Itinerary

DAY 1 WELCOME TO ENERGETIC BELFAST.

Your complimentary, private transfer takes you to your local departure airport. Welcome to Belfast, the energetic, memorable capital of Northern Ireland. On arrival at Belfast International Airport, you will be welcomed by a representative before a private transfer to your luxurious home for the next three nights. Located in the heart of Belfast City Centre, you'll have time to get settled in your Executive Rooms before joining your Travelling Concierge and fellow travelling companions at 18:00 for an à la carte Welcome Dinner.

Hotel: Europa Hotel, Belfast (Executive Rooms). Meals: Dinner with Wine

DAY 2 HIGHLIGHTS OF BELFAST.

Delve into Northern Ireland's inspiring and heartbreaking history in Belfast. Begin the day by heading to the Titanic Belfast Museum for a tour - the museum and monument are located on the site where the RMS Titanic was built from 1909-1912. Meet Hilda, a true Belfast local having lived in the same house her entire life. During your panoramic tour, hear the history of the city and learn why Hilda is proud of its progress and current prosperity. You’ll also see the City Hall, Queen's University, Parliament Building at Stormont and murals in different locations indicating political sentiments of local residents. The rest of the day is yours at leisure. Why not ask your Travelling Concierge for tips on exploring the area or their advice on the best restaurants for trying local delicacies?

Hotel: Europa Hotel, Belfast (Executive Rooms). Meals: Breakfast

DAY 3 GIANT'S CAUSEWAY AND LONDONDERRY.

No trip to Northern Ireland would be complete without a trip to Giant's Causeway, a rugged natural phenomenon that locals once believed was the work of giants. During a private tour with a local ranger, they will explain its ancient history and impressive geography. Next, you'll head to Londonderry with Ronan, a Local Expert and one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers. He'll share local tales and advise you on where best to head for lunch. The evening is yours at leisure, why not head back to your luxury hotel and make the most of its spa facilities?

Hotel: Europa Hotel, Belfast (Executive Rooms). Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4 VIBRANT DUBLIN.

Today you'll make your way to vibrant Dublin. A haven for literary buffs and Guinness lovers, Ireland's unique capital is a hedonist's dream. Take a city tour with your Travelling Concierge to see O'Connell Street, Custom House and Dublin Castle, before heading to the Little Musuem of Dublin after hours. This new experience looks to tap into Ireland's dynamic history in an animated way. You'll explore the museum with its founder, respected author Trevor White, who'll also provide you with a signed copy of his critically acclaimed book, 'Alfie.' Enjoy a glass of prosecco with him as you learn more about the lives of Dubliners. End the day with a Michelin-starred dinner at L'Ecrivain, famed for its delectable, classic French cuisine.

Hotel: Dylan Hotel, Dublin. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

DAY 5 A TRULY IRISH EXPERIENCE.

Head to the iconic Guinness Storehouse, where you'll get to explore the venue before it opens to the public, with a private opportunity to learn to pull the perfect pint. In the afternoon enjoy some free time in Dublin. Why not head to the National Museum of Ireland or the Dublin City Gallery? If more Guinness is on your mind, ask your Travelling Concierge for his local advice on the best pubs Dublin has to offer! End your day by relaxing in your luxury boutique hotel.

Hotel: Dylan Hotel, Dublin. Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6 - RELAXED START GLENDALOUGH TO KILKENNY.

Enjoy a leisurely morning before heading to Glendalough, a glacial valley in County Wicklow, where you'll explore with a Local Expert. Head on to the medieval town of Kilkenny in southeast Ireland. Once here, you'll visit the local farmers market and enjoy a truffle tasting. From truffles to fudge, brownies and cakes, make sure you turn up on an empty stomach or stock up for the rest of your trip. End the day at Lyrath Estate, a beautiful, historic estate where you'll spend the night.

Hotel: Lyrath Estate, Kilkenny. Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7 BANTER IN BLARNEY.

Start your day in pretty Cashel, a small town in the south of Ireland, famous for its medieval buildings. See the spectacular Rock of Cashel, or St. Patrick's Rock, the traditional seat of the High Kings of Munster. Those looking to keep up with local Irish banter will enjoy a visit to Blarney Castle. Legend has it that kissing the Blarney Stone, a block of limestone built into the castle, gives you the gift of the gab. In the evening you'll enjoy dinner at the family-run Treyvaud's restaurant, which specialises in international cuisine. Later, try Irish dancing for yourself during a simple dance class with the Gaelic Roots, before settling in your VIP seats to watch the show.

Hotel: The Dunloe, Killarney. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

DAY 8 SWEET RING OF KERRY.

Enjoy a morning at leisure in the comfort of your luxurious, five-star hotel, before travelling through the breathtakingly beautiful Killarney National Park, where sweeping mountains, lush lake lands and valleys await you as you drive along the iconic Ring of Kerry. Return to Killarney to explore the vibrant land on a scenic jaunting car ride before ending your day at J.M Reidy's Bar. The bar, which used to be a sweet shop, is a favourite among locals and still holds its old-world charm, with its sweet-jar-lined shelves and hand-written pricing. Here you will be hosted for an evening of entertainment with traditional, live music played by local musicians.

Hotel: The Dunloe, Killarney. Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9 EXPLORING LIMERICK.

Wake up, head outdoors and take in the fresh, sea air, as you drive along the Dingle Peninsula. The area's craggy clifftops and rolling hills have inspired films such as 'Ryan's Daughter.' Head on to the village of Adare. Famous for its thatched-roof cottages and charm, this heritage town is a worthy detour for budding photographers looking to document their journey. Your travels continue to Limerick where your Travelling Concierge leads you an orientation of the city. While here you'll see St. Mary's Cathedral, the oldest and most historic building in Limerick, and the city's stone, where the Treaty of Limerick was signed in 1691.

Hotel: The Savoy Hotel, Limerick. Meals: Breakfast

DAY 10 REGAL COUNTY MAYO.

Travel through beautiful Country Clare to admire the breathtaking views of the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher. Continue to Galway, a harbour city that prides itself on its bustling streets and pubs, boutiques and quirky art galleries, where you'll explore with your Travelling Concierge. Journey on to the pretty village of Cong in County Mayo. Quaint in size but grand in character, this beautiful destination houses the famous Ashford Castle, where on arrival a lone piper escorts you over the

drawbridge. This luxury hotel is where you'll stay the next two nights. Formerly home to the Guinness family, the hotel boasts sumptuous suites, antique furniture and unique historic features at every turn. The castle is set upon an idyllic 350-acre estate, making it a dreamy location for relaxing, romantic getaways. In the evening you will dine à la carte at the esteemed George V Dining Room, with delicacies including Ossetra Caviar, Skeaghanore Duck and Atlantic Tuna Tartare.

Hotel: Ashford Castle, Cong. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

DAY 11 - RELAXED START MAJESTIC ASHFORD CASTLE.

Enjoy a relaxed start in your stately abode. During your leisure time why not head for a walk on its grounds and take in the plush exterior and crisp, fresh country air? Experience Ashford Castle Your Way with a choice between a unique falconry experience or scrumptious afternoon tea. Your final day culminates with a Celebration Dinner where you can share stories from the trip with your new-found friends, over dinner and wine.

Hotel: Ashford Castle. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

DAY 12 DEPART SHANNON.

It's time to say goodbye or 'slán' to your fellow travellers, as a transfer takes you to Shannon airport. On arrival at your home airport, your driver will greet and escort you to your waiting car for your private transfer home.

Meals: Breakfast

Description

Welcome to the Emerald Isle. A storyteller's paradise, you'll explore the natural elements of this vibrant country, meeting some colourful characters along the way. From esteemed author and Dubliner Trevor White, to Killarney locals and the lively performers of Gaelic Roots - who will teach you a few moves - you're in for a trip rich in history, fascinating local insights and lots of laughter! Bring along a notepad and an appreciation for creativity, as we’re certain you'll be inspired in this rugged, fairytale land.

_______________________________________________________

Your 12 days Ultimate Ireland  tour includes:

• 12 nights luxury accommodation
• 11 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners with Wine
• VIP Experiences exclusive to Insight Gold
• Enjoy the unique comfort of Insight's luxury air-conditioned 40 guest coach, with extended leg room and an on-board restroom. It's Business Class comfort, complete with complimentary bottled water.
• Baggage handling & porterage charges at every hotel.
• Complimentary coach & hotel Wi-Fi

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Belfast: Take a city tour of Belfast with a knowledgeable Local Expert. You'll get to see the City Hall, Queen's University, the Parliament Building at Stormont and murals in different locations indicating political sentiments of local residents.
• Giant's Causeway: Visit this iconic site on a private tour with a wildlife ranger and learn more about this majestic phenomenon.
• Cashel: Cashel is reputed to be the site of the conversion of the King of Munster by St. Patrick in the 5th century. See the spectacular Rock of Cashel, the traditional seat of the High Kings of Munster.
• Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the stone are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. You are invited to dangle from the ramparts of Blarney Castle to acquire the gift of the gab.
• Killarney: Enjoy hearing of the history of Killarney from your Travelling Concierge.
• Ring of Kerry: Enjoy the beauty around you as you explore The Ring of Kerry.
• Limerick: Delve into the history of the city during an orientation with your Travelling Concierge. You'll get to see St Johns Castle, St Mary's Cathedral and the Treaty Stone.
• Ashford Castle: On arrival to Ashford Castle, you are escorted over the drawbridge by a lone piper for a majestic entrance fit for royalty.
• Galway: Take in the beautiful surroundings on a guided city tour with your Travelling Concierge. You'll find bustling streets, fun boutiques and quirky art galleries in this vibrant harbour city.
• Ashford Castle: Live and dine like a royal at our stately abode and explore Ashford Castle Your Way. Once here you'll choose between a mouthwatering afternoon tea or a unique falconry experience.

VIP EXPERIENCES

• Dublin: Meet esteemed author Trevor White on a rare, personal after-hours tour of The Little Musuem of Dublin, which he founded. You'll about his work, his life as a Dublin local and what it means to be a Dubliner. You'll also receive a signed copy of his latest book 'Alfie.'
• Killarney: Rival Michael Flatley by learning how to Irish dance from the best of the best. The performers of Celtic Steps will give you a simple dance class before you later watch them take to the stage from your VIP seats.