the Bluestack Mountains. Its a deep glaciated valley created during the last ice age approximately 13,000 years ago.

In Donegal we visit Slieve League on the Wild Atlantic Way with some of Europes highest cliffs towering almost 2,000 ft above the Atlantic. These majestic cliffs offer dramatic coastal views, pilgrim paths and the challenging “One Mans Pass” ridge.

We’ll have lunch at Biddy’s O’Barnes gastro pub for a hearty Irish lunch. This is an authentic Traditional Irish pub with open fires, cozy seating areas and the finest Guinness in Donegal. Delicious hearty meals will be had and a great pub experience savoured.

• Walking Tour of Derry City Walls
• Guild Hall in Derry
• Chocolate Making Tour in Castlerock
• Glenveigh National Park

After a delicious hearty breakfast we go to Slieve League Mountain and its spectacular sea cliffs which are some of the highest in Europe at almost 2,000 ft high.

Here we will embark on a boat excursion to have great craic on board and enjoy the great views and engage in some wildlife spotting from the base of the cliffs.( If anyone doesn’t wish to partake on the boat trip we can drive to the clifftops instead to watch the action from there) Afterwards we go in for coffees or some tasty snacks at the Rusty Mackerel in Teelin and sit by a turf fire.

Glenesh Pass, also known as the Glen of the spells, with its stunning views features next on the itinerary. Then its on to the beautiful town of Ardara which has been described as the festival capital of Donegal.

While in Ardara we can visit the Maghera Caves and waterfall, visit Ardara Distillery and the Triona and Donegal Tweed visitor centre. In Ardara we will have lunch in Nancy’s Pub on the main Street.

We then return to Donegal for an evening at your leisure so you can take in the atmosphere of this special town at your own pace.

• Glenveigh National Park
• Teelin Pier Sauna
• Kilclooney Dolmen
• Donegal Tweed Experience
• Slieve League Boat Trip

After waking up refreshed after our exhilarating trip around Donegal, we grab our bags and head south to the magical Gleniff Horseshoe pass in County Sligo.

It’s a 10km single lane route packed with breathtaking scenery as the Dartry Mountains tower above you. We are also rewarded with stunning coastal views looking back on Donegal Bay which we just passed through.

Next we swing round the mighty Benbulbin – a tabletop plateau landmark that dominates the local countryside.

We pass through Sligo town and continue into Yeats Country which are parts of County Sligo and Galway that profoundly inspired the Nobel Prize-winning poet W.B Yeats.

Places associated with W.B Yeats include his burial site in Drumcliffe Churchyard, Lissadell House and Thor Ballylee (Yeat’s Tower – where the Poet once lived)

We leave county Sligo and cross into County Mayo where we call into the charming village of Cong and the imposing Ashford Castle.

This region was the primary filming location for “The Quiet Man”, the 1952 comedy drama movie starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara depicting rural life in Ireland.

We arrive in Galway, the “City of the Tribes”, in the afternoon with plenty of time to relax and enjoy this bohemian and vibrant city at your leisure.

• National Museum of Ireland at Turlough Park
• Killary Fjord
• Leenane
• Connemara National Park
• Killary Harbour
• Quiet Man Bridge

We spend the morning strolling around Galway’s medieval streets and taking in the sights, sounds and aromas. This city lives and breathes history and is known as the “City of the Tribes”. It is the cultural heart of Ireland’s west coast and is a where the river Corrib flows into Galway Bay. We will see such sights as the Spanish Arch, the long walk, Salthill Promenade (popular for walks along Galway Bay) and the Latin Quarter & Quay street – famous for its brightly coloured pubs, restaurants, cobbled streets and buskers.

We will then embark on a walking tour of the city to witness the vibrancy of this bustling and artistic bohemian hub famous for its traditional music and festivals.

Popular Venues for these include Tig Cóilí, The Crane Bar and Taaffes Bar.

Leaving Galway we meander southward twisting around Galway Bay to venture into county Clare and “The Burren” which means rocky place in Irish and you will soon see why!

Its a national park and a unique Glaciokarst landscape which means its composed of limestone with lots of holes embedded within it. At over 500 square kilometres in area it has over 70% of Irelands native flowers and it’s the only place in the world where alpine and arctic plants grow beside Mediterranean plants naturally.

We finish in Doolin to enjoy the rest of the evening.

• Walking Tour of Galway
• Burren Drive
• The Ailwee Caves
• Falconry or Perfumery Experience
• The Burren Smokehouse
• Chocolate Making Shop

We then continue south along the spectacular Clare coastline until we reach the unique and dramatic attraction of the Cliff’s of Moher which are stunning 14km long sea cliffs that reach an impressive 214 metres or 702 ft at their highest point.

We will get here early so we can take our time and enjoy this magical natural wonder with its breathtaking views and its visitor centre built into a hillside.

There are also many diverse colonies of seabirds nesting here.

After the Cliffs of Moher we then continue south west through Clare and then take a car ferry across the River Shannon leaving county Clare and say hello to County Kerry.

We then visit the rarely seen Carrigafoyle Castle on the shores of the Shannon- home to a mighty siege between its Spainish and Irish defenders and attacking English forces.

Then it’s on to Listowel – a charming heritage market town often referred to as “the Literary Capital of Ireland” due to its rich and enduring cultural heritage. Here you’ll find Listowel castle, the Kerry Writers museum and the unique Lartique Monorail and museum.

After lunch we then continue south west through Tralee where will them stop briefly at the Blennerville Windmill – Irelands only commercially operating windmill, for a leg stretch before venturing up the Conor Pass. This is Irelands highest mountain pass and is not for the faint hearted.

Once we finally start to make our descent we will meander all the way down to the delightful town of Dingle.

• South Pole Pub – Annascaul
• Listowel (home to John B. Keane’s pub)
• Blennerville Windmill

Dingle is a vibrant, coastal town and peninsula in County Kerry, Southwest Ireland, renowned for its rugged Atlantic scenery, traditional Irish culture, its brightly coloured buildings and over 38 pubs.

It’s the gateway town to the Dingle peninsula and is a major tourist destination on the Wild Atlantic Way, famous for the Slea Head Drive and the highest mountain pass in Ireland – the breathtaking Conor Pass.

We will also take the Slea Head Drive for an iconic 30 mile scenic coastal drive that starts and ends in Dingle town. It offers dramatic views of, ancient beehive huts, famine cottages, dramatic steep sea cliffs, gorgeous sandy beaches and the Great Blasket Islands. The nearby Blasket Centre in Drumquin tells the story of its unique community that lived on the island until 1953.

Dingle has been compared favourably to the nearby Ring Of Kerry but is less crowded, more intimate and is celebrated for its rich Irish culture. This includes a strong traditional music scene and is famous for its fresh fish, local pubs and the Dingle Distillery which makes award winning whiskey, gin and vodka.

There is also the famous Drumquin Pier on the Slea head trail, often used as a photo location synonymous with Ireland, and is recognised for its narrow winding path down to the sea.

Other key sites include the Gallarus Oratory – a well preserved dry stone chapel dating back over a thousand years, cruises of Dingle Bay and for the adventurous there are excellent deep sea fishing trips to test your skills and your sea-legs.

There is also, believe it or not, an Aquarium in Dingle which is home to Irelands largest collection of sharks, penguins and Asian otters.

Inch beach (a filming location for the movie – Ryan’s Daughter) is just a few miles up the coast and is a massive sandy spit beach – great for walks and popular for polo matches, gliding, and surfing.

• Louis Mulcahy Pottery
• Dingle Boat Trip
• Dingle Fishing Trip
• Sheep Dog Demonstrations
• Dingle Distillery

We leave Dingle and we meander east to Killarney and its world-famous National Park which is an expanse of rugged mountainous terrain including the McGillycuddy’s reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland.

At the foot of these you will discover the stunningly picturesque and famous Killarney Lakes and Muckross Abbey – a Franciscan friary located within the National Park.

We arrive in Kinsale, in County Cork, which is a historic, colourful and scenic fishing town known as the “gourmet capital” of Ireland as it has a huge array of excellent restaurants, from casual pubs to fine dining.

It marks the beginning of the Wild Atlantic Way, and it offers a blend of 17th-century forts (Charles Fort, James Fort), a vibrant harbour, and award-winning seafood restaurants, artisan shops It is a popular, walkable town known for its picturesque, narrow streets filled with brightly coloured buildings. We’ll spend our time here enjoying the cultural atmosphere, the maritime and cultural history, the food and regular live music.

• Killarney Town / Jaunting Experience
• International Museum of Wine
• Harbour Boat Tour
• Kinsale Pottery Arts Centre
• The Black Pig – The award-winning wine bar and restaurant renowned for its extensive selection of 250 wines focused on organic and natural varieties.

Today we depart Kinsale after a hearty breakfast and we’re bound for the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary. The Rock of Cashel in the Golden Vale is one of Irelands most spectacular and most visited attractions due to it’s historical significance.

Perched on a rocky limestone outcrop, it has the most impressive cluster of medieval buildings in Ireland. Among its treasures are a round tower. a Romanesque chapel, a high cross, a Gothic cathedral, a 15th-century Tower House and the Hall of the Vicars Choral. The Rock of Cashel is iconic in its historic significance and has the most impressive cluster of medieval buildings in Ireland. Among the monuments to be found there is a round tower, a high cross, a Romanesque chapel, a Gothic cathedral, an abbey, the Hall of the Vicars Choral and a fifteenth-century Tower House.

Its surviving buildings are remarkable, Cormac’s Chapel, contains the only remaining Romanesque frescoes in the country.

Of course we cannot go back to Dublin before visiting Kilkenny City, a place where culture and adventure collide. From the majestic Kilkenny Castle to its bustling medieval cobbled streets, immerse yourself in the blend of contemporary vibrancy and old-style elegance. Kilkenny will surely provide a combination of excitement and relaxation.

Kilkenny Castle’s 12th-century castle founded by Norman invaders, is the city’s premier landmark, featuring fully restored interiors and extensive parklands.

The city is renowned for its unique and well-preserved black marble, narrow cobblestone streets and traditional pub atmosphere.

You can also choose to visit Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile and the Smithwicks Experience, a multi-sensory journey that showcases Irelands oldest ale’s 300-year-old brewing history.

Kilkenny is also known for its craft and design workshops, the Watergate Theatre, public gardens and museums.

• Hurling Experience
• Smithwicks Experience
• Watergate Theatre
• Craft & Design Wworkshops

Today we will venture into the Wicklow Mountains and will discover the magical Glendalough. This is a picturesque site nestled in a glaciated valley by 2 stunning lakes.

Founded by St Kevin it’s a 6th Century monastic settlement featuring a 30m high round tower, medieval churches and 2 lakes. It’s a great spot for picnics and has a network of well-maintained walking trails.

Next stop is the beautiful Powerscourt House and Gardens through the quaint village of Enniskerry.

Powerscourt gardens were recently voted the 3rd best gardens in the world by National Geographic. It features formal gardens, terraces and ornamental lakes set against the stunning background of the Sugarloaf Mountain.

After Powerscourt we meander through the quaint village of Enniskerry with its clock tower and quaint 18th century square.

Now we are almost back in Dublin we pass through the breathtaking Wicklow Mountains, passing by the famous Sally Gap route crossing over to the Dublin mountains.

We then return to Dublin for an evening at your leisure.

• Sheepdog Demonstrations
• Falconry Experience
• Powerscourt Waterfall
• Johnnie Foxes Pub