Northern Intimate

USA – Dublin
Depart USA for overnight flight to Ireland. Flight not included.

Day 2
Dublin
Morning arrival at Dublin Airport where after clearing customs, you transfer on own via taxi to your Dublin City Centered Hotel. You then check into your Dublin City Hotel. Within walking distance to many shops, restaurants pubs and theatre. The rest of the day is free to browse this 1000-year-old city on your own. Overnight Dublin. Hammond will select the five-star hotel from the following: the Shelbourne, Westbury, Fitzwilliam, Intercontinental or Westin Hotel.

Dublin
After a hearty Irish breakfast we meet out driver guide in the lobby. We take a half day panoramic view of Dublin. We then enjoy a visit to Guinness Storehouse. Your driver will drop you off at Grafton Street in the heart of Dublin where you can enjoy lunch in one of the many pubs or restaurants. As you walk along, you’re bound to find yourself mesmerized by the dozen or so street performers and musicians hoping to entertain you. You may want to venture to Temple Bar; the neighborhood is Dublin’s famous party hub for a Guinness. Overnight in Dublin.

Dublin-Monasterboice-Belfast
After a hearty breakfast we meet our Driver Guide in the lobby of the hotel. We travel north via Drogheda to Monasterboice. This former monastic settlement dates back to 923AD and is the home of the largest collection of carved stone high crosses in all of Europe. We then travel through Dundalk and on to Belfast. We take time to tour the new Titanic Museum. This is truly one of the best museum experiences you will ever have. We then enjoy a panoramic tour. Overnight at The Europa Hotel.

Belfast-Glens of Antrim-Giant’s Causeway-Belfast
Today we travel The Coast Road, which takes us through the Nine Glens of Antrim; this journey is considered one of the most beautiful views in all of Ireland, which offers wonderful views of mountains, valleys and the coastline. On a clear day you can see Scotland. Our first stop is the oldest licensed distillery in the world, Bushmills, where we savor a sample of this renowned amber liquid. We then travel the coast to visit the Giant’s Causeway. This impressive area of hexagonal columns was formed over 60 million years ago by cooling lava. We then return to Belfast via Ballymena. Overnight at The Europa Hotel.

Belfast-Derry-Donegal
To really experience Derry’s history, we stroll along the parapet walkways as we do the “Walled in City Tour”. Derry is home to one of the last fully intact walled in cities left in all of Europe makes this a must for every visitor. We continue onto Donegal Town is the center of activity for South County Donegal. The town center, known as “The Diamond” is where the Killybegs, Ballyshannon and Ballybofey Roads converge and it is here that you are likely to meet almost anybody; usually with a smile on their face and a few ready words. For Dinner and Overnight tonight is Solis Lough Eske Castle, which is located on secluded lakeside estate dating back to the 1400’s.

Donegal
After breakfast we visit Donegal Castle. The castle which was built by O’Donnell chieftain in the 15th century is located on the glorious river Esk. The castle is furnished with magnificent French tapestries and Persian rugs. It’s also adjacent to Glenveagh National park. Located on 40,873 acres of mountains, lakes, glens and woods, with a herd of red deer running wild. Dinner and Overnight Solis Lough Eske Castle

Donegal-Burren-Shannon
Today after breakfast we may take a tour of Ireland’s Burren (Bhoireann). The survival of both alpine and Mediterranean plants in this unusual habitat continues to arouse and delight its visitors. The Burren contains dozens of megalithic tombs, Celtic crosses and a ruined Cistercian Abbey dating from the 12th century, Corcomroe. Continue on and gaze at the majestic awe of the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. The cliffs, a spectacular natural phenomenon, rise 660 feet above the Atlantic. As you leave the cliffs you’ll travel through the little village of Liscannor and just across the bay, you’ll see the beautiful seaside village and golfers’ mecca, Lahinch. Overnight at the Clayton Limerick.

Day 9
Shannon Airport
This morning we make our way on own to Shannon Airport via taxi for our flight onwards. In the true Irish tradition, we wish you a “Safe Home”.