After landing at Dublin Airport, the group will be met by your private driver and tour guide who will escort you to the coach. You will have breakfast at the Johnstown House, Enfield. On route we will visit the home of the renowned Tullamore Dew triple blended whiskey for a unique behind the scenes experience and whiskey tasting. We plan to arrive in Galway mid-afternoon for our 3-night stay at the Harbour Hotel. Relax and unwind before meeting your fellow travelers for a group dinner at the hotel.

DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: THE HARBOUR HOTEL, GALWAY (B, D)

Enjoy a walking tour of Galway and its medieval streets, historic buildings, buskers, colorful shop fronts and vibrant festivals. Join Brian Nolan as he recounts tales of war and conquest, joy and tragedy, emigration and slavery, success, and folly. Walk in the footsteps of Saint Brendan, Christopher Columbus, Robert Emmet, Daniel O’Connell, W. B. Yeats, and many others who have strolled the cobble-stoned streets. Enjoy a free evening to explore the city.

OVERNIGHT: THE HARBOUR HOTEL, GALWAY (B)

After breakfast we will travel to the Aran Islands. Cross by ferry from Rossaveal to Inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands. Meet Gabriel, a native Irish speaking guide, fisherman, cheesemaker, and brilliant storyteller. Gain insights into the culture and history of this remote island on a tour that includes spectacular coastal scenery with stop offs at the World Heritage Site of Dún Aonghus, the monastic site of The Seven Churches, a seal colony viewing point. Return to Galway in the evening.

OVERNIGHT: THE HARBOUR HOTEL, GALWAY (B)

Depart Galway for Connemara and visit one of Ireland’s most famous attractions: Kylemore Abbey. Home to a Benedictine order of Nuns for the past 100 years, it was built by Mitchell Henry in the late 1800s. Make sure to also visit Ireland’s largest walled gardens. Kylemore Abbey is a great spot for lunch, or you can also stop at Leenane village for something to eat. After lunch we will embark on a 1.5-hour cruise on the Connemara lady along the Killary Fjord, Ireland’s only fjord. It is 16km long and is a natural border between County Galway and County Mayo. Continue to Westport in Co Mayo and check into the Castle Court Hotel. 

OVERNIGHT: THE CASTLE COURT HOTEL, WESTPORT (B)

Depart for a full day exploring Achill Island and north Mayo. Achill Island is the largest of the Irish Isles and is connected to the mainland with a bridge. Achill is known for its wilderness, sandy beaches and cliffs. Stop at Keem Bay, a stunning sandy beach bordered on two sides by cliffs. Lunch is included today. 

OVERNIGHT: THE CASTLE COURT HOTEL, WESTPORT (B, L)

After breakfast, depart Westport for Derry. On your way we will stop at Foxford Woolen Mills visitor center for a guided tour of the Mill and to hear the fascinating tale of one woman’s incredible determination and triumph over adversity and learn about techniques that have been passed down through generations. We will continue to Derry with a stop at Strandhill, one of Ireland’s most beautiful beaches. Lunch is included in Sligo town. Enjoy group dinner at the hotel. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: THE ERBRINGTON HOTEL, DERRY (B, L, D)

After breakfast you will take a guided walking tour of Derry, with your guide Charlene McCrossan. You will learn about the city’s history – as you walk on the historic 400-year-old walls. Your guide will cover everything from the 6th Century Christian Settlement to the Siege of 1689 and the modern-day troubles. Your afternoon is free to explore Derry. Dinner at the Walled City Brewery

DINNER: WALLED CITY BREWERY
OVERNIGHT: THE ERBRINGTON HOTEL, DERRY (B, D)

Guided visit to Doagh Famine Village, which will take you on a journey through life in Ireland from famine times in the 1840s to the present day. Lunch is included at Nancy’s Ballyliffin. Continue to the most northerly point in Ireland, Malinhead, renowned for its dramatic landscape and beautiful beaches. Group dinner in our hotel.

DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: THE ERBINGTON HOTEL, DERRY (B, D)

This morning, you will visit Long Meadow Orchard, where you will enjoy a fully immersive orchard/cider experience in the company of the McKeever family. You will hear about their family traditions, enjoy an orchard walk and see how their apple farming business has evolved and changed over the generations, as well as taste the apples currently in storage from harvest and watch a cooking demo of the traditional breads. Join an expert local guide to explore the ancient cathedral city of Armagh. Renowned for its Georgian architecture, the history of the city dates back to an early pre-Christian settlement on its hilltop. Lunch at Long Meadow Orchard is included. Group dinner in our hotel.

DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: BALLYMACSCANLON HOUSE, DUNDALK (B, D)

After breakfast, leave your hotel and make your way through the beautiful scenery of the Mourne Mountains to Downpatrick Visit St Patrick Centre, the only permanent exhibition in the World about Ireland’s Patron Saint. Lunch at the Denvir’s Hotel (the oldest coaching inn in Ireland) followed by Irish Crossroads Dancing experience. Led by Josephine Brennan King, (former principal dancer in Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance show) Josephine will introduce you to Irish dancing from traditional Sean Nós to the iconic steps of Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. Lunch at Denvir’s Coaching Inn is included. Join your fellow travelers for Farewell Dinner at Ballymacscanlon House.

DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: BALLYMACSCANLON HOUSE, DUNDALK (B, D)

Sadly, our adventures are over and it’s time to go! Our coach driver will take you to Dublin Airport where you will have ample time for duty- free shopping for gifts or mementos. Check in for your Delta flight 177 to Atlanta departing at 11 am, clearing customs and immigration facilities, avoiding the long lines you can meet in America. Arrive in Atlanta as a domestic flight and transfer to Delta flight 2067 departing at 4.23 pm for Lexington arriving 5.40 pm local time. Thank you for trusting us with your vacation. We hope you had a great time!