Best of IRELAND

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

For those starting in Scotland,  after breakfast, we will catch the ferry from Scotland to Northern Ireland. After landing in Belfast, we'll visit the world-famous Titanic Museum before enjoying a Welcome to Ireland dinner. Guests arriving this day will meet us at the Museum. We will check into the Ten Square Hotel for three nights. 

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

After breakfast, we'll begin our bus tour. No trip to Northern Ireland would be complete without a visit to Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the northern coast. You'll have time to wonder and explore this geological wonder. We'll make stops to see the countryside, including a visit to the quaint town of Bushmills, before returning to the hotel. You'll have a free evening.

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

We will begin our day with a City Tour of Belfast before attending an optional Rotary Club meeting for lunch. For those not attending the meeting, an alternative will be provided After a free afternoon, we will gather for a group dinner. This is the farewell dinner for those ending their 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. Overnight in Wesport

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

After breakfast, we’ll start the day with a guided walking tour of Westport, where local guides bring the town’s rich history to life. Then, we’ll head to the 16th-century Murrisk Abbey and the National Famine Memorial before stopping at the foot of Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holy mountain. From there, we’ll drive through the stunning yet tragic Doolough Valley, continue through Delphi Valley, and reach Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord. In the village of Leenane, you can try fresh Connemara mussels straight from the fjord before we take the scenic Sky Road to Clifden, a town known for its rugged beauty and lively pubs, where we'll stay 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 to enjoy—wander the town, visit the romantic ruins of Clifden Castle, or unwind with a traditional seaweed bath. Tonight, we stay once again in Clifden.

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

This morning, we leave Clifden and travel through the Lakelands of Connemara toward Galway City, where you’ll have a few hours to explore—wander the cobblestone streets, listen to live music, and maybe try some fresh oysters. After lunch, we’ll continue along the Wild Atlantic Way, stopping first at Dunguaire Castle in Kinvara, one of Ireland’s most photographed castles. From there, we’ll drive through the unique limestone landscape of The Burren, passing Corcomroe Abbey and making a short stop to walk on the rugged, moon-like terrain. By late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Doolin, where you’ll have time to browse craft shops, enjoy a coffee, or soak up the lively pub scene. Finally, we’ll head to Lahinch, where we’ll stay overnight.

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)

This morning, we’ll start with a visit to the Cliffs of Moher, where you can take in the breathtaking views from 700 feet above the Atlantic—just don’t look down! 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. 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 of great photo stops. 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 ends after breakfast. Today you will depart Dublin. Based on 2025 data, Air Canada flights depart around 09:50, West Jet 11:30, Air Lingus 13:15 Direct to Toronto. Shuttle to the airport is not included.

Days 13, 14 +

As the tour doesn't leave time to explore Dublin during the day, you can add more nights. Speak to Ursula if this interests you.