Best of IRELAND

DAY 1 (Sat Apr 11)  Ferry to Belfast, Titanic Museum, Welcome Dinner  (B,D)

For those beginning their journey in Scotland, the day starts with breakfast followed by a scenic ferry from Scotland to Northern Ireland. Upon arrival in Belfast, we’ll head straight to one of the city’s most iconic attractions—the world-famous Titanic Museum. This experience offers an engaging look into the story of the ill-fated ship and Belfast’s rich maritime heritage. Guests arriving on this day will meet the group at the museum. After our visit, we’ll come together for a “Welcome to Ireland” dinner. Later, we’ll check in at the Ten Square Hotel, where we’ll be based for the next three nights.

DAY 2 (Sun Apr 12)  Giant's Causeway at Bushmills (B)

After breakfast, we’ll set off on a scenic bus tour through the breathtaking landscapes of Northern Ireland. Our day’s highlight is a visit to the iconic Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the rugged northern coast. You’ll have ample time to walk the trails, take photos, and soak in the magic of this unique geological site. Along the way, we’ll enjoy picturesque countryside views and make a stop in the charming town of Bushmills, known for its historic distillery and quaint village atmosphere. In the late afternoon, we’ll return to the hotel in Belfast. You'll have a free evening. 

DAY 3 (Mon Apr 13)  Belfast City Tour; Rotary Lunch, Farewell Dinner (B,L,D)

We’ll begin the day with a guided city tour of Belfast before attending an optional Rotary Club meeting for lunch. This is a great opportunity to connect with local members and experience international fellowship. For those not attending, an alternative lunch option will be provided. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy at your own pace, whether that's relaxing at the hotel or exploring more of Belfast. In the evening, we’ll reunite for a group dinner. This will also serve as the farewell celebration for guests concluding their journey with the Scotland & Northern Ireland Tour. 

DAY 4 (Tue Apr 14)  Medieval Monastary & Exploring Westport (B)

Leaving Belfast in a coach bus with our Irish touring partner, we’ll travel across Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, passing rolling fields and quiet villages on our way to Westport. Along the way, we’ll stop at Clonmacnoise, an ancient monastic site with weathered stone crosses and round towers. By afternoon, we’ll arrive in Westport, a lively town with colorful streets, great pubs, and local shops. You’ll have the rest of the day to explore—grab a pint, take a stroll, or check out Westport House, a Clew Bay cruise, or the Great Western Greenway. We'll overnight in Wesport. 

DAY 5 (Wed Apr 15)  Exploring Westport & Connemara – History, Scenery, and Culture (B)

After breakfast, we’ll begin with a guided walking tour of Westport, where local guides bring the town’s rich history to life. Next, we’ll visit the 16th-century Murrisk Abbey and the National Famine Memorial before stopping at the base of Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holy mountain. From there, we’ll drive through the dramatic Doolough and Delphi Valleys to Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord. In Leenane, you’ll have the chance to sample fresh Connemara mussels before we continue along the scenic Sky Road to Clifden, a town known for its rugged beauty and lively pubs, where we’ll spend the night.

DAY 6 (Thu Apr 16)  A Day in Connemara – Castles, Valleys, and Free Time (B)

No need to pack today—just relax and enjoy another day in the wild beauty of Connemara. After breakfast, we’ll visit the stunning Kylemore Abbey, with time to explore its beautifully landscaped gardens. Then, we’ll take in the breathtaking scenery of the Inagh Valley before returning to Clifden in the late afternoon.  The rest of the day is yours—stroll through town, explore the romantic ruins of Clifden Castle, browse local shops and galleries, or unwind with a traditional seaweed bath. Tonight, we settle in once again at our cozy hotel in Clifden.

Day 7 (Fri Apr 17) Connemara to Lahinch - the Wild Atlantic Way (B)

This morning, we depart Clifden and travel through Connemara’s Lakelands to Galway City, where you’ll have a few hours to explore, wander the cobblestone streets, enjoy live music, and maybe sample fresh oysters. After lunch, we’ll continue along the Wild Atlantic Way, stopping at Dunguaire Castle in Kinvara and then continuing through the Burren’s unique limestone landscape, passing Corcomroe Abbey and making a short stop to walk on the rugged, moon-like terrain. By late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Doolin to browse shops or enjoy the pub scene before heading to Lahinch for the night.

Optional: If you’d rather spend the day on the Gaelic-speaking island of Inis Mór, you can take a ferry from Rossaveal, explore by bike or bus, and rejoin the group in Doolin in the evening (€40 return ferry, plus €20–€25 for transport on the island).

DAY 8 (Sat Apr 18)  The Road to Dingle - Cliffs,  Currents, and Sheepdogs (B)

We’ll start today with a visit to the Cliffs of Moher, where you can take in the breathtaking views from 700 feet above the Atlantic. From there, we’ll take a ferry across the Shannon Estuary, keeping an eye out for dolphins as we cross Ireland’s longest river. Next, we’ll stop at a locally run farm for a sheepdog demonstration, watching these incredible dogs in action. Continuing south, we’ll follow winding roads through scenic valleys, making our way to Dingle, a lively harbor town known for its colorful streets and great pubs—just in time for a well-earned pint of Guinness. Tonight, we stay in Dingle.

Day 9 (Sun Apr 19) Slea Hand & Free Time in Dingle (B)

This morning, we’ll take a scenic drive around Slea Head, one of Ireland’s most breathtaking coastal routes, where dramatic cliffs and endless Atlantic views make for an unforgettable journey. After lunch, you’ll have free time to relax and explore Dingle at your own pace. Stroll the colorful streets, pop into artisan shops, or simply enjoy a coffee by the harbor. If you’d like to add an activity, you can take a boat tour of Dingle Bay (€15-20 per person), visit a working Irish crystal studio, or sample locally made whiskey and gin at Dingle Distillery (€15 per person). Tonight, we stay in Dingle once again.

DAY 10 (Mon Apr 20)  Ring of Kerry & Killarney National Park (B)

Today, we’ll journey along the Ring of Kerry, a breathtaking 180km route around the Iveragh Peninsula, known for its rugged landscapes, coastal panoramas, and charming villages. Along the way, our guide will share local history, stories, and plenty stops for photos, stretching our legs at scenic viewpoints. In the afternoon, we’ll explore Killarney National Park, where we’ll visit the 1,000-year-old yew tree at Muckross Abbey, stop for a scenic view of Torc Waterfall, and admire the beautifully landscaped Muckross House Gardens.

Day 11  (Tue Apr 21) Exploring Killarney & Cork (B)

Start the morning at your own pace—sleep in or explore Killarney at your leisure. If you’d like, you can visit Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Leane (€5 per person) or take a horse-drawn carriage ride through Killarney National Park (€15 per person). Later, we’ll meet up and depart for Cork, traveling through scenic countryside along the way. In Cork, we’ll visit the famous Blarney Castle, where you’ll have the chance to kiss the Blarney Stone and (supposedly) gain the gift of eloquence. In the afternoon, we’ll journey to Dublin and check in to the hotel. 

DAY 12 (Wed Apr 22) Dublin/Departure Day (B)

Your tour concludes after breakfast this morning. Today, you’ll depart Dublin and begin your journey home.  For those flying back to Canada, current 2025 schedules indicate that Air Canada flights depart around 09:50, WestJet at 11:30, and Air Lingus at 13:15—all direct to Toronto. Please be sure to double-check your specific flight time and allow ample time for check-in and security procedures. A shuttle to the airport is not included in the tour package. We wish you safe travels and hope to see you again on a future adventure!

Optional Days 13, 14 +

Since the tour schedule doesn’t allow for sightseeing in Dublin during the day, you may wish to extend your stay and add one or more nights to explore the city at your leisure. From historic landmarks like Trinity College and the Book of Kells to lively pubs, museums, and vibrant neighborhoods, Dublin has so much to offer. If you're interested in adding extra nights before or after the tour, please speak with Ursula—she'll be happy to help you make the arrangements.