Northern & Southern Ireland

Trip Type: Explorer
United Kingdom | 9 Days | 1 - 12 People
Starts From:

NZD 4,441.00 /Person

* Sale Price Available

The northern nooks and the regal Republic – see it all on a nine-day adventure on both sides of the Irish border. Travel through green pastures, va...

Northern & Southern Ireland

The northern nooks and the regal Republic – see it all on a nine-day adventure on both sides of the Irish border. Travel through green pastures, vast lakes, striking cliff faces and, in the evening, head straight to the pub for a Guinness (or two). Visit medieval castles and ancient sites filled with folklore and marvel at the views of Ireland's rugged coastline, including the Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher and the Giant's Causeway. While exploring Belfast, Dublin, Derry and Galway, don't forget to gather your travel crew for some pub grub and live music to cap off a trip that hits all the hotspots of Ireland.

Welcome to Belfast and the Emerald Isle! Your Irish adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, take some time to wander the streets of the bohemian Cathedral Quarter, explore the leafy suburbs of South Belfast or visit the stately City Hall in Donegal Square. Consider stopping at the revitalised waterfront area, home to the Titanic Belfast monument on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard, where the legendary RMS Titanic was built. The monument tells the story of the ship's ill-fated maiden voyage in 1912.

Today is a free day in Belfast to explore at your own pace. Perhaps start with a Black Cab Tour, where your driver will provide a comprehensive overview of Northern Ireland’s political history as you cruise around the city. Then, you can visit The Ulster Museum to meet Takabuti, an Ancient Egyptian mummy, before taking a stroll through the nearby Botanical Gardens. Feel free to ask your local leader for restaurant recommendations for dinner.

Travel along the scenic wild coast north of Belfast in a private transfer to the Giant's Causeway, home to roughly 40,000 basalt columns that have inspired artists and storytellers for centuries. Depending on your school of thought, these formations are either the result of an ancient volcanic eruption or a legendary conflict between rival giants. After, head to Derry – home of the critically acclaimed sitcom Derry Girls – and get your bearings with a Bogside History Tour, giving you a unique insight into The Troubles.

This morning, travel by private vechicle to the harbour city of Galway – capital of the county of the same name. You will be crossing the border from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland, so you may need to switch your Pounds for some Euros at this point. While you're in Galway, you could visit the impressive Galway Cathedral. Its full name, the Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, is far more elaborate than the simplicity of its building.

Today you’ll head out on a daytrip by ferry to the Aran islands, which have been crafted by centuries of wild winds and smashing waves. The islands are one of the few places where the Irish language is still used in everyday life (i.e. a Gaeltacht). With a population of under 2,000 people, the islands feel like a respite from real life. You’ll travel by minibus and on foot to explore the native flora and fauna, and the ruins of a church and a lighthouse. There are also some remains from Bronze and Iron Age fortresses to be found. If you're lucky, you may even spot a seal lounging on the rocky shore! Return to Galway for a free evening and more exploration (or a Guinness).

The Cliffs of Moher will leave you in awe with their views over the Irish coastline. From April to late July, adventurous souls can walk to the edge and watch puffins nesting along the cliff face. Learn about the history of this famous site and its feathered inhabitants at the Cliffs Exhibition. Next, stop in the village of Adare, colloquially known as Ireland’s prettiest village, before arriving in Killarney. Locals affectionately refer to Kerry as ‘God’s Own County’ because of its natural beauty. Ask your leader for bar recommendations if you’d like to soak up more of the Irish pub culture tonight. Maybe try some classic pub fare like Irish stew, chowder and fish and chips, or sample less familiar dishes, like coddle (potato and sausage stew), boxty (potato pancake) or champ (mashed potato and scallions).

This morning brings green hills and salty coastal air as you travel along the Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the Ring of Kerry. You'll pass through bucolic villages with views across some of Ireland's greatest beaches, lakes and rivers. Make stops at numerous outlooks along the way for photos. After, visit a sheep farm to see a sheep herding demonstration, where skilled border collie dogs round up the sheep under the farmer’s command. Return to Killarney in the early afternoon. If time allows, perhaps head out to Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Leane.

This morning, grab a last coffee in Killarney before boarding a train, this time bound for Dublin. Once checked in, your tour leader will show you around and afterwards you are free to explore on your own. Must see is a St Patrick Cathedral founded in 1191, currently the national cathedral of the Church of Ireland. Must do, however is to unwind with a pint and some lively conversation on the pedestrianised streets in The Creative Quarter. In the evening, perhaps get your group together for the final evening.

Say goodbye to your group over one last breakfast. For those who wish to stay in Dublin, reach out to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Meals
8 Breakfast(s), ,

Transport
Train , Public bus , Private vehicle , Ferry

Accommodation
Hotel (5 nights), Hostel (2 nights)

Included Activities
  • Giant's Causeway - Day Trip
  • Derry - Bogside History Tour
  • Aran Islands - Guided Day Trip by Ferry
  • Cliffs of Moher
  • Killarney - Ring of Kerry Day Trip
  • Killarney - Sheep Dog Trials (seasonal)
  • Explore Ireland’s natural wonder, the Ring of Kerry, and witness farmers in action with a sheep farm visit and herding demonstration.
  • Scramble around the clustered pillars of Giant's Causeway and decide for yourself if it’s a natural phenomenon or the work of giants, as legends say.
  • Roam the rugged coastline of the Aran Islands, with time to visit ruins and remains from the Bronze and Iron Age with your local leader.
  • Learn about The Troubles from those who were directly affected by it on a history tour in Derry.
  • Enjoy Dublin's energetic nightlife, where it’ll feel like there’s a pub on every corner. Check out its creative neighbourhoods, brimming with hip bars and trendy eateries.
  • Ireland’s nights are chilly year-round, especially in Autumn/Winter. Pack warm layers, a hat, gloves, scarf, waterproof gear and an umbrella just in case. Accommodation is twin share, so solo travellers will room with another of the same gender. It's a great chance to connect with like-minded people – but you can opt for the single room supplement if you'd prefer your own space at night. This trip is quite fast paced to maximise your time in Ireland. Expect regular orientation walks, which are intensive but essential for exploring. For deeper exploration of Belfast and Dublin, consider arriving early or extending your trip.

Departing

Finishing

Availability

Price: NZD 5,755.00

Price: NZD 5,755.00

Price: NZD 5,985.00

Price: NZD 6,215.00

Price: NZD 6,215.00

Price: NZD 6,215.00

Price: NZD 6,215.00

Price: NZD 5,985.00

Price: NZD 5,755.00

Price: NZD 5,755.00

Price: NZD 5,755.00

Price: NZD 5,755.00

Price: NZD 5,755.00

Price: NZD 5,985.00

Price: NZD 5,985.00

Price: NZD 6,215.00

Price: NZD 6,215.00

Price: NZD 6,215.00

Price: NZD 6,215.00

Price: NZD 5,985.00

Price: NZD 5,985.00

Price: NZD 5,985.00

Price: NZD 5,985.00

Price:
NZD 5,225.00 NZD 4,441.00

Price:
NZD 5,480.00 NZD 4,658.00

Price:
NZD 5,920.00 NZD 5,032.00

Price:
NZD 5,920.00 NZD 5,032.00

Price:
NZD 5,920.00 NZD 5,032.00

Price:
NZD 5,920.00 NZD 5,032.00

Price:
NZD 5,920.00 NZD 5,032.00

Price:
NZD 5,700.00 NZD 4,845.00

Price:
NZD 5,700.00 NZD 4,845.00

Price:
NZD 5,480.00 NZD 4,658.00

Price:
NZD 5,480.00 NZD 4,658.00

Price:
NZD 5,480.00 NZD 4,658.00

Price:
NZD 5,700.00 NZD 4,845.00

Price:
NZD 5,920.00 NZD 5,032.00

Price:
NZD 5,920.00 NZD 5,032.00

Price:
NZD 5,920.00 NZD 5,032.00

Price:
NZD 5,920.00 NZD 5,032.00

Price:
NZD 5,700.00 NZD 4,845.00

Price:
NZD 5,700.00 NZD 4,845.00

Price:
NZD 5,700.00 NZD 4,845.00

Price:
NZD 5,700.00 NZD 4,845.00

Price:
NZD 5,700.00 NZD 4,845.00

Price:
NZD 5,700.00 NZD 4,845.00

Price:
NZD 5,480.00 NZD 4,658.00

Price:
NZD 5,480.00 NZD 4,658.00

Price:
NZD 5,480.00 NZD 4,658.00

Price: NZD 5,755.00

Price:
NZD 5,480.00 NZD 4,658.00

Price:
NZD 5,700.00 NZD 4,845.00
Provided by
Intrepid Travel
Reference Code:
BMSA
Trip Location
Trip Starts:
Belfast, United Kingdom
Trip Finishes:
Dublin, Ireland
Countries Visited:
Ireland
United Kingdom
map

Booking Enquiry

Destination Details
United Kingdom | 9 Days | 1 - 12 People

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