Ireland: Shamrocks & Singalongs

A warm Irish welcome!Say dia dhuit to Dublin: drop off your bags and get to know your fellow travellers over an included dinner at a local city restaurant. This is your chance to swap names and stories – and to get excited about the nine days you’re about to spend together adventuring around the Emerald Isle.Early night or evening explore: if the jet lag’s hitting you, head back to the hotel for a much-needed snooze. Or follow the sound of music into Dublin’s bustling Temple Bar district where you’ll find cosy pubs for either a quiet drink or some toe-tapping live tunes and dancing.

A tale of two (capital) cities.A morning stroll: kick the day off with a leisurely walking tour around Dublin with your Trip Leader, exploring historic lanes and more modern marvels. Then, it’s time to swap one capital for another as you head for Northern Ireland...An afternoon stroll: what better way to stretch your legs after a minicoach ride than another city stroll? This time, you’ll follow a local guide through Belfast’s bustling streets – uncovering tonnes of tales as you go. Fancy learning a little bit more? There’s an optional visit to the Titanic Museum for after.

A duo of Northern Irish legends.In the footsteps of giants: this morning, you’ll go from cityscape views to the soaring Jenga-like columns of the UNESCO World Heritage Giant’s Causeway. This impressive natural wonder lies on the country’s northernmost coastline and is famed for its legendary backstory about two feuding giants. Dive into all the details and breathe in the salty sea air before you move on to another legendary destination...A Derry wander: roll into the medieval walled city of Londonderry and enjoy some free time to grab a quick bite from somewhere like Clipper Quay Street Food Market. Afterwards, wander the city’s historical, storybook lanes and keep a lookout for filming spots from the hit TV show, Derry Girls, during a walking tour with a local guide. Built up an appetite from all those steps? Tuck into a wholesome included dinner at The Crosskeys Inn (aka Ireland’s oldest thatched pub) en route back to Belfast.

A dose of Irish culture.Welcome to the farm: today’s adventure takes you to a local family-run farm just outside the city. Tour the grounds – and meet its many four-legged residents – before jumping into two traditional activities. Get your hands (and probably your face) covered in flour learning how to bake Irish soda bread. Then, give your legs a workout with a céilí dancing lesson where you’ll sidestep, twirl and skip your way through several iconic routines.Proper Irish grub: remember that bread you made earlier? Tear off a chunk to dunk in some hearty homemade Irish stew – today's included dinner and the last thing you’ll do on the farm before making tracks for your next overnight stop, Cookstown.

Galway’s calling...Take to the streets: roll into Ireland’s most musical and charismatic city – Galway. You’ll dive straight in with a fun walking tour guided by your Trip Leader. Weave along Galway’s photogenic lanes, passing colourful boutiques, inviting local pubs and plenty of lively street performers.

So, what’s the craic in Galway?Go your own way: you’ve got a whole day to experience this vibrant city at your own pace. Seek out more street performers, explore quirky art galleries or browse local craft stores stuffed with Irish souvenirs. We hear Aran knit scarves and sweaters are popular. Later, duck into a traditional Irish pub for a tipple (will it be Guinness or whiskey?) and to clap along to the rhythmic sounds of flutes and fiddles.An optional island adventure: want to swap street strolls for sea views? There’s also an optional trip to the Aran Islands on the cards today. Hop on the local ferry to Inis Mór – the largest of the three isles – where rugged coastlines and charming, white-washed villages are your playground to explore.

A duo of dramatic landscapes.A smoking good time: wave goodbye to Galway and prepare yourself for the dramatic limestone landscape of the Burren. This National Park is famed for its cragged karsts, windswept beaches and quaint fishing villages – and you’ll get a true taste of the area at the Burren Smokehouse. Head to the visitor’s centre for an immersive masterclass in smoking salmon and other locally caught fish. You'll also have the option of picking up some goodies in the smokehouse shop for a picnic at your next breathtaking stop...Visit a natural marvel: leave the Burren behind and continue south towards another of Ireland’s most dramatic natural masterpieces – the Cliffs of Moher. These scenic, sheer cliffs plunge precariously into the Atlantic and offer the perfect backdrop for a few group snaps (and that lunchtime picnic if the weather’s not too wild).

A coastal adventure.A morning by the sea: if your morning coffee didn’t quite perk you up, the fresh air of the Wild Atlantic Way certainly will! Shotgun a window seat on the minicoach for a scenic drive around the rugged Ring of Kerry.Time to set sail: if you can’t get enough of that wild west coast, hop on an optional afternoon boat trip to the Skellig Islands. This rocky archipelago sits just eight miles offshore and is home to Ireland’s biggest gannet population. Prefer sci-fi to birdwatching? You might just recognise Skellig Michael – the bigger of the two isles – from Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

Castles and craft beer.Uncover a local legend: pack your bags and prepare to make tracks to Kilkenny – but first, a stop at one of Ireland’s most iconic castles. While Blarney Castle’s 15th-century battlements are pretty impressive, it’s the legendary Stone of Eloquence in the tower that’s the main attraction. According to local lore, it gives whoever kisses it the gift of the gab – so get ready to pucker up!A stroll around Kilkenny: the afternoon is yours for the taking, so why not join an optional tour around Kilkenny? Meander down the Medieval Mile as a local guide shares captivating tales about the city’s long history.An Irish send-off: mark your final night as a group with an included trip to Kilkenny’s Smithwick’s Brewery. They’ve been crafting some of Ireland’s best premium ales since 1710 – and you’ll sample several during a tasting experience. Then, keep the good times rolling over a final included dinner together at a nearby local restaurant. Sláinte!

Tree tops and teary farewells.One last stop: before rolling back into Dublin to end your trip, there’s time for one final activity. Always wanted to walk above the treetops? You’ll have the chance to at Beyond the Trees Avondale: a treetop walkway and viewing tower tucked away in the fairytale Avondale Forest. Gaze out across the lush Wicklow Mountains and feel like a kid again as you whizz to the ground on a gigantic spiral slide. What a way to finish off your 10-day Irish adventure!