Shades of Ireland featuring Northern Ireland

Set out on an amazing Irish adventure that tells the complete story of the shades of Ireland.

Get a taste of old Dublin. With no scheduled activities through the afternoon, take your time to wander the city streets and soak up that Irish charm. Tonight, you and your fellow travelers revel in a traditional Irish evening, including regional cuisine.

Today, ride with a local guide to see St. Patrick’s Cathedral, O’Connell Street, the National Gallery, and the historic Phoenix Park. What follows is an afternoon to discover Dublin’s charms on your own. Later, you may join an optional tour to the Guinness Storehouse, followed by dinner at a contemporary restaurant showcasing Irish cuisine.

Step back in time and begin the day in the medieval splendor of 12th-century Kilkenny on the River Nore, visiting the Cope family in their stately home of Shankhill Castle. Then, in Waterford, embark on a leisurely paced walking tour of Ireland’s oldest city. Later, it’s your choice! Tour the Waterford Crystal factory and learn how exquisite crystal has been made for centuries -OR- visit the Medieval Museum for a guided tour and a glass of wine in the 15th-century Mayor’s Wine Vault.

The legend goes that those who kiss the Blarney Stone gain the gift of eloquence. Give it a try if you wish at historic Blarney Castle by navigating the 128 steps to the top. Continue your journey to the vibrant and bustling town of Killarney. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Start your day with an authentic jaunting car ride* in Killarney. Take in the rugged coastline as you loop your way around the picturesque Ring of Kerry, past pristine beaches, quaint villages, and majestic landscapes. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for an evening of Irish entertainment, music, and food.

Bid Killarney farewell and travel across the lovely Shannon River into County Clare. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most iconic sites. Walk along the rambling edge, soaking up unparalleled views and snapping incredible photos. Complete your day at the historic Old Ground Hotel in the heart of Ennis Town. This evening, you may join an optional medieval banquet dinner, hosted in a castle.

Experience the daily life of a traditional Irish family during a memorable farm visit. Then continue on to Galway for a brief tour that showcases “The City of Tribes.” Your day ends in the northwest reaches of Eire.

Take in the rugged, natural beauty of County Donegal. Stop in Donegal Town and stroll the town square, enjoying its quaint craft and woolen shops. Next, travel to Derry, known for its turbulent political history. This afternoon, a local guide leads a walk through the old city, including the Craft Village, a charming 19th-century Georgian square in the heart of the walled city. Tonight, dinner is included in local restaurant.

This morning, journey to the Inishowen Peninsula and Malin Head. Take in breathtaking scenery as you explore Ireland's northernmost point. Return to Derry and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Tonight, you may join an optional tour to discover the culture of Derry through storytelling, music, and song, with dinner at a restaurant serving pub-style food.

See the most famous natural site in Northern Ireland as you visit the magnificent Giant’s Causeway. Formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, the causeway resembles a cobble road leading into the sea. Then, lose yourself in the natural beauty of Northern Ireland as you explore the scenic back roads of the Glens of Antrim to Belfast. Top your day off with a visit to a country inn, for some real Irish hospitality.

Begin the day with a guided tour of Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, and hear of the struggles in this great city’s history as you pass through the different neighborhoods. See “Samson” and “Goliath,” the cranes at the shipyard that built the Titanic, before touring the “The Titanic Experience,” Northern Ireland’s most visited attraction. This afternoon is yours to explore Belfast further, as your Irish adventure comes to a close.

Your tour ends in Belfast.