Ireland & Northern Ireland 10-Day SIC Tour – Guaranteed Departure

Welcome to Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland! Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Belfast is a city reflecting a complex history. Since the 1998 Peace Agreement, it has transformed into a vibrant modern city. You will have free time to explore. We highly recommend visiting the Titanic Museum, located in the historic shipyard where the legendary ship was built.

Depart after breakfast, passing through Cushendun, a protected village on the Antrim Coast. Enjoy free time for lunch in the seaside town of Ballycastle. In Bushmills, we will visit the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery (admission and tour included).

Later, explore the Giant’s Causeway (admission included), a unique formation of 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns created by volcanic activity 60 million years ago. Arrive in Derry for an overnight stay.

We travel through the magnificent mountain landscapes of the Republic of Ireland to Donegal. This is a town full of character, lively and picturesque. The itinerary includes a visit to its impressive medieval castle. Back in Northern Ireland, we will visit the spectacular Marble Arch Caves (admission included). This is one of Europe's finest cave systems, formed over 330 million years ago. The caves extend over 11 km and continue to evolve as underground rivers erode the limestone, creating a strange and fascinating world.

You will have free time for lunch (lunch not included). After the visit, we continue to Belfast for free time.

Visit Hillsborough Castle (admission included), the official residence of the government in Northern Ireland, featuring stunning 18th-century gardens. Continue to the Republic of Ireland to see Monasterboice, home to the finest Celtic High Crosses. Arrive in Dublin in the afternoon.

We begin the day with a panoramic tour of Dublin. Dublin is the peaceful capital of Ireland; we will stroll along the banks of the River Liffey, visit its parks, historic university, and vibrant downtown streets.

We will see the exterior of Trinity College. The afternoon is free for you to explore the city at your own pace. Note: Depending on the arrival time in Dublin and daylight, the tour may be scheduled for the previous afternoon.

We depart Dublin for nearby Powerscourt. We will visit the magnificent Powerscourt Gardens, designed in the 18th century and considered the most beautiful gardens in Ireland (admission included). You can enjoy its fountains, Japanese gardens, and pet cemetery.

Afterwards, we head to Kilkenny, where you will have time for lunch and a stroll through the town. Continuing south, we stop to visit the impressive Rock of Cashel (admission included), a medieval fortress symbolizing Irish resistance against the British. Arrive in Cork, Ireland's second-largest city, in the evening, with time for a stroll in the city center. Dinner is included.

We set off for Kinsale, stopping at Charles Fort to admire the stunning sea views by this 17th-century fortress. You will have time to explore the historic center of Kinsale, recognized as one of the most beautiful coastal towns in Ireland.

Next, we head to Killarney, a famous tourist city in the heart of Ireland. You will have time for lunch and a walk around town. Afterward, you will experience a romantic traditional Jaunting Car Tour (admission included) through the National Park, passing through gardens and along the lake to Ross Castle. We have also arranged a brief lake cruise (admission included) to enjoy the picturesque surroundings. Next, we make a brief stop in Adare, a charming village that still retains stone buildings, thatched-roof houses, and ancient abbey ruins. Arrive in Limerick in the mid-afternoon, where you can explore the city center or walk along the river. Dinner is included.

Today we visit the Folk Park at Bunratty (admission included). This is a wonderful park where we can learn about Irish life in the past through traditional cottages and old marketplaces. The park also features an authentic castle reflecting medieval life. We then continue to Caherconnell, home to the Poulnabrone Dolmen megalithic tomb. If we are lucky, we might see sheepdogs herding flocks. Next, we visit the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, overlooking the Atlantic (admission included). Our route then crosses the unique landscape of Burren National Park before arriving in Galway.

We depart for Cong, a charming village situated in a beautiful lake district. We will visit the ruins of the Royal Abbey and walk around the grounds of Ashford Castle, a medieval castle converted into a luxury hotel.

Afterward, we head to Clonmacnoise to visit the Celtic monastic ruins (admission and professional guide included). We then continue our journey back to Dublin, arriving in the evening. Note: Due to restoration work at Clonmacnoise, the visit may be shorter than usual; we will stop in Athlone for lunch and a walk.

After breakfast, your journey through the Emerald Isle concludes with unforgettable memories.