2019 Northern Welcome - 9 Days/8 Nights

2019 Northern Welcome 9 Days / 8 Nights / 15 Meals

Day 1: Dublin Arrival & Cabra Castle Hotel
Your tour begins at the Cabra Castle Hotel with afternoon tea at your leisure. The hotel is 50 miles from Dublin Airport, so enjoy the views as you travel there. (Please note: if you book your fl ights with us, you can take one of our 3 morning transfers from the airport). The hotel is set on spacious grounds with a 9-hole golf course. In the evening enjoy a welcome drink and dine in the hotel restaurant. (D)

Day 2: St. Patrick’s Country & Titanic Belfast
Admire the gentle slopes of the Mourne Mountains and peaceful coastline as you travel north to Down Cathedral. Tour the ancient cathedral and view the historical burial place of St. Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint, marked by a huge boulder. Drive to Belfast to join a local guide for a tour of central Belfast to see prominent buildings, political murals and the docks where the RMS Titanic was built in 1912. Visit the magnifi cent Titanic Belfast, a state-of-the-art attraction that will immerse you in the story of this iconic liner.
(B, D)

Day 3: Turf Cutting & Giant’s Causeway
Drive north along the Glens of Antrim, one of Ireland’s popular scenic routes to discoverlovely views of mountains, valleys, and coastline. This area is where many scenes from “Game of Thrones” were fi lmed. Visit Sheans Horse Riding & Heritage Centre for tea with scones and a turf-cutting demonstration. Visit the natural wonder that is Giant’s Causeway, hexagonal columns formed by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago. Continue to Derry where you’ll have time to explore or relax before dinner.
(B, D)

Day 4: Inishowen Peninsula & Derry’s Walls
Travel around the Inishowen Peninsula, a 100-mile scenic route. Drive alongside Lough Foyle, to Banba’s Crown on Malin Head, the most northerly point of the Irish mainland, to admire stunning seascapes. Enjoy tea and scones with your fellow travelers at the Seaview Tavern before continuing towards Buncrana. Upon returning to Derry, join a local guide for a short walk around Derry’s medieval city walls that completely encircle the old city center. Take a walk across the Peace Bridge and complete your tour at the Walled City Brewery Restaurant for dinner with a fl ight of beers, and a bottle of CIE Tours’ signature beer to take away.
(B, D)

Day 5: Donegal & Belleek Pottery
Travel through rugged countryside with magnifi cent scenery to Donegal town where you will have some leisure time to explore independently. Visit Belleek Pottery, founded in the 19th century to bring employment to the area. See how craftspeople shape and decorate raw material to create this world-famous fi ne china. At a local farm, watch as a farmer works with skilled dogs to herd sheep. In Westport, a local guide will escort you on a stroll through this historic and planned town center before dinner.
(B, D)

Day 6: Westport House & Achill Island Tour
Travel around Clew Bay, which is reputed to have 365 islands, to access Achill Island by bridge. Follow the Atlantic Drive with its wonderful views of steeply sloped mountains plunging into the shimmering Atlantic Ocean. Near Slievemore see the Deserted Village and stop in Keel for a casual lunch. Return to Westport and take a tour around the stately Westport House, which overlooks the ocean and contains a wealth of interesting portraits, furniture, silver, and porcelain. Enjoy a glass of beer or wine there. The evening is free for independent exploration and dining.
(B, L)

Day 7: Galway & Clonmacnoise
Enjoy a gentle walking tour around central Galway to see Eyre Square, Galway Cathedral, and the Spanish Arch. On Shop Street, view the medieval Lynch’s Castle –once home to Galway’s most powerful family. Then browse on your own through narrow streets that are closed to traffi c. Visit Clonmacnoise, a monastic settlement founded in 545 AD and set on the banks of the River Shannon. Head to Dublin for dinner and a lively traditional Irish show at the Merry Ploughboy Pub.
(B, D)

Day 8: Dublin & Glasnevin Cemetery Museum
Take a guided tour of Dublin to see elegant Georgian townhouses with brightly painted doors and the wide thoroughfare of O’Connell Street. Tour Glasnevin Cemetery Museum, Ireland’s national necropolis, a “Who’s Who” of modern Irish history. Spend the afternoon independently on a Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour with a visit to one of Dublin’s top attractions – Guinness Storehouse, Teeling Distillery, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, or the General Post Offi ce Museum.
(B)

Day 9: Tour Ends in Dublin
Your program ends after breakfast.
(B)

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

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Authentic Local Experiences

• Witness a turf-cutting demonstration Turf has been used as fuel throughout the years.
• Visit the Inishowen peninsula and see the beautiful landscape that inspired a shipwrecked sailor to write the beloved hymn, "Amazing Grace."

Dining Experiences

• 8 breakfasts(B), 1 lunch(L) and 6 dinners(D) including Cabra Castle welcome dinner, Walled City Brewery Restaurant, and a traditional dinner and show at the Merry Ploughboy Pub.

Trip Highlights

• Belleek Pottery
  
  

  Belleek Pottery

  Established in 1857 Belleek Pottery was established to provide employment in the area by making household fixtures. Later the company started production of place settings and ornamental pieces in fine Parian china and you can see production from clay to finish on a factory tour.

• Sheans Horse Riding & Heritage Centre
• Down Cathedral
  
  

  Down Cathedral

  Down Cathedral, the Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity, is a Church of Ireland cathedral located in the town of Downpatrick in Northern Ireland. It stands on Cathedral Hill overlooking the town.

• Giant's Causeway
  
  

  Giant's Causeway

  The Giant's Causeway, renowned for its hexagonal basalt columns, was created from a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago. It is Northern Ireland's only UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Ireland's most popular visitor attractions. It is steeped in myth and legend, especially about the mighty giant, Finn McCool.

• Glasnevin Cemetery Museum
  
  

  Glasnevin Cemetery Museum

  This is the world's first cemetery museum. A guided tour gives a valuable insight into this unique Victorian burial place and into the final resting place of the men and women who have helped shape Ireland’s past and present.

• Titanic Belfast
  
  

  Titanic Belfast

  Opened in April 2012 to commemorate the centenary of the sinking of this iconic ship, this new visitor experience tells the story of the Titanic from conception and construction right through the maiden voyage and tragic ending.

• Clonmacnoise Monastic Site
  
  

  Clonmacnoise Monastic Site

  This great monastery was founded in 548 by St Ciaran and was a great centre of learning in medieval times. Many manuscripts were written there. Today see three high crosses and the ruins of a cathedral, seven churches and two round towers set on a mound beside the River Shannon.

• Westport House
  
  

  Westport House

  This stately mansion was designed by Richard Cassels in 1731. Today visitors can see 30 elegant rooms filled with family portraits and priceless furnishings, silver and porcelain. The house is enhanced with lovely gardens overlooking Clew Bay.

Hotels - 8 Nights

• Cabra Castle Hotel | Kingscourt (1)
  
  

  Cabra Castle Hotel | Kingscourt | 4*

  This castle’s history dates to 1760 and gives a mature, cultured air to the magnificent hallways and stairwells. Stay in one of 80 historical and richly designed bedrooms, most of which are situated in the courtyard development, a restoration of the original working areas. Play golf on the 9-hole course or walk around the extensive grounds. Member of Manor House Hotels Group. Located outside the town of Kingscourt, 50 miles northwest of Dublin city and 45 miles from Dublin Airport. Hotel parking.

• Europa Hotel | Belfast (1)
  
  

  Europa Hotel | Belfast | 4*

  This well-established hotel offers 272 bedrooms with every comfort and luxury, including soundproofing to ensure a good night’s sleep. Enjoy good food, live piano and street views at the Piano Bar upstairs. Head to The Causerie for snack and specials or to the Lobby Bar for drinks and pub grub. Located on Great Victoria Street, in the heart of Belfast. The Opera House is next door and the historic Crown Liquor Saloon is across the street. Within easy walking distance of Donegall Square. Parking nearby

• Maldron Hotel | Derry (2)
  
  

  Maldron Hotel | Derry | 4*

  This is a stylish hotel with 90 spacious and comfortable guest rooms, which are well equipped. The Walls Restaurant which overlooks the historic city walls has been awarded an AA rosette and a passion for good food is evident. The Lyric Bar at the Tower Hotel is a music themed bar, a fitting tribute to a city renowned for its musical tradition. Guests can relax in the leisure suite complete with sauna and steam room. The hotel is located on Butcher Street, just within the historic city walls and within easy reach of city attractions. Hotel parking.

• Clew Bay Hotel | Westport (2)
  
  

  Clew Bay Hotel | Westport | 3*

  This family owned and managed hotel combines a genuine welcome and comfortable facility to create a memorable experience. All bedrooms are individually decorated and fitted with every comfort and convenience. Dine on the extensive menu featuring local produce in the contemporary Madden’s Bistro and enjoy a drink, snack or live entertainment in Madden’s Bar. The hotel is located on James’s Street in the center of Westport, a heritage town, within walking distance of shops, restaurants and pubs.

• Talbot Hotel Stillorgan | Dublin (2)
  
  

  Talbot Hotel Stillorgan | Dublin | 4*

  This hotel offers 150 air-conditioned, modern guest rooms with all conveniences for a comfortable stay. Enjoy the award-winning restaurant for breakfasts and dinners while the bar provides a place to relax with a drink or casual meal. Keep up your exercise program in the White Pebble Day Spa and gym. Located on Stillorgan Road on the south side of Dublin city, this hotel is 4 miles from the city center. Served by frequent city bus services and taxis.