Explore the lesser-known northern half of Ireland, starting in Dublin and ending in Shannon. This itinerary hugs the coastline and visits St. Patrick country, Titanic Belfast, the walled city of Derry, scenic regions of Donegal and Connemara. Stay for two nights each in vibrant Belfast and cozy Westport. Visit the Giant’s Causeway and Cliffs of Moher.

2024 Mystical Ireland - 8 Days/7 Nights

Duration: 8 Days

Price: Starts from $0 USD

Itineraries

Day 1: Dublin City Tour | Pearse Lyons Distillery|Your tour departs at 2:00 PM from your Dublin hotel. Take a panoramic tour of Dublin, seeing such sights as elegant Georgian townhouses, St. Stephen's Green, and the River Liffey. Visit the Pearse Lyons Distillery, Dublin's only independent, family-owned distillery, in the former St James's Church in the Liberties. Taste the whiskey and hear tales dating back to the 12th century as you tour this lovingly restored church. Enjoy a welcome drink with your group before dining independently. 

Day 2: Down Cathedral | The St Patrick Centre | Crumlin Road Gaol | Belfast|Visit Down Cathedral where St Patrick's historical burial site is marked by a huge boulder. Immerse yourself in his work, life, and times in the nearby St. Patrick Centre. Explore Crumlin Road Gaol and see what prison life was like through the ages. Head to central Belfast for some time to relax before dinner at your hotel. (B, D)

Day 3: Titanic Belfast | Belfast Walking Tour|Tour central Belfast to see Victorian buildings, the imposing City Hall in Donegall Square, and the shipyards where RMS Titanic was built in 1912. Visit Titanic Belfast to learn about the ill-fated liner, which was built in the city. In the afternoon, join a local guide for a walking tour of Belfast before spending time on your own. (B)

Day 4: Giant's Causeway | Derry Walking Tour | Walled City Brewery|Drive north along the Nine Glens of Antrim for views of mountains, valleys, and coastline. This scenic region is one of the locations for “Game of Thrones.” Stop for photos at the ruins of Dunluce Castle. Explore the Giant's Causeway, enormous hexagonal columns formed by volcanic activity 60 million years ago. In Derry, join a local guide for a short walking tour around the defensive walls that encircle the compact old city. Then visit the Walled City Brewery, an award-winning CIE Tours Exclusive venue, for dinner and a flight of their craft beers. (B, D)

Day 5: Westport | Westport Walking Tour|Travel through the rugged countryside of Donegal, renowned for heathery hills, sheep, and the many tweeds made from their wool. Visit CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, Triona Design in Ardara, for a demonstration of hand weaving. Drive around Donegal Bay and through Counties Sligo and Mayo. Take a walking tour of historic Westport with a local guide, stopping in a pub for a drink. Dine at your hotel this evening. (B, D)

Day 6: Sheepdog Demonstration | Westport House|Enjoy views of the pilgrimage mountain of Croagh Patrick and stop in the beautiful town of Leenane. Watch skilled dogs herd sheep at a local farm. View Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord. Back in Westport, take a guided tour of Westport House, an 18th-century home complete with its original contents including portraits, furniture, silver, and porcelain. Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening enjoying the lively town of Westport at your leisure. (B)

Day 7: Galway | Cliffs of Moher | Medieval Castle Banquet|Travel to Galway for free time to explore the lively heart of this vibrant city, with its street musicians, cafes, and medieval streetscape. Next, visit the Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700 feet above the Atlantic. Spend your evening in an authentic castle enjoying a medieval-style banquet. (B, D)

Day 8: Tour Ends in Limerick|Your tour ends after breakfast. (B)

Highlights

Authentic Local Experiences:

    CIE TOURS EXCLUSIVE
    • Enjoy a flight of locally-brewed craft beers with your dinner at the Walled City Brewery, a family-owned establishment located in a former army barracks in the historic heart of Derry city.
    AUTHENTIC LOCAL EXPERIENCES
    • Visit Titanic Belfast to explore the fascinating story of the doomed ship in the city where it all began.
    • Discover the colorful histories of Belfast, Derry, and Westport on walking tours with local guides.

    Trip Highlights:

    • Cliffs of Moher
    • Crumlin Road Gaol
    • Down Cathedral
    • Giant’s Causeway
    • Titanic Belfast
    • Walled City Brewery – CIE Tours Exclusive
    • Westport House
    • Medieval Castle Banquet

    Dining Experiences:

    • 7 Breakfasts (B) and 4 Dinners (D)

    Hotels:

    • Hyatt Centric The Liberties | Dublin (1)
    • Hilton Belfast Hotel | Belfast (2)
    • Ebrington Hotell | Derry (1)
    • The Wyatt Hotel | Westport (2)
    • Limerick Strand Hotell | Limerick (1)

Mystical Ireland - 8 Days/7 Nights

Not included

Hotels

Mystical Ireland - 8 days/7 nights land tour
SupplierNameSupplierRating DescriptionImage
SupplierName Hyatt Centric The LibertiesSupplierRating **** Hyatt Centric The Liberties Dublin, Ireland's first Hyatt Hotel, is located in The Liberties, a historic and vibrant area in the heart of Dublin  within easy walking distance to major attractions including the historic St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle and Vicar Street—the city’s premier live music venue. The hotel also features a state-of-the-art gym and social spaces from which guests can enjoy a wide range of restaurant, bar, café and lounge options.
SupplierName Hilton Belfast HotelSupplierRating ***** Relax at the Hilton Belfast hotel, with 198 contemporary guest rooms equipped with high-speed internet access, a work space and modern amenities. Enjoy river views while dining on classic Irish and British cuisine at Sonoma Restaurant. Listen to soft jazz while sipping on a tempting cocktail at Cables Bar. Get in a workout at the LivingWell Fitness Center. The hotel is located on Lanyon Place, on the banks of the Lagan River and a two-minute walk from the city center and the shopping at Victoria Square.
SupplierName Hilton Belfast HotelSupplierRating ***** Relax at the Hilton Belfast hotel, with 198 contemporary guest rooms equipped with high-speed internet access, a work space and modern amenities. Enjoy river views while dining on classic Irish and British cuisine at Sonoma Restaurant. Listen to soft jazz while sipping on a tempting cocktail at Cables Bar. Get in a workout at the LivingWell Fitness Center. The hotel is located on Lanyon Place, on the banks of the Lagan River and a two-minute walk from the city center and the shopping at Victoria Square.
SupplierName Ebrington HotelSupplierRating ****
SupplierName Wyatt HotelSupplierRating *** This charming boutique hotel offers a great base for a stay in Westport. All 52 guest rooms are restful and provide great amenities. Enjoy tea or coffee at JW’s Brasserie, a relaxing drink in the traditional Cobblers Bar & Courtyard, or fantastic food and service in the welcoming dining room. Located on the Octagon, in the heart of Westport town. Great location for people-watching or browsing around the town.
SupplierName Wyatt HotelSupplierRating *** This charming boutique hotel offers a great base for a stay in Westport. All 52 guest rooms are restful and provide great amenities. Enjoy tea or coffee at JW’s Brasserie, a relaxing drink in the traditional Cobblers Bar & Courtyard, or fantastic food and service in the welcoming dining room. Located on the Octagon, in the heart of Westport town. Great location for people-watching or browsing around the town.
SupplierName Limerick Strand HotelSupplierRating **** 184 hotel bedrooms are contemporary in style, generous in size, with handsome furnishings, comfortable beds and many amenities. The River Restaurant and Terrace Café-Bar offer a truly special dining experience with the finest quality of Irish and International cuisine enhanced by views of the River Shannon and Limerick. Located in the center of Limerick city and overlooking the River Shannon. Within easy walking distance of local attractions and a great base for touring Counties Limerick and Clare. Hotel parking.